12 underrated Dubai restaurants that aren't tourist traps

Dubai is mainstream, that's for sure.
It's definitely not your average undiscovered city that no one's heard about.
It's world-renowned alright… for its instagrammable skyscrapers, luxury shopping spots and (most importantly) a highly impressive restaurant scene that draws millions of tourists each year.
Here, you will have no shortage of celeb chefs and glitzy glam dining rooms. But what if you want to discover Dubai the way residents and locals do?
Away from the famous restaurants that top the best list here, and the star lists there? The real deal stuff that locals flock to?
Here are some wonderfully low-key, underrated gems across the city that are worth your time.
Birch Bakery
Super underrated and tucked away in the depths of Al Quoz, Birch Bakery is the kind of spot that once you've discovered, you're never going to forget. So get ready for a trip that ends with you sampling croissants, bread and the like.
This very un-touristy spot has just under a handful of tables, but more often than not you'll leave with armfuls of baked goods ready to scoff on the sofa (or in your car on the side of the road, we're not judging). Don't miss the Emirati honey and sea salt croissant, while top picks for bread include a nut and seed loaf or sea salt focaccia.
Sweet tooth? The chocolate babka and apple tart have your name on them. One of the best bakeries in Dubai (for those in the know).
Open daily from 7am-3pm. Al Quoz, birchbread.com (04 222 6665).
Café Isan
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Café Isan
Located on the first floor of a random JLT hotel, Café Isan really is the most authentic, fun and friendly spot to enjoy top Thai food in Dubai. Featuring mismatched plastic furniture, a Thai market-style bar, pop tunes and affordable prices, this higgledy-piggledy spot serves up utterly delicious food for less.
Coming from the Isan region of Thailand, expect punchy flavours (Thai spicy really means spicy, you've been warned) with curries, stir-fries, noodles and more.
Take a seat out on the large terrace during the winter – but be sure to call and book ahead, the city's Thai food fans (who are in the know) love it as much as we do.
Open Sun-Fri noon-midnight, Sat noon-2am. Armada Avenue Hotel JLT, Cluster P, JLT, cafeisan.co (058 529 1003).
Harummanis
New restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Harummanis
Well-loved Dubai chef Akmal Anuar launched a Singaporean-Malay restaurant in the heart of Jumeirah 1. Harummanis, which pays homage to the Harumanis mango, is a nod to Anuar's roots. This little spot offers up traditional dishes with a modern twist while remaining true to their origins.
Diners can look forward to super unique dishes like beef cheeks rendang and a reimagined ketoprak, featuring Japanese sesame sauce instead of the traditional peanut dressing.
We love a menu that's inspired by a chef's upbringing.
Tue-Sun noon-11pm, Mon 6pm-11pm. Wasl 51, Jumeirah @harummanis.51 (056 536 1674).
Kokoro Handroll Bar
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Kokoro Dubai
Alserkal Avenue is one of those areas in Dubai that's just so undeniably cool. Very well-loved by residents, if you walk around Alserkal you'll find some cool underrated eateries that you definitely don't want to miss. Kokoro Handroll Bar is one of them.
Dubai's first dedicated hand roll bar offers sushi-lovers something truly amazing. Crispy squares of nori sheets, wrapped around your rice and delicious high-quality filling to ensure every bite hits you with everything it's got.
And in Dubai, there's nowhere that does it better at a reasonable price than Kokoro, with its laid-back, quirky charm and rows of costumed rubber ducks dotted all over the venue.
An underrated spot that's known and well-loved among the foodie crowds in Dubai.
Open Sun-Wed noon-11.30pm, Thu-Sat noon-midnight or until sushi is sold out. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz @kokoro.dxb
Lila Wood-Fired Taqueria
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Lila Wood-Fired Taqueria
This cute taqueria in Umm Suqueim on Jumeirah Beach Road is a low-key, unlicensed restaurant that makes for a very cool yet underrated spot for casual dining. Wedged between a car accessories shop and a little shawarma cafeteria, Lila serves an eclectic and sociable menu, this Mexican joint is a decent shout for a laid-back meal with friends.
Kick off with guac and chips before diving into the taco list. Yellowfin tuna, sweet potato and more can be found, but the top choice is the skirt steak version, laden with tender meat, loads of spices and melted cheese.
Open Tue-Fri 4pm-11pm, Sat 1pm-11pm, Sun 1pm-10pm. Umm Suqeim, lilataqueria.com (04 282 0005).
Long Teng Seafood Restaurant
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Long Teng.
Hidden deep in Business Bay, Long Teng is located at the base of the U Bora tower and is set over several floors (it's literally huge). This authentic spot is the go-to when it comes to traditional, fresh seafood-leaning Chinese dishes. If the weather permits, make your way right to the rooftop seating area and enjoy views of the city.
There's a wide selection of dim sum – from crystal prawn to veg, as well as cute little chick-shaped custard buns. And delicious noodles and stir-fries. Literally, everything you could want in one very large almost book-like menu. It's so good there's even a location in Time Out Market Dubai. But it's this out-of-the-way spot that's one of our favourite tourist-free destinations in Dubai.
