Arabic food in Dubai is not one cuisine. Lebanese, Emirati, Syrian, Egyptian, Yemeni, Iraqi and Moroccan kitchens each cook differently, and the right restaurant depends on what you actually want, mezze and grills, slow-cooked rice and meat, or a specific regional dish. This guide covers twenty restaurants across those cuisines, with the details that matter for residents—what the kitchen does well, what the menu includes, and the practical information you need to plan a visit, including addresses, contact numbers and opening hours.
Lebanese Restaurants in Dubai
Lebanese food is the most widespread Arabic cuisine in Dubai. The strongest kitchens compete on mezze quality, grill execution and consistency across repeat visits.
1. Al Safadi
Al Safadi has built a long-standing reputation among Dubai residents for Lebanese food that stays consistent across its branches. The mezze selection is the main draw, and regulars tend to order heavily from the cold and hot mezze rather than treating them as a starter before mains. Hummus, moutabbal and fattoush are handled with enough care to stand on their own.
The DIFC branch places the restaurant in the financial district, which makes it workable for business lunches. The Deira branch on Al Rigga Road serves the same menu in a more traditional setting.
- DIFC Address: 127 Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Center Second, DIFC, Dubai
- DIFC Phone: +971 4 343 5333
- DIFC Timing: 9:00am – 1:00am
- Deira Address: Al Dana Building, Al Rigga Road, Deira, Dubai
- Deira Phone: +971 600 500 601
- Deira Timing: 9:00am – 1:00am
2. Babel
Babel operates in Dubai Mall with a menu built around sharing rather than a sequence of individual plates. The kitchen leans into dishes that benefit from slow cooking and layered seasoning—kibbeh shish barak, siyadieh with caramelised onions, and slow-cooked mulukhiyah among them.
Breakfast runs daily from 9am, with weekend hours extending to 1pm, and includes mini manakish, foul with fresh bread, and eggplant makdous. A weekday business lunch runs from 12pm to 5pm. The breakfast set menu for two is priced at Dh90 and includes mini cheese and zaatar manakish, traditional foul, and crispy falafel bites.
- Address: Dubai Mall, Fashion Avenue, Downtown Dubai
- Phone: (04) 431 2333
- Timing: Breakfast daily 9am to 12pm weekdays, 9am to 1pm weekends; business lunch weekdays 12pm to 5pm
3. Em Sherif Café
Em Sherif Café offers Lebanese classics in a setting designed for longer meals rather than quick turnover. The menu covers shareable salads, cold and hot mezze, and dishes such as tabbouleh, shanklish salad and hummus with minced meat. A daily dish special changes regularly, which gives repeat visitors something new to order.
The location at The Heritage Hotel blends modern design with traditional Arabesque elements. The kitchen stays open from 10am to 2am daily, covering lunch, dinner and late-evening dining.
- Address: The Heritage Hotel, Autograph Collection, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 424 3000
- Timing: Daily 10am to 2am
4. Al Beiruti
Al Beiruti opened a branch on Palm Jumeirah Mall, adding a waterfront location to its existing presence. The menu follows the standard Lebanese format of hummus, falafel, chicken liver and mixed grills, but the desserts receive particular attention—kunafa is a common way to finish a meal here. The Palm Jumeirah Mall branch is on Level 2 and offers both indoor and outdoor seating, suitable for breakfast through late-night shisha gatherings.
- Address: Level 2, Palm Jumeirah Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
- Timing: Opening hours vary; check the restaurant’s official channels for current hours
5. Al Nafoorah
Al Nafoorah operates inside Zabeel Saray on Palm Jumeirah, and the setting shapes the experience. High ceilings and dark wood carvings create a formal atmosphere, and the terrace overlooks the Palm. The menu covers mezzeh, shawarmas and mixed meat grills in generously portioned traditional formats.
Staff are attentive, and the restaurant occasionally features live Arabic music indoors. Lunch runs from 1pm to 4pm and dinner from 7pm to 11pm.
