The Best Casual Restaurants in Dubai

BOCA in Dubai is recognized by the Michelin Guide and focuses on Mediterranean-inspired cooking in a relaxed setting. They emphasize local, sustainable ingredients through measures like their on-site desert plant garden and offer a wide selection of wines. It’s a welcoming place to enjoy a reliable meal without any fuss.

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Zoe Bowker

Food Consultant

Delicious, casual Spanish-inspired cuisine at a venue that’s a bit like Cheers - where everybody knows your name. A happy haunt for the foodie crowd, BOCA doesn’t disappoint with its food nor wines, 48 of which they serve by the glass (all Spanish or nearby). BOCA has started some great sustainability measures and champion local produce with their on-site desert plant garden and use of local produce such as Dibba Bay oysters.

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Slab – mercato is tucked inside Dubai’s Mercato Mall but offers a dining experience that feels far from a typical mall restaurant. It’s led by a skilled American Peruvian chef who keeps the menu fresh with regular updates and modern options. The setting is laid-back, and prices are kept reasonable for those looking to drop by often.

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Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

Excellent food by a fantastic chef. It’s in a mall but is far from a “mall restaurant”.

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Bait Maryam – Dubai has a warm, family-like atmosphere that makes guests feel at home, drawing on Palestinian and Lebanese inspirations. Its cozy setting and welcoming vibe invite visitors to relax and enjoy comforting flavors in a laid-back environment.

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Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

Just Like Home Chef Salam makes you feel like you are ih her home having beautiful Palestinian and Lebanese food. She makes some of thr best hummus and falafel you will ever have. The whole menu is excellent with daily home style stews for lunches. Highly recommended.

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Reif Japanese Kushiyaki at Dar Wasl has a relaxed, casual feel that highlights a fresh take on Japanese cooking. An open kitchen and friendly service add to its welcoming vibe, making it an appealing spot for a straightforward and enjoyable meal.

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Malgosia Minta

Food journalist

Fun and tasty play on Japanese food. Fun and tasty play on Japanese food. Best to come with a few people to enjoy as many small dishes as possible, such as raw hamachi with umeboshi and almonds, melo with kimchi sauce and sesame (this I will copy at home) maki with soft shell crab or a variety of kushi (beef with black pepper teriyaki and bonito flakes eryngi mushrooms and seaweed butter). PS Reif was also named the best ramen place in town - and not without a reason!

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San Wan Hand-Pulled Noodles is a small, tucked-away spot in Dubai that draws a crowd for its fresh, hand-pulled noodles. You can watch the chefs at work in an intimate setting with only a few seats. Despite the tight space, many say it’s worth the wait.

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Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

You know you’re coming back before you leave. Another small, hard-to-find space in JLT with less than 20 seats and a line out the door. San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles sells more than just that, but it’s the reason you should come. Get the traditional biang biang noodles (with gamey beef) laced with a generous splash of their homemade cumin chilli oil, the homemade spicy wontons in black vinegar and the cooling-but-spiked chilli cucumber salad. Prices are reasonable. Be prepared to wait for a table.

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The Sum of Us in Dubai is a sourdough bakery, coffee roastery, and cafe that focuses on fresh bread, pastries, and single-origin coffee. They roast organic beans on-site and use carefully chosen ingredients to make everything from scratch. It’s a relaxed spot that feels like a little piece of home in the middle of the city.

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Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

Coffee and more In my opinion they have some of the best coffee in town. Theres also a bakery for great breads and cakes. Everyone loves this place.

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21grams Urban Balkan Bistro in Dubai is a casual, home-grown spot for modern Balkan soul food. Its warm, minimalist setting and friendly service create an inviting space to enjoy something different. Whether you visit for breakfast or a leisurely meal, it’s a comfortable place to explore new flavors.

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Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

21 grams’ modern Balkan soul food nourishes offering one of Dubai’s best home-grown restaurants. Minimalist self-described Urban Balkan Bistro is a full service, casual restaurant but its breakfasts are my reason to come back again and again. It breaks away from the tiresome avocado toast to offer gusty Balkan dishes including crunchy, totemic burek wedges, spicy pindju eggs, Balkan breakfast eggs with smoked paprika sausages and cooling feta. Clove cherry juice and diesel-strength cold brews are worth ordering. The mid-century modern decor makes 21 grams a quiet retreat.

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3 Fils is a casual, community-style dining spot in Dubai’s Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, recognized as the Best Restaurant in the Middle East & North Africa in 2022. It has a relaxed vibe where guests can enjoy flavor-packed, Asian-inspired meals with scenic harbor views. Thanks to its laid-back atmosphere and welcoming setting, it remains a favorite for both locals and visitors.

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Kaylee Folster

Food & Travel Writer

Flavourful Abundance 3 Fils holds the title of Best Restaurant in Middle East & North Africa 2022 and after just one visit you’ll understand why. This casual and reasonably priced dining spot overlooks the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour and it’s, arguably, one of the most popular restaurants in Dubai (with good reason, of course). The restaurant offers unique community style dining with large shared tables. You can look forward to a menu selection of Japanese influenced dishes. Each and every dish is loaded with flavour to impress. The ‘Charcoal’ surprise is one of their signature dishes that’s not to be missed; a secret dish that will not only keep you guessing but wanting more too. Another classic 3 Fils dish is their seaweed salad which boasts sweet apple and crunchy walnuts. And of course, you can’t go wrong with the mouth-watering 3 Fils wagyu truffle burger; simply superb. Great food, great service and a great setting; you don’t want to miss out on 3 Fils when visiting Dubai.

