Top 10 Places to Eat and Drink in Dubai
Dubai is a foodie’s haven where you could try a different place for every meal for more than a year and still not go back to the same place. We Jeddawis love to find an excuse to visit Dubai, and in this piece, Jeddah Blog’s resident foodie Abdullah Yahya has short-listed 10 such excuses for 10 places for every time of the day that are simply not to be missed the next time you are in Dubai.
Breakfast
This is the most important meal of the day and Dubai has plenty to offer in this department. Here are two of the best:
The Coffee Club
With a few branches spread around Dubai, the menu of The Coffee Club is varied and extensive, but it is my favorite pick for breakfast because it’s one of the best. Try the poached eggs with avocado, and close your meal with Apple Crumble tart, with a cup of good old-fashioned black coffee.
Perfectly poached eggs.
Locations: different location: Wasl Vita Mall, Times Square Centre, and The Palm Jumeirah.
Little More
The sibling of More Café has three different branches in Dubai, but I strongly suggest you visit the one in Marina Mall. Sure, it’s hot now in Dubai, but the trick is, they have an airconditioned outdoorsy area that’s overlooking the Dubai Marina, so you get the view without the discomfort. Their Full English Breakfast is hearty and their Healthy Breakfast is guilt-free, but whatever you choose, I think you will be happy. While you’re there try their signature Red Espresso® Cappuccino made of rooibos tea which has 0 caffeine.
Full English or Healthy Breakfast with this view?
Location: Marina Mall, Business Central Tower, and DAFZA Building.
Specialty Coffee
Stomping Grounds
Located in a villa in the posh Jumeirah District, this place serves amazing coffee, and excellent food as well. You can trust the barista with a coffee recommendation, and he will even suggest other coffee places in Dubai. Now that is confidence!
Try this for a pick-me-up.
Location: Villa #98, 12D Street (Corner 51 St), 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Café Rider Custom
A themed specialty coffeeshop, Café Rider Custom is a motorbike warehouse/ workshop/ showroom/ café. It has the coolest vibes, but that is not the only reason to visit. Do yourself a favour and try the flat white and the tiramisu. The location is in an industrial warehouse area very close to Mall of Emirates just off Umm Suqeim Rd.
Cool vibes and coffee.
Location: Warehouse 7, 14C Umm Suqeim Road, Dubai – United Arab Emirates.
Indian
There is no shortage of Indian restaurants in Dubai, from the cheapest to the finest. It’s almost as if Indian subcontinent food is the official cuisine of Dubai. To narrow it down to one restaurant is just a fool’s errand, which I am gladly tackling.
Curry Culture
Curry Culture for me is a hidden gem tucked outside the China Court in Ibn Battuta Mall near Jabal Ali. Their curries are delicious and moderately priced, and their dosa is fantastic and comes in different varieties.
Location: China Court, Ibn Battuta Mall, Mina Jebel Ali – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Ethnic Food
Tribes (African)
If you want to try African cuisine, then Tribes is where you should be heading. A bit pricey, but it’s colourful and cheerful with amazing ambience, and has the most convenient location in two of Dubai’s biggest malls. Try their Lamb Spring Roll, they are seriously, devilishly good, and don’t be afraid to try the Oxtail. It might seem exotic, but trust me when I say it is not to be missed.
Devilishly good lamb spring rolls.
Locations: The Mall of Emirates, and The Dubai Mall.
Ting Irie (Jamaican)
Just as I thought restaurants couldn’t get cooler than Tribes, I tried Ting Irie, the Jamaican Restaurant in Downtown Dubai, and I was blown away. The service is so friendly and inviting, and the food is so delicious and different from anything you’ve experienced. Don’t miss the Beef Patties which are just mouthwatering. We tried to ask for the recipe, but the chef wouldn’t tell us. Spitfiyah Jerk Chicken is another excellent dish not to be missed. The restaurant is expensive, but it is worth every penny.
The decor and food is modern and bold.
Locations: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Souk Al Manzil, Downtown – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Rosa Mexicano (Mexican)
Unlike Jeddah, Dubai has many Mexican restaurants to choose from. My pick is Rosa Mexicana which has two branches in Dubai. It’s reasonably priced, and their guacamole made fresh at your table is not to be missed. Do try their hard-shells taco trio also.
Go Mexican.
Locations: The Dubai Mall and Mirdif City Centre.
Afternoon Tea
TWG Teahouse
If you are particular about your tea, then you might spend a long time at TWG making a selection from their very extensive tea menu. It has a few hundreds kinds of tea. Our favorites are the Silver Moon Tea and the Royal Moroccan. And their Crème Brûlée is seriously awesome.
A relaxing cuppa at TWG
Locations: The Dubai Mall and Festival City Mall
The Dinner and Movie Experience
Theatre by Rhodes at Vox Cinemas
If you love movies and food, then you can have the two in one. Theatre by Rhodes has a menu created by Michelin star chef Gary Rhodes. You will experience films in a luxurious way like you have never seen before. Food will be served to you in your seat of comfort one course after another, and don’t worry about the mess of eating in the dark, as all the food can be easily picked by hand.
A theatre experience like no other.
Locations: Vox Cinemas, Mall of Emirates.
Jeddah Blog 
This post is amazing. Some good restaurant mentions. I’d suggest the top Lebanese restaurant Burj Al Hamam in the ethnic food destination. You can taste the authentic Lebanese home cuisines at the restaurant. I had eaten been there twice. It’s a great spot for food with my Lebanese friends.
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Thank you for your amazing feedback! Great suggestion too. Am sure our readers will love to check it out.
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Thank you for the sharing good knowledge and information it’s very helpful and understanding. As we are looking for this information since long time. Regards Professional Kitchen Cleaners in Dubai
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