16 Of The Best Arabic Restaurants In Dubai

Enter a realm where timeless traditions effortlessly blend with contemporary creativity, weaving a rich mosaic of flavours that shape the very essence of Dubai’s Arabic culinary landscape

From the aroma of sizzling kebabs to the delicate perfume of rose water and spice, Arabic cuisine is woven into the very fabric of Dubai’s culinary identity. It’s a city where the region’s most beloved flavours come alive—reimagined in contemporary bistros, perfected in long-standing institutions, and shared in settings that range from laid-back courtyards to candlelit terraces.

Whether you’re in search of Levantine comfort food, North African classics, or elevated Emirati fare, Dubai delivers with flair. These are more than just meals—they’re cultural moments served on a plate.

In this guide, Bazaar Arabia highlights the most exceptional Arabic restaurants across Dubai—each with its own distinct character, yet all bound by a shared devotion to heritage, flavour, and craft.

Em Sherif, meaning “Sherif’s Mother,” is a heartfelt celebration of authentic Lebanese cuisine where tradition meets generous hospitality. Nestled in Dubai, this beautifully lit restaurant captures the rustic charm and vibrant freshness of Lebanon through dishes crafted with care and bold flavors. With warm service and an inviting ambiance, Em Sherif feels like a home away from home—making it one of the city’s standout Arabic dining experiences.

Don’t miss their iconic tangy fattoush, creamy fettet hummus, and the uniquely delightful ‘merry cream’ ice cream, all of which perfectly embody the spirit of Beirut.

For reservations, call 056 577 7900

Sufret Maryam

At Sufret Maryam, chef Salam Dakkak honors the rich flavors of the Levant with expertly crafted dishes using the finest ingredients. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a refined dining experience where tradition meets innovation in an elegant setting that embodies the warmth and hospitality of the region. The menu features freshly baked breads—including a standout 48-hour fermented sourdough—and generous, flavorful Levantine dishes designed for sharing.

Don’t miss the signature labneh crème brûlée topped with za’atar ice cream and sumac, making for a memorable culinary journey.

Location: Wasl 51 – Jumeirah

For reservations, call 050 417 2272

Al Falamanki

Charming, eclectic, and full of life, Al Falamanki invites you on a nostalgic journey back to your roots with its intimate, authentically Lebanese atmosphere. Celebrating the true essence of Lebanon, this cozy spot is famed for its mankoushe—perfectly crafted flatbreads topped with classic Levantine flavors like za’atar and kafta.

Whatever the occasion, Bazaar Arabia highly recommends indulging in their signature ô kindness on baklava: a decadent scoop of ice cream nestled between two flaky pistachio filo pastries, soaked in warm syrup. As the timeless melodies of Fairuz fill the air, you can unwind with a game of backgammon or cards, cementing Al Falamanki as one of Dubai’s most beloved Arabic dining experiences. A visit here is nothing short of delightful.

Location: Villa 351, Opposite Dubai Ladies Club, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2

For reservations, call 055 300 4550

Alaya

Alaya—meaning ‘sublime’ in Arabic—is the latest culinary masterpiece from celebrated Dubai chef Izu Ani. This Middle Eastern-European fusion restaurant effortlessly blends sophistication with a playful edge, housed in a sleek space that once served as an art gallery. At its heart, an open kitchen showcases a commanding rotisserie, setting the stage for dishes that marry classic flavors with contemporary Middle Eastern flair.

Highlights include the melt-in-your-mouth lamb shank and the indulgent seafood manti, both of which elevate familiar favorites to new heights. When the evening calls for a change of pace, head downstairs to Ly-La, a hidden underground bar exuding Bedouin-inspired charm, curated beats, and inventive cocktails—perfect for extending your night in style. And, of course, no meal here is complete without the exquisite kunafa, a sweet finale befitting one of Dubai’s most celebrated Middle Eastern dining destinations.

Location: Dubai International Financial Center – Gate Village 4

For reservations, call 04 570 6289

Ninive

Ninive effortlessly marries contemporary design with timeless Middle Eastern heritage, creating a stunning urban majlis that feels both intimate and grand. Set at the foot of Jumeirah Emirates Towers, with views of the DIFC skyline, the space invites guests to unwind amid twinkling lights, lush foliage, and authentic Middle Eastern furnishings inspired by the caravanserai tradition. Named after one of Mesopotamia’s oldest cities—steeped in legend and history—Ninive’s ambiance is as captivating as its menu, which traverses the Middle East and North Africa, with flavors drawn from Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Morocco.

