From luxurious fine dining in tropical gardens to trendy cafes and innovative fast food—let’s explore Dubai’s plant-based gastronomic map, which will surprise even the most discerning foodies.
Dubai is a city associated with futuristic skyscrapers, boundless luxury, and world-class shopping. But behind its glossy facade lies another equally impressive reality: Dubai has quietly yet confidently undergone a genuine “green” gastronomic revolution. Over the past few years, the emirate has transformed into one of the Middle East’s most dynamic hubs for plant-based cuisine. With more than 70 specialized establishments open as of 2024, Dubai offers an incredible variety of flavors for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone eager to discover new culinary horizons. Consider this guide your personal key to unlocking the amazing world of Dubai’s plant-based cuisine—from avant-garde experiments to hearty classics.
How did we select the best spots?: This guide features 10 iconic venues chosen based on their unique concepts, high visitor ratings, and popularity. Our goal is to showcase the full diversity of Dubai's plant-based scene, from exclusive restaurants to cozy cafes.
The Gastronomic Map of Plant-Based Dubai
We’ve divided the best establishments into several categories, so you can easily find exactly what suits your mood and occasion—whether it’s a special event, a wellness brunch, or a gastronomic experiment.
Wellness Oases for Harmony of Body and Spirit
SEVA Experience • $$$
Stepping through the doors of SEVA, you literally step out of Dubai's reality. The noise of the metropolis gives way to birdsong, and instead of glass and concrete, you're surrounded by lush greenery and wicker chairs. This place is truly designed for switching off your phone, taking off your shoes (which is welcome here!), and allowing yourself the luxury of not rushing anywhere. Here, you can start your morning with yoga, then leisurely enjoy an organic breakfast inspired by Ayurvedic principles while sitting in the garden. SEVA is your personal retreat for a few hours.
- What to try: Sugar-free raw desserts, such as a Snickers pie made from dates and cashews, organic smoothies, and Ayurvedically inspired dishes like healing kitchari.
- Perfect for: A wellness breakfast after yoga, a leisurely lunch in peace, and a detox for mind and body.
- Location: Jumeirah 1.
Wild & The Moon • $$
Located in the heart of the creative district Alserkal Avenue, Wild & The Moon has become a true magnet for lovers of "clean" food. The establishment's philosophy is simple and uncompromising: 100% organic, zero waste, and maximum use of local produce. It’s the perfect spot to recharge your energy before strolling through the art galleries. Here you can enjoy one of their famous cold-pressed juices or have a healthy bowl in a stylish minimalist setting surrounded by live plants.
- What to try: Any of the cold-pressed juices (the bestseller is The Tiger) and their renowned "Fighting Extinction" bowl with black rice, mango, and peanut sauce.
- Perfect for: A healthy snack, lunch while visiting Alserkal Avenue, or working on your laptop.
- Location: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz.
PXB Life • $$
PXB Life is more than just a café—it's a nutri-café, where every dish is developed with the participation of professional nutritionists. Here, food is functional fuel for the body. You won’t find gluten or refined sugar on the menu, but you will discover protein pancakes for post-workout recovery, collagen smoothies, and bowls packed with superfoods. This place is designed for those who approach their nutrition with maximum awareness and are unwilling to compromise.
- What to try: Blue spirulina pancakes with cashew protein cream after your morning workout, or a “Keto Bowl” for maximum energy.
- Perfect for: Breakfast after the gym, a functional lunch, or a healthy snack without compromise.
- Location: Jumeirah.
Modern Casual: Stylish, Delicious, and Photogenic
Bounty Beets • $$$
It seems this place was made for Instagram. The signature pink color, neon slogans like “Hello, gorgeous!,” and incredibly photogenic food presentation have turned Bounty Beets into a real hit. But behind the bright packaging lies serious substance: an extensive menu with a huge selection of vegan and gluten-free options, from hearty breakfasts to light salads. A lively, fun, and friendly atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for brunch with friends or family.
- What to try: The signature avocado toast “You're all I Avo Wanted” and unbelievably fluffy vegan pancakes topped with berries and maple syrup.
- Perfect for: Brunch with friends, a girls’ night out, or a family breakfast.
- Location: Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina.
Neat Burger • $$
Imagine this: you're in the middle of shopping at the giant Dubai Mall and dreaming of a juicy burger. Neat Burger offers exactly that, but with one important twist—every item on the menu here is 100% plant-based. This international chain, which, by the way, is backed by Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, completely redefines fast food. The bright mint-and-pink interior, quick service, and a taste indistinguishable from the classic version make Neat Burger the perfect pit stop. What should you order here? Keep it simple: start with the classic Neat Burger and their signature fries to see what this "Formula 1" in the world of vegan fast food is all about.
- What to try: The Classic Neat Burger and fries with a secret sauce.
- Ideal for: A quick and satisfying lunch while shopping, or getting acquainted with vegan fast food.
- Location: The Dubai Mall.