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Al Fannah Restaurant is a hidden gem in Dubai that locals love for its South Indian–inspired flavors and casual setting. The relaxed atmosphere makes it an inviting spot for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting, down-to-earth meal.

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Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

Best spicy fried prawns ever… This is a hidden gems only locals know about. They do south Indian style foods and specialize in fish and prawns. For me, their fried prawns are the best I ever had. They are spicy and delicious. Go for a grilled or fried fish as well. It is one of my Dubai favorite meals.

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Big T BBQ Kitchen is a laid-back barbecue spot in Dubai that opens Friday to Sunday. Many people mention there can be a wait, but they also say the food is worth it. It’s a straightforward place for anyone looking for a relaxed meal without the fuss.

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Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

BBQ Pastrami, Brisket and Rib This is where we go for BBQ in Dubai. It is open Friday to Sunday and on most times there is a wait. The food is excellent. My favorite there is the rib, the pastrami, the brisket and the fries.

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BordoMavi Seafood is a brand-new Turkish restaurant in Dubai’s Jumeirah Fishing Harbour. They fly in fresh fish from Türkiye and offer a relaxed waterfront setting that makes for a calm and inviting experience. With friendly service and a focus on quality seafood, it’s a comfortable spot to enjoy a meal by the water.

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Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

It’s brand new and going straight into my recommendations. It is a Turkish seafood restaurant. There no alcohol but the setting and the food are excellent. They fly lots of fish in from Türkiye.

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Chaat Bazaar is a small, unassuming spot in Dubai that draws a loyal following for its street-food-inspired snacks. The skilled staff has spent years perfecting their craft, giving the place a warm, personal touch.

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Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

The definition of a hole-in-the-wall. You may come to Chaat Bazaar for many things, but you must come for the pani puri served individually, by hand, from people who’ve spent their Gladwellian 10,000 hours churning out perhaps the most loved Indian chaat dish.

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Daikan is a relaxed ramen spot tucked away in the back of a residential tower in Dubai. People often say it serves some of the tastiest ramen around. It’s a welcoming place to drop by for a comforting meal in a casual setting.

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Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

A low-key, casual ramen spot in the back of a residential tower. Daikan cooks some of Dubai’s best ramen in my opinion particularly the spicy chef’s special and a rich, creamy shoyu ramen. Other dishes like the miso aubergine and the chicken katsu bao with kimchi are worth ordering. I have to limit myself to eating here no more than once a week!

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Din Tai Fung - Mall of Emirates is known for its friendly service, fair pricing, and consistently good food. It offers a comfortable atmosphere that makes it easy to enjoy a meal at any time. Located in Dubai, it’s a reliable choice whenever you’re looking for a welcoming dining spot.

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Pallavi Sangtani

Foodie

They may not serve Pork XLB here - But the Din Tai Fung in Dubai still has impeccable service, great pricing and good food.

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DUO Gastrobar in Dubai offers a casual setting with both hearty and lighter meals at reasonable prices. They also serve late breakfast on the weekend, providing a relaxed option for those who prefer a slower start to the day. It’s an inviting spot for a comfortable dining experience without any fuss.

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Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

Solid casual and reasonably priced restaurant with both hearty and light dishes. Serves late breakfast on the weekend. Must orders: oxtail puff pastry pie, yellow zucchini with a Parmesan mousse, seared young cabbage with black truffle and passion fruit and Gorgonzola dessert.

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Electric Pawn Shop blends a 70s Chinatown vibe with a laid-back atmosphere, offering imaginative cocktails and a lively music scene. Recognized for its underground feel and innovative approach, it provides a welcoming spot that stands out from the usual bar scene.

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Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

A heady mix of superb turn table DJing and an original take on popular cocktails. If it was any closer to my home, I’d never get anything done.

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Em Sherif Cafe in Dubai is known for its high-end Lebanese cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, drawing on family traditions and local hospitality. Diners appreciate the relaxed setting and many regard it as one of the top Lebanese spots in the city. It’s an inviting place to enjoy Lebanese flavors at any time of day.

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Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

Excellent high end Lebanese food. It’s probably the best Lebanese restaurant in Dubai.

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Fusion Ceviche is a welcoming Peruvian spot in Dubai, known for its casual atmosphere and communal seating. Neighbors often gather here to enjoy a laid-back dining experience and relaxed conversation. Its friendly vibe makes it a comfortable place to connect with friends or family over fresh flavors.

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Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

A local delivery hero done good by opening an instantly popular neighbourhood cevicheria Fusion Ceviche is a decidedly casual, but determined Peruvian restaurant that serves more than just ceviche. It is a communal space for the residents in the area to eat rounds of grilled octopus, empanadas, seafood rice and three milk cake as they come together around communal tables and the ceviche bar. It leans on your goodwill a little, but the results are worth it.

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