With an abundant selection of mezze, tagines, and grills, it offers a sensory journey through the region’s culinary heritage. Visit in summer to dine beneath a magical tent, or in winter under a canopy of stars. More than one of Dubai’s finest Middle Eastern restaurants, Ninive is also one of its most romantic destinations.

Location: Emirates Towers Hotel – Sheikh Zayed Rd

For reservations, call 04 326 6105

Em Sherif Deli

Beloved in Beirut for its vibrant, community-driven charm, Em Sherif Deli brings the heart of Lebanese cuisine to Dubai with a fresh, youthful energy. From refined shawarma sandwiches and flavour-packed mezzes to refreshing lemonades and homemade desserts, every dish is crafted with intention—capturing the soul of Lebanon in every bite. A dedicated Mouneh corner, offering traditional pantry staples like pickles, jams, and spices, adds a nostalgic touch that honours the spirit of Lebanese home kitchens.

Designed as a space for connection, the interior balances natural textures and modern elegance, with earthy tones, blonde wood, and soft sunlight creating an effortlessly inviting indoor-outdoor flow that reflects Em Sherif’s signature warmth and hospitality.

Location: One Central, The Offices 5, Dubai World Trade Centre

For reservations, call 04 358 2866

Al Beiruti

Al Beiruti is a vibrant restau-café that encapsulates the spirit of Beirut in every corner and every bite. With geometric tiled floors and rich wood accents, the space exudes the city’s authentic charm. A standout feature is its terrace, where guests can enjoy a traditional game of tawle (backgammon), evoking the essence of summer in Beirut.

While the interior appeals to the senses, it’s the food that truly shines. The breakfast platters embody the Levantine love for generous, flavorful feasting—offering indulgence without overwhelming choice—while the open kitchen allows diners to witness the craft behind each dish.

Location: Dubai Hills Mall, Al Khail Rd

For reservations, call 04 421 3999

Bait Maryam

A heartfelt tribute to chef Salam Dakkak’s late mother, Bait Maryam is a cozy Palestinian haven tucked away in JLT, where every detail—from the homely décor to the family heirlooms—invites guests into an intimate, lived-in space. The menu is a celebration of Middle Eastern comfort food, featuring silky hummus, smoky muhammara, fresh labneh, and an array of manakish, alongside comforting classics like shakshouka, moussaka, and hearty grills.

The visitors praise dishes like the tender fatet musakhan and kofta in tahini, highlighting the restaurant’s genuine, unpretentious approach that captures the warmth of home cooking without the fuss.

Location: Cluster D – Jumeirah Lake Towers

For reservations, call 054 704 4774

Orfali Bros Bistro

Orfali Bros Bistro, led by Michelin-starred chef Mohamad Orfali and his brothers Wassim and Omar, has quickly established itself as one of Dubai’s top Middle Eastern dining spots since opening in 2021. Celebrated for its inventive fusion of Syrian tradition with global influences, the menu features standout dishes like the Orfali bayildi, umami éclair, and OB croquettes—each blending bold flavors and creative techniques. With Mohamad at the helm in the kitchen and his brothers crafting French-inspired desserts upstairs, the bistro offers a relaxed, two-story setting where culinary rules are playfully bent but tradition remains at heart.

Recognized on the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants list for three consecutive years, Orfali Bros Bistro is a vibrant, unpretentious destination that continues to make waves in Dubai’s food scene.

Location: Wasl 51 – Jumeirah

For reservations, call 04 238 6677

Al-Fanar

Nestled on the banks of Dubai Creek, this Michelin-starred restaurant from the Al Fanar group embodies a deep passion for authentic Emirati cuisine. Its rustic interiors evoke a sense of tradition, while the terrace offers diners captivating views of boats drifting past and the historic charm of old Dubai across the water—perfectly complementing the freshness of their seafood dishes. Warm hospitality from the attentive team completes the inviting experience.

