Grab tasty eats at these popular restaurants in Bur Dubai
Bur Dubai is a bustling district full of busy souks, shops and cafes, which means residents have no shortage of things to do. If you are a foodie, you will certainly enjoy exploring the many hidden gems, high-end restaurants and other scintillating dining options in the area. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best restaurants in Bur Dubai.
Indian restaurants in Bur Dubai
In the mood for something spicy? You will be spoilt for choice at these restaurants serving Indian cuisine in Bur Dubai.
Rajdhani Street
Rajdhani Street is a well-known eatery, especially amongst expats from South Asia. The concept here is executed well — Indian street food served in a quirky setting, part of the reason why it is also among the best street food places in Dubai. The place is pretty Instagrammable, too, with colourful geometric patterns on the walls and a brick wall adorned with food-themed pop art on one side. We also recommend their Malabari paratha, a South Indian flatbread. All in all, it’s one of the best Indian restaurants in Bur Dubai.
- Average price for two: AED 120
- Location: Opposite Ministry of Interior, Ground floor, Al Khafajy Building
- Contact: +971-56-436-3988
- Opening hours: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Mumbai Express
Those searching for the best restaurants in Dubai offering Indian cuisine may consider Mumbai Express. The Chef’s Special Tawa Pulao and Amcha Vada Pav Platter are recommended dishes here. Fans of South Indian cuisine will be happy to know about the availability of options like Idli and Masala Dosa.
- Average price for two: AED 70
- Location: Sheikh Hamdan Colony Street, Al Karama
- Contact: +971-4-370-8081
- Opening hours: 08:00 am to 02:00 am
Calicut Paragon
This place is prized for its impressive assortment of seafood like several varieties of fish and shellfish made to order. There are chicken-based items for those who don’t prefer the freshest catch from the sea. Examples include Dragon Chicken and BBQ Buffalo Wings. All in all, it is one of the best Kerala restaurants in Dubai.
- Average price for two: AED 120
- Location: Matter Al Tayer building, Al Karama
- Contact: +971-4-335-8700
- Opening hours: 07:00 am to 12:30 am
Shahi Mughal
Fans of Pakistani and Indian cuisine will love this restaurant in Bur Dubai. On the menu are popular breakfast staples from the countries like Aloo Paratha, Egg Burji and Nihari. As the name suggests, expect some Mughlai options as well. These include Mutton Shahi Qorma and Chicken Shahjehani. Additionally, their seafood and BBQ items are worth a taste too.
- Average price for two: AED 100
- Location: Multiple, including Asler Jubilee Medical Complex Khalid bin Waleed Road and Al Karama
- Contact: +971-52-594-3294 (Khalid bin Waleed branch)
- Opening hours: Vary
Aside from the mentioned places, other popular Indian restaurants in Bur Dubai are The Curry Lane, Dostea, Peshwa Restaurant and Keerthi Restaurant.
Asian restaurants in Bur Dubai
Craving some Chinese, Thai or Japanese fare? Consider these restaurants in Bur Dubai.
Little Bangkok
Looking for some Thai or Chinese food after a long day at work? A trip to Little Bangkok is just what you need. For the best dining experience, order one of their platters. The LBBK Mixed Thai includes prawn shrimp rolls, fried prawn wonton, Nam Nuang and Gai Satay. For those extra hot summer days, chill out with a cold glass of Tom Yum Cooler —iced lemongrass juice with lemon and a hint of lime —or Cha Nom Yen, a street-style Thai iced tea with milk. In time, you will know why the place is considered among the best Thai restaurants in Dubai.
- Average price for two: AED 175
- Location: 10th Street, Oud Metha, Near American Hospital
- Contact: +971-800-2264565
- Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 11:30 pm
TOMO
What else can you ask for with stunning views, superb sushi, and authentic Japanese cuisine? Let’s just say that TOMO ticks all the boxes when it comes to food from the land of the rising sun. From steamed egg custard with shrimp and succulent octopus to thinly sliced cuttlefish and chicken dishes, the list goes on. What makes TOMO the best Japanese restaurant in Bur Dubai? Everything from the starters to the mains is made from ingredients imported right from Japan. For an authentic Japanese dining experience, we recommend sitting on Japanese tables — low tables which require you to sit on the floor.
Tomo is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Dubai as well. Enjoy the view while you dine!
- Average price for two: AED 370
- Location: Raffles Hotel, Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-357-7888
- Opening hours: 12:30 pm to 03:30 pm (Lunch) |06:30 pm till 12:00 am (Dinner)
Miss Wang
At the Majestic Retreat Hotel, Miss Wang operates as a pan-Asian bar and restaurant. Aside from an extensive drinks menu, the food here is pretty popular too. Try their Khao Soi as a starter, a Thai chicken soup with noodles. Follow this by selecting any of their delectable mains like Ramen Noodles flavoured in red curry and coconut milk. Wrap up your experience with a sweet Vietnamese banana cake or a selection of Asian-inspired sorbets. Miss Wang has the best karaoke in Dubai as well. So, put your vocals to the test as you wait for your order.
- Average price for two: AED 150
- Location: Majestic Retreat Hotel, Mankhool Road
- Contact: +971-4-359-8888
- Opening hours: 04:00 pm to 03:00 am | 01:00 pm to 03:00 am (Friday to Sunday)
Other Asian eateries in the area include Mission Katsu Curry, Chowking and more.
Arabic restaurants in Bur Dubai
Try everything from Lebanese food to Emirati cuisine. The best Bur Dubai restaurants serve Arabic and other Middle Eastern options.
Al Fanar Seafood Market
Paying homage to the Dubai of the 1960s, Al Fanar Seafood Market specialises in authentic Emirati cuisine. The dining experience here is pretty simple — pick your fish, how you like it cooked, select your rice and enjoy. The Robyan Mashwi (grilled shrimp) and the Saloona Samak (fish stew) are homely tasty and comforting.
