The 10 best local food restaurants in Dubai are Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe, Arabian Tea House, Siraj Restaurant, Logma, Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, Aseelah, Local House Restaurant, Al Machboos Traditional Food, Sikka Cafe, and Karak House. Expect to spend between AED 30 for street snacks and AED 200 for a full dinner.
Which one for you
- 1960s Dubai theme: Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe.
- Historic courtyard: Arabian Tea House.
- Fine dining Emirati: Siraj Restaurant.
- Modern Emirati cafe: Logma.
- Bedouin experience: Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant.
- Upscale traditional: Aseelah.
- Camel meat dishes: Local House Restaurant.
- Casual neighborhood spot: Al Machboos Traditional Food.
- Pan-Arab flavors: Sikka Cafe.
- Quick local bites: Karak House.
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe in Dubai Festival City recreates the Dubai of the 1960s. It serves classic Emirati dishes like Machboos (spiced meat with rice) and Saloona (stew).
The interior features old Land Rovers and traditional barasti (palm frond) huts. A main dish costs around AED 70. The restaurant is popular with both locals and tourists. Find it inside the Dubai Festival City Mall.
Arabian Tea House
Arabian Tea House in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood offers a peaceful escape. It opened in 1997 in a traditional wind-tower house.
The menu focuses on Emirati breakfasts, salads, and teas. The Emirati breakfast tray with chebab (pancakes) and balaleet (sweet vermicelli) costs about AED 85. The open-air courtyard is shaded by trees. Go early on weekends to avoid a long wait. It sits on Al Fahidi Street.
Siraj Restaurant
Siraj Restaurant in Souk Al Bahar offers a fine dining take on Emirati and Levantine cuisine. It is perfect for a special meal with a view of the Burj Khalifa.
The kitchen serves elevated dishes like camel tenderloin and saffron lobster. Expect to pay AED 150 to AED 200 for a main course. The dining room features Arabic calligraphy and stone arches. Book a table on the terrace in advance. It is located near the Dubai Mall.
Logma
Logma in the Dubai Mall provides a modern twist on Khaleeji (Gulf) street food. It is a casual spot for lunch while shopping.
The restaurant is famous for its Logma fries and traditional luqaimat (sweet dumplings). A meal costs about AED 80 per person. The setting is bright and contemporary. Find it in the Fashion Avenue expansion of the mall.
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood offers a traditional Bedouin dining experience. It serves generous portions of classic Emirati recipes.
Try the lamb machboos or the chicken tikka. Meals cost around AED 90. The venue features live Arabic music and traditional seating on the floor. It is located on Al Musallah Road.
Aseelah
Aseelah in the Radisson Blu Hotel on Dubai Creek focuses on upscale Emirati food. It blends traditional flavors with modern presentation.
The menu includes both classic recipes and new creations like date-stuffed chicken. A main dish runs about AED 120. The restaurant has a formal atmosphere, making it a good choice for a business dinner. Find it on Baniyas Road in Deira.
Local House Restaurant
Local House Restaurant in Al Fahidi is famous for being one of the first places in Dubai to serve camel meat burgers. It offers a relaxed, rustic setting.
The camel burger with potato wedges costs around AED 55. The menu also features traditional stews and rice dishes. You sit in a quiet courtyard away from the city noise. It is located right by the Al Fahidi Roundabout.
Al Machboos Traditional Food
Al Machboos Traditional Food in Jumeirah is a casual neighborhood restaurant. It serves simple, home-style Emirati meals.
The focus is entirely on machboos, available with chicken, meat, or fish. Expect to spend about AED 40 per person. The space is small and functional, focused on the food rather than the decor. It sits on Jumeirah Beach Road.
Sikka Cafe
Sikka Cafe in City Walk offers a mix of Emirati, Indian, and Iranian food, reflecting Dubai's historic trade routes. It is a lively spot for an evening meal.
The menu features everything from machboos to butter chicken. A meal costs about AED 100. The atmosphere is colorful and modern. Call ahead to reserve a table on a Friday night. It is on Al Safa Street.
Karak House
Karak House in Downtown Dubai is a modern cafe dedicated to the local love of karak chai (spiced milk tea). It is the best place for a quick snack and a hot drink.
A cup of karak tea and a paratha roll cost about AED 30. The cafe has outdoor seating with views of the Burj Khalifa. It is perfect for a late-night bite. Find it on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.
Arabian Tea House is the safest pick for a historic breakfast, while Logma is the best choice for a quick modern snack.