Open daily from noon-midnight. U-Bora Business Tower, Business Bay, @‌longtengseafood (04 241 1666).
LOWE
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Lowe.
This unreal spot in Al Barari is quite the drive if you live near or around Sheikh Zayed Road, but it's one of the most unique foodie experiences in the city. At the home-grown eatery, you can look forward to friendly service and tasty plates, plus plenty of coffee to pair with a delicious cake.
An open kitchen preps interesting dishes with a combination of Middle Eastern and Japanese flavours, while the fully loaded burger is always a popular choice. It's licensed, too, so you can order a beverage to go with your meal.
Wed-Thurs, 6pm-11pm, Fri-Sun, 8am-4pm, 6pm-11pm. KOA Canvas, Al Barari, lowe-dubai.com (04 320 1890).
Maisan15
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Maisan15
This hip spot located in a residential area in Al Barsha South takes a little bit of effort to find, but once you do, it's part art gallery, part café and attracts a cool, laid-back crowd. With a cute terrace out the front (pictured above), an eclectic array of furnishings, it's a quirky spot for a chilled-out bite to eat. Breakfasts are popular here with a menu serving up everything from eggs to pancakes, avo toast to açaí, while burgers, salads and pizzas populate the main course menu.
There's a Middle Eastern touch throughout (think shawarma pizza et al) while the artwork inside rotates frequently meaning there's always something interesting to catch your eye.
Open daily 8am-11pm. Al Barsha, @‌maisan15 (04 244 7291).
Mythos Kouzina & Grill
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: Mythos Kouzina & Grill
Located in JLT, this cute taverna-style spot has a friendly vibe, a petite terrace ideal for cooler months and a menu jam-packed with home-cooked favourites that you won't be able to get enough of.
Hands down one of our favourite Greek restaurants in Dubai, Mythos is a go-to if you want incredible Greek food, prepared expertly at a reasonable price. Super underrated and very well-priced. To get there you have to walk through the parking garage of a four-star hotel (more like three if we're being honest).
From creamy, garlicky tzatziki, to comforting, flavour-laden moussaka and gemista, a glorious baked feta and an unmissable mixed grill platter (those lamb chops are outstanding), this is one you'll be returning to time and again – we guarantee it.
There is now a second, similarly excellent Mythos at C2 in City Walk, but it's the OG that holds our hearts.
Open daily from 12.30pm-3.45pm and 6pm-11.30pm. Armada Avenue Hotel JLT, Cluster P, JLT, mythosdubai.com (04 399 8166).
NETTE
Underrated Dubai restaurants. Credit: NETTE
Another one in the heart of Al Quoz, the absolutely beautiful green goddess coffee shop NETTE is almost like a little oasis in a sea of construction sites. Specialising in French-Japanese fusion food there's plenty to love about this spot, which is tucked away inside the Matcha Club, making it ideal for a post-padel breakfast or catch-up coffee or a matcha latte.
Dig into overnight oats, egg sando or a Japanese breakfast skillet in the morning and later in the day turn your attention to a miso croquet madam or yuzu ponzu crispy salmon.
A hip place that's perfect for a chilled-out coffee and one of the best cafés in Dubai.
Open daily, 8am-10pm. Match Club, Al Quoz, @‌nettedxb (04 548 8369).
San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles
Credit: San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles
Hidden away in an unassuming corner of JLT's Cluster F, right next to Asian Street by Thai, San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles' is really well-loved among local foodies.
Service is friendly and there's a concise menu of Northern Chinese classics that you don't want to miss. Serving affordable, authentic Shaanxi cuisine, the main order here is, as the name suggests, those deliciously moreish noodles – which you can watch the chefs pulling in the kitchen.
The chicken wontons are a must-try too. In short, don't miss it – it's a mighty find in a low-key location.
Open daily, noon-10.30pm. Unlicensed. Cluster F, JLT, @‌sanwan.dxb (050 759 9584).
Tacosita
Credit: Tacosita
We, at Time Out, love a hole in the wall and Tacosita is the definition of that. Nestled in a little storefront in Barsha Heights, this new spot serves up amazing Mexican street food.
Founded by chef Salam El Baba, who transitioned from a corporate career to the F&B industry, Tacosita's menu features standout dishes like slow-cooked birria tacos and shrimp tacos gobernador. The menu is packed with unique creations. The laid-back and easy atmosphere is super authentic and very stripped back.
Prices are affordable, food is delicious and vibe is immaculate. What more could you need?
Open daily from 11am-2am. Thuraya Telecom Tower, Barsha Heights, tacosita.ae
Want to make a reservation in the meantime?
Over 100 of the best business lunch deals in Dubai, by area
Upgrade your lunch with an incredible offer
Dubai's best restaurants: 85 incredible places to dine in
We know where you should book into this week
The 40 best restaurants and bars on Palm Jumeirah
Consider this your definitive, go-to guide to dining on the island

