Top 35 Dubai’s Best & Affordable Dining Secrets!

Top 35 Dubai’s Best & Affordable Dining Secrets!

Mayara Zanchett
Dubai’s Hidden Culinary Gems: Your Insider’s Guide to Affordable Eats
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Forget the expensive, tourist-heavy spots! Whether you're visiting Dubai for the first time or have been living here for years, this guide is your ultimate key to uncovering the city’s most affordable, authentic, and unforgettable dining experiences. Curated by a local insider with over 5 years of experience, this guide takes you beyond the glitz and glamour to where locals really eat—and all without breaking the bank.

Why This Guide Is a Must-Have:

* Handpicked Hidden Gems: You’ll explore restaurants that even most tourists (and some residents) haven’t heard of, offering a unique and true taste of Dubai.

*Authentic Cuisine: From Middle Eastern feasts to South Asian street food, enjoy flavors from all over the world, right in the heart of Dubai.

*Eat Like a Local, Save Like a Pro: Get insider tips on the best spots to indulge in Dubai's diverse culinary scene at prices that won’t shock your wallet.

What You’ll Find Inside:

Whether you’re a food lover, a budget traveler, or simply someone who appreciates good food at a good price, this guide is a must-have for your Dubai experience. Say goodbye to overpriced tourist traps and hello to affordable local treasures that will leave you full and satisfied!

Full list below:

3 Fils: A Japanese gem serving innovative dishes with a Middle Eastern twist. Must-try: Their signature sushi and black cod.

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Mama’esh: Authentic Middle Eastern comfort food. Go for the freshly baked manakeesh!

Mamaesh Al Manara ممائيش المنارة
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Barbaros Restaurant: A Tunisian spot that brings the flavors of North Africa to Dubai. Try the lamb couscous!

Barbaros Restaurant
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Bosnian House Jumeirah: Eastern European comfort food at its finest. Try the Bosnian-style kebabs and pies.

Bosnian House Jumeirah
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La Fabbrica Italiana - Focacceria: Craving Italy? This cozy spot serves the best focaccia and tiramisu in the city.

La Fabbrica Italiana - Focacceria
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Bu Qtair Restaurant: A no-frills seafood shack offering freshly caught fish with a spicy marinade. A local favorite!

Bu Qtair Restaurant
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Kabab Erbil: This Iraqi eatery is known for its huge portions and authentic kebabs.

Kabab Erbil Iraqi Restaurant Jumeirah
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Pulcinella Restaurant: If you’re a pizza lover, this spot delivers authentic Neapolitan pizza, just like in Italy.

Pulcinella Restaurant
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Mama’esh: Another branch of this Middle Eastern favorite, perfect for a quick yet delicious bite.

Mama'esh Business Bay ممائيش الخليج التجاري
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Alo Beirut: A casual Lebanese joint that has quickly become a citywide favorite for shawarma and grills.

Allo Beirut - Hessa Street
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Calicut Paragon: A South Indian restaurant serving rich, flavorful dishes. Don’t miss their signature biryanis and curries.

Calicut Paragon Restaurant LLC
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Sallet Al Sayad: Seafood lovers, this is your place! A hidden gem offering fresh and affordable seafood.

Sallet Al Sayad Seafood Restaurant مطعم سلة الصياد للمأكولات البحرية
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High Joint: A small, unassuming burger joint that’s packed with flavor. Their gourmet burgers are a must-try.

High Joint - Emirates Towers
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Al Ustad Special Kabab: A legendary kebab house that’s been serving up some of the tastiest kebabs since 1978. It’s an icon!

Al Ustad Special Kebab
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Betawi Café: An Indonesian family-run restaurant offering authentic dishes like Nasi Goreng and Satay.

Betawi Restaurant - JLT
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Friends Avenue: Perfect for breakfast or brunch, serving a range of healthy and hearty options.

Friends Avenue Cafe Al Thanyah
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Bait Maryam: A homey Lebanese restaurant known for its heartwarming traditional dishes.

Bait Maryam - Dubai
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Homey Chinese Restaurant: For a taste of authentic Chinese food, this hidden spot serves all the classics.

Homey Chinese Restaurant
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The Little Bali: A cozy spot offering Indonesian specialties. The Soto Ayam soup is a winner.

The Little Bali
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Maiz Tacos: Delicious Mexican tacos in a fun, casual setting.

Maiz Tacos Dubai Hills
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Streetery: A street-food style spot specializing in Thai and Asian dishes, including Pad Thai and Laksa.

Streetery JLT
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Wokyo Noodle Bar: Asian fusion noodle dishes with the option to customize your meal.

Wokyo Noodle Bar - Al Safa
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Reif Japanese Kushiyaki: Known for its innovative Japanese-style skewers, this spot is a must for lovers of Japanese cuisine.

Reif Japanese Kushiyaki - Dubai Hills
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Sticky Rice: A small, family-owned Thai restaurant famous for its authentic flavors and warm atmosphere. Try the mango sticky rice!

Sticky Rice
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Maisan15: A cool, laid-back spot with a menu that fuses global flavors, perfect for a relaxed meal with friends.

Maisan15 Cafe
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Masmat Baha: An Egyptian restaurant offering traditional dishes like koshari and molokhia.

Masmat Baha Restaurant Abu hail - مطعم مسمط بحه ابوهيل
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Mogiya: A Japanese restaurant specializing in hearty ramen and authentic sushi.

Mogiya Authentic Japanese Restaurant
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Brunch & Cake: Instagram-worthy dishes that taste as good as they look. A perfect spot for breakfast or brunch.

Brunch & Cake Wasl 51
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Bombay Bungalow: A beautifully decorated Indian restaurant offering modern twists on classic Indian dishes.

Bombay Bungalow
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RAW Coffee Company: Renowned for its specialty coffee, but their food menu, especially for lunch, is not to be missed.

RAW Coffee Company
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Boston Lane: A cute café offering great breakfast bites and small plates, perfect for a light meal or coffee break.

Boston Lane
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Dampa: A Filipino seafood restaurant where you eat with your hands—perfect for an interactive and fun dining experience.

Dampa Seafood Grill - Dubai
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* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mayara Zanchett
Hi, I’m Mayara! A passionate traveler who’s explored over 55 countries and lived in vibrant places like Germany, Ireland, and Dubai. I left my small hometown in Brazil to discover the world, embracing solo adventures and diverse cultures along the way. From backpacking to luxury stays, I’ve experienced it all, and now I’m here to inspire and guide others to explore the world with confidence and freedom. Let’s embark on your next journey together!
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