- Address: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 453 0444
- Timing: Lunch 13:00 – 16:00; Dinner 18:00 – 23:00 daily
6. Em Sherif Deli
Em Sherif Deli is a casual offshoot of the Em Sherif brand, with two locations: Galleria Mall in Al Barsha and 25 Jump Street at Dubai One Central. The format is grab-and-go rather than full-service dining, but the menu keeps the Beiruti flavour profile. Breakfast items, daily plats du jour, sandwiches and salads fill out the offering, along with house-made mouneh and desserts.
The One Central location operates daily from 12pm to 11pm. This suits residents who want Lebanese food during a workday rather than a full sit-down meal.
- Galleria Mall Address: Galleria Mall, Al Barsha, Dubai
- One Central Address: 25 Jump Street, Dubai One Central
- One Central Timing: Daily 12:00pm – 11:00pm
7. Ibn AlBahr
Ibn AlBahr is a Lebanese seafood restaurant rather than a standard mezze-and-grill operation. The format is interactive: customers choose their fish from a counter and specify how they want it cooked. Fresh prawns, grilled fish and mezze accompany the meal.
Two locations operate: Dubai Creek Resort and Palm Jumeirah. The creek-side setting and sunset timing make the Creek location particularly suited for evening meals.
- Palm Jumeirah Address: Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
- Palm Jumeirah Timing: 9am to 2am
- Dubai Creek Address: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Dubai Creek Resort
- Dubai Creek Timing: 12pm to 1am
- Phone: (800) 4262 52247
Emirati Restaurants in Dubai
Emirati cuisine is less represented in Dubai than Lebanese or Syrian food, partly because many dishes are tied to home cooking and techniques such as slow-roasting in underground ovens. The restaurants that serve it well are worth seeking out.
8. Arabian Tea House
Arabian Tea House operates in Al Fahidi Historical District, in a courtyard surrounded by the old wind-tower architecture of Bastakiya. The restaurant serves Emirati breakfast and light meals in a traditional house setting. Regag bread with honey, egg and cheese is a recommended dish, and khabisah—a sweet blend of sautéed flour and molasses—covers the dessert side.
The tea selection runs to more than 150 varieties, including karak, Moroccan mint and house blends. The location is walking distance from Al Fahidi Metro Station, and the surrounding streets form part of the old Dubai heritage area.
- Address: Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai
- Phone: +971 56 998 9030
- Timing: 07:00am – 11:00pm daily
9. Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
Al Fanar operates inside Dubai Festival City Mall with an interior designed to evoke 1960s Dubai. Wind tower designs, vintage lanterns and Bedouin statues set the atmosphere, but the menu is the main reason to visit. Emirati rice and meat feasts, breakfast dishes and desserts fill out the offering.
The restaurant receives consistent feedback for the authenticity of its Emirati dishes. The Festival City location makes it accessible for residents on the Deira side of the creek.
- Address: Canal Walk, Dubai Festival City Mall, Dubai
- Phone: (04) 232 9966
- Timing: 9:00am – 9:00pm
10. Logma
Logma takes a modern approach to Emirati and Khaleeji cuisine, which makes the food more accessible to diners who are new to the flavours. Chebab, balaleet and other traditional dishes appear alongside items such as chicken shawarma paratha and butter chicken, which are not traditional Emirati but fit the restaurant’s broader Khaleeji menu.
The Dubai Mall location offers views of the Dubai Fountain, particularly from outdoor seating. The cheese rolls, shrimp biryani and overall atmosphere receive praise, though some diners note that certain dishes are less distinctive than the setting suggests.
- Address: Unit TF-004, Financial Center Road, Downtown Dubai (Dubai Mall)
- Phone: +971 4 241 5557
- Timing: 10:00am – 1:00am
Syrian Restaurants in Dubai
Syrian food in Dubai is often associated with late-night dining, generous portions and dishes that feel closer to home cooking than restaurant food.
11. Aroos Damascus
Aroos Damascus has operated in Deira since 1980, making it one of the older Syrian restaurants in the city. The restaurant opens at 7am and closes at 3am, covering breakfast through late-night dining without a break. The menu covers mezze, grills, shawarma, manakish and fattoush, with mixed grill and cheese kunafa among the recommended dishes.