Location: Al Seef St – Al Hamriya

For reservations, call 04 396 6669

Al Safadi

Few can resist the allure of authentic Lebanese cuisine, and Al Safadi delivers it in spades. Bringing the vibrant flavors of Lebanon straight to your table, the restaurant captivates with its aromatic ingredients and wholesome mezze-style dishes that invite sharing—and make it hard to settle on just one.

Bazaar Arabia recommends the Chicken Shawarma Sandwich, a perfected classic featuring tender spiced chicken, tangy pickles, fluffy fries, and a bold garlic sauce. A beloved Dubai staple, Al Safadi continues to be one of the city’s best Arabic dining destinations.

Location: 127 Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre – DIFC 

For reservations, call 600 500601

Siraj

Where “The East meets The Levant,” Siraj enriches Dubai’s diverse culinary scene with its heartfelt celebration of Emirati cuisine. Beloved by locals and a favourite among tourists, the restaurant masterfully balances tradition with a modern flair, showcasing vibrant flavours alongside an impressive selection of homemade pickles and jams.

Dining at Siraj is an invitation to experience authentic, uncomplicated dishes that feel both familiar and exciting—a true reflection of the region’s rich heritage. It’s no surprise Siraj ranks among the best Arabic restaurants in the city.

Location: Downtown Dubai, Souk Al Bahar

For reservations, call 052 267 3840

Babel

Babel, nestled within Dubai Mall, invites guests to indulge in luxurious Lebanese hospitality set against a backdrop of sophisticated design and sumptuous comfort food. While its decadent interior dazzles, the cuisine remains rooted in the familiar, hearty flavors of a traditional Lebanese kitchen.

Sharing platters featuring beef, chicken, lamb—or a combination of all three—arrive alongside golden fries, fresh vegetables, and homemade pickles, making it the perfect meal to enjoy with friends and family. For an unforgettable dining experience, step out onto the terrace to take in the captivating Dubai Mall fountain show. Babel stands as one of Dubai’s premier Arabic dining destinations.

Location: Dubai Mall

For reservations, call 04 431 2333

Tagine

A true ode to Moroccan hospitality, Tagine captures the soul of North Africa through its richly spiced dishes and transportive ambiance. Intimately lit by lanterns and stained-glass windows, the restaurant envelops guests in the warm, aromatic spirit of Morocco—where broths simmer slowly, meats fall off the bone, and every corner whispers tradition. From deeply flavored tagines to fragrant saffron rice, the menu is a celebration of time-honored cooking.

Bazaar Arabia recommends the mechoui—a tender roasted lamb shoulder served with mint, saffron rice, and almonds—a dish as unforgettable as the setting itself. Tagine remains one of Dubai’s most beloved Arabic dining destinations.

Location: One and Only Royal Mirage Hotel

For reservations, call 04 315 2414

Al Hallab Bab El Bahr

With a rich legacy in Dubai since 2002 and multiple branches across the city, Al Hallab is a trusted name for authentic Lebanese cuisine. The menu showcases a wide array of flavorful grills and mezze, featuring crowd-pleasers like shish tawouk, kebabs, grilled makanek, and generous mixed grills.

Beyond the classics, Al Hallab offers impressive seafood dishes, hearty soups, fresh sandwiches, and raw specialties. Don’t miss the renowned selection of Lebanese sweets—an essential finale to any meal here.

Location: Burj Dubai Boulevard, Downtown

For reservations, call 04 456 2881

Three By Eva

Founded by Eva Halasa and her daughters Emilie and Lilian, Three by Eva beautifully blends their Jordanian heritage with a passion for innovation, showcasing local, seasonal ingredients in inspired new ways.

From a delicate feta brûlée infused with dates and thyme to labneh elevated by chilli and charcoal, and a deconstructed Jerusalem ka’keh cart reimagining traditional bread—each dish is a thoughtful blend of tradition and modernity.

Set within an elegant Jumeirah villa, the restaurant exudes warmth and intimacy, making every guest feel like they’ve been welcomed into the family home.

Location: Villa 53 – Al Wasl Street – 23B St – Jumeirah 2

For reservations, call 04 576 2888

Lead Image Courtesy of Instagram/ @tagineandcourtyard