Emirati cuisine is a rich blend of heritage, hospitality, and regional flavors that reflect the UAE’s deep cultural roots.
Dubai, a city that celebrates culinary diversity, is home to some incredible places that serve both traditional and modern Emirati dishes. From hearty stews to sweet delicacies, there’s something for every palate.
This curated list of the best Emirati restaurant in Dubai highlights where you can enjoy everything from local comfort food to refined dining experiences.
1. Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe (Dubai Festival City)
Al Fanar transports guests to a bygone era with interiors inspired by 1960s Dubai neighborhoods. The ambiance is steeped in nostalgia, from antique radios to courtyard-style seating. It’s a cultural and culinary time capsule.
The menu is full of classic Emirati flavors crafted from traditional recipes. Whether you’re trying balaleet for breakfast or machboos for dinner, every dish is rich in heritage and flavor. This is a must-visit for those seeking authentic Emirati food.
- Cuisine: Traditional Emirati cuisine
- Top dishes: machboos, jesheed, balaleet
- Cost for Two: AED 200–250
- Top Dishes Prices: machboos (AED 68), jesheed (AED 60), balaleet (AED 35)
- Timings: 9am–9pm daily
- Ambience: Vintage Emirati decor with courtyard-style seating
- Facilities: Indoor and outdoor seating, family-friendly, cultural decor
- Address: Ground Floor, Dubai Festival City Mall, Crescent Road, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, UAE
- Phone number: +971 4 232 9966
- Website: alfanarrestaurant.com
2. Logma (Boxpark)
Logma presents a vibrant, youthful twist on traditional Emirati and Khaleeji cuisine. It’s where modern design meets soulful flavors, offering an ideal space for casual dining or relaxed gatherings with friends.
Their khameer sandwiches, saffron milk cake, and signature chicken machboos make Logma a flavorful representation of local UAE food. The mix of traditional ingredients and modern plating makes it a hit with both locals and tourists looking to explore modern Emirati cuisine.
- Cuisine: Khaleeji, Emirati fusion
- Top dishes: khameer bread sandwiches, chicken machboos, saffron milk cake
- Cost for Two: AED 150–220
- Top Dishes Prices: khameer sandwich (AED 45), machboos (AED 60), milk cake (AED 40)
- Timings: 8am–12am daily
- Ambience: Urban and bright with traditional touches
- Facilities: Casual dining, delivery available, good for groups
- Address: Boxpark by Meraas, Al Wasl Road, Al Wasl, Dubai, UAE
- Phone number: +971 4 343 0030
- Website: logma.ae
3. Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi)
Set in the heart of the Al Fahidi Historical District, Arabian Tea House is a true cultural escape. White wooden benches, turquoise touches, and bougainvillaea-draped courtyards create a calming, authentic atmosphere.
The restaurant serves traditional Emirati dishes alongside classic Arabic fare. Try the Emirati breakfast platter or the chicken machboos for a satisfying dive into heritage cooking. It’s a favorite among visitors wanting a genuine taste of the past.
- Cuisine: Emirati, Arabic
- Top dishes: Emirati breakfast, chicken machboos, luqaimat
- Cost for Two: AED 130-300
- Top Dishes Prices: breakfast (AED 60), machboos (AED 65), luqaimat (AED 30)
- Timings: 7am–11pm daily
- Ambience: Open-air heritage courtyard with traditional decor
- Facilities: Family-friendly, outdoor seating, cultural ambiance
- Address: Al Fahidi Street, Al Bastakiya, Bur Dubai, Dubai, UAE
- Phone number: +971 4 353 5071
- Website: arabianteahouse.net
4. SMAT Restaurant
SMAT brings a contemporary twist to traditional Emirati flavors in a sleek, modern space. The name itself means “dining table” in Emirati dialect, and the dishes here reflect the warmth of local hospitality with a modern culinary spin.
Perfect for family gatherings or relaxed nights out, SMAT is popular for its Emirati grills and saffron-infused desserts. It’s a rising star in the world of Emirati fine dining.
- Cuisine: Modern Emirati cuisine
- Top dishes: shrimp fouga, grilled lamb chops, saffron cake
- Cost for Two: AED 200–300
- Top Dishes Prices: fouga (AED 75), lamb chops (AED 95), cake (AED 45)
- Timings: 8am–11pm daily
- Ambience: Chic interiors with traditional motifs
- Facilities: Indoor dining, kids’ menu, valet parking
- Address: Dubai Design District Building No. 10 – United Arab Emirates
- Phone number: +971 4 580 2429
- Website: smatrestaurant.com
5. Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
Located by the creek in the Al Seef area, Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant offers a journey into the UAE’s past, both in terms of setting and flavors. It is built in a traditional-style house with rustic interiors and Emirati memorabilia.
Guests can enjoy an authentic Emirati breakfast, seafood specialties, and hearty meat dishes. It’s one of the best places for traditional Emirati cuisine in a historically rich location.
- Cuisine: Traditional Emirati cuisine
- Top dishes: regag, grilled hammour, lamb majboos
- Cost for Two: AED 200–300
- Top Dishes Prices: regag (AED 30), hammour (AED 80), majboos (AED 70)
- Timings: am–12am daily
- Ambience: Heritage-style interiors with creek views
- Facilities: Creekside dining, cultural performances, family-friendly
- Address: 79 Al Mussallah Rd Al Fahidi Historical District, Dubai 118131 United Arab Emirates
- Phone number: +971 55 180 2080
- Website: alkhaymarestaurant.com
6. Bait Al Mandi (International City)
Bait Al Mandi is a hidden gem for those who love hearty rice and meat dishes. It offers generous portions, rich flavors, and a casual setting ideal for families and groups.
