These restaurants in Dubai are the hidden gems you shouldn’t miss!
What makes a restaurant a “hidden gem”? Most of the time, it is a well-liked local place that serves the community without attracting too much attention – maybe it’s off the beaten track, maybe it’s not a well-known name. Whatever the reasons, Dubai has many such places just waiting to be gloriously discovered. And you know what? We’ve done the discovering for you! So sit back, relax and enjoy our guide to the best hidden gems restaurants in Dubai.Are you ready to taste the unique flavours at these places? Let’s indulge!
Top Hidden Gems restaurants in Dubai
With a variety of cuisines ranging from Ethiopian to Thai, you’ll find plenty of hidden gems restaurants in Dubai.
Aaraamam Restaurant
Aaraamam is a one of the top Kerala restaurants in Dubai. This much-loved eatery celebrates the Indian state’s rich diversity in cuisine by serving coastal and regional specialities. The restaurant is already well-known for its originality and a vast range of dishes. Aaraamam is located in the Al Karama district, in the Belhasa Building, close to Sheikh Hamdan Colony.
The culinary richness of Kerala is represented in the food they serve at Aaraamam. Their menu includes a variety of dishes, made with the freshest ingredients and always upholding the highest hygienic standards. This is what makes Aaraamam a favourite with the many folks who love Kerala’s delicious food.
- Average cost for two: AED 60
- Location: Belhasa Building, Street 9 A, Al Karama
- Timings: 07:00 am – 12:00 am (Sunday – Saturday)
- Contact: +971-4-333-9927
Al Damyati & Iskandaron
Listed as one of the top restaurants in Karama, many claim that this is the best lamb chop restaurant in the UAE. Al Damyatu & Iskandaron is perfect if you’re looking for reasonably-priced, flavourful Middle Eastern food.
Besides the lamb chops, this hidden gem restaurant in Dubai is popular for its kebabs, shish taouk and falafel balls. Al Damyati & Iskandaron is usually packed at meal times, so we advise going a little earlier to make sure you get a table.
- Average cost for two: AED 60
- Location: Ground Floor, Al Sharifi Building, Street 18, Karama
- Timings: 06:00 am – 01:00 am (Sunday – Saturday)
- Contact: +971-4-396-0001
Al Mallah
This restaurant began as a juice stand on a Dubai street corner in 1979 and has since grown into a much-loved restaurant serving delectable dishes to its adoring customers. Al Mallah’s menu comprises authentic Lebanese cuisine – simple, tasty and packed with flavour.
This popular hub of comfort food offers a casual dine-in experience and, for those in a rush, remains loyal to its roots with a lightning-quick takeaway service.
At Al Mallah, the piping hot, charcoal-grilled Hammour fish is a menu favourite. That alone is worth a visit. Then there’s the feast of colourful salads, shish tawook with garlic sauce, falafel with tahini, cheese and zaatar manakeesh hot from the oven and freshly squeezed fruit drinks. Your mouth is watering isn’t it? Ours too!
- Average cost for two: AED 40
- Location: Al Dhiyafa Road, Al Hudaiba
- Timings: 07:00 am – 02:30 am (Sunday – Saturday)
- Contact: +971-60-052-2521
Al Ustad Special Kebab
Al Ustad is another hidden gem in the city, considered to be one of the best kebab restaurants in Dubai! It is super popular with both residents and visitors. For the meat lovers out there, Al Ustad Special Kebab is a must-visit For a rush of great flavour, pick the Kabab Khas or the Joujeh Kabab from their menu. The portions are big and the prices are reasonable – which represents a great combo we’re sure you’ll agree?
- Average cost for two: AED 70
- Location: Al Mosalla Road, Bur Dubai
- Timings: 11:00 am – 01:00 am (Sunday- Thursday)| 05:30pm – 01:00 am (Friday)
- Contact: +971-4-397-1933
Bonna Annee
While the cuisine of Ethiopia gradually gains popularity, Bonna Annee makes it to our list of hidden gems restaurants in Dubai!
When you visit Bonna Annee, get ready to dig in. Cutlery is usually not used when eating Ethiopian food, because injera, a huge grey spongey pancake-like bread is a staple for most meals. The food here ranges from colourful piles of hot stews to vegetable curries and chunks of meat.
The Bonna Annee Special is a popular choice among diners. In this dish, mince, beef, lamb, cabbage, lentils and chickpeas are mixed together with spinach and served over injera bread. Stop by at Bonne Anne to have a distinct experience with Ethiopian cuisine!
- Average cost of two: AED 70
- Location: Dar Al Maha Building, 16th Street, Hor Al Anz
- Timings: 10:00 am – 12:00 am (Sunday – Saturday)
- Contact: +971-50-726-9225
Bu Qtair
In the 1980s, Bu Qtair opened its very first shack. Locals and South Asian expats frequented the Jumeirah restaurant at the time. But now, the modest beach hut has been turned into a lively spot and has become one of the best seafood restaurants in Dubai.
Bu Qtair doesn’t have a menu like your average restaurant. Here, you can choose from a variety of fish such as sheri, pomfret or hammour, which are then put on a scale and cooked to perfection. Pair your choice of seafood with a side of freshly cooked Kerala paratha, rice and coconut fish gravy for a filling dinner.
Located in Umm Suqeim, next to the magnificent Burj Al Arab, this restaurant still has its rustic appearance and charm. Its simplicity and delicious food make it a must-try hidden gem restaurant in Dubai.
Bu Qtair has come a long way from a humble tiny nook in Jumeirah to a well-lit and air-conditioned indoor restaurant. Dubai’s foodies flock here for its unrivalled flavours, simple menu and decades-long culinary history.
