14 Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai that are hidden gems
*Vote for your favourite*
“I’ve been meaning to try that” is one of those sentences you hear all the time in Dubai. With so many incredible dining options at our fingertips, and with about a dozen more being added every month, it’s easy to overlook the smaller, less showy places, especially those tucked away in sidestreets in the older parts of the city.
It’s why Dubai Food Festival and ShortList have come to together to promote Dubai Hidden Gems, a celebration of affordable restaurants that lay slightly off the beaten path. Team members at the Festival and Shortlist, as well as a selection of foodie influencers, compiled a mammoth list of 50 nominated restaurants and cafés in which meals can be enjoyed for less than AED120 for two – and they are all presented here.
The final choice of 10, though, is down to you. So, go out and try as many as possible – and then vote at: . The winners will form a special tour during this year’s Dubai Food Festival, which runs between February 23 and March 11.
First up, here’s the finalists in the Middle Eastern category.
Middle Eastern – Levant
Aroos Damascus
What: Authentic and freshly prepared Middle Eastern food.
Where: Green Palace Hotel, Al Muraqqabat Rd, Al Muraqqabat
Contact: +9714 221 3673
Mezza House
What: Fresh Arabic food served amid delightful decor.
Where: Yansoon 9, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road, Downtown Dubai
Contact: +9714 420 5444
Sultan Dubai Falafel
What: Enjoy authentic falafel and quick service.
Where: 22 Al Muraqqabat St, Al Muraqqabat
Contact: +9714 228 3339
Joury
What: Arabic street food specialising in shwarmas.
Where: Lake Level, Cluster Q, Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Contact: +9714 447 2011
Ka’ak Al Manara
What: Traditional Lebanese ka’ak treats reinvented.
Where: Mercato Mall, Jumeirah 1
Contact: +9714 258 2003
Shawerme
What: The epitome of classic Arabic streetfood.
Where: Al Murooj Rotana, Downtown
Contact: +9714 386 6677
Middle Eastern – Gulf
Al Forrat
What: A casual but authentic Emirati eatery.
Where: Omar Bin Al Khattab Road, Naif
Contact: +9714 228 2851
Al Tawasol Restaurant
What: One of Dubai’s best mandis.
Where: Next to Monaco Hotel, Abu Baker Al Siddique Road, Deira
Contact: +9714 295 9797
Cabrito Mandi and Haneeth
What: A mouthwatering mandi experience in Umm Suqeim.
Where: Next to Jotun Paints store, Umm Suqeim Road
Contact: +9714 392 8886
Al Khettar
What: Traditional Emirati food with distinctive flavours.
Where: Al Ittihad Road, Hor Al Anz
Contact: +9714 296 4422
Middle Eastern – Persian
Shiraz Nights
What: Delicious minced meat kebabs nestled amid Baniyas.
Where: Al Mankhool Road, Baniyas
Contact: +9714 222 7720
Al Ustad Special Kabab
What: A casual Persian eatery.
Where: Meena Bazaar
Contact: +9714 397 1933
Middle Eastern – Egyptian
Koshari Point
What: Serving up authentic Egyptian koshari.
Where: Nema Residence, Barsha
Contact: +9714 394 4455
Gad Restaurant
What: Proper Egyptian food and grills in the Mankhool area. The special beans with eggplant is the regular’s choice here.
Where: Al Attar Building, Beside BurJuman Mall, Mankhool
Contact: +9714 358 0055
Related posts
Best Kerala Restaurants In Dubai: Budget-Friendly!!
Best Italian Restaurants In Dubai To Visit In 2023 (Updated)
Best Turkish Restaurants In Dubai 2023 – Ranked By Order
Best Mexican Restaurants In Dubai 2023
10 Most Luxurious Restaurants In Dubai To Visit In 2023