Discover these spots for plant-based goodness
In a city as wonderfully diverse as Dubai, finding vegetarian and vegan options isn’t just easy – it’s exciting. Whether you’re giving your body a well-earned break after a weekend of steak indulgence or finally doing right by that one vegan friend who always gets the short end of the stick at dinner plans, you’ve come to the right place.
These spots deserve a spot on your must-try list. And honestly, at the rate you’re discovering gems, don’t be surprised if you suddenly become that person – the go-to for everyone’s “Where should we eat?” texts.
Avatāra
View this post on Instagram
You don’t usually hear “fine dining” and “vegetarian” in the same sentence, but Avatāra is here to rewrite the narrative. As Dubai’s first and only MICHELIN-starred vegetarian restaurant, it’s safe to say you’re in for something truly special.
Avatāra’s claim to fame is its 16-course tasting menu, inspired by the Ayurvedic principle of Rasas – the six fundamental taste profiles. Each course is carefully crafted using seasonal, onion and garlic-free ingredients, resulting in a dining journey that nourishes both body and soul. So if you’re ready to go beyond the usual paneer tikka and garlic naan routine, Avatāra offers a refined, thoughtful reintroduction to what vegetarian cuisine can really be.
Bounty Beets
View this post on Instagram
If cafés had star signs, Bounty Beets would be a Leo – bold, beautiful, and always ready for its close-up. It’s the kind of place that greets you with leafy corners, pink neon signs, and an inspirational quote or two (because yes, sometimes you do need a reminder that you’re doing great, sweetie).
Primarily a gluten-free haven, Bounty Beets happens to do some seriously impressive vegan and vegetarian dishes. Case in point: the Buddha Bowl: a hearty, feel-good mix of brown rice, roasted veggies, creamy avocado, and their signature dragon dressing. It’s colourful, nourishing, and the kind of meal that actually keeps you full and happy.
Flavour Fields
View this post on Instagram
Flavour Fields is quickly becoming a go-to for those who love food that’s as thoughtful as it is tasty. With a focus on conscious eating and sustainability, they’re doing all the right things – from showcasing heirloom tomatoes and earthy mushrooms to serving up fresh sourdough sourced from local farmers and artisans.
Their menu is rooted in seasonality (yes, it changes with the weather, so consider this your sign to visit often) and packed with vegan-friendly dishes that feel more like a treat than a trade-off. The stuffed falafel? Still living rent-free in our heads. And if dessert’s on your radar, don’t skip the miso cheesecake: sweet, savoury, and exactly what your cravings didn’t know they needed.
Moreish
View this post on Instagram
Stepping into Moreish feels like returning to your favorite childhood kitchen – the one where the air smells of roasting garlic and someone’s always sliding a freshly baked cookie toward you. This family-run haven runs on equal parts love, generosity, and culinary alchemy, serving dishes that don’t just nourish but remember you.
The menu is a celebration of all things feel-good: beetroot risotto that’s equal parts earthy and creamy, veggie burgers stacked high with flavour, mushroom stroganoff that hits all the right nostalgic notes, and soups so good you’ll seriously consider writing them a love letter.
One Life Kitchen & Cafe
View this post on Instagram
Long before D3 became the stomping ground for Dubai’s effortlessly cool crowd, One Life Kitchen & Café was already there, quietly doing its thing and winning hearts with good coffee, great vibes, and seriously satisfying food. With airy interiors, friendly staff, and that perfect buzz of energy, it’s equally ideal for a solo work session or a relaxed brunch with friends who love to argue about oat milk vs almond.
While not strictly plant-based, their thoughtfully adaptable menu makes herbivores feel seen. Nearly every dish offers a veggie twist – swap chicken for crispy tofu, dairy for cashew cream, or just let the kitchen surprise you. But the undisputed star? The Hot Like Hanieh: baked feta with hot honey and walnuts that achieves the holy trinity of textures – flaky, creamy, crunchy before vanishing suspiciously fast.
Planet Terra
View this post on Instagram
If you’re craving a little boho escapism, Planet Terra is that cosy, soulful corner you didn’t know you were missing. It’s wholesome in the best way possible, with a menu that’s 100 per cent vegan, organic, and crafted with the kind of care that shows up in the tiniest details like freshly baked sourdough, creamy house-made sauces, and ingredients so thoughtfully sourced you can practically taste the good karma.
Their Chickpea Omelette? A total game-changer. You’ll be questioning everything you thought you knew about breakfast. And the Lasagna with its layers of comfort, richness, and serious flavour might just make you forget every meat version you’ve ever had. But the real plot twist? The Banoffee Pie. It’s sticky, indulgent, and exactly the kind of dessert that’ll have you scraping the plate and planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
RAW Coffee Company
View this post on Instagram
RAW Coffee Company on a list of Dubai’s best vegan spots? Surprised? We’re not. While most know RAW for their next-level specialty coffee, their kitchen has been quietly serving plant-based dishes that rival their legendary beans.
Whether you’re swinging by for a pre-meeting power-up or settling into a corner for a long catch-up session, RAW’s got you covered with everything from breakfast bowls to smashed avo toast with all the fixings. Their Ultimate Veggie Burger and Butter Paneer hit that perfect balance of fresh, filling, and flavour-packed, while their smoothies and thirst quenchers make a great add-on if you’re on that health kick.
SEVA Table
View this post on Instagram
If one spot embodies Dubai’s perfect trifecta of community, calm, and conscious living, it’s SEVA Table. In this sanctuary, you’ll find wellness workshops, sunrise yoga flows, and a curated boutique stocked with intention.
Now, the real magic: SEVA’s soulful, plant-powered kitchen. Every 100 per cent plant-based, gluten-free, cane sugar-free dish bursts with purpose – from fluffy eggless omelettes to kimchi-kissed rice noodles with crispy tempeh. But the true showstopper? Their vegan Snickers pie – so decadent it sparks existential questions (“Wait, this is good for me?”).
Wild & The Moon
View this post on Instagram
A certified hotspot for Dubai’s wellness crowd, this plant-based café serves up cold-pressed juices, creamy nut milks, vibrant smoothie bowls, and superfood-packed dishes that actually taste as good as they look.
Everything here is organic, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free – but don’t mistake that for boring. From their signature Golden Mylk to the Black Benedict Bowl, every dish bursts with flavour and good vibes. The space itself? Earthy minimalism meets urban jungle: hanging plants, communal tables, and just enough natural light to make your green juice sparkle.
XVA Cafe
View this post on Instagram
Tucked deep within the alleys of Al Fahidi is XVA Café, a hidden gem nestled inside the XVA Art Hotel and Gallery. It’s part café, part cultural escape – where you can sip, savour, and slow down beneath the shade of leafy trees in a quiet inner courtyard.
Entirely vegetarian and Middle Eastern-inspired, the menu leans into fresh, flavourful, and feel-good fare. Think velvety hummus, herby tabbouleh, crisp falafel, slow-roasted eggplant, and warming lentil dishes that hit that perfect balance between comforting and light.
Whether you’ve been living that plant-based life for years or you’re just here because your gut said “no more steak, please,” Dubai’s veggie and vegan scene has so much to offer. From Michelin-starred magic to courtyards that feel like mini retreats, to cafes where the hummus hits just right – there’s something for every mood, craving, and Instagram story. So go forth, eat your weight in falafel, try that chickpea omelette you swore couldn’t be real, and prepare for your group chat to start calling you the “healthy friend.”
Image credit: @bountybeets 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).
