Emirati cuisine in Dubai: where to taste heritage and the new wave

From authentic Bedouin dinners to cutting-edge gastronomic masterpieces—your guide to the culinary heritage of the Emirates.

Behind the dazzling facades of futuristic skyscrapers and the buzz of Dubai's eight-lane highways lies its true soul—a warm, spicy, and incredibly welcoming one. It lives in the aromas of slowly simmered lamb machbous, in the sweetness of golden luqaimat balls drizzled with date syrup, and in age-old traditions carefully preserved at the heart of this bustling metropolis. To truly understand Dubai, you need to taste it. This guide is your ticket to the real, unglamorous Dubai. We’ll show you where people dine under starlit skies in tents, just as they did in ancient times, and where you can sample a deconstructed Umm Ali with a view of the Burj Khalifa. Fasten your seatbelts—the gastronomic journey begins.

Two paths to the heart of Emirati Cuisine: In our guide, we’ve divided restaurants into two categories. 'Keepers of Heritage' will offer you a full immersion into history and authentic flavors. 'The New Wave' represents a modern, creative take on tradition, perfect for those seeking fresh gastronomic experiences." This list isn’t a ranking, but your compass in the world of Dubai’s flavors.

Guardians of heritage, where time flows more slowly

Here, time slows its pace, and the air is infused with the aromas of cardamom, saffron, and living history. These establishments are true portals to the past, where every recipe is passed down from generation to generation, and hospitality isn’t just a rule—it’s a philosophy of life. Each dinner here is an opportunity to become part of a vibrant, centuries-old tradition.

Al Khayma heritage restaurant

Lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets in the historic Al Fahidi district, you’ll find Al Khayma—a haven of Bedouin culture. Forget your usual restaurant visit: Al Khayma offers a genuine immersion into the past. You dine in a tent, sit on carpets, inhale the aroma of dishes cooked over an open fire, and feel like a guest in a real Bedouin camp, hidden among skyscrapers. Recognition on the prestigious MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list only confirms its unique status.

What to try: Traditional machbous with lamb, Bedouin-style coffee.
Atmosphere: Complete immersion in the daily life of a Bedouin village, with tents and clay walls.
Perfect for: Family dinners, cultural enrichment, and exploring the history of the UAE.
Approximate budget: $$ (110–130 AED)
Location: Historic Al Fahidi district

Al Fanar restaurant & cafe

Want to see Dubai before it became a metropolis of glass and steel? Al Fanar will transport you back to the 1960s, into the home of a prosperous merchant from that time. Here, every detail—from the heavy solid-wood furniture to the antique lamps and tableware—works to create the illusion of traveling back in time. Al Fanar allows you to leisurely savor classic Emirati cuisine, evoking a warm nostalgia for an era you never experienced.

Must-try: Luqaimat dessert, chicken saloona.
Atmosphere: Cozy and nostalgic retro-style restaurant.
Perfect for: Family dinners, exploring Dubai's history, and those who want to taste the best traditional desserts.
Average budget: $$ (100–130 AED)
Location: Several branches, including in Al Seef and Dubai Festival City.

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU)

This unique place operates under the motto "Open doors, open minds." Here, food is not an end in itself, but rather an opportunity for dialogue. During a traditional breakfast, lunch, or dinner, seated on cushions in the cool courtyard of an old house, you’ll have the chance to ask Emirati moderators any questions about culture, traditions, and Islam in an informal setting.

What to try: A traditional Emirati breakfast featuring balaleet and dango.
Unique format: A cultural dialogue over lunch, in a friendly and educational atmosphere.
Perfect for: Curious travelers, expats, and anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of local culture.
Approximate budget: $$ (120–150 AED, fixed price per program).
Location: The historic Al Fahidi district.

Al Bait Al Qadeem

"Old House" is exactly what the name of this restaurant translates to. Located right in the heart of the old gold and spice markets, it offers straightforward, honest, and incredibly delicious Emirati home-style cuisine. There’s no excessive theatricality here—instead, you’ll find the authentic, unadorned flavors of dishes that Emirati families have prepared for generations, such as camel kebabs and camel steak.

What to try: Camel kebabs, the fish dish jeshid.
Atmosphere: Subdued, homely, and thoroughly authentic.
Perfect for: Lunch while strolling through old markets, for those who appreciate authentic, non-touristy flavors.
Approximate budget: $$ (90–120 AED)
Location: Al Ras district, near the markets.

Aseelah

Located in the Radisson Blu hotel on the shores of Dubai Creek, Aseelah (translated as "authentic") offers a more refined take on traditional cuisine. It’s the perfect choice for those who want to experience Emirati dishes in an elegant setting with impeccable service. The menu strictly adheres to tradition, but the presentation and atmosphere are worthy of fine dining.

What to try: Samak harra—a fish in spicy sauce, and the Emirati mixed grill.
Atmosphere: Respectable, elegant, and tranquil.
Perfect for: A business meeting, a romantic dinner, or a family celebration in a comfortable environment.
Approximate budget: $$$ (180–220 AED)
Location: Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek.

A new wave reimagining traditions

These restaurants prove that Emirati cuisine is not a frozen tradition, but a living entity capable of evolving and surprising. They boldly experiment with presentation, combine local ingredients with global trends, and create dishes that speak the same language as Dubai's cosmopolitan audience.