Prices are reasonable for the portions: a meal for two runs around AED 110. The location on Al Muraqqabat Road is near Al Ras Metro Station and accessible by abra from the creek side. The restaurant gets busy on weekend nights and late evenings, so arriving early or reserving helps.
- Address: 11, Al Jazeira Street, Al Muraqqabat, Deira, Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 221 3673
- Timing: Daily 7am – 3am
12. Damasco
Damasco is a Syrian restaurant with a strong review record from over 2,400 reviews. The mixed grill and manaqish receive consistent praise, and freekeh with chicken and rotisserie chicken appear in multiple positive reviews. The kitchen handles classic Syrian dishes with enough care that Syrian diners describe the food as tasting like home.
The atmosphere is casual and the staff friendly, with lentil soup, hummus and chicken wings among the commonly ordered starters.
- Address: Opposite Hessa Street, Dubai
- Phone: 04 322 0320
- Timing: Daily 7am – 2am
Egyptian Restaurants in Dubai
Egyptian food in Dubai centres on slow-cooked greens, rice-stuffed vegetables and grilled meats, with molokhiya as the defining dish.
13. Abo Ali Restaurant & Cafe
Abo Ali operates on Sheikh Zayed Road in Al Barsha, with a two-floor layout that includes a kids’ play area. The kitchen specialises in Egyptian seafood and grilled meats, with fresh fish displayed on the second floor and cooked to order.
Molokhiya with rice is the dish to order. The kitchen chops molokhiya finely and cooks it with garlic until it develops a viscous texture, then serves it over vermicelli rice. Chicken liver with pomegranate molasses is another recommended dish, and fattoush with pomegranate molasses covers the salad side.
Prices are moderate for the category: molokhiya with rice at AED 45, chicken liver at AED 34, fattoush at AED 28, and a mixed grill plate at AED 82.
- Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha First, Al Barsha, Dubai
- Phone: +971 600 500 444
- Timing: 10:00am – 2:00am
14. Tayba Gourmet Restaurant
Tayba Gourmet operates in Al Wasl Square on Al Wasl Road. The menu focuses on Egyptian dishes including molokhiya, pigeons and grilled meat platters. Fresh bread and elaborate mezze round out the offering.
The grilled meat platter and mulukhiyah are highlights, with the food described as fresh and well-prepared. The average cost for two people is around AED 170. Service can be inconsistent during busy periods, with dishes occasionally arriving warm rather than hot. The restaurant is a practical option for residents in the Al Safa and Jumeirah areas.
- Address: Ground Floor, Al Wasl Square, Block 11, Al Wasl Road, Al Safa, Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 379 0222
- Timing: 7:00am – 11:00pm
Yemeni Restaurants in Dubai
Yemeni cuisine in Dubai is built around mandi and madfoon—rice dishes where meat is slow-cooked until tender, often in a tandoor or underground oven. The portions are typically large and designed for sharing.
15. Madfoon Al Sadda
Madfoon Al Sadda operates on Jumeirah Beach Road in Umm Suqeim, near Kite Beach. The restaurant serves Yemeni mandi, madfoon and mazbi with meat, chicken or fish. The Haniz Shoulder—goat shoulder marinated and slow-cooked in a tandoor oven, served on rice with spices, raisins and almonds—is the signature dish.
The shoulder is priced at AED 99 and comes with a complimentary soup, spicy tomato sauce and fried onions. After the meal, staff offer complimentary house tea. The restaurant has private cabins with both table and floor seating, and a large hall for groups. Free valet parking is available.
- Address: Jumeirah Road, Umm Suqeim 1, Near Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 343 5544
- Timing: 12:00pm – 11:59pm
16. Al Yemen Mandi
Al Yemen Mandi is one of several Yemeni restaurants in Dubai specialising in mandi and madfoon. The restaurant serves mandi, madfoon, mazbi and haniz, with rice cooked in the Yemeni style and meat slow-roasted until tender.
