Dubai, apart from just satisfying monetary wants, is also a hub for foodies. The city is an epicenter of diverse culinary, from Italian, Korean, and Japanese to Indian restaurants, but where to go when you wish to have local cuisines? Luckily, Dubai presents a fair number of dining outlets that offer national cuisine. These outlets are well-located in prime areas that offer stunning Burj Khalifa views and a glimpse of Dubai’s skyline. In this particular blog, we will explore several Emirati restaurants in Dubai that deliver the tastes of the country’s mesmerizing flavors.
List of Top 10 Emirati Restaurants in Dubai, UAE
Here are the top 10 choices for people craving Emirati flavors in the dynamic city of Dubai:
1. Bait Maryam
Chef Salam Dakkak’s Levantine dishes are a tribute to her mother’s cooking. It offers warm and comforting meals rooted in the traditional cuisines of Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan. One standout dish is her interpretation of “Maryam Fukhara,”. These seasoned meatballs, shaped like spinning tops, are fried and served in an iron pan, along with a tangy pomegranate molasses and tamarind sauce that adds a subtle spicy richness.
| Detail | Description |
| Chef | Salam Dakkak |
| Cuisine Inspiration | Traditional cuisines of Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan |
| Cooking Style | Warm and comforting meals rooted in Levantine traditions |
| Signature Dish | Maryam Fukhara |
| Dish Description | Seasoned meatballs shaped like spinning tops, fried and served in an iron pan |
| Sauce | Tangy pomegranate molasses and tamarind sauce with a subtle spicy richness |
| Tribute | Inspired by her mother’s cooking |
2. Al Fanar
Al Fanar is a special local gem, with the charm of 1960s Dubai. It offers traditional Emirati dishes, rural decor, an outdoor courtyard, and even a mini-museum showcasing the UAE’s cultural heritage. With seven locations across the UAE and expansions to Saudi Arabia, it has earned recognition in the Michelin Guide for two consecutive years. Recommended dishes include their chicken kebab marinated in Arabic spices, an authentic Emirati breakfast platter, and the sweet and crispy Legaimat.
| Detail | Description |
| Restaurant Name | Al Fanar |
| Unique Feature | Charm of 1960s Dubai with rural decor and outdoor courtyard |
| Cultural Highlight | Mini-museum showcasing the UAE’s cultural heritage |
| Cuisine | Traditional Emirati dishes |
| Recognition | Featured in the Michelin Guide for two consecutive years |
| Locations | Seven locations across the UAE; expanded to Saudi Arabia |
| Recommended Dishes | Chicken kebab marinated in Arabic spices, authentic Emirati breakfast platter, sweet and crispy Legaimat |
3. Logma
One of the best Emirati restaurants in Dubai, Logma combines traditional Emirati and Khaleeji flavors with a contemporary touch which makes local cuisine more accessible to residents, expats, and tourists. Situated in Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, it offers everything from traditional breakfast items like chebab and balaleet to signature dishes like chicken shawarma paratha and butter chicken.
| Detail | Description |
| Restaurant Name | Logma |
| Cuisine | Traditional Emirati and Khaleeji flavors with a contemporary touch |
| Unique Feature | Makes local cuisine more accessible to residents, expats, and tourists |
| Location | Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue |
| Menu Highlights | Traditional breakfast items like chebab and balaleet |
| Signature Dishes | Chicken shawarma paratha, butter chicken |
| Target Audience | Residents, expats, and tourists seeking a modern take on traditional flavors |
4. Arabian Tea House
A staple of Dubai’s cafe scene for over 20 years, the Arabian Tea House offers a warm introduction to Emirati hospitality and serves authentic Emirati and Arabic dishes. Its original location in the historic Al Fahidi district has maintained its charm since opening in 1997, with its signature turquoise bars, white rattan chairs, and lace curtains adding to the appeal.
| Detail | Description |
| Cafe Name | Arabian Tea House |
| Established | 1997 |
| Cuisine | Authentic Emirati and Arabic dishes |
| Unique Feature | Warm introduction to Emirati hospitality |
| Original Location | Historic Al Fahidi district |
| Decor Highlights | Signature turquoise bars, white rattan chairs, lace curtains |
| Legacy | A staple of Dubai’s cafe scene for over 20 years |
5. Al Jawareh
Located in Al Qusais, Old Dubai, Al Jawareh offers a truly traditional Emirati dining experience. Guests can choose between the main restaurant area, private family sections, or a classic majlis for an immersive atmosphere. Don’t miss the Emirati breakfast, which features eggs with tomatoes, chebab served with cheese and date syrup, balaleet, and chickpeas, all complemented by freshly squeezed fruit juices.