Famous for its traditional mandi and grilled chicken, this spot captures the essence of Khaleeji cuisine with simplicity and authenticity. It’s a favorite among those searching for affordable Emirati restaurants without compromising on taste.
- Cuisine: Emirati, Khaleeji
- Top dishes: mandi, grilled chicken, madhbi rice
- Cost for Two: AED 120–160
- Top Dishes Prices: mandi (AED 55), grilled chicken (AED 50), madhbi (AED 60)
- Timings: 11am–12am daily
- Ambience: Casual, simple, and traditional
- Facilities: Takeaway, family seating, group-friendly
- Address: Shop 9, Building C-04, China Cluster, International City, Dubai, UAE
- Phone number: +971 4 430 9305
- Website: Not available
7. Local House Restaurant (Al Bastakiya)
Local House gained popularity for serving Dubai’s first camel burger but also excels at delivering authentic Emirati meals in a charming heritage setting. It’s a small, quiet space full of character and culture.
The menu features camel meat dishes, harees, and traditional desserts like aseeda. Located in Al Bastakiya, it’s a perfect stop for those exploring hidden Emirati gems in Dubai with a taste for something different.
- Cuisine: Traditional Emirati cuisine
- Top dishes: camel burger, harees, fish majboos
- Cost for Two: AED 200–250
- Top Dishes Prices: burger (AED 65), harees (AED 55), majboos (AED 60)
- Timings: 9am–10pm daily
- Ambience: Historic setting with shaded courtyard
- Facilities: Outdoor dining, camel meat specialties, cultural decor
- Address: Al Bastakiya Heritage Village, Al Fahidi Historical District, Bur Dubai, Dubai, UAE
- Phone number: +971 52 258 1830
- Website: Not available
8. Al Mashowa (City Walk)
Al Mashowa offers an elevated take on classic Emirati seafood. Located in City Walk, it’s ideal for those who want a modern setting without losing touch with cultural flavors.
Shrimp majboos, grilled kingfish, and Emirati desserts are among its top picks. The decor blends luxury with heritage motifs, making it one of the best Emirati seafood spots in a stylish environment.
- Cuisine: Emirati, Seafood
- Top dishes: shrimp majboos, grilled kingfish, aseeda
- Cost for Two: AED 200–250
- Top Dishes Prices: majboos (AED 85), kingfish (AED 90), aseeda (AED 40)
- Timings: 10am–12am daily
- Ambience: Elegant Emirati setting with contemporary flair
- Facilities: Outdoor seating, group-friendly, reservations accepted
- Address: Shop 4A, Building 12, City Walk, Al Safa Street, Dubai, UAE
- Phone number: +971 4 590 5455
- Website: Not available
9. Bayt Al Wakeel (Dubai Creek)
Bayt Al Wakeel combines breathtaking creek views with heritage-style architecture, offering a true Emirati cultural dining experience. Housed in one of Dubai’s oldest buildings, it provides a scenic and tranquil escape.
The menu includes grilled fish, traditional rice dishes, and Arabic mezze. The setting by the water and its historical charm make it an essential stop for anyone exploring traditional UAE dishes.
- Cuisine: Emirati, Arabic
- Top dishes: grilled fish, lamb kebabs, samak mashwi
- Cost for Two: AED 200–250
- Top Dishes Prices: fish (AED 85), kebabs (AED 70), mashwi (AED 75)
- Timings: 11am–12pm daily
- Ambience: Creekside heritage house with outdoor terrace
- Facilities: Waterfront seating, traditional decor, heritage architecture
- Address: Bayt Al Wakeel Building, Al Seef Street, Near Textile Souk, Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai, Dubai, UAE
- Phone number: +971 4 353 0530
- Website: Not available
10. Seven Sands (JBR – The Beach)
Seven Sands celebrates the culinary diversity of all seven Emirates, making it a standout choice for those who want to explore regional dishes in one sitting. Its beachfront location offers a relaxed, scenic backdrop for every meal.
The restaurant serves dishes like harees, machboos, and sweet date pudding in a modern yet culturally grounded setting. It’s perfect for tourists and residents alike seeking Emirati culture dining by the sea.
- Cuisine: Traditional Emirati cuisine
- Top dishes: chicken harees, lamb machboos, date pudding
- Cost for Two: AED 235–300
- Top Dishes Prices: harees (AED 70), machboos (AED 85), pudding (AED 40)
- Timings: 8am–1am daily
- Ambience: Beachfront dining with Emirati-inspired interiors
- Facilities: Outdoor terrace, cultural meals, valet parking
- Address: Unit 3, The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE
- Phone number: +971 4 551 6652
- Website: Not available
Exploring the best Emirati restaurant in Dubai is more than just a culinary journey—it’s a dive into the rich traditions, heritage, and heart of the UAE.
Whether you’re tasting slow-cooked harees, savoring grilled Emirati seafood, or enjoying a hearty Emirati breakfast, each dish carries the warmth and authenticity of local culture.
So, the next time you search for Emirati food in Dubai or wish to experience authentic Emirati food, this guide will help you uncover hidden gems, heritage restaurants, and flavors that speak of the true soul of the Emirates.