Where to eat in Dubai

Restaurants, cafés and street food in Dubai, United Arab Emirates that locals actually go to — plus the local names for the chains you already know.

Al Fanar Restaurant — Emirati, Dubai Festival City (2). Order the Machboos deyay. Old-Dubai theming, genuinely traditional Emirati plates.
Bu Qtair — Fish shack, Umm Suqeim / Jumeirah (1). Order the Fried fish + parotta. From fishing shack to institution — masala fish by the boats.
Arabian Tea House — Emirati, Al Fahidi Historical District (2). Order the Emirati breakfast tray + karak. Courtyard Emirati breakfast in the old wind-tower quarter.
Al Mallah — Lebanese street food, Satwa / 2nd December St (1). Order the Chicken shawarma + cocktail juice. Neon-lit shawarma and the freshest juice on the strip.
Ravi Restaurant — Pakistani, Satwa (1). Order the Chicken karahi + fresh roti. The 1978 curry canteen every Dubai generation swears by.
3 Fils — Modern Asian, Jumeirah Fishing Harbour (3). Order the Wagyu don + smoked salmon nigiri. Tiny harbour-side counter with world-list ambitions — no alcohol, all flavor.
Al Ustad Special Kabab — Iranian kebab, Al Fahidi / Meena Bazaar (1). Order the Special chicken kebab. Photo-plastered kebab house running since 1978 — the yogurt marinade is the secret.