Dubai is one of the best cities in the world to enjoy Arabic food. With its mix of cultures and strong Middle Eastern heritage, the city offers a wide variety of Arabic dishes that are full of flavor, history and warmth. If you want to explore the top Arabic restaurants in Dubai that offer both authentic taste and affordable pricing, this guide will help you choose the best options.
Dubai brings together recipes from Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Jordan, Egypt and the UAE. This gives diners an amazing chance to try many styles of Arabic cuisine. Below is a list of the top restaurants known for quality, taste and value.
1. Al Mallah
Al Mallah is one of the most famous Lebanese street food restaurants in Dubai. It is popular for its shawarmas, falafel and fresh juices. Many people enjoy the lively outdoor seating which gives a classic Dubai street food feel.
Some of the most recommended items include chicken shawarma, grilled halloumi, falafel plates, cheese fatayer and mixed juices. Prices are very affordable which makes Al Mallah a great choice for everyday meals.
2. Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe
If you want to enjoy real Emirati food in a traditional setting, Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe is the ideal place. The design looks like an old Emirati village and gives a cultural feel to your meal.
Popular dishes include machboos, harees, grilled fish, Emirati breakfast trays and sweet luqaimat. The portions are generous and the restaurant is family friendly. This is one of the best places to experience authentic UAE cuisine.
3. Al Ustad Special Kebab
Al Ustad Special Kebab is one of Dubai oldest and most loved restaurants. Located in Al Fahidi, it is famous for its soft and flavorful kebabs. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
Best selling dishes include yogurt kebab, chicken tikka, saffron rice and their special kebabs. The prices are very reasonable which makes it a favorite among locals and visitors.
4. Al Safadi
Al Safadi is a modern Lebanese restaurant known for its excellent quality and consistent taste. It is a popular choice for families, business lunches and group gatherings.
Recommended items include hummus with meat, fattoush, tabbouleh, shish tawook and the mixed grill platter. The service is professional and the food presentation is clean and attractive. It is one of the top Arabic restaurants in Dubai for mid range dining.
5. Zaroob
Zaroob brings Levantine street food to life in a fun and colorful way. The restaurant has an open kitchen and a modern design which makes it popular with young people and groups.
Favorite dishes include saj wraps, manakish, falafel, Arabic breakfast plates and kunafa. Zaroob is a great option for casual and flavorful meals. Prices are mid range and portions are generous.
6. Al Hallab
Al Hallab offers Lebanese food in a stylish yet affordable setting. It is known for its seafood dishes, mezze and desserts.
Some of the best dishes include grilled shrimp, lamb kofta, mutabbal, mixed grill and baklava. The restaurant is ideal for family dinners or celebrations because the atmosphere is peaceful and the service is excellent.
7. Al Reef Lebanese Bakery
Al Reef Lebanese Bakery is one of the most affordable places in Dubai to enjoy fresh Arabic bread and pastries. Even though it is a bakery rather than a full restaurant, the food is very popular.
Top items include cheese manakish, zaatar manakish, lahm bi ajin and sweet pastries. Everything is freshly baked and perfect for breakfast or a quick meal.
8. Reem Al Bawadi
Reem Al Bawadi offers a complete Arabic dining experience with traditional decor and a wide menu. It is known for its mezze, grills and family friendly atmosphere.
Popular dishes include hummus, fattoush, kibbeh and mixed grills. Many customers also enjoy having shisha here. Prices are moderate and the restaurant is perfect for groups who enjoy classic Arabic flavors.
9. Bosphorus Turkish Restaurant
Bosphorus is a Turkish restaurant but many of its dishes have similar flavors to Arabic cuisine. It is well known for its fresh bread, grilled meats and large portions.
Recommended dishes include Turkish mixed grill, doner kebab, pide, lahmacun and kunafa. Families enjoy dining here because the food is filling and the prices are reasonable.
10. Mamaesh
Mamaesh is an excellent place to enjoy Palestinian food prepared with simple, fresh and organic ingredients. The restaurant has a comforting home style feel that makes dining enjoyable and relaxing.
Popular dishes include musakhan rolls, falafel plates, Palestinian breakfast choices and wood fired manakish. Prices are affordable and the taste is very authentic which makes Mamaesh a favorite among many residents.
How to Choose the Best Arabic Restaurant in Dubai
Choosing the right Arabic restaurant depends on the type of cuisine you prefer. Lebanese cuisine offers mezze, shawarma, tabbouleh and grilled meat. Emirati cuisine focuses on rice dishes, seafood and traditional sweets. Palestinian and Syrian dishes include musakhan, fatteh, kibbeh and falafel. Egyptian cuisine includes koshari, taameya and molokhia.
Your budget also plays an important role. Dubai has restaurants that suit every price range from very cheap meals like shawarmas to slightly premium dining places. Location is also important because the city is large and restaurants are spread across many areas.
Final Thoughts
The top Arabic restaurants in Dubai offer a wonderful chance to enjoy rich Middle Eastern flavors. Whether you prefer the freshness of Lebanese mezze, the warmth of Emirati dishes or the comfort of Palestinian home style meals, Dubai has something for everyone. The restaurants listed here offer great taste at affordable prices and are perfect for families, tourists and food lovers.
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