Flavours Beyond the Tourist Trail – Dubai’s Best Arabic Restaurants for Authentic Dining
A guide to Dubai’s hidden gems where guests can bite into a mezze of tradition, flavour, and unique atmosphere.
Dubai may be known for sky-high glam dining and Michelin-starred names, but the true flavour of the city is often hiding out in quaint authentic Arabic eateries. Away from the well-worn tourist trail lies a world of Arabic dining spots where recipes are rooted in heritage. From Bedouin-style banquets in the desert to hidden heritage kitchens in the city, this Insider guide takes you on a journey through Dubai’s best off-the-beaten-path Arabic restaurants.
Read on for the tastiest morsels…
Desert Escapes
Al Hadheerah
If there’s one restaurant that defines “dinner with a show,” it’s Al Hadheerah at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort. Located an hour’s drive from Downtown, this desert spectacle is more than a meal—it’s a cultural immersion. Guests dine beneath the stars on long communal tables, feasting on Emirati and Arabic classics: slow-cooked lamb ouzi, smoky kebabs, and mountains of mezze. Fire dancers, falconry displays, and live oud music create an atmosphere that feels lifted straight from Arabian Nights. Camels and horses even parade through the sands as part of the performance. It’s unapologetically grand, yet still rooted in authentic flavours.
Contact: +971 4 809 6100, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, Al Qudra Road, open daily, 7pm–11pm.
Rooftop Oasis Dining
Ninive
Perched within the Emirates Towers Garden, Ninive combines the romance of an Arabian majlis with the vibe of a chic rooftop lounge. The menu is a tapestry of flavours from Morocco to Iran, with mezze spreads, lamb tagines, and fragrant grills taking centre stage. Low tables, lanterns, and a sweeping view of the city skyline set the scene for a modern yet atmospheric night out. Despite its central location, Ninive feels like an intimate secret escape for those who prefer conversation over flashy theatrics.
Contact: +971 4 326 6105, Emirates Towers, DIFC, open daily, 6pm–2am.
Ruya
Ruya translates to “dream,” and this Anatolian-inspired restaurant lives up to its name. With branches in London and Mykonos, its Dubai location in Marina Walk is known for innovative takes on Turkish cuisine. Think pide topped with truffle, melt-in-your-mouth lamb chops, and vibrant mezes bursting with colour. The interiors are slick and contemporary, but the dishes pay tribute to age-old cooking traditions. Add the marina views, and Ruya feels like a brief dalliance with an Ottoman feast.
Contact: +971 4 399 9123, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, open daily, 6pm–1am.
Heritage Lebanese Classics
Karam Beirut
One of Dubai’s longest-standing Lebanese restaurants, Karam Beirut is a family-run name that’s become a benchmark for authentic Levantine flavours. Tucked into Dubai Mall yet far from touristy clichés, it serves soul-satisfying mezze, expect smoky moutabbal, stuffed vine leaves, and crispy fried kibbeh. The grilled meats are legendary, especially when paired with fluffy fresh bread straight from the oven. The setting is elegant but unpretentious, attracting both loyal expats and Arab families looking for a taste of home.
Contact: +971 4 339 9789, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, open from 11am–11pm.
Babel
At Babel, Lebanese cuisine gets an upscale, modern twist without losing its authenticity. Located at La Mer and now in Dubai Mall, Babel specialises in seafood-driven dishes inspired by Lebanon’s coastal dining traditions. Expect platters of chargrilled octopus, delicate samke harra (spicy fish), and mezze classics reimagined with flair. The interiors are sleek and contemporary, but the food is firmly rooted in Levantine hospitality. It’s a cute spot to dine by the Arabian sea.
Contact: +971 4 419 0220, La Mer, Jumeirah, open daily 12pm–12am.
Authentic Emirati Flavours
Al Makan
For a taste of the UAE’s homegrown cuisine, Al Makan delivers comfort food with Emirati soul. Dishes like balaleet (sweet vermicelli with egg), harees (wheat and meat porridge), and regag bread topped with cheese or chips are nostalgic staples you won’t find in glitzy fine-dining spots. The café-style atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with heritage décor that nods to traditional Emirati homes. It’s an ideal choice for visitors wanting to experience Dubai beyond its international dining scene.
Contact: +971 4 388 1155, City Walk, Al Safa, open daily 10am–11pm.
Persian & Fusion Twists
Anar
Nestled in the waterways of Madinat Jumeirah, Anar offers a Persian-inspired dining experience where saffron, pomegranate, and rosewater infuse every dish. Signature plates include tahchin (saffron rice cake), succulent kebabs, and slow-cooked stews like fesenjan, rich with walnuts and pomegranate. The setting is as atmospheric as the food, with views of the Madinat’s canals and the Burj Al Arab glowing in the distance. For couples or groups looking for something a little more romantic, Anar strikes the balance between refined and soulful.
Contact: +971 4 368 6506, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, open daily 12pm–11pm.
Hidden & Homely Favourites
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
Located in the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood, Al Khayma is part dining spot, part cultural experience. Guests dine in a restored Emirati home where lanterns hang from wooden beams and meals are served in a courtyard. The menu celebrates heritage recipes with machboos, harees, and luqaimat, all cooked with love and presented with a side of storytelling. It’s the kind of place where you leave with both a bursting stomach and a deeper understanding of Dubai’s past.
Contact: +971 55 180 2080, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, opening hours 12pm–11pm.
Siraj
Tucked into Souk Al Bahar with views of the Burj Khalifa fountains, Siraj is an elegant yet under-the-radar gem. The restaurant combines Emirati and Levantine influences, resulting in signature dishes like camel sliders, saffron risotto with prawns, and modern takes on mezze staples. Gold-accented interiors and calligraphy-covered walls set a dramatic stage, making it one of the more refined Arabic dining spots without the fanfare of big-name chains.
Contact: +971 4 513 6207, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, open daily 12pm–12am.
Aseelah
Hidden in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Deira Creek, Aseelah is a true insider’s choice. The menu strikes a balance between classic and contemporary. Dishes like camel biryani, seafood salona, and saffron-infused desserts stand out, while the setting feels both intimate and elegant. For those willing to venture out of the city’s glitzy dining hubs, Aseelah rewards with both authenticity and creativity.
Contact: +971 4 222 7171, Radisson Blu Hotel, Deira Creek, opening hours 12pm–11pm.
Step away from the obvious and you’ll find desert feasts, rooftop majlis, hidden kitchens, and homely dining rooms, each celebrating the region’s flavours in their own unique way. These restaurants remind us that in Dubai the most memorable dining often happens off the tourist track.
