Dubai is filled with fantastic restaurants, and choosing where to dine can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve started this series to showcase the best places to eat, focusing on different types of cuisine. Since we’re in the Middle East, it makes sense to begin with this list of the top 10 Arabic restaurants in Dubai.
We’ve selected a diverse range of restaurants to ensure there’s something for everyone. Each place has been personally tested and approved by our team of food enthusiasts, so you can expect a great dining experience. Trust us, you’ll find at least a couple of spots that you’ll love.
- Orfali Bros.
- Mama’esh
- AL Safadi
- Bayt al Wakeel
- Al Fanar
- Sah El Nom
- Bait Maryam
- Bab Al Mansour
- Logma
- Maraheb
1. Orfali Bros.
We had to start our top 10 with this restaurant, it’s quickly becoming a Dubai institution. Mohamed, Wassim, and Omar Orfali, three brothers from Aleppo in Syria, founded this spot. They call their cuisine “bistronomy,” a mix of bistro-style dining and high-end gastronomy. The atmosphere is relaxed, but the food is anything but ordinary.
Their menu draws influences from various cuisines. A must-try is the corn bomb, featuring corn served in three ways: corn tortilla, creamy custard, and corn kernels with Parmigiano Reggiano. It’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures that you won’t forget.
The restaurant has earned Michelin awards in 2023 and is listed among the world’s top 50 restaurants. The Orfali brothers ensure everything exceeds expectations, with Mohamed often in the restaurant, sharing stories behind each dish and creating a warm ambiance.
The Orfali brothers, who have expertise in French pastry, craft delicious desserts with a unique twist. If you enjoy pistachios, you must try the pistachio bomb—it’s simply amazing.
@OrfaliBros_Bistro
Wasl 51 – Jumeirah
2. Mama’esh
Authentic Palestinian street food at its best. We’ve loved this place for the past seven years. Mamesh has amazing Palestinian vibes, and it’s always a good idea to visit. The food is high quality with great flavors, and it’s run by a Palestinian owner.
The atmosphere is genuinely authentic, and the food selection and prices are reasonable. The taste is consistently fresh and delicious. Our all-time favorite? The Palestinian musakhan chicken rolls. They’re absolutely delicious, with consistently excellent quality.
The restaurant is very clean, offers free filtered water, and serves top-notch Arabic food. Their hummus is perfect, the soup is fantastic, and they bake fresh bread daily. It’s hard to go wrong here.
@Mamaeshme
Multiple branches: Al Manara, Business Bay, DIP…
3. Al Safadi
If you’re craving authentic Lebanese flavors, Al Safadi is the place to go. They’ve been consistently good over the years, offering classic Lebanese mezze dishes like hummus, moutabal, fattoush, and falafel, along with a variety of hot dishes such as grilled meats.
Service is fast, even when it’s crowded, you’ll get your food quickly. Al Safadi is well-known and remains a reliable spot to enjoy a wide selection of Arabic dishes.
@AlSafadiRestaurants
Many branches: DIFC, Umm Al Sheif, Rigga…
4. Bayt Al Wakeel
Bayt Al Wakeel is located by the waterfront, next to the boat stop at the Old Souk, offering a great place to eat while you explore Old Dubai. This restaurant offers a fusion of seafood, Arabic dishes, and all-day snacks, and has been serving traditional food since 1935!
The food is fresh and delicious, with large portions at reasonable prices. We recommend the shish tawouk, which is well-marinated and cooked just right. The staff is friendly and helpful.
The best part is the setting, which is perfect with fantastic views of the Creek. You can enjoy your meal while watching the old boats on the water and seagulls flying by—it’s very relaxing.
@BaytAlWakeel
Inside Textile Souk – Deira Old Souk – Bur Dubai
5. Al Fanar
This restaurant serves authentic Emirati cuisine with a cozy, traditional vibe. The food is excellent and always fresh.
If you’re in for breakfast, try the Emirati breakfast tray, it’s a real treat. It includes chebab (Emirati pancakes), balalit (thin noodles with cardamom, saffron, and omelette). Don’t forget to pair it with some Karak tea!
