Dubai, known for its glittering skyline and ultra-modern lifestyle, might surprise some when it comes to vegetarian dining. Often mistaken as a meat-heavy destination due to its strong Middle Eastern and multicultural influences, Dubai has, in fact, blossomed into a vegetarian-friendly food haven. As someone who has spent significant time exploring the city’s culinary landscape—both as a vegetarian and alongside non-vegetarian companions—I’ve curated this guide to help you navigate the best vegetarian restaurants in Dubai with confidence.
Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian, a flexitarian, or simply someone looking for plant-based options while traveling, Dubai offers everything from high-end fine dining to hidden gems with hearty veggie fare.
Top Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Dubai (2025 Edition)
These restaurants are handpicked based on personal visits, customer reviews, menu creativity, and expert acclaim. Many also cater to vegan and gluten-free diners.
1. Comptoir 102 – Wellness Meets Gourmet
- Location: Jumeirah Beach Road
- Cuisine: Organic, vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free
- Vibe: Bohemian-chic concept store meets health café
Highlights:
- Offers superfood-packed salads, raw vegan desserts, and green smoothies.
- The Zaatar avocado toast and Cauliflower Tacos are must-tries.
- Winner of “Best Healthy Café” by What’s On Dubai.
Personal tip: Try their almond milk latte after a yoga session at the beach—it’s pure bliss.
2. Wild & The Moon – Vegan Fine Dining, Parisian Style
- Location: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
- Cuisine: 100% plant-based, organic, cold-pressed
- Sustainability: Zero-waste ethos, compostable packaging
Standout Dishes:
- Activated charcoal juice (great for digestion)
- Matcha protein bowls
- Raw lasagna made with zucchini ribbons and cashew cream
Expert Insight: According to Plant Based News, Wild & The Moon is “a model for future-forward vegan eateries in urban cities.”
3. Saravana Bhavan – The South Indian Vegetarian Giant
- Location: Multiple outlets (Al Karama, Al Barsha)
- Cuisine: Traditional South Indian
- Value: Budget-friendly and family-style
Must-Haves:
- Masala Dosa with coconut chutney
- Mini Tiffin (a sampler with mini idli, dosa, pongal, etc.)
- Filter Coffee—arguably Dubai’s best
Local Experience: As someone who grew up with South Indian food, Saravana Bhavan is the closest you’ll get to a home-cooked vegetarian meal.
4. Seva Table – Dubai’s First Fully Plant-Based Café
- Location: Jumeirah 1
- Ambiance: Garden café, yoga sanctuary, and community center
- USP: Gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free
Menu Picks:
- Jackfruit tacos
- Ayurvedic kitchari
- Smoothie bowls loaded with adaptogens
Reader Concern: “Is it too expensive?” — Dishes range from AED 35 to AED 70, and the portions are generous. Worth the zen experience.
5. Maharaja Bhog – Royal Rajasthani & Gujarati Thali Experience
- Location: Al Karama
- Cuisine: Indian vegetarian thali
- Style: All-you-can-eat, unlimited servings
What to Expect:
- Traditional thali with up to 20 small dishes
- Rotis, dals, sabzis, chutneys, sweets—all changing daily
- Impeccable hospitality and hygiene
Traveler’s Tip: Go hungry. And go for lunch—it’s quieter and cheaper than dinner.
6. The Hummus House – Middle Eastern with a Veggie Twist
- Location: Dubai Marina
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Known For: 10+ types of hummus
Don’t Miss:
- Beetroot hummus
- Falafel bowl with tahini dressing
- Lentil soup with lemon wedges
Pro Tip: Ask for their homemade chili oil for a spicy kick!
🍽️ Table: Quick Comparison of Top Picks
| Restaurant | Cuisine Type | Budget Range (AED) | Vegan Options | Ambiance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comptoir 102 | Organic Fusion | 60–120 | Yes | Trendy & cozy |
| Wild & The Moon | Vegan French | 40–90 | 100% Vegan | Urban & modern |
| Saravana Bhavan | South Indian | 25–60 | Yes | Casual dining |
| Seva Table | Plant-based wellness | 50–100 | 100% Vegan | Garden retreat |
| Maharaja Bhog | Indian Thali | 45–70 | Yes | Traditional |
| The Hummus House | Middle Eastern | 35–70 | Yes | Waterfront view |
Tips for Vegetarian Travelers in Dubai
- Avoid language barriers: Use the term “vegetarian, no meat, no chicken, no fish” to clarify in international or fusion restaurants.
- Explore Karama and Bur Dubai: These areas are hubs for Indian, Pakistani, and Arabic vegetarian food.
- Join local groups: Facebook groups like Dubai Vegans & Vegetarians can help you discover pop-ups, food fairs, and meetups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Dubai vegetarian-friendly overall?
Yes, Dubai is increasingly vegetarian-friendly. Almost every restaurant offers veg options, and specialty vegetarian/vegan spots are expanding rapidly.
Q2: Are there vegan-only places in Dubai?
Yes. Seva Table, Wild & The Moon, and Just Vegan are fully vegan establishments.
Q3: Are Indian vegetarians safe in Dubai?
Absolutely. Indian vegetarian restaurants are plentiful, from budget eateries in Karama to upscale places in Downtown Dubai.
Q4: What apps can help me find vegetarian food in Dubai?
- HappyCow – Lists vegan/vegetarian restaurants globally.
- Zomato – Search filters include “vegetarian-only.”
- Talabat – For home delivery.
Final Thoughts: A Vegetarian’s Paradise in the Making
Dubai is not just catching up with the vegetarian trend—it’s setting new standards. From eco-conscious cafés to traditional thali houses, vegetarians in Dubai are spoilt for choice. Having explored most of these spots myself, I can say that whether you’re health-conscious, culturally inclined, or just hungry—there’s a plate for you in Dubai.
My name is Tuhin, the founder of Royal Dubai Travel, a premier travel agency in Dubai dedicated to crafting unforgettable travel experiences. With a deep passion for tourism and years of expertise in the industry, Tuhin specializes in curating personalized tours, luxury experiences, and hassle-free travel solutions for visitors to Dubai. Whether you’re looking for desert adventures, city explorations, or VIP travel services, Royal Dubai Travel ensures a seamless and memorable journey.
For travel inquiries and expert recommendations, connect with Tuhin and explore the best of Dubai with confidence!