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Edinburgh Live

5 hours ago

• Edinburgh Live

World's 'friendliest country' to make tourists pay more than locals in restaurants

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info One of the world's most cordial nations, Japan, is devising a strategy to cope with the burgeoning tourist numbers. In 2024, the country set a record for tourism as international visitors thronged to the archipelago. Japan clinched the title of Best Country for the second year running in last year's Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards, also scoring high on the friendliness scale at an impressive 93.25, placing it sixth worldwide. Nevertheless, this tourist boom presents a "new challenge" for authorities grappling with the situation. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Hokuto Asano, first secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D. C., acknowledged: "Overtourism is a new challenge for the Japanese community. So we need to pursue how to create a win-win relationship [between] Japanese local people and foreign tourists." READ MORE - Prince Harry's blunt words of advice from Prince Philip ahead of 'mission' READ MORE - Princess Diana's nickname for Harry and why she thought 'he'd be a better King' A potential "two-tier" pricing system is being considered, posing different charges for tourists versus locals at eateries, theme parks, and attractions, potentially making services pricier for visitors, reports the Express. Mr Asano remarked: "The price of the restaurant, sushi restaurant in Japan, even hotel - the price is also increasing. So Japanese people sometimes say [that] Japanese people cannot enjoy the domestic tourism." He elaborated, "But there should be a difference in the taste or preference between Japan and Japanese people and international tourists. There should be a difference in the price and also product or service toward the international tourists." Mr Asano revealed that last year's visitor numbers hit 36 million and Japan aims to nearly double this figure within five years. He further stated: "In 2030, we want [to reach] the goal of 60 million people. We need to share our manner[s] [with those who] visit tourist destinations." He expressed his wish for visitors: "So we would like [them to] understand [about] bringing back his or her own trash."

