Best Restaurants in Dubai for Lunch: Delicious Midday Escapes

Whether you’re exploring Dubai’s bustling souks, visiting the top of the Burj Khalifa, or catching your breath between desert excursions, a good lunch is key to powering your day. And in this city of contrasts—where ultramodern meets traditional—you’re spoiled for choice.

From lazy beachfront bites to quick but memorable business lunches, our Dubai-based travel agency has guided thousands of visitors to the best midday dining experiences. In this post, we share not just a list of restaurants, but real recommendations from our team and clients who’ve tasted their way across the city.

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Why Lunch in Dubai Deserves Its Own Spotlight

Lunch in Dubai is more than a pit stop—it’s a cultural fusion. Thanks to the city’s diverse population, lunchtime menus span Lebanese grills, Indian curries, Japanese sushi, and classic Emirati dishes, often with a modern twist. Many restaurants also offer affordable lunch specials, making high-end cuisine more accessible during the day.

According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), daytime dining contributes significantly to the city’s growing culinary tourism, with many travelers preferring lunches for lighter fare, casual environments, and affordability.

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Top Restaurants in Dubai for Lunch (Tried and Loved)

Here’s a curated list of places that have earned top marks from our clients, partners, and local guides. These restaurants offer more than just food—they provide midday experiences you’ll want to share.

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1. Arabian Tea House – A Taste of Old Dubai

📍Location: Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood (Al Bastakiya)
🍽️ Cuisine: Emirati & Middle Eastern
💰 Average Cost: AED 60–120 per person
🕰️ Open From: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Set in the heart of historic Dubai, Arabian Tea House offers shaded courtyard dining surrounded by whitewashed walls and bougainvillea. It’s a peaceful place to sample local favorites like machboos, regag bread, and samboosas.

Client Highlight (Lisa, Australia):

“After walking through the souks, we needed a break. Arabian Tea House served the freshest hummus I’ve ever had. It felt like stepping back in time.”

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2. Ravi Restaurant – Iconic and Inexpensive

📍Location: Satwa
🍽️ Cuisine: Pakistani
💰 Average Cost: AED 25–50 per person
🕰️ Open From: 5:00 AM – 2:00 AM

For budget-conscious travelers or foodies seeking authenticity, Ravi is legendary. Known for its chicken biryani, kebabs, and daal fry, it’s a local institution that attracts everyone—from taxi drivers to celebrities.

Travel Tip:
No frills, no fancy menus—just outstanding flavor. Go early to avoid long queues.

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3. The Sum of Us – Urban, Stylish, and Relaxed

📍Location: Trade Centre Area
🍽️ Cuisine: International / Café
💰 Average Cost: AED 80–150 per person
🌱 Great For: Veggie lovers, coffee enthusiasts

This artisan café and bakery is ideal for those who want a casual yet refined lunch. Try their sourdough sandwiches, miso-glazed salmon bowls, or beetroot hummus salad.

Team Member (Ayesha, Itinerary Specialist):

“It’s our go-to place for lunch meetings. Great Wi-Fi, chilled vibe, and incredible bread.”

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4. Al Mallah – Quick, Flavorful, and Local

📍Location: 2nd December Street (Satwa)
🍽️ Cuisine: Lebanese / Arabic
💰 Average Cost: AED 40–80 per person
🚗 Best For: Grab-and-go or casual outdoor dining

Famous for its shawarma wraps, falafel platters, and fresh juices, Al Mallah is a lunchtime favourite for locals and tourists alike. There’s outdoor seating if you want to enjoy Dubai’s winter sun.

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5. Akira Back – Upscale Yet Accessible Lunch

📍Location: W Dubai – The Palm
🍽️ Cuisine: Japanese with Korean Influence
💰 Average Cost: AED 150–250 per person
🌇 Best For: Chic, contemporary dining with a view

Michelin-starred chef Akira Back’s restaurant isn’t just for dinner. Their set lunch menu is surprisingly affordable, offering a gourmet experience without breaking your midday budget.

Client Review (Marco, Italy):

“From sushi to short ribs, everything was a work of art. And the Palm views? Unreal.”

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Table: At a Glance – Top Lunch Spots in Dubai

Restaurant	Area	Cuisine	Avg. Cost (AED)	Atmosphere
Arabian Tea House	Al Fahidi	Emirati/Middle East	60–120	Traditional, Peaceful
Ravi Restaurant	Satwa	Pakistani	25–50	No-frills, Authentic
The Sum of Us	Trade Centre	International Café	80–150	Urban, Cozy
Al Mallah	Satwa / Jumeirah	Lebanese	40–80	Casual, Street-style
Akira Back	W Dubai – The Palm	Modern Japanese	150–250	Chic, Scenic

Practical Travel Tips for Lunchtime Dining in Dubai

📆 Best Days to Dine Out:

• Weekdays (Sun–Thurs) often have business lunch deals
• Fridays are busier due to Jumu’ah prayers—plan accordingly

👗 Dress Code:

• Casual wear is fine for most lunch spots
• High-end venues may require smart casual attire

☀️ Summer Tip:
Opt for indoor air-conditioned seating from June–September. Al fresco dining is ideal from October–April.

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Lunch Etiquette & Cultural Notes

🕌 Respect Prayer Times:
Avoid loud music or phone calls near mosques during Dhuhr (midday prayer).

🙏 Be Polite:
Greetings like “Salam Alaikum” (Peace be upon you) are appreciated, even in casual settings.

💳 Payment Methods:
Most places accept card payments. However, carry some cash (especially in Satwa and Deira) for smaller vendors.

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FAQs:

Q: Can I find vegetarian or vegan lunch spots easily?
A: Absolutely. Restaurants like The Sum of Us, Comptoir 102, and Wild & The Moon offer extensive plant-based menus.

Q: Are reservations necessary for lunch?
A: Usually not, except for high-end or hotel restaurants like Akira Back or Zuma.

Q: Is tipping expected at lunch?
A: Not mandatory, but a 10–15% tip is a nice gesture unless already included.

Q: Are there kid-friendly lunch places?
A: Yes. Try Arabian Tea House, Al Mallah, or mall-based restaurants like Din Tai Fung for families.

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Final Thoughts:

Whether you’re people-watching in a historic courtyard, grabbing a quick shawarma before a desert tour, or savoring sushi overlooking the Palm, lunch in Dubai offers diversity, quality, and cultural richness.

At our travel agency, we believe food is one of the best ways to connect with a city—and Dubai serves this connection on a silver platter. Our team is here to help you discover the right restaurant for your itinerary, taste, and budget.