The UAE is home to one of the most diverse dining scenes in the world — yet beneath the five-star rooftops and fusion menus lies a more grounded culinary identity. One shaped by Bedouin traditions, spice routes, family kitchens, and coastal heritage.
This guide highlights some of the most authentic restaurants across the Emirates — places that serve more than food. They serve culture, memory, and hospitality in its purest form.
Arabian Tea House – Dubai
A mainstay in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Arabian Tea House is one of the UAE’s most iconic Emirati restaurants. Its setting is peaceful and traditional, with white rattan furniture, turquoise accents, and the scent of cardamom and fresh bread in the air.
The Emirati breakfast is a must — featuring regag bread, balaleet (sweet vermicelli with egg), chebab pancakes, and fresh dates. Paired with mint tea or traditional karak, it’s a timeless way to experience local flavors in a historic setting.
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe – Multiple Locations
With locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, Al Fanar recreates the atmosphere of a 1960s Emirati neighborhood. The décor includes vintage radios, wooden shutters, and street-style signage, transporting guests to a different era.
Menu highlights include machboos (spiced rice with meat or seafood), jesheed (baby shark), and harees. It’s a reliable introduction to Emirati cuisine in a setting that feels both accessible and nostalgic.
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant – Al Seef, Dubai
Located in the heritage-inspired Al Seef district, Al Khayma offers a mix of Emirati and Gulf dishes in a courtyard setting. Interiors include traditional textiles, open-air majlis seating, and hanging lanterns — a calm, atmospheric space for anyone wanting a deeper look into Bedouin food traditions.
Signature dishes include lamb madfoon, cooked underground in clay ovens, as well as thareed (Emirati stew over crispy bread) and luqaimat with date syrup for dessert.
Al Mabeet Desert Dining – Ras Al Khaimah
For those seeking a dining experience beyond the city, Al Mabeet offers traditional Emirati meals served in the desert, accompanied by cultural performances and Arabic coffee ceremonies. Located at The Ritz-Carlton’s Al Wadi Desert Reserve, this open-air setup blends authenticity with curated hospitality.
Dishes are cooked in clay pots, served over charcoal, and inspired by centuries of nomadic cooking. An experience suited for groups or those interested in cultural dining beyond the typical restaurant format.
Local House Restaurant – Al Bastakiya, Dubai
Local House is a quiet, heritage-style restaurant known for offering camel-based dishes, including camel burgers and camel biryani. Set in a restored courtyard home in Al Bastakiya, it reflects Dubai’s trading history and nomadic culinary roots.
Despite the focus on camel, there are also vegetarian and more familiar regional dishes available, making it approachable for both curious foodies and first-time visitors.
Bayt Sharjah – Sharjah
This modest but beloved eatery in Sharjah focuses on classic Emirati and Gulf recipes served in a comfortable, family-style setting. Known for generous portions and an unpretentious atmosphere, it’s popular with locals and visitors alike.
Expect fresh bread, slow-cooked meats, and dishes such as salona and harees — ideal for anyone who values straightforward, home-style cooking.
Al Meshwar Restaurant – Fujairah
In the eastern emirate of Fujairah, Al Meshwar offers a blend of Levantine and Emirati cuisine in a large, welcoming space filled with traditional decor. With charcoal grills, open kitchens, and freshly baked bread, it’s a reliable stop for hearty, authentic meals.
Its popularity stems from both quality and consistency — ideal for travellers exploring the Fujairah coastline or nearby historical sites.
Majlis Al Bahar – Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
Majlis Al Bahar offers a more elevated interpretation of traditional Gulf cuisine, with a menu that leans into regional classics prepared with refined technique. The setting — steps from the sea — is quiet and elegant.
Menu options include grilled hammour, saffron rice, and classic Emirati desserts like aseeda and khabeesa, made with dates and spices. Service is attentive, and presentation is meticulous without losing touch with heritage.
Final Notes
From old Dubai alleyways to remote desert reserves, the UAE’s authentic dining landscape is rich with variety — shaped by geography, history, and hospitality. These restaurants offer a chance to explore culture through food, whether you’re a resident rediscovering the familiar or a visitor tasting it for the first time.
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