12-08-2025
10 delicious restaurants in Karama you need to visit
Nestled in the heart of Old Dubai, Karama stands as one of the city's oldest and most vibrant neighbourhoods.
This culinary hotspot offers up a rich mix of authentic, diverse dining options that reflect Dubai's multicultural spirit.
Whether you're in the mood for the comforting flavours of Indonesian satay and nasi goreng at Dapoer Kita, or craving the spice-packed dishes of Southern India at Calicut Paragon, there's something for everyone.
This full-of-life neighbourhood also feature excellent options like fresh seafood at Sallet Al Sayad, hearty Maharashtrian thalis at Peshwa and tasty Ethiopian platters at Zagol, making it the perfect place for food lovers to explore.
With such a wide variety, Al Karama is a must-visit for any food enthusiast.
Here are 10 restaurants worth checking out:
10 delicious restaurants in Al Karama worth visiting
Calicut Paragon
If authentic Keralan cooking, packed full of flavour and spice, is what you're searching for, Calicut Paragon is for you. An excellent Indian restaurant specialising in Southern Indian cuisine, this has been one of the best budget restaurants in Dubai for many years, and one of the top Indian restaurants in town, too.
With dishes that sing with spice, dig into chicken Malabari, fish tikka, moilee, masala mushrooms and more, all served with piping hot naan.
Open daily, 7am-midnight. Unlicensed. Karama, @calicutparagon (04 335 8700).
Dapoer Kita
Dapoer Kita is an authentic Indonesian restaurant with a menu that features flavorful dishes that keep diners coming back again and again. From delicious chicken satay to nasi goreng and the comforting soto ayam. There's a daily buffet, fantastic service and a comfy space to enjoy the authentic cuisine.
Sat-Thu 11am-10.30pm, Fri 11am-1pm and 1.45pm-10.30pm. Sheikh Mohammad Building, Al Karama, (050 453 9991).
Eric's
Owing to its location by the sea and cultural influences from the Portuguese, it's a top tourist destination in the country. It's known for seaside eateries throwing banger parties and fresh-off-the-boat seafare that's fried, roasted or curried and served with a chilled hop.
With food that tastes like it was made with a granny's loving touch and traditional interiors featuring artwork by Indian cartoonist Mario Miranda, eating at Eric's feels just like visiting a Goan friend's home.
Open daily from 11am-3.30pm, 6.30pm-11.45pm. Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Karama (04 396 4447)
LIZ restaurant
LIZ is the spot to enjoy authentic Kerala food with a homemade feel. It might not be heavily laden with oil and ghee, which is what pulls us back again and again. What's special about the place you ask? If you're fortunate enough to meet the restaurant owner, who also takes orders, he'll chat with you like an old friend.
Open daily from 7am-11pm. Al Karama (04 342 6955).
Khandani Rajdhani
If you're looking for the most authentic Indian dining experience, this is the spot we'd recommend. Rajasthani hospitality and their vegetarian cuisine are a whole experience.
Expect servers to insist you try just one more helping, to make sure your plate is always full.
Rajasthani hosts love making you feel like royalty, nudging you to eat well and savour every bite — they know there's no happier guest than a well-fed one.
From ghee-laden curries to fragrant saffron-scented rice, you'll be on a full-on flavour ride. And over fifteen minutes you'll be served with over 27 curries and sabzis and pickles and a range of warm rotis and rice.
All in all, you'll be too happy to move. With the price at Dhs53, we agree this isn't exactly budget. But if you've not had it before, trust us when we say, it's a must-try.
Open daily from noon-3.30pm and 7pm-11pm. Al Khafajy Building, Al Karama (04 334 7977).
Mogiya
This authentic Japanese Restaurant serves up traditional dishes like sushi, sashimi, tempura, udon noodles, and teriyaki in the heart of the city. With carefully selected ingredients and chefs skilled in classic cooking techniques, each dish is prepared with precision and authenticity.
Complement your meal with a selection of sake and Japanese beers. Whether for a casual lunch or a special occasion, Mogiya promises a memorable dining experience with attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere.
Open daily from noon-midnight. Al Karama, (058 594 5796)
Peshwa
With authentic puran polis, misal pavs and kohlapuri thalis, this beautiful restaurant will surely take you back to the bustling streets of Mumbai. With paintings of popular Maharashtrian locations like Shaniwar Wada and the homemade tastes of the dishes here, it'll feel like you're right at home.
Open daily from 9am-11.30pm. Al Khafajy Building, Al Karama (04 379 5520).
Sallet Al Sayad
Craving a Palestinian seafood feast? Dive into the flavours at Sallet Al Sayad, an amazing seafood restaurant that's been around since 2008. You'll get the freshest seafood, like shrimps to jumbo tiger prawns expertly infused with authentic Arabian flavours. Quality is top-notch and service is wonderfully warm.
Open daily from noon-midnight. Al Shafar building, Al Karama (04 335 5722).
Sri Balaji Bhavan
What's Tamil cuisine most popular for? Its breakfast. Hot soft-as-clouds idlis and the coriander-laced sambar. Idlis, dosas and puris are breakfast items enjoyed by everyone in the country irrespective of which region they're from.
Since idlis are rice cakes made from fermented batter, it's super light on the tummy. And when paired with sambar, they create a filling and finger-licking good breakfast.
Plus, it's vegan and gluten-free (the kind that doesn't taste like cardboard).
In Tamil homes, you won't find instant coffee powders. It's routine to visit a roastery to create your unique blend of dark-roasted coffee beans and chicory, which they then filter at home.
Open daily from 7am-midnight. Karama Park, Al Karama (054 294 9897).
Zagol
At Zagol, Ethiopian food offers a unique, flavorful experience that goes beyond the typical 'spicy' dish. The food is rich with complex seasonings like basil, fenugreek, and korarima, but not overwhelmingly hot.
The best way to experience it is by ordering a platter, which serves three people and features a variety of vegetarian dishes served with injera, a spongy flatbread. For just Dhs110, you can enjoy an authentic, delicious Ethiopian meal, making Zagol a must-try for newcomers to the cuisine.
Open daily from 10am-11.30pm. Opp Burjuman, Al Karama (04 357 7740).
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