Their majboos—spiced rice cooked with fish, chicken, or meat—is also highly recommended. And who could leave without trying something sweet? You must try their famous luqaimat, it’s a must-have!
@AlFanarRestaurant
Multiple branches: Al Barsha 2, Festival City, Al Seef
6. Sah El Nom
Located by the canal in Business Bay, this hotspot offers authentic Syrian cuisine in a spacious setting. A lot of people come here at night for the shisha, but they also have a non-smoking indoor room.
Everything is freshly prepared and served quickly. The place is often crowded, especially outside when the weather is nice.
A highly recommended traditional Syrian dish is fattet makdous, which features eggplants stuffed with minced meat, fried bread, and a hot tomato sauce with yogurt.
@SahElNomRestaurant
Business Bay
7. Bait Maryam
Bait Maryam is a Levantine restaurant serving homemade and delicious food. Salam Dakkak, the chef and owner, has been nominated as the Middle East & North Africa’s (MENA) Best Female Chef of 2023 by World’s 50 Best.
If you’re looking for authentic Arabic cuisine in Dubai, Bait Maryam is a must-visit. One of their signature dishes is Fatet Musakhan, made with chicken mixed with sumac and topped with garlic yogurt and toasted pine nuts.
Got some room for dessert? Then try their knafeh rolls with ashta, a cream made from milk, orange blossom, and rose water.
@Bait.Maryam
Cluster D – Jumeirah Lake Towers
8. Bab Al Mansour
If you’re in the mood for Moroccan cuisine, this is the place you need to go. From traditional tajines to couscous, you’ll enjoy the variety and taste. Menus were initially launched by the talented and famous Moroccan chef Choumicha, a trusted figure in Morocco for all generations thanks to her many years hosting popular cooking shows.
What sets this restaurant apart is its prime Downtown location and stunning Moroccan decor. Inside, the decor features detailed zelij mosaics in blues and greens, marble fountains, and large doors crafted by skilled Moroccan artisans, adding to the restaurant’s charm.
Just having a Moroccan mint tea in this decor is a treat. The prices are a bit high for these reasons, but it’s worth it. We recommend the breakfast menu for two, which includes Moroccan pancakes like msemen and baghrir, some eggs, soup, bread, and drinks—enough to leave you satisfied and ready to explore downtown.
@BabAlMansour
Downtown
9. Logma
Located in a perfect spot to watch the water fountain show, Logma offers delicious Emirati cuisine. The restaurant has a modern and chic ambiance, with a cozy atmosphere.
The food is so tasty that you won’t be able to get enough of it. The lamb biryani is outstanding, and their paratha sandwiches are highly recommended. Be sure to try the LOGMA fries, they’re a must-have. If you’re in the mood for a refreshing drink, the iced Karak is a great choice.
@Logma
Dubai Mall
10. Maraheb
Our top 10 list wouldn’t be complete without a mandi spot! Mandi is a traditional rice dish in the Middle East, and Maraheb specializes in Yemeni cuisine, offering a variety of lamb and chicken dishes.
It’s a cozy place with a relaxed vibe, and the Yemeni food is excellent.
The restaurant offers seating either at tables or in private spaces where you can sit on the floor in the traditional style.
The meat, which has been slow-cooked for hours, is tender and melts in your mouth, while the generous portion of rice that accompanies it is packed with flavor.
Maraheb, like other mandi places, provides great value for your money. The must-try dish is the madfoon meat, which is among the best you’ll find.
Overall, this is one of the top mandi spots in town. There are plenty of options to choose from, but this is an experience you should try at least once with your friends.
@MarahebUAE
Multiple branches : Al Safa, Umm Suqeim
We hope you found our list of the Top 10 Best Arabic Restaurants in Dubai helpful. If you’re interested in discovering more food spots, check out our Top 10 Best Coffee Shops or our Top 10 Best Croissants in Dubai. Many more to come!