Plantoholic Kitchen & Coffee Bar • $$$
This stylish café in prestigious Palm Jumeirah embodies aesthetics and a healthy lifestyle. Its light, airy interior with panoramic windows and impeccable presentation of every dish make it an ideal spot for a beautiful, leisurely breakfast. The menu emphasizes wholesome ingredients, superfoods, and a complete absence of gluten and refined sugar, proving that healthy food can—and should—be deliciously appealing.
- What to try: The vibrant "Ocean Blue" smoothie bowl with spirulina and tropical fruits, or a wholesome tiramisu made with cashews and dates.
- Ideal for: A relaxed breakfast, a coffee meeting, or taking stunning photos for social media.
- Location: Palm Jumeirah.
For Gastronomic Experimenters
Dip Dash Restaurant & Café • $$
Away from the tourist trails, in the Al Barsha area, lies a spot that local foodies whisper about almost in hushed tones—Dip Dash. This place is for those who seek quality rather than hype. The café specializes in authentic pan-Asian vegan cuisine, focusing on the freshest ingredients and original recipes. A cozy atmosphere and incredibly delicious food without flashy decor—that's the formula for its success.
- What to try: The signature Jackfruit Banh Mi sandwich and the unique Miso Caramel Tart.
- Perfect for: A quiet dinner, lunch with colleagues, or exploring vegan Asia.
- Location: Al Barsha.
Replika • $$$
A visit to Replika is not just dinner—it's a true adventure for your taste buds. It's a gastronomic laboratory where classic recipes are reimagined using avant-garde techniques. The futuristic interior with neon lighting sets the tone, and the menu surprises with bold combinations. Here, plant-based cuisine appears in a completely new, experimental light, proving that its possibilities are limitless.
- What to try: Strawberry gazpacho with tomato sorbet, vegan watermelon tartare with fermented kimchi sauce, or sous-vide carrot steak.
- Perfect for: A tasting dinner, a memorable date, or a gathering for true foodies.
- Location: Al Quoz.
Your Mood Guide: Where to Go If You Want...
Feeling overwhelmed by the variety? Here's a quick cheat sheet to help you decide based on the situation:
- ...impress your significant other?: → Folia or Replika.
- ...take the perfect photo for social media?: → Bounty Beets or Plantoholic.
- ...detox and slow down?: → SEVA or Wild & The Moon.
- ...grab a quick and filling snack while shopping?: → Neat Burger.
- ...have breakfast after your morning workout?: → PXB Life.
Price Consideration: It's important to remember that vegan food in Dubai, especially at establishments with organic ingredients and a strong concept, can be more expensive than usual. Think of visiting such places as a full-fledged gastronomic experience rather than just a quick bite.
Practical Guide to Your Gastronomic Journey
To ensure your culinary adventure goes smoothly, here are a few practical tips.
Booking Tables
- Reservations recommended: Bounty Beets, SEVA, Replika, especially if you're planning a visit during peak hours (Friday evenings, Saturday brunch).
- Walk-ins welcome: Most casual cafes, such as Neat Burger, Wild & The Moon, and Dip Dash, usually accommodate guests without prior booking, but be prepared to wait a bit during busy times.
Transportation and Locations
Dubai is a large city, and restaurants are scattered across various districts.
- Easy to reach by metro: Neat Burger (in Dubai Mall) and Veganity (in City Walk).
- Convenient by taxi/car: Most establishments, particularly those located in villas (SEVA) or creative clusters (Wild & The Moon, Replika). Hotels (Bounty Beets) typically offer convenient parking and valet service.
Transportation Tip: Even if a restaurant isn't near the metro, taxis and services like Uber or Careem in Dubai are very convenient and affordable. This is the easiest way to get to most of the places on our list.
Price Breakdown
- $$$$ (Premium): Dinner at a fine-dining restaurant.
- $$$ (Above average): Prices higher than in a regular cafe, due to concept, ingredient quality, and location.
- $$ (Average): Standard bill for a quality casual establishment.
Dress Code
Most cafes and casual restaurants have a relaxed dress code.
The Green Revolution at the Heart of the Desert
Who would have thought that one of the most memorable experiences of a trip to Dubai might not be the view from Burj Khalifa, but rather the taste of a vegan watermelon tartare? Yet again, the emirate shatters stereotypes, proving that in the middle of the desert, you can cultivate not only gardens, but also a powerful, creative, and incredibly delicious gastronomic culture. Dubai's plant-based scene isn't just a quiet haven for insiders—it's a bold, confident statement. Here, avant-garde chefs experiment with flavors, while cozy cafes demonstrate that healthy food can easily become the day's main pleasure. So next time you're planning your itinerary between skyscrapers and malls, don't forget to mark a couple of "green" spots on your map. It might just be there that you find the highlight of your journey. Enjoy your culinary discoveries!
Your Next Step: Save this guide and pick the restaurant that inspired you the most. Dubai's dynamic and diverse vegan scene awaits you, ready to offer unforgettable experiences and prove that plant-based cuisine can be anything—luxurious, wholesome, avant-garde—but never boring.
Comments