Find here, authentic Emirati flavours for every mood
It’s true. Several of us have lived in Dubai for years, but there is still one question that has the power and possibility to stump us even now – “So…can you take us somewhere for authentic Emirati food?”
A number of reactions could follow. Internal panic, brain freeze, a sudden inability to remember anything you’ve ever eaten. But fret not, for we have just what you need.
Here is our go-to list of some of the best Emirati restaurants in the city – perfect for impressing the parents, the cousins, the in-laws, or anyone else who’s come to see what Dubai’s all about.
Al Fanar Seafood Restaurant
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Picture this: a time before skyscrapers filled the skyline and delivery apps got your groceries to your doorstep faster than you could finish an episode of The Office. That’s exactly the kind of throwback charm you’ll feel walking into Fanar Restaurant. With interiors that pay homage to traditional Emirati architecture – think lanterns, coral stone, and vintage touches – it’s like stepping into a beautifully preserved slice of the past.
But Fanar isn’t just a pretty face. Their mission? To keep the soul of traditional Emirati cuisine alive. And they do it right with age-old recipes, locally sourced ingredients, and flavours that feel like home. Insider tip: take your guests to their Al Seef location. With the old-world charm of Dubai Creek as your backdrop, the entire experience hits differently.
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
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When it comes to a true Emirati dining experience, Al Khayma nails it. Tucked away in Al Fahidi’s historical neighbourhood, this MICHELIN Bib Gourmand winner is the perfect pit stop after a day of wandering through Old Dubai’s winding lanes. The food? Chef’s kiss. They serve up all the Emirati classics you could dream of – think slow-cooked Lamb Ouzi, seafood platters piled high, crisp salads – all made with locally sourced ingredients for that farm-to-table magic. And please, please don’t even think about leaving without ordering the Luqaimat. These fluffy dumplings soaked in date molasses are pure joy on a plate. (And yes, we’re drooling again while writing this. Send help.)
Al Qbabh Seafood Restaurant
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Yes, we’ve saved one of the best for last. While every restaurant on this list holds its charm, Al Qbabh Seafood Restaurant occupies a sacred space in Dubai’s culinary heart. This is where you come when you crave Emirati cuisine in its purest form – no fussy plating, no pretenses, just soul-stirring flavors that speak for themselves.
Tucked away in unassuming Al Awir, Al Qbabh’s humble exterior belies the magic happening in its kitchen. Their seafood tastes like it jumped straight from the Gulf to your plate. Their fragrant, cloud-like rice will have you questioning all culinary logic. Every bite etches itself into your memory.
The experience? Perfectly authentic. Communal majlis seating invites you to sit cross-legged, share stories, and connect over food the way generations have before. This isn’t just dining – it’s cultural immersion at its most delicious.
Arabian Tea House
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When you look up “Emirati restaurant,” chances are Arabian Tea House sits proudly at the top of that list—and rightly so. Formerly known as Basta Art Café, this beloved spot has been serving up serious charm since 1997. From the moment you step inside, you’re wrapped in the warmth and hospitality the UAE is famous for. Rustic blue-and-white wooden furniture, breezy curtains fluttering in the wind—it’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and just be.
While they’re best known for their tea (over 150 varieties, no big deal), don’t overlook the food. Their Emirati breakfast is a spread you’ll crave later—think balaleet, date molasses, cheddar cheese, baked beans, watermelon jam, dango, and bajella, all served with a basket of traditional breads. And if you spot the Lemon Lamb Tikka on the menu? Order it. No second thoughts needed.
Aseelah Middle Eastern & Emirati Restaurant
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You might not immediately think “brunch” when it comes to traditional Emirati cuisine, but Aseelah Middle Eastern & Emirati Restaurant is here to flip the script. Tucked inside the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Creek, Aseelah has been championing authentic Emirati flavors long before it became trendy. Their Heritage Brunch every Saturday is legendary, but dinner here deserves equal billing.
From succulent kebabs to aromatic rice dishes like ouzi and machboos, Aseelah masters every element. Pro tip: For summer visits, book a 7pm table – you’ll catch a Dubai Creek sunset so stunning, you’ll reach for your camera before your fork.
Bu Qtair
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Bu Qtair started as a humble fish shack overlooking the Jumeirah Beach by Mater Al Tayer, to cater for the growing expat population flooding in from South Asia and the Middle East after the discovery of oil. He came from a family of Emirati fishermen and pearl divers, who, up until then, had this land to themselves. Now, they were sharing it with others, and the shack was meant to fill that gap for them. Today it’s considered one of the best seafood spots in Dubai – authentic, modest and all about good food.