Powys County Times

a day ago

• Powys County Times

Machylleth restaurant named among the best in the world

A Powys restaurant that offers a "truly unique" experience for customers has been named among the best in the world. From Sydney to Marrakesh, London to Paris, and everywhere in between, the experts at La Liste have reviewed thousands of restaurants from around the world based on publications, guidebooks and online reviews. As a result, it has established a list of the world's best restaurants, which includes five in Wales. Welsh restaurants among the world's best The restaurants in Wales that have been named among the world's best by La Liste are: Ynyshir (Powys) Annwn (Narberth) The Whitebrook (Monmouth) Sosban and the old Butchers (Menai Bridge) Home by James Sommerin (Penarth) You can see the full list of the world's best restaurants on the La Liste website. The Powys restaurant among the best in the world Ynyshir Address: Ynyshir Restaurant & Rooms, Eglwys Fach, Machynlleth, SY20 8TA La Liste score: 96 Ynyshir is a two-Michelin-star restaurant located in Machynlleth that offeres a "truly unique" experience to all customers, the Michelin Guide explains. It adds: "Head for rural Wales and this matt-black, part-Georgian house with an immersive approach and a mellow soundtrack. "The evening starts early, which gives Chef-Owner Gareth Ward five hours to take diners on a playful culinary journey around the globe. "He has a particular reverence for Japanese cuisine, with sashimi and A5 Wagyu beef likely to appear on the surprise menu of around 30 vibrant, exceptionally skilful servings. "Regional sheepskins and handmade crockery show the team's pride in their Welsh locale, while you can extend your visit in one of the luxurious bedrooms." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ynyshir Restaurant & Rooms (@ynyshirrestaurant) The highly decorated Ynyshir was also named among the UK's best at the National Restaurant Awards earlier this month. It's not just the experts who love Ynyshir, but customers as well, with the Machynlleth-based restaurant boasting a 4.6 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 459 reviews. One guest, talking about their experience on Tripadvisor, said: "Can't wait to go back! "Wow, this restaurant certainly lives up to its reputation had the most amazing time, food was exceptional, DJ played great music throughout the experience and what a lovely man Gareth Ward is who took the time to chat to people.