The restaurant is popular during winters and a short walk away for those renting flats in Umm Hurair. Al Fanar Seafood Market is popular with the locals and is known as one of the best Emirati restaurants in Dubai.
- Average price for two: AED 225
- Location: Al Seef Street, Umm Hurair
- Contact: +971-4-396-6669
- Opening hours: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Arabian Tea House
In the historic Al Fahidi district near Bur Dubai’s busiest shopping district lies the Arabian Tea House — an eatery featuring a large courtyard popular with art lovers, residents and expats alike. This place truly takes you back to simpler times in the UAE before Dubai became the tourist hotspot and cultural melting pot it is today. Specialising in authentic Arabic cuisine, food options include everything from starters like Sambosas and Fattoush salads to Emirati breakfast spreads and traditional seasonal mains like Nashef Leham. This is also one of the most popular breakfast spots in Dubai.
- Average price for two: AED 225
- Location: Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-353-5071
- Opening hours: 08:00 am to 02:00 am
Al Ustaad Special Kebab
A fine Iranian feast awaits at Al Ustaad Kebab. The much-beloved Bur Dubai diner has been around for more than 40 years. How it managed to stick around for so long isn’t surprising. Key to its popularity and longevity are its signature chargrilled meats. The dining experience hints at the history of the place, too, with walls decked with photographs of past diners as well as the restaurant’s late proprietor. Start your culinary adventure with a thick, hearty bowl of lentil soup. You can also find some of the best kebabs in Dubai here as well.
- Average price for two: AED 75
- Location: Al Mankhool Road, near Al Fahidi Metro Station
- Contact: +971-4-397-1933
- Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 04:00 pm, 06:30 pm to 01:00 am |06:30 pm to 01:00 am (Fridays) |12:00 pm to 04:00 am, 06:30 pm to 01:00 am (Saturday and Sunday)
ILA Restaurant & Café
ILA is a prime spot to visit as a pit stop during Creekside day. This restaurant in Al Seef is an ideal retreat for lazy weekend mornings owing to its amazing breakfast menu. Try their flavoursome shakshuka and falafel. Why? If you aren’t a fan of Arabic food, you will be after trying this combo. Also, although the ILA Restaurant & Café has a variety of dishes to choose from, we recommend trying packages that are patron favourites. These include the Zooj Traditional Fetour for two with an option of a plain omelette or Shuk Shaka.
So drop by Ila Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Al Seef, if you are ever in the area.
- Average price for two: AED 200
- Location: Al Seef St – Umm Hurair, Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-358-5822
- Opening hours: 10:00 am to 12:00 am | 10:00 am to 01:30 am (weekends)
Other eateries in this category in Bur Dubai include Zaroob, Zaatar w Zeit, Wrapped and Karma Shawarma.
Other restaurants in Bur Dubai
Here are other recommendable restaurants in the area.
Doors Freestyle Grill
For the best non-veg restaurants in Bur Dubai, start with the Doors Freestyle Grill. Located at a great waterfront destination in Al Seef, Doors Freestyle Grill brings an extra flair to the steakhouse culture in Bur Dubai with unique meat options. From lamb chops to beef salted tenderloin and a ribeye steak cooked to perfection — a day at this steakhouse will satisfy the pickiest meat lovers. After all, it is among the best steakhouses in Dubai. To enhance your dining experience, order one of their chef’s special starters.
- Average price for two: AED 625
- Location: Al Seef Street, Umm Hurair, Dubai
- Contact: +971-50-700-0375
- Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
Grub Shack
A great place to rustle up some grub, the Grub Shack is a family-owned business that has grown from a humble shack in Sharjah to one of the best places for East Asian dishes in Dubai. It is also among the best Goan restaurants in Dubai.
The venue itself is a sight to behold too. With reels of bare bulb lights, shuttered windows and loose wires, Grub Shack makes you feel like you are dining in a fairground. Suffice it to say, if you love eateries with a bit of character, you will feel at home here.
For a taste of their best sellers, start your meal with the Firecracker Shrimp. Topped with crispy fried noodles and spring onions, this dish will give you a zesty start to your day.
- Average price for two: AED 200
- Location: Building # 41, Near Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai Healthcare City
- Contact: +971-4-427-1103
- Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm (Sunday) |12:00 pm to 11:30 am (Monday to Thursday) | 12:00 pm to 12:30 am (Friday and Saturday)
Other restaurants in Bur Dubai are Cocko House Restaurant, Tiramisu Cafe, Fibber Magee’s and Tim Horton’s, among many more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like to live in the area?
Are you thinking of moving into the historic area? Consider the pros and cons of living in Bur Dubai first. Among the many benefits of the area is the ease of access to the emirate’s public transport system and family-friendly amenities.
Where else can I find good restaurants in Dubai?
While there are several other good restaurants in Bur Dubai, you can always travel to other parts of Dubai for the best cuisine. For example, there are restaurants in Arabian Ranches that can be part of your trip. Looking for eateries near the beach? Try our recommendations for the best restaurants in Burj Al Arab.
Where can I find budget-friendly restaurants in Dubai?
Looking for eateries that are light on the pocket? Fortunately, there are several affordable restaurants in Dubai to choose from. The list includes places like Pak Liyari and many Indian establishments.
Where can I get fancy food in Dubai?
Looking to splurge? Take your pick from our list of expensive restaurants in Dubai. And if you or your party is on a health kick, visit some of our recommendations for the best health food restaurants in the city.
That’s a wrap of our picks for the best restaurants in Bur Dubai. If you live in Dubai or plan to visit, try other famous eateries that the emirate is famous for.
