Best casual dining restaurants in Dubai 2025: 10 highly-rated spots to try next

Time Out Dubai23-05-2025

Looking for a brilliant casual dining restaurant in Dubai? You're in the right place.
The Time Out Dubai team has carefully and independently vetted each of these restaurants to ensure that not only is it pretty damn brilliant, but offers a meal for two, including two courses each and a house beverage each, for Dhs400 or less.
Check out the full list of the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025 winners here
That's easier said than done in Dubai, so trust us when we say you need to bookmark this top 10 list.
Time Out Dubai reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here.
These are the best casual dining restaurants in Dubai, as recognised by the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025.
The best casual dining restaurants in Dubai 2025
WINNER
Sufret Maryam
(Credit: ITP Images, Sufret Maryam)
There must be something in the water at Wasl 51. New to Time Out Dubai's top 10 casual restaurants in Dubai is Sufret Maryam, the latest creation from Salam Dakkak, chef-owner of Dubai institution Bait Maryam.
Her new venture is a lot bigger but still cosy, thoughtfully decorated with works from Middle Eastern artists and rustic knick-knacks.
Nostalgic Palestinian and Jordanian dishes are elevated to the level you'd expect from such a renowned chef, beautifully presented and executed.
Splash out on the La'Moshet Maryam, a slow-cooked lamb shoulder marinated in chef Salam's special spices. It's a taste experience you'll want to repeat again and again.
Unlicensed. Wasl 51, Jumeirah 1, sufretmaryam (050 417 2272).
Check out our full Sufret Maryam review here
Highly commended
Khadak
(Credit: Khadak)
New casual Indian restaurant Khadak has a story to tell. It does this through everything from knick-knacks and wall-art to its revival of long-forgotten recipes and the culinary adventures of its chef founder Naved Nasir, famed for his years at London's Dishoom.
The menu pays homage to Indian street food stalls across the country, with examples including Radio Café kheema pao, a nostalgic tribute to Bombay's former Radio Café, and chicken sukka, from the coastal kitchens of Mangalore. Every dish is described to make you want to try it – and served to make you want to tell everyone about it.
Unlicensed. Villa 426, 12 Al Wasl Rd, Jumeirah 2, khadak.com (058 979 7830).
Kinoya
Credit: Kinoya
It may now have a branch at one of the fanciest department stores in the world – Harrods in London's Knightsbridge – but Kinoya in Dubai's The Greens is distinctly more casual. A top Japanese restaurant, this spot comes from supper club star chef Neha Mishra and has been a total hit since opening in 2021.
Famed for its silky smooth ramen, this casual izakaya is a brilliant place to visit when you need a comforting bowl of soup, or some of the delicious gyoza, skewers and sushi. It's all excellent, so make a trip there, pronto.
Licensed. Onyx Tower, The Greens, kinoya.com (04 220 2920).
Check out our full Kinoya review here
Shortlisted
21grams
Credit: 21grams
If the thought of a Balkan breakfast floats your boat then there's only one place in Dubai to head. Handmade from family recipes using seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers where possible, don't be surprised if you find yourself ordering a side of creamy polenta or an omelette butter roll with your order of sunny-side-up eggs with pulled beef.
Just be warned, all that lovely wholesomeness makes this place popular, so be sure to book ahead.
Unlicensed. Jumeirah Street next to Umm Suqeim 2, www.21grams.me (050 841 5021).
Check out our full 21grams review here
Café Isan
Credit: Café Isan
One of the coolest spots in town and one of the best casual dining restaurants in Dubai, Café Isan is a top choice whenever you're in the mood for deliciously authentic Thai food. Dig into street food classics like spring rolls and chicken wings, as well as steaming, fragrant curries and flavour-packed stir-fries.
The vibes are super-chill, especially in winter when you can sit on the terrace and take in the sights of the surrounding JLT skyscrapers. The service is warm and friendly, while the drinks are affordable and the poptastic tunes add to the laid-back atmosphere.
Licensed. Armada Avenue Hotel JLT, Cluster P, JLT, cafeisan.co (058 529 1003).
Check out our full Café Isan review here
Franky's Pizzeria
Credit: Franky's Pizzeria
The Park in JLT is one trendy place to visit – being home to cool Asian street food eatery Hawkerboi and café Splendour Fields. And now you'll also find Franky in Florence here – one of the best pizzerias in Dubai, and one of the newest.
Neapolitan-style pizzas come adorned with toppings including cavallo nero, black truffle and mushroom, mussels and prawns, 'broken meatball' or classic stracciatella. The interiors are decked out with foliage and artwork, while the views from this rooftop spot are also superb. Order a drink and enjoy a slice at sunset.
Licensed. The Park, JLT, @‌frankyspizzeria (050 427 5217).
Check out our full Franky's Pizzeria review here
Fusión Ceviche
A petite, unassuming Peruvian spot in JLT serves absolutely brilliant ceviche. With super-fresh fish and packed full of flavour (and a fair amount of heat) it's one of the best Latin American restaurants in Dubai and a terrific place to delve into Peruvian food.
With only a handful of tables, bag a spot at the counter and go with the chef's recommendations for the most authentic experiences. The Peruvian juices are worth a try too. A laid-back restaurant that's a top one to check out if you're looking for something a little more off the radar.
Unlicensed. Cluster Q, JLT, @fusionceviche (04 449 6292).
Check out our full Fusion Ceviche review here
Hawkerboi
Credit: Hawkerboi
If you're in the mood for a cooler than cool casual dining restaurant in Dubai's JLT, then Hawkerboi is the one to check out. With a lively vibe, moody lighting and a range of creative mixed drinks, it's the prime place for a fun date night that's not too fancy but with great food.
With Asian street food-style plates, dig into everything from curries to dumplings, satay, stir-fries and grills. The menu is affordable and there's even a supper club-style tasting menu for under Dhs400 that will see you trying more, for less, at this must-visit spot.
Licensed. The Park, JLT, @hawker.boi (505 427 5217).
Check out our full Hawkerboi review here
Isabella Cucina Italiana
Authenticity is the order of the day at Isabella's, which prides itself on its house-made fresh pastas and pizza doughs, fermented for 48 hours.
There are soups, salads, raw dishes and antipasti along with hearty mains, including popular picks like ossobuco and lamb chops. Every table should feature at least one wood-fired pizza and filled pasta and if you like fish, go for the classic branzino al sale, or salt-baked seabass to share.
This is homestyle food served with care and a perfect option for a meal with all the family.
Licensed. Vida Hills Hotel, Emirates Hills, isabellas.ae (04 323 7347).
Kokoro Hand Roll Bar
(Credit: Kokoro)
When Kokoro first opened in 2024, the hype around this little no-bookings sushi joint in quirky Al Quoz was huge. A year on and it's attention that's justified.
Hailing from Texas, Kokoro is the brainchild of chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee, who pride themselves on using only top-notch ingredients.
There are 23 dishes on the menu, all made-to-order, including eight different handrolls. Sit at the bar to watch everything from the slicing of fish to the flame-torching of wagyu and marvel at the precision of the chefs as they work.
Unlicensed. Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, eatkokoro.xyz (04 259 7919).
Check out our full Kokoro Hand Roll Bar review here
Other award-winning spots in Dubai
Hands down the 10 best steakhouses in Dubai
Places that are really worth your money
The 10 best pizzerias in Dubai for the perfect slice
Because pizza is life, let's be real
10 of the best bar food venues in Dubai (whether you drink or not)
Brilliant plates with your drinks