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

• Daily Mirror

Beautiful Caribbean island with most sunny days and no hurricane season

For an island that is just 20 miles long, Aruba has a lot to offer, from boutique hotels and top-notch restaurants to golden beaches and crystal clear sea – and, according to the tourist board's website, more sunny days than any other Caribbean island, a "practically non-existant" rainy season, and is shielded from tropical storms. The main tourist area, Palm Beach, is the place to stay if you like all the amenities on your doorstep. You'll find every cuisine here, from Japanese to Mexican, and there are watersports huts at frequent intervals along this busy stretch of sand. We preferred neighbouring Eagle Beach, where there are fewer sunbeds competing for a shady spot under a palm tree and where you'll see the occasional red and white fence protecting a turtle nest in the pristine white sand. If you're lucky, you might be there when one of the nests hatches. We also spent time at Arashi Beach in the north and Baby Beach in the south, which are both favourites with the locals as they're away from the hustle and bustle of the big hotels. Take your own sunloungers if you don't want to lie on the sand as hiring them can be pricey. The beaches on the wild Atlantic coast are well worth a visit too. It's too dangerous to swim there, but we were mesmerised watching the huge waves crashing into the shore. Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa is a stylish boutique hotel on Eagle Beach with a laid-back luxury feel. With just 72 rooms and suites, many overlooking the vast stretch of powdery sand in front of the hotel, it never feels crowded. There's a large pool for those who prefer not to swim in the sea, or you can relax beneath one of the palapas (umbrellas made of woven palm leaves) spaced out across the beach. The hotel also provides free sun screen, which is a nice touch. We loved the wellness offering at Manchebo, from the morning yoga classes in the pavilion – with a view of the sea and the sound of birdsong to help you find your inner Zen – to the cosy spa with its treatment rooms that back on to the beach. There's something even more relaxing about a full body massage when it comes with a soundtrack of waves rolling on to the shore. There are also pilates classes – we liked that some of these don't start till 9.30am so you don't have to get up too early – and a small gym, although we have to admit we skipped that in favour of long walks along the shore. After three wonderful nights at Manchebo, we moved to Boardwalk Boutique Hotel for a very different but equally luxe stay. Here, 49 brightly painted casitas (guest houses) nestle among the tropical plants in the gorgeous grounds, which were once a coconut plantation. Our casita was light and spacious, with comfy beds, a walk-in shower and a fully equipped kitchen. We were particularly impressed by the barbecue (and the hammock) on our private verandah. You can order a BBQ Box at reception containing everything you need for an al fresco dinner. The tranquil gardens are home to two pools, shady seating areas and the cosy Coco Bay restaurant, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. The main pool is especially popular from 3-5pm as it's happy hour daily, with discounted cocktails. If you prefer your lunch with a sea view, the hotel offers a free shuttle service to Palm Beach, where it has its own area with sunbeds and palapas, and you can order food and drinks from the friendly staff there. By far the standout meal of our trip was the eight-course chef's table experience at Infini. Our evening kicked off with a glass of fizz on the terrace while watching the sunset, then we were seated at a curved table that gives diners an uninterrupted view of the chefs preparing the dishes. Each course was an explosion of flavours and textures, and the carefully curated wine pairing was the perfect finishing touch. Another highlight was our al fresco dinner at Papiamento, in the beautifully lit courtyard of a 100-year-old Aruban cunucu house. Here, we enjoyed a tour of the house and wine cellar before sitting down to one of the restaurant's signature stone specials – local fish, shrimp and rock lobster served on a sizzling stone so you can cook it to your liking. We also had an exceptional meal at the family-run Peruvian bistro Lima, where we feasted on ceviche and scallops on the outdoor patio with oceanfront views. And at Taste My Aruba, we loved the fresh, local ingredients, the obvious joy owner Nathaly de Mey takes in the menu and the great cocktails that were custom-made for us by her master mixologist. For a cocktail with a difference, head to The West Deck to try its famous beer-rita. It doesn't look like it should work but this unusual take on a margarita, with a bottle of local Balashi beer flowing into it as you drink, is wonderfully crisp and refreshing. As for lunchtimes, Zeerovers is a must-visit. Once a docking area used by fishermen, now locals and tourists alike flock there for its fresh- off-the boat seafood, which is fried and served in a basket. We sat on the sea-facing wooden deck and had the best prawns of our trip here. Top of our list of things to do was the Aruba Outdoor Adventures kayak and snorkelling small group tour at Mangel Halto. Our first surprise was that the kayaks have no oars – you paddle with your feet, which is a lot easier than rowing. We followed our guide along the coast before heading further out to sea and mooring at a platform where the water is shallow enough to stand. Then our snorkelling adventure began and the seabed here is teeming with coral and fish of every colour – it took our breath away. We also snorkelled by ourselves at Tres Trapi Beach, where the three steps carved into the rock provide easy access to the sea. There are hundreds of fish here too, but the real treat is the giant turtles swimming in the clear water. Tres Trapi is a 30-minute walk from the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel – go early to avoid the crowds that arrive with the tour boats. You can't go to Aruba without visiting its national park Arikok. Here, we enjoyed a guided hike through the towering indigenous cacti, explored the bat-inhabited caves and braved a natural fish pedicure in the only freshwater pond on the island – a slightly unnerving but not unpleasant sensation. The park's big draw is its Natural Pool, formed by a depression in the volcanic rock. Sea spray flies over the rugged sea wall as you swim in the naturally formed basin and there's plenty to see underwater, so be sure to bring your snorkel here too. Back on dry land, we loved the street mural tour in the town of San Nicholas. Art enthusiast Tito Bolivar began his mission to transform San Nicholas in 2015, inviting talented muralists from around the world to paint walls, buildings and benches in a bid to breathe new life into the forgotten town. The result is a fascinating exhibition of street art and our passionate guide shared some of the stories behind the murals, explaining how the project has boosted the area and encouraged creativity all over the island. A stylish boutique hotel on Aruba's Eagle Beach with a laid-back luxury feel. KLM flies to Aruba from the UK daily (via Amsterdam). Rooms at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel start from £300 per night. Rooms at Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa start from £300 per night. See for more info on the island (Facebook: Instagram: @arubatourismuk). You can also search for the best flight route and price on Skyscanner.