This is the legacy of Dubai
Dubai’s dining scene is a kaleidoscope of buzzing energy but among the constant humdrum of new openings and ever-evolving menus, there’s a special part of the city’s food culture that has remained constant over the years. Legacy restaurants are those beloved spots that have stood the test of time, have been frequented by residents for years and serve dishes that haven’t been altered to chase fleeting trends. These places have been around before dining became mostly about the gram and feeding our phones before ourselves. They represent a piece of Dubai’s history, character and culinary traditions in a way that still resonates with food lovers today.
Here’s our pick of standout legacy restaurants in Dubai.
Ravi Restaurant
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No list of Dubai’s culinary landmarks is complete without Ravi. A must-visit in Old Dubai for simple, hearty Pakistani classics like biryani, kebabs and curries. Locals and visitors alike have been returning to the restaurant for decades and it has even drawn the likes of chefs like Anthony Bourdain. While it has famously drawn the attention of global figures, the true magic of Ravi lies in its role as a communal table for the city. Located in the heart of Satwa since 1978, this Pakistani eatery has achieved legendary status.
Bu Qtair
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What started as a small beach shack in the 1980s has become a beloved local hotspot. Their concept is wonderfully simple, you pick your fish or prawns and they’re marinated in a unique spice mix before being fried fresh to order. Now located in the Fishing Harbour at Umm Suqeim, it has traded its plastic chairs for a slightly more permanent structure but the queues and the explosive flavour of the curry-leaf-infused seafood remain unchanged.
Al Ustad Special Kabab
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Stepping into Al Ustad in Bur Dubai is akin to entering a living archive. Since 1978, this Iranian institution has been famous for its yoghurt-marinated mutton and chicken kababs but the decor is just as much of a draw. The walls are a dense tapestry of thousands of photographs, vintage banknotes and memorabilia featuring everyone from local regulars to global celebrities. It is chaotic, charming and a testament to the Ustadi family’s enduring hospitality.
Al Mallah
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Al Mallah began as a small juice stall back in 1979 and has since become the go-to place for Levantine street food. With its bright neon green sign on 2nd December Street, it’s hard to miss. It’s the perfect spot for anyone craving some of the best chicken shawarma and falafel in the city. Even though they’ve grown, the original Satwa spot still feels like the heart of the place for anyone who loves the incredible taste of garlic-packed toum and a cool glass of avocado milk
Sind Punjab
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For nearly five decades, Sind Punjab has been a cornerstone of Bur Dubai’s Meena Bazaar. Serving up North Indian comfort food that has barely altered since 1977. Their butter chicken is wonderfully balanced and roadside snacks, especially the pani puri, bring back great memories for everyone who grew up exploring these quaint little streets.
Miyako
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While Dubai is now saturated with high-end Japanese concepts, Miyako was the pioneer. Opening in 1987 at the Hyatt Regency, it is the city’s first authentic Japanese restaurant. This place has sustained its strong reputation by sticking to traditional methods of preparation and service. The simplicity of it feels refreshing compared to the city’s more showy dining trends.
Golden Dragon
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Founded in 1976, Golden Dragon holds the title of the UAE’s first Chinese restaurant. Located in Oud Metha, it remains a favourite for families who have been visiting for three generations. While it has modernised its interiors over the years, the menu still honours the Szechuan and Cantonese roots that first introduced the city to authentic Asian flavours.
Joshi Restaurant and Cafe
This restaurant is nearly six decades old, and was established by Murlidhar Parmanand Joshi as Bur Dubai’s first restaurant in 1968 to serve the Bhatia community, the only place in the city that served Indian vegetarian food at that time. This is considered to be the longest-running business in Dubai that’s still running – older than the UAE itself – with a hole-in-the-wall cafe, confectionary and catering section. It couldn’t get simpler than this, but people flock from all over the country for a spot and a bite.
Al Ijaza Cafeteria
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A Jumeirah Beach Road fixture since 1990, Al Ijaza is the ultimate neon-lit nostalgia trip. While the area around it has turned into a bustling forest of glass and steel, but this little spot remains a go-to for anyone looking for a Hassan Mathar or a uniquely named fruit cocktail. There’s something special about how it connects generations, with parents who enjoyed these drinks as kids now bringing their own children to grab a spot along the curb. It’s a simple roadside landmark that has truly made its mark in the city’s history.
Calicut Paragon
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A legendary South Indian spot famous for it’s South-style biryani and other traditional dishes, Calicut Paragon first opened doors in Dubai is 2005, but the origin story goes way back 1939 in Kozhikode, Kerala, when the first ever Paragon was established. Today, it is a mammoth of cuisine, having been rated on our lists for some of the most prominent restaurant chains. The ethos is simple – wholesome food, affordable prices, no nonsense. Many a Dubai kid will tell you all about the weekend breakfasts spent here.
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Mariam Khawer is a Dubai-based writer and PR professional whose work spans food, art, and travel across the region. When she isn’t chasing deadlines, she’s likely at a gallery opening, testing out a new restaurant, piecing together one of her mixed-media art projects or at home with her four cats, who keep her on her toes.