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BBC will not broadcast Gaza documentary over ‘perception of partiality' risk

North Wales Chronicle

2 hours ago

North Wales Chronicle

BBC will not broadcast Gaza documentary over ‘perception of partiality' risk

The corporation commissioned Gaza: Doctors Under Attack more than a year ago from an independent production company called Basement Films. The documentary includes witness accounts from frontline Palestinian health workers in Gaza and documents attacks on hospitals and clinics. It was delayed by the BBC until an ongoing review into a different programme in the region was completed. The BBC pulled the documentary How To Survive A Warzone in February after it emerged that its 13-year-old narrator was the son of a Hamas official. The corporation has now confirmed that Gaza: Doctors Under Attack will not air on the BBC at all. In a statement, the BBC said they had paused production of this film in April, having made a decision that they could not broadcast the film while a review into a separate Gaza documentary was ongoing. The BBC said that with both films coming from independent production companies, and both about Gaza, it was right to wait for any relevant findings – and put them into action – before broadcasting the film. 'However, we wanted the doctors' voices to be heard. Our aim was to find a way to air some of the material in our news programmes, in line with our impartiality standards, before the review was published. 'For some weeks, the BBC has been working with Basement Films to find a way to tell the stories of these doctors on our platforms. 'Yesterday, it became apparent that we have reached the end of the road with these discussions. 'We have come to the conclusion that broadcasting this material risked creating a perception of partiality that would not meet the high standards that the public rightly expect of the BBC. 'Impartiality is a core principle of BBC News. It is one of the reasons that we are the world's most trusted broadcaster. 'Therefore, we are transferring ownership of the film material to Basement Films. 'Contrary to some reports, since we paused production of Gaza: Doctors Under Attack in April, it has not undergone the BBC's final pre-broadcast sign-off processes. 'Any film broadcast will not be a BBC film,' the BBC said. The corporation added: 'We want to thank the doctors and contributors and we are sorry we could not tell their stories. The BBC will continue to cover events in Gaza impartially.' Last month, Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon and comedian Frankie Boyle were among hundreds of signatories calling on the BBC to air the documentary. The letter, signed by figures from across the film, TV, journalism and cultural sectors, was sent on behalf of the UK Screen Industry, made up of a 'group of concerned film and TV professionals'. Earlier this month, the BBC defended its coverage of the war in Gaza, after the White House criticised its reporting of an apparent incident in the territory, which reportedly left a number of people dead. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed the corporation, after updating an article's headline with new information, had to 'correct and take down' its story about fatalities and injuries following a reported incident near an aid distribution centre in Rafah. The BBC said it had not removed its story and explained that its headlines about the incident were 'updated throughout the day with the latest fatality figures as they came in from various sources', which is 'totally normal practice'.