Logma

Logma was one of the first to make Emirati cuisine fashionable and accessible to everyone. Their concept offers familiar flavors with a fresh, contemporary twist. Bright, modern interiors and locations in popular spots like Boxpark and Dubai Mall make Logma the perfect place for a quick and delicious introduction to new Emirati gastronomy.

What to try: Habib chicken sandwiches, Logma salad, saffron milk.
Atmosphere: Dynamic, modern, and informal.
Ideal for: Meeting friends, a family lunch after shopping, young people, and expats.
Approximate budget: $$ (80–110 AED)
Location: The Dubai Mall, Boxpark, and others.

Siraj

Siraj is a theater of Eastern luxury, where views of the dancing fountains serve as the perfect backdrop. Emirati and Levantine traditions intertwine here, creating complex, refined flavors. And the interior, with its Arabic calligraphy, golden, and turquoise accents, turns every dinner into a truly special occasion.

What to try: Camel steak, muhammara with dates.
Atmosphere: Luxurious, elegant, and romantic
Perfect for: A special evening, a romantic dinner with a view of the fountains.
Approximate budget: $$$ (170–250 AED)
Location: Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai.

Saba'a

At Saba'a, classic Emirati recipes seem to have visited a spa: they’ve become lighter, more refined, and gained a healthy glow. The chef boldly employs modern techniques to make traditional dishes less caloric yet just as delicious. This is one of those cases where you can enjoy local cuisine without feeling guilty.

What to try: Lighter versions of traditional breakfasts, fresh juices infused with local herbs.
Ambiance: Stylish, calm, and contemporary.
Perfect for: A sophisticated breakfast, a light dinner, or for health-conscious diners.
Approximate budget: $$ (110–160 AED)
Location: Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai.

SMAT

SMAT is a true gastronomic laboratory, where traditional recipes are broken down into their components and reassembled into something entirely new. Located in the trendy Al Seef district, the restaurant—with its minimalist interior and creative menu—draws food bloggers and gourmets seeking vibrant experiences. If you're up for some experimentation, this is the place for you.

What to try: Emirati risotto, deconstructed Umm Ali dessert.
Ambiance: Minimalist, stylish, and creative.
Perfect for: Food enthusiasts, trendy young people, and those seeking a new experience.
Approximate budget: $$ (110–140 AED)
Location: Al Seef.

Ana

Ana restaurant in Dubai Mall plays it big: its main highlight is an unobstructed, crystal-clear view of the Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains. This breathtaking backdrop becomes an integral part of the modern Emirati and Middle Eastern cuisine. Thanks to its photogenic dishes and arguably the best panorama in the city, Ana has become a true Instagram hotspot.

What to try: Signature Emirati breakfast, Arabic coffee with dates.
Ambiance: Bright, dynamic, with the best view in town.
Perfect for: Dinner with the best view in the city, romantic dates, impressing Dubai visitors, and, of course, creating the perfect social media content.
Approximate budget: $$$ (150–220 AED)
Location: The Dubai Mall.

Gourmet cheat sheet: Where to go depending on your goals?

To help you decide, we’ve prepared a table that will guide you on where to head based on your plans.

Purpose of Your Visit	Best Choice Among "Heritage Keepers"	Best Choice Among "New Wave"
Full cultural immersion	SMCCU, Al Khayma	-
Romantic dinner	Aseelah (for calm elegance)	Ana (with the best view), Siraj (luxury and fountains)
Family lunch	Al Fanar, Al Bait Al Qadeem	Logma (casual and trendy)
Business meeting	Aseelah (respectable and quiet)	SMAT (stylish and modern)
Best view for instagram	-	Ana, Siraj
First encounter with "new" Emirati Cuisine	Aseelah (as a transitional step)	Logma, SMAT
Authentic lunch without the "Tourist Look"	Al Bait Al Qadeem	-

Planning your visit: Useful tips

To ensure your introduction to Emirati cuisine goes perfectly, keep a few practical points in mind.

Reservations: It's best to book in advance at popular spots (Ana, Siraj) and unique concepts (SMCCU, Al Khayma), especially for evenings or weekends.
Location and Transportation: Old-school restaurants are concentrated in historic districts (Al Fahidi, Deira), where taxis or the metro are more convenient, as parking can be tricky. New-wave establishments are located in modern areas with ample parking.
Budget: In traditional restaurants, the average bill will be around 90-150 AED per person. For modern and scenic venues, be prepared to pay 150-250 AED and above.
Dress Code: Smart casual attire will be appropriate in most places. For fine dining restaurants (Siraj, Aseelah), it’s best to dress more elegantly.
Price Accuracy: Please note that all prices listed are approximate and subject to change. We strongly recommend checking the current menu and prices on the official restaurant websites before your visit.

What to expect: managing impressions: A couple of honest tips to ensure your experience matches your expectations. It’s important to understand: in traditional restaurants, slow service during peak hours isn’t a shortcoming but rather part of the culture, so just relax. And in trendy 'new wave' establishments, be prepared for portions that may be petite and prices that can be high. Remember: you’re paying not only for the food but also for the view, the atmosphere, and the chef’s creativity.

Taste Dubai for yourself

Ultimately, Emirati cuisine is the most authentic way to have a heartfelt conversation with Dubai, free from gloss and tourist trinkets. Each of these ten restaurants offers its own unique dialogue: whether it’s the respectful whisper of tradition in the labyrinth of the old city or the bold manifesto of a new generation with a view of the dancing fountains.

So put aside the mall map for the evening. The true heart of this city beats not in malls, but in its kitchens. And it’s waiting for you to taste it.