Famous Dubai restaurants: A first-timer's guide to dining in Dubai

Time Out Dubai

7 days ago

New to Dubai?
Welcome to a city where the restaurants are shinier than your passport stamp and brunch is basically a competitive sport. Whether you're here for a few days or settling in for good, there are some places you just have to try – even if they're a little touristy.
Now don't get us wrong… we're all about the cool underrated non-tourist trap spots in the city, but sometimes when you go to Dubai, you want to go to Dubai.
We're talking truffle-topped pizzas in a place with Burj Khalifa views, shawarma served at 3am on Sheikh Zayed Road post-clubbing and, of course, brunch. No elaboration needed.
So get hungry, charge your phone (you're going to want photos) and let us guide you through the must-hit restaurants every Dubai first-timer needs to tick off.
Arabian Tea House
Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Arabian Teahouse
Of course, we had to start with Arabian Tea House – the ultimate Dubai rite of passage.
Tucked away in the historic Al Fahidi district, this charming courtyard café is all white rattan chairs, swaying curtains and laid-back vibes.
Come for the tea (there are loads), stay for the delicious Emirati breakfasts, tanoor bread and Arabic coffee with serious kick. Since 1997, it's been a peaceful escape for celebs, locals and first-timers alike. Whether you're refuelling after a culture walk or just want somewhere to sip in style – this is heritage with heart (and very good hummus).
Read more about Arabian Tea House: 27 years later, this Al Fahidi café is still one of the best in Dubai
Unlicensed. Bastakiya opposite the Musalla Post Office, Al Fahidi Street, arabianteahouse.com (04 353 5071).
At.Mosphere at Burj Khalifa
Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Atmosphere
You're in the Burj Khalifa – need we say more? Whether you're there for breakfast in the clouds or golden hour bubbly with skyline views, At.mosphere is pure Dubai drama.
Sure, it's a bit touristy, but there's something iconic about sipping a cappuccino while hovering 122 floors above the city.
Dress up, book ahead, and soak it all in. It's the kind of place where every table has a camera out – and honestly, who can blame them?
Read more about Atmosphere: You can have a three-course meal at the Burj Khalifa for Dhs165
Licensed. Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, atmosphereburjkhalifa.com (04 888 3828).
Barasti
Famous Dubai restaurants (and bars) you have to try. Credit: Barasti.
Opening in its original form in 1995, Barasti is the city's original beach club, bar and pub, all in one. And it's still one of the most popular.
Though when it opened, Barasti was far from the sprawling venue it is today. Back in the '90s, it was a swimming pool beside the beach with a hut where live musicians would play acoustic sets by the sunset.
Today, the beach bar is open every day and attracts people from all walks of life. If you're looking for a laid-back bar to wear your flip-flops (or heels), Barasti is your go-to.
Here's a history lesson: 13 old photos of Barasti from 1995 until today that will blow your mind
Licensed. Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh Road (04 318 1313).
Bubbalicious Brunch
Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Bubbalicious
One of the biggest and best buffet brunches in Dubai, Bubbalicious is an absolutely massive Saturday afternoon food-filled extravaganza. Sprawling out across three restaurants and a large outdoor terrace, this is one for the Dubai bucket list. Famed for its huge spread of food, it's excellent quality, especially given the scale of it.
Whether you want freshly shucked oysters and a slap-up roast dinner, stir-fries made in front of you, fragrant curries or fish and chips, you're in the right place. Or if you just want to go all out at the cheese station, well, we wouldn't persuade you otherwise. There are plenty of drinks stations, live music, entertainment for the kids and more. All bases are covered at Bubbalicious.
More brunch? Best buffet brunches to try in Dubai
Licensed. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh.
Bu Qtair
Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Bu Qtair.
Bu Qtair, to the uninitiated, may not look like a must-visit dining destination in Dubai but looks can be deceiving.
Glitz and glamour are certainly off the menu at this fairly basic eatery, but turn up for a bite to eat and you will join a lengthy queue full of hungry hordes who know all about Bu Qtair's reputation for seafood excellence. The price depends on the type of fish and how much your order is, but satisfaction is pretty much guaranteed to follow, regardless of what you get.
The family-run venue first opened in the early 1980s and is located just off Umm Suqeim Fishing Harbour. Try it for yourself. You'll be hooked.
Unlicensed. Fishing Harbour 2, Umm Suqeim, Dubai (055 705 2130).
Orfali Bros.
Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Orfali Bros Bistro
Consistently excellent, Orfali Bros Bistro is renowned as one of the best and most well-known 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, it's an eatery that needs to be visited by anyone visiting or moving to this city.