A real slice of authentic, Emirati culinary history, Bu Qtair has been serving up seafood specialties since the 1980s. Even today, it presents as a modest establishment, a small space perched by the beach – no frills, no fancies and all the flavours. This isn’t a spot for high-flying dining. This is where you should go when all you’re looking for is a delicious meal.
Gerbou
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A fresh face on Dubai’s ever-growing list of must-visit Emirati restaurants, Gerbou was easily one of the most anticipated openings of 2025—and it’s lived up to every bit of the hype. Set inside a beautifully refurbished 1980s community center, this spot strikes the perfect balance between honoring traditional flavors and techniques while breathing contemporary life into them. (Oh, and they’ve got a working tandoor oven in the courtyard, just in case you needed even more street cred.)
The menu is an homage not just to Emirati heritage, but to the incredible mix of cultures that have shaped the UAE. Where else could you find classic Emirati breakfast dishes like balaleet and khameer alongside a cheeky Gerbou-style masala dosa? And don’t even get us started on their Khubz section—a regional riff on pizza, but with bold local flavors you’ll dream about long after you leave.
Local House Restaurant
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Can you say you’ve been to Dubai if you haven’t tried camel meat at least once? We think not. Tucked away in Al Fahidi, inside one of the oldest houses in the neighbourhood, Local House is the OG when it comes to putting camel on the global food map. Camel burgers? Check. Camel biryani? Absolutely. Camel milk ice cream? Yep, they’ve got that too – and yes, we’ll take two scoops immediately, thanks.
Not feeling adventurous? No worries. We’d steer you towards their Samak Tanoor, a whole fish grilled the traditional Emirati way. Hit it with a good squeeze of lemon the second it lands on your table, and get ready for a flavour bomb that’ll be pretty hard to beat anytime soon.
Logma
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When you’ve completely lost track of time wandering around Dubai Mall and that wave of hunger and exhaustion hits like a freight train, there’s honestly no better place to crash-land than Logma. This spot has long been the gateway to Khaleeji comfort food for tourists, newcomers, and anyone craving a proper taste of the city.
From the legendary Chips Oman Paratha (seriously, if you don’t know about Chips Oman, are you even trying to be a local?) to the ridiculously good Lotus Karak Cake, Logma is pure, unfiltered Dubai nostalgia on a plate. It’s the kind of place where one minute you’re just “grabbing a bite,” and the next you’re three dishes deep, wondering if you should just stay for tea too (spoiler: you should).
Also, don’t sleep on their Logma Fries, tossed in khaleeji spices and addictive, or their Luqaimat, the golden dumplings of dreams. Come hungry. You’re going to need the room.
Siraj
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If you’re looking for something on the more upscale side, Siraj, located in Souk Al Bahar, is the place to be. Overlooking the Burj Khalifa, the spot serves up breathtaking views of the crown jewel of Downtown Dubai, Syrian-Emirati flavours with a contemporary twist and a taste of the land, but elevated. Sample classics with a modern touch such as Camel Tenderloin, Saffron Lobster, Karak Cake, and Sticky Dates Pudding.
Siraj has also found itself a spot on the coveted Michelin Guide, as well as being visited by the likes of UAE royals, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed and H.H Sheikh Hamdan, so you can trust it will be a worthy experience. Choose this spot for a fancy night out.
And there you have it – your foolproof guide to navigating the “where can we get authentic Emirati food?” question like an absolute professional. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional majlis-style meal in Old Dubai, a modern twist on regional favourites, or a nostalgic bite that brings you right back to your first taste of Chips Oman, this city has options. Beautiful, flavourful, lovingly made options.
So the next time family flies in, friends drop by, or you just feel like reconnecting with the roots of this incredible place we call home, you’ll know exactly where to go.
Image credit: @gerbou on Instagram
Evelyn Zafar (but you can call her Ev) has spent the better part of a decade working in F&B, which really just means she’s made a career out of thinking about food 24/7. She doesn’t eat to live – she lives to eat, and somehow, that’s turned into being the go-to person for restaurant recommendations. When she’s not writing about Dubai’s best eats, you’ll find her buried in a book or spiralling down a YouTube rabbit hole (or both at the same time, let’s not ask questions).