| Detail | Description |
| Restaurant Name | Al Jawareh |
| Location | Al Qusais, Old Dubai |
| Cuisine | Traditional Emirati dishes |
| Dining Options | Main restaurant area, private family sections, classic majlis |
| Recommended Dish | Emirati breakfast featuring eggs with tomatoes, chebab with cheese and date syrup, balaleet, chickpeas |
| Beverages | Freshly squeezed fruit juices |
| Atmosphere | Immersive, traditional Emirati dining experience |
6. Al Khayma
Step into the past at Al Khayma, a Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized restaurant in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Half restaurant, half museum, it offers a unique experience where guests can dine in an air-conditioned courtyard surrounded by trees, enjoying live Arabic music. The friendly staff, dressed in traditional attire, serve local dishes. Be sure to try the lamb saloona, wok-fried luqaimat, and Arabic coffee.
| Detail | Description |
| Restaurant Name | Al Khayma |
| Recognition | Michelin Bib Gourmand |
| Location | Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood |
| Dining Style | Half restaurant, half museum |
| Dining Experience | Air-conditioned courtyard surrounded by trees, with live Arabic music |
| Staff | Friendly staff dressed in traditional attire |
| Recommended Dishes | Lamb saloona, wok-fried luqaimat, Arabic coffee |
| Atmosphere | Traditional Emirati experience with a unique combination of dining and cultural heritage |
7. Local House
Visit Local House, one of the best traditional Emirati restaurants in Dubai in Al Bastakiya. It offers a variety of local delicacies, including camel biryani, shark fish platters, mixed grills, salads, and sweet treats. You can also try camel burgers and camel ice cream.
| Detail | Description |
| Restaurant Name | Local House |
| Location | Al Bastakiya, Dubai |
| Cuisine | Traditional Emirati |
| Recommended Dishes | Camel biryani, shark fish platters, mixed grills, salads, sweet treats, camel burgers, camel ice cream |
| Unique Offerings | Camel-based dishes, including camel burgers and camel ice cream |
8. Siraj
For a more refined Emirati dining experience, Siraj in Souk al Bahar, with views of the Burj Khalifa, is an excellent choice. This Michelin Guide restaurant blends Syrian and Emirati flavors with modern twists and offers dishes like camel tenderloin, saffron lobster, karak cake, and sticky date pudding. The restaurant has even hosted notable guests, including UAE royals H.H. Sheikh Mohammed and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan.
| Detail | Description |
| Restaurant Name | Siraj |
| Location | Souk al Bahar, Dubai |
| Cuisine | Blends Syrian and Emirati flavors with modern twists |
| View | Views of the Burj Khalifa |
| Michelin Recognition | Listed in the Michelin Guide |
| Recommended Dishes | Camel tenderloin, saffron lobster, karak cake, sticky date pudding |
| Notable Guests | Hosted UAE royals, including H.H. Sheikh Mohammed and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan |
9. Ninive
Located in DIFC, Ninive honors Middle Eastern and North African cuisine. The decor resembles the traditional majlis with greenery and enhances the aromatic dishes on offer. Signature items include the seabass fillet, prepared with an onion sumac crust and roasted fennel, served with tahini, blending familiar flavors from Arabic cuisine with a contemporary approach.
| Detail | Description |
| Restaurant Name | Ninive |
| Location | DIFC, Dubai |
| Cuisine | Middle Eastern and North African cuisine |
| Decor | Traditional majlis style with greenery |
| Signature Dish | Seabass fillet with onion sumac crust, roasted fennel, and tahini, blending Arabic flavors with a modern twist |
| Atmosphere | Aromatic dishes enhanced by the traditional and inviting decor |
10. Shabestan
Located in the Radisson Blu hotel in Deira, Shabestan transports guests to Iran with its traditional Persian cuisine and views of the Dubai Creek. A standout dish is the Tahchin, a saffron rice cake filled with chicken and wild Persian berries.
| Detail | Description |
| Restaurant Name | Shabestan |
| Location | Radisson Blu Hotel, Deira |
| Cuisine | Traditional Persian cuisine |
| View | Views of Dubai Creek |
| Signature Dish | Tahchin, a saffron rice cake filled with chicken and wild Persian berries |
Conclusion
With a variety of delicious treats, traditional Emirati food is unique. Therefore, you must not sacrifice quality in order to taste authenticity. Have the essential Emirati cuisine from the best Emirati restaurants in Dubai and make memories that will last a lifetime. A trip to Dubai would not be complete without testing some of the local cuisine.
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