Read our review of Orfali Bros here
Unlicensed. Wasl 51, Jumeirah, orfalibros.com (04 259 2477).
Ravi Restaurant
Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Ravis
A rite of passage wrapped in foil and dripping with flavour. Ravi's is a Satwa legend – the kind of place where the tables are plastic, the biryani is always steaming, and everyone from taxi drivers to celebrities queues up for a taste.
It's loud, a little chaotic, and completely unmissable. Don't overthink it – just order the chicken tikka, daal fry and a stack of hot roti, and tuck in under the neon glow. This is real-deal Dubai, one bite at a time.
Unlicensed. Satwa (04 331 5353).
Saffron 2.0 Brunch
Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Saffron
It's iconic. It's rowdy. It's one of the most famous (infamous?) party brunches in Dubai. Saffron Brunch 2.0, as DJs spin chart-topping hits alongside dancers, singers and magicians, with each week playing home to a different theme.
Sip on one of Saffron's legendary drinks or take your pick of cuisines from across the globe with more than 220 dishes and 20 live cooking stations to choose from.
Licensed. Over 21s. Sat 1pm-4pm. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah (04 426 2626).
Salt
Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Salt
This is what a Dubai beach day tastes like. Salt started as a burger truck on Kite Beach and exploded into a full-blown phenomenon.
Today, it's a retro-cool spot with sliders, loaded fries, soft-serve ice cream (lotus flavour, obviously), and that unbeatable ocean view. Locals line up, tourists tag it, and honestly? It lives up to the hype. The food's quick, tasty and hits the spot – especially after a swim or a long beach stroll.
Unlicensed. Kite Beach, Um Suqqeim findsalt.com.
Time Out Market Dubai
Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Time Out Market
It's not just a food hall – it's the food hall. Time Out Market brings together 17 of Dubai's best homegrown chefs, under one very delicious roof.
Whether you're craving ramen, risotto, or a ridiculously good burger, there's something for every palate (and every plus-one).
Perched at the end of Souk Al Bahar, it also has front-row seats to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain (when it reopens in October) – a perfect way to explore the best of Dubai without having to drive around.
Licensed. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai timeoutmarket.com/dubai.
URLA
Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: URLA
There are few places where you'll get a better view of the Burj Khalifa than from Urla at Address Downtown Dubai. With a huge terrace to take a seat on, you'll have a front-row view once the Fountain show starts off the evening, and with the Burj Khalifa front and centre in all its glittering glory, you may well be lost for words.
There's also an Aegean menu, crafted mixed drinks and a mellow vibe. An amazing place to impress your visitors, this is one of the best bars with a view in Dubai, without a doubt.
Licensed. Address Downtown Dubai, urlarestaurant.com (052 554 5997).
Zaroob
Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Zaroob
Wouldn't be a rite of passage list without Shawarma now, would it? While there are plenty of places to grab this world-famous streetside snack, Zaroob is a Dubai institution, the kind of place where taxi drivers, party people and insomniacs all end up eventually. The shawarma? Wrapped, plated, chicken or beef – it's all on point.
Open 24/7, it's earned its stripes as the city's unofficial post-midnight dining room. Falafel, manakeesh, fresh juices – you name it. But really, you're here for that no-fuss, perfectly spiced shawarma hit.
You might want to know about… the 24 best shawarma sandwiches in Dubai to devour today
Various locations including Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Marina, zaroob.com.
Zuma
Famous Dubai restaurants you have to try. Credit: Zuma
There's Zuma and then there's Zuma Dubai. Yes, it's a massive hit around the world. But Zuma Dubai is at a whole other level. Long been one of the best Japanese restaurants in Dubai, it is one of the pioneers in DIFC's dining scene. Zuma draws in the crowds every day of the week – be it for brunch, business lunch or a fabulous dinner.
The black cod is one of the most famous dishes globally, buttery soft, sweet and wonderfully moreish. The service is spot-on, the vibe is buzzing and the plates here are consistently brilliant – be it gyoza, sushi or robata. Want to make a reservation in the meantime?
Read Time Out Dubai's best Japanese restaurants 2025 list here
Licensed. Gate Village, DIFC, zumarestaurant.com (04 425 5660).
Want to make a reservation in the meantime?
Over 100 of the best business lunch deals in Dubai, by area
Upgrade your lunch with an incredible offer
Dubai's best restaurants: 86 incredible places to dine in
We know where you should book into this week
The 40 best restaurants and bars on Palm Jumeirah
Consider this your definitive, go-to guide to dining on the islandYou'll want to check it out… right now.