Floor seating and table seating are both available, with family sections. Free parking and complimentary tea after meals are standard. The atmosphere is casual and family-oriented.
- Address: England-Y Street, Warsan 1, International City, Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 425 0591
- Timing: 10:00am – 2:00am
17. Shahbandar Mandi Restaurant
Shahbandar Mandi operates a branch on Sheikh Zayed Road near DIFC, placing Yemeni food in a central location for residents working in the financial district. The menu follows the standard Yemeni format of mandi, madfoon and mazbi with lamb, chicken or fish.
This is one of the more accessible Yemeni options for people who work in or near Downtown Dubai and want a substantial lunch or dinner without travelling to Deira or Al Barsha.
- DIFC Address: 121 Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Center Second, DIFC, Dubai
- DIFC Phone: +971 54 998 9589
- DIFC Timing: Sunday–Wednesday 8:00am – 2:00am; Monday 8:00am – 4:00am; Thursday–Saturday 8:00am – 2:00am
- Al Karama Address: 155 Sheikh Rashid Road, Al Karama, Dubai
- Al Karama Phone: +971 4 370 9999
- Al Karama Timing: Daily 7:00am – 4:00am
Iraqi Restaurants in Dubai
Iraqi cuisine shares some techniques with Gulf cooking—slow-cooked meats, rice dishes and grilled kebabs—but uses different spice combinations and preparations.
18. Almaskoof
Almaskoof operates on Al Wasl Road in Al Safa, in a villa setting with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu covers Iraqi dishes including kebab ourouk, fried chicken liver, grilled haloumi and oven-baked chicken. Kabsa chicken is a recommended main.
The restaurant has a home-style atmosphere and serves food from 12pm to 12am daily. The Al Wasl Road location makes it convenient for residents in the Al Safa and Jumeirah areas.
- Address: Villa 1083, Al Wasl Road, Opposite Umm Suqeim, Al Safa, Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 328 5553
- Timing: 12:00pm – 12:00am
19. Daddy Cool’s Kitchen
Daddy Cool’s Kitchen serves Iraqi food with a modern presentation, operating in Dubai Hills Mall and One Central. The menu covers traditional Iraqi recipes with a contemporary presentation. The expanded menu is available for both delivery and dine-in.
This suits residents in Dubai Hills and the surrounding areas who want Iraqi food without travelling to Jumeirah or Deira.
- Dubai Hills Mall Timing: 10:00am – 12:00am
- One Central Timing: Monday–Friday 7:00am – 9:00pm; Saturday–Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Moroccan Restaurants in Dubai
Moroccan food in Dubai centres on tagines, couscous and slow-cooked lamb dishes, with mint tea as a standard finish.
20. Choumicha
Choumicha operates on Jumeirah Street in Umm Suqeim, opposite the Enoc petrol station. The menu focuses on Moroccan dishes including lamb tagine, couscous and mint tea. The tagine is tender and the couscous fluffy and flavourful.
The restaurant has a cosy atmosphere and friendly staff, with the mint tea receiving particular praise as authentic. The Umm Suqeim location is accessible from Jumeirah and Al Safa.
- Address: Opposite Enoc Petrol Station, Jumeirah Street, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
- Timing: 8:00am – 1:00am
How to Choose Between Them?
The right choice depends on what you want from the meal. For mezze and grills in a formal setting, Al Safadi or Babel fit the purpose. For Emirati food with a heritage setting, Arabian Tea House and Al Fanar are the strongest options. For late-night Syrian food in Deira, Aroos Damascus stays open until 3am and serves generous portions at reasonable prices. For Yemeni mandi with a group, Madfoon Al Sadda offers private cabins and a signature lamb shoulder. For a quick Egyptian meal in Al Barsha, Abo Ali covers breakfast through late dinner.
Most of these restaurants are accessible by car, and several are within walking distance of Metro stations. Parking availability varies—Madfoon Al Sadda offers free valet, while mall-based restaurants such as Babel and Logma use mall parking. Reserve ahead for weekend evenings and for the more popular Lebanese restaurants, which fill up quickly.