29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
10 of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai to visit ASAP
Middle Eastern cuisine has, undoubtedly, won the hearts of food lovers in Dubai.
You may be wondering where the best places to book for authentic, not to mention delicious dishes are in Dubai.
Check out the full list of Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025 winners here
From Palestine to Syria, the UAE to Iraq, here are the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai for 2025. You're in for a real treat.
Time Out Dubai reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here.
These are the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai, as recognised by the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025.
The best MENA restaurants in Dubai 2025
WINNER
Sufret Maryam
(Credit: ITP Images, Sufret Maryam)
There must be something in the water at Wasl 51. New to Time Out Dubai's top 10 Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai is Sufret Maryam, the latest creation from Salam Dakkak, chef-owner of Dubai institution Bait Maryam.
Her new venture is a lot bigger but still cosy, thoughtfully decorated with works from Middle Eastern artists and rustic knick-knacks. Nostalgic Palestinian and Jordanian dishes are elevated to the level you'd expect from such a renowned chef, beautifully presented and executed.
Splash out on the La'Moshet Maryam, a slow-cooked lamb shoulder marinated in chef Salam's special spices. It's a taste experience you'll want to repeat again and again.
Unlicensed. Wasl 51, Jumeirah 1, sufretmaryam (050 417 2272).
Check out our full Sufret Maryam review here
Highly commended
Alaya
Where to dine for the best Middle Eastern food in Dubai this year Credit: Alaya
Meaning 'sublime' in Arabic, Alaya comes from acclaimed chef Izu Ani, who's a popular name in Dubai. The Middle Eastern-European restaurant has plenty of flair, as you'd expect, while there's also a 'hidden' underground bar, Ly-La, boasting Bedouin vibes, on-trend tunes and creative mixed drinks for when you want to continue the evening. The restaurant itself is set in a former art gallery, and it's a sleek setup.
There's an open kitchen showing off a giant rotisserie, while the menu boasts a selection of classics with Middle Eastern touches. Don't miss the tender, rich lamb shank or indulgent seafood manti, while the kunafa for dessert is excellent, as you'd hope for from one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai.
Licensed. Gate Village 4, DIFC, (04 570 6289).
Check out our full Alaya review here
Orfali Bros
Where to dine for the best Middle Eastern food in Dubai this year. Credit: Orfali Bros Bistro
Consistently excellent, Orfali Bros Bistro is renowned as one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai. Helmed by celebrity chef Mohamad Orfali and his siblings Wassim and Omar, the menu here is fresh, fusion and with plenty to talk about, with the Orfali bayildi, umami éclair and OB croquettes being just three of the incredible creations that are in store.
Having been named the best Middle Eastern restaurant in the city multiple times by Time Out Dubai, including in 2024, it's an eatery that needs to be visited.
Unlicensed. Wasl 51, Jumeirah, (04 259 2477).
Check out our full Orfali Bros review here.
Shortlisted
Al Qbabh Seafood Restaurant
Where to dine for the best Middle Eastern food in Dubai this year. Credit: Instagram @alqbabh
A fuss-free Emirati seafood restaurant in Al Awir, this under-the-radar spot serves some of the tastiest Middle Eastern cuisine in town. Go with friends or family and order platters of grilled fish, all spiced and cooked perfectly in a traditional Emirati way. There are mussels, fish, prawns and more, all caught fresh, served with rice and sides. Don't miss the luqaimat for dessert. The décor is quaint and homely, witha comfortable dining area and cute artwork. For a taste of the Emirates, make sure to check out Al Qbabh Seafood Restaurant.
Unlicensed. Al Awir (052 370 6894).
Bait Maryam
Where to dine for the best Middle Eastern food in Dubai this year. Credit: Bait Maryam
A tribute to chef Salam Dakkak's late mother Maryam, cosy Palestinian restaurant Bait Maryam is nestled in a corner of JLT boasting homely flavours and furnishings. Inside it feels like you're stepping into someone's home – and in essence you are, with trinkets and books all owned by Maryam and her family, found about the restaurant.
Boasting Middle Eastern comfort food, try silky smooth hummus, muhammara and labneh dipped up with fresh bread, as well as pasta with yoghurt, shakshouka, soujouk, moussaka and kibbeh. There's a wide selection of moreish manakish, plus hearty grills, too.
Unlicensed. Cluster D, JLT, (054 704 4774).
Check out our full Bait Maryam review here
Berenjak
Where to dine for the best Middle Eastern food in Dubai this year. Credit: Berenjak
This London-born Iranian restaurant opened in Dubai in late 2023 to much fanfare. Famed in Soho and Borough Market in the UK capital, the Dubai iteration can be found in Jumeirah's Dar Wasl Mall, alongside other top names such as Reif's Japanese Kushiyaki and Philotimos.
The Iranian restaurant blends traditional and modern styles, while dishes such as the famed black chickpea hummus and coal-cooked kebabs should not be missed, making it one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai.
Unlicensed. Dar Wasl Mall, Al Safa, (04 295 3644).
Check out our full Berenjak review here
Hadoota Masreya
Credit: Hadoota Masreya
Craving Egyptian cuisine? Hadoota Masreya has you covered, with both an enormous à la carte menu and a buffet. There are breakfast trays for sharing, multiple variations of feteer (an Egyptian layered pastry), vibrant salads, cold mezze, various meat stews, rice dishes, filled vegetables and more. Stuffed pigeon is a signature and the huge sharing dishes, such as a half duck with oriental rice, are impressive and superb value.
Well worth a visit for both home-sick natives and curious newcomers; just be prepared to be rolled out of there.
Unlicensed. Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Safa, (04 380 9000).
Ninive
Where to dine for the best Middle Eastern food in Dubai this year. Credit: Ninive
Billing itself as an 'urban majlis', it's easy to see the appeal of Ninive. Set at the foot of Jumeirah Emirates Towers, with a view of the office blocks of DIFC, the restaurant is kitted out with twinkling lights, plenty of foliage and Middle Eastern furnishings.
Food traverses the Middle East and North Africa with influences from Iran, Iraq, Turkey and Morocco. There's plenty of mezze, tagines and grills on the menu. Head here in summer and you'll be delighted by the magical tent, while in winter you can dine under the stars.
It's not only one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai, it's also one of the most romantic.
Licensed. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, (04 326 6105)
Check out our full Ninive review here
Shabestan
Where to dine for the best Middle Eastern food in Dubai this year. Credit: Shabestan
This longstanding Iranian eatery at the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek has been delighting loyal diners with its Middle Eastern plates for four decades. Having opened back in 1984, this Iranian restaurant serves authentic, delicious food in a traditional, laid-back setting. Dishes have been passed down over three generations, with mezze, soup, salads and the star dish – flavour-packed and perfectly cooked home-made kebabs to dig into.
What's more, there are stunning views of the Creek, making this a top spot to be enjoyed by visitors to Dubai, too.
Licensed. Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek, @ (04 205 7033).
Check out our full Shabestan review here
Three by Eva
Founded by Eva Halasa and her daughters, Emilie and Lilian, Three by Eva draws on their Jordanian heritage, uses local, seasonal ingredients and experiments with brilliant new ideas.
A feta brûlée flavoured with dates and thyme, labneh fused with chilli and charcoal and a deconstructed Jerusalem ka'keh cart (traditional bread) are just some of the creative dishes that fuse tradition with modernity.
It's all served up in a beautiful Jumeirah villa, adding weight to the feeling that you're being invited into the family's home.
Unlicensed. Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 2, (04 576 2888).
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