- Average cost for two: AED 120
- Location: Near Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah 5 , Umm Suqeium 2
- Timings: 11:30 am – 11:30 pm (Sunday – Saturday)
- Contact: +971-55-705-2130
Café Villa 515
Villa 515 started in the heart of Jumeirah in 2013, selling high-end fragrances. Just a few months ago, they opened a beautiful café adjacent to their boutique that serves breakfast and all-day dining. The location is ideal for a relaxing breakfast or a cup of coffee while surrounded by lush foliage. The interiors of the cafe spill out onto the grass on the outside, giving the restaurant a unique and scenic ambience.
- Average cost for two: AED 200
- Location: Villa 515, Jumeirah 3, Jumeirah Beach Road
- Timings: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Sunday – Saturday)
- Contact: +971-52-515-2515
Maisan15
Maisan15 is a hidden gem in Barsha South that you should have on your list of places to visit soon. The spot, considered to be one of the best café’s in Dubai, was founded by British artist Jonathan Gent, whose work is displayed on the walls.
A grove of trees stands over the slanted ground-floor terrace, defining the alfresco area. Along with the cosy setting of the café, the cafe serves wonderful breakfast items and fulfilling, delectable dishes for lunch and dinner, which are also worth stopping by for.
- Average cost for two: AED 170
- Location: Al Barsha South, Dubai
- Timings: 09:00 am – 11:00 pm (Sunday – Saturday)
- Contact: +971-4-244-7291
Mami’s Illam Pure Veg Restaurant
One of the best Indian restaurants in Dubai, Mami’s Illam is a modest endeavour to bring the traditional flavour in South Indian dishes ti Dubai. The cuisine is entirely vegetarian, prepared fresh with the finest ingredients, which makes Mami’s Illam one of the best veg hidden gems restaurants in Dubai.
Mami’s Illam Pure Veg Restaurant is a welcoming, modern and easily accessible restaurant for families. It serves a wide range of South Indian cuisine with health as a top focus.
- Average cost for two: AED 65
- Location: 1A Street, Jebel Ali Village, Discovery Gardens
- Timings: 07:00 am – 11:30 pm (Sunday – Wednesday)| 07:00 am – 12:00 am (Thursday – Saturday )
- Contact: +971-4-452-2110
SEVA Table
SEVA Table is one of the several vegan restaurants in Dubai, that offers a gluten-free, soy-free, refined sugar-free plant-based menu. Veggie burgers, chickpea omelettes, vegetable rolls, chocolate smoothies, acai bowls and cakes are just highlights of their impressive menu.
The restaurant even makes almond milk and fresh juice every day. A wellness facility is also part of the premises, with daily meditation courses, coaching and workshops. Gifts, crystals and apparel are sold in a shop nearby. On Saturdays, you can even catch live music here. The unique experience this place offers makes it one of the best hidden gems restaurants in Dubai.
- Average cost for two: AED 195
- Location: Street 27B – Jumeirah, Jumeirah 1
- Timings: 10:00 am – 08:00 pm (Sunday – Monday, Wednesday – Saturday)| Closed on Tuesdays
- Contact: +971-56-534-2899
Sticky Rice
Sticky Rice is one of the most popular restaurants in JVC, thanks to its pleasant personality and “home away from home” atmosphere. This cosy, family-run Thai restaurant promises food cooked with love and lots of flavours. The top picks of the menu are mango sticky rice, classic tom yum soup and sticky chicken wings.
The dedicated vegan menu includes spring rolls, soup, noodles and rice dishes, as well as plenty of vegetarian alternatives.
Sticky Rice takes pride in serving original Thai cuisine in Dubai, so you might want to give this hidden gem restaurant a try.
- Average cost for two: AED 175
- Location: Ground Floor, Wing A, Sobha Daffodil, Jumeirah Village
- Timings: 10:00 am – 12:00 am (Sunday – Saturday)
- Contact: +971-4-580-8350
Swadist
One of the most affordable vegetarian restaurants in the city and especially in the neighbourhood of Karama. A simple but welcoming establishment, Swadist serves a wide range of Indian cuisine. Pav bhaji and masala dosa are amongst the most popular dishes.
Swadist, a popular lunch and dinner joint located close to the ADCB metro station in Karama, has long been a popular joint for people who work in the area. Known for its affordability and delicious food, people of all ages enjoy its menu. It is well known for its range of Mumbai snacks and caters to anywhere between 100 and 200 guests on a daily basis.
- Average cost for two: AED 35
- Location: Shop 1, Al Amri Building, Al Karama
- Timings: 06:30 am – 11:00 pm (Sunday – Saturday)
- Contact: +971-4-334-2920
Zagol
This teeny-tiny hidden gems restaurant isn’t to be overlooked. Zagol serves some of the best Ethiopian food in Dubai. When you visit the restaurant, it feels like you’re going into someone’s living room. With tiny stools and native artefacts decorating the walls, this family-run restaurant sets the mood for a proper authentic lunch.
When ordering food, follow the staff’s suggestion or order the Zagol Special, which includes a little bit of everything and is served with injera. The Zilzil Special is also recommended.
- Average cost for two: AED 100
- Location: Ground Floor, Mabrooka 1 Building, Street 4 B, Al Karama
- Timings: 10:30 am – 11:30 pm (Sunday – Saturday)
- Contact: +971-4-357-7740
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best places in Dubai to have vegan desserts?
Wild & The Moon and Fuchsia are some of the best places to have vegan desserts in Dubai.
What are some authentic Japanese restaurants in Dubai?
Fujiya and Atisuto are amongst the top affordable Japanese restaurants in Dubai.
That concludes our guide t0 the best hidden gems restaurants in Dubai. But what of great places to visit that are also off radar? Well, we have a comprehensive guide to the best hidden gems in Dubai too!
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