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School’s nearly out, and that can only mean one thing – family’s probably flying in soon (yes, even in this heat… love really does conquer all). You’ve been hyping up Dubai for months, and then it hits: the dreaded question.
“So…can you take us somewhere for authentic Emirati food?”
Cue internal panic. Brain freeze. A sudden inability to remember anything you’ve ever eaten.
But hey – breathe. We’ve got you (as always, with a dramatic sigh and a knowing smile).
Here’s our go-to list of some of the best Emirati and Arabic restaurants in the city – perfect for impressing the parents, the cousins, the in-laws, or anyone else who’s come to see what Dubai’s all about.
Al Fanar Seafood
Picture this: A time before skyscrapers filled the skyline and delivery apps got your groceries to your doorstep faster than you could finish an episode of The Office. That’s exactly the kind of throwback charm you’ll feel walking into Al Fanar Seafood Restaurant. With interiors that pay homage to traditional Emirati architecture – think lanterns, coral stone, and vintage touches – it’s like stepping into a beautifully preserved slice of the past.
But Al Fanar isn’t just a pretty face. Their mission? To keep the soul of traditional Emirati cuisine alive. And they do it right with age-old recipes, locally sourced ingredients, and flavours that feel like home. Insider tip: take your guests to their Al Seef branch. With the old-world charm of Dubai Creek as your backdrop, the entire experience hits differently.
- Various locations
- @alfanarrestaurant
Arabian Tea House
When you look up “Emirati restaurant,” chances are Arabian Tea House sits proudly at the top of that list—and rightly so. Formerly known as Basta Art Café, this beloved spot has been serving up serious charm since 1997. From the moment you step inside, you’re wrapped in the warmth and hospitality the UAE is famous for. Rustic blue-and-white wooden furniture, breezy curtains fluttering in the wind—it’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and just be.
While they’re best known for their tea (over 150 varieties, no big deal), don’t overlook the food. Their Emirati breakfast is a spread you’ll crave later—think balaleet, date molasses, cheddar cheese, baked beans, watermelon jam, dango, and bajella, all served with a basket of traditional breads. And if you spot the lemon lamb tikka on the menu? Order it. No second thoughts needed.
Address: Various locations across Dubai and Sharjah
- Various locations
- @arabianteahouse
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
When it comes to a true Emirati dining experience, Al Khayma absolutely nails it. Tucked away in Al Fahidi’s historical neighbourhood, this Michelin Bib Gourmand winner is the perfect pit stop after a day of wandering through Old Dubai’s winding lanes. You’ll be dining in a gorgeous open-air (but blissfully air-conditioned) courtyard, shaded by towering trees and surrounded by serious old-school charm. From the moment you’re welcomed with traditional gahwa to the soft sounds of live music floating in the background, it’s the kind of experience that feels like a proper Dubai love letter.
The food? Chef’s kiss. They serve up all the Emirati classics you could dream of – think slow-cooked Lamb Ouzi, seafood platters piled high, crisp salads – all made with locally sourced ingredients for that farm-to-table magic. And please, please don’t even think about leaving without ordering the Luqaimat. These fluffy dumplings soaked in date molasses are pure joy on a plate. (And yes, we’re drooling again while writing this. Send help.)
- Al Fahidi
- @alkhayma.ae
Gerbou
A fresh face on Dubai’s ever-growing list of must-visit Emirati restaurants, Gerbou was easily one of the most anticipated openings of 2025—and it’s lived up to every bit of the hype. Set inside a beautifully refurbished 1980s community center, this spot strikes the perfect balance between honoring traditional flavors and techniques while breathing contemporary life into them. (Oh, and they’ve got a working tandoor oven in the courtyard, just in case you needed even more street cred.)
The menu is an homage not just to Emirati heritage, but to the incredible mix of cultures that have shaped the UAE. Where else could you find classic Emirati breakfast dishes like balaleet and khameer alongside a cheeky Gerbou-style masala dosa? And don’t even get us started on their Khubz section—a regional riff on pizza, but with bold local flavors you’ll dream about long after you leave.
- Nad Al Sheba
- @gerbou
Aseelah Middle Eastern & Emirati Restaurant
You might not immediately think “brunch” when it comes to traditional Emirati cuisine, but Aseelah Middle Eastern & Emirati Restaurant is here to flip the script. Tucked inside the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Creek, Aseelah has been championing authentic Emirati flavors long before it became trendy. Their Heritage Brunch every Saturday is legendary, but dinner here deserves equal billing.
From succulent kebabs to aromatic rice dishes like ouzi and machboos, Aseelah masters every element. Pro tip: For summer visits, book a 7 PM table – you’ll catch a Dubai Creek sunset so stunning, you’ll reach for your camera before your fork.
- Dubai Creek
- @aseelahdxb
Local House Restaurant
Can you really say you’ve been to Dubai if you haven’t tried camel meat at least once? We think not. Tucked away in Al Fahidi, inside one of the oldest houses in the neighbourhood, Local House is the OG when it comes to putting camel on the global food map. Camel burgers? Check. Camel biryani? Absolutely. Camel milk ice cream? Yep, they’ve got that too – and yes, we’ll take two scoops immediately, thanks.
Not feeling adventurous? No worries. We’d steer you towards their Samak Tanoor, a whole fish grilled the traditional Emirati way. Hit it with a good squeeze of lemon the second it lands on your table, and get ready for a flavour bomb that’ll be pretty hard to beat anytime soon.
- Various locations
- @localhousedxb
Logma
When you’ve completely lost track of time wandering around Dubai Mall and that wave of hunger and exhaustion hits like a freight train, there’s honestly no better place to crash-land than Logma. This spot has long been the gateway to Khaleeji comfort food for tourists, newcomers, and anyone craving a proper taste of the city.
From the legendary Chips Oman Paratha (seriously, if you don’t know about Chips Oman, are you even trying to be a local?) to the ridiculously good Lotus Karak Cake, Logma is pure, unfiltered Dubai nostalgia on a plate. It’s the kind of place where one minute you’re just “grabbing a bite,” and the next you’re three dishes deep, wondering if you should just stay for tea too (spoiler: you should).
Also, don’t sleep on their Logma Fries, tossed in khaleeji spices and addictive, or their Luqaimat, the golden dumplings of dreams. Come hungry. You’re going to need the room.
- Dubai Mall
- @logma
Al Qbabh Restaurant
Yes, we’ve saved one of the best for last. While every restaurant on this list holds its own charm, Al Qbabh Restaurant occupies a sacred space in Dubai’s culinary heart. This is where you come when you crave Emirati cuisine in its purest form – no fussy plating, no pretenses, just soul-stirring flavors that speak for themselves.
Tucked away in unassuming Al Awir, Al Qbabh’s humble exterior belies the magic happening in its kitchen. Their seafood tastes like it jumped straight from the Gulf to your plate. Their fragrant, cloud-like rice will have you questioning all culinary logic. Every bite etches itself into your memory.
The experience? Perfectly authentic. Communal majlis seating invites you to sit cross-legged, share stories, and connect over food the way generations have before. This isn’t just dining – it’s cultural immersion at its most delicious.
- Al Awir
- @alqbabh
