Where locals eat in Dubai

The neighborhood places residents go back to, with what to order at each.

11 places in Dubai · by Chef Amazing · updated October 20, 2026
Photo: satwaroundaboutdubai.com

1. 1

   Ravi Restaurant

   Pakistani · Satwa

   Get: the daal, chicken karahi and naan

   Satwa's curry house since the 1970s.

   Also on the list: Long lines in Dubai.

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2. 2

   Al Ustad Special Kabab

   Kebabs · Bur Dubai

   Get: the kebab khas with saffron rice

   Iranian family place for over 40 years.

   Also on the list: Where the famous eat in Dubai.

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3. 3

   Bu Qtair

   Seafood shack · Umm Suqeim

   Get: the masala fried fish and prawns, with rice and curry

   Started as a beach shack.

   Also on the list: Long lines in Dubai.

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4. 4

   Al Mallah

   Lebanese grill · Satwa

   Get: the chicken shawarma and a fresh juice on 2nd of December Street

   Satwa institution with pavement tables, famous for shawarma, fresh juices and grilled chicken late into the night.

   Also on the list: Long lines in Dubai.

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5. 5

   Calicut Paragon

   Malabar Indian · Karama

   Get: the Malabar biryani or a weekend Kerala breakfast

   Karama crowds at peak times.

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6. 6

   Al Reef Lebanese Bakery

   Al Karama

   Get: the zaatar and cheese manakish

   Baking since 1986, often a line.

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7. 7

   Al Fanar

   Al Seef

   Get: the Emirati breakfast tray with chebab and khameer, or the saloona

   Also on these lists: Breakfast and sandwiches in Dubai, The best machboos in Dubai.

   شارع جميرا, دبي · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
8. 8

   Joshi Restaurant

   Gujarati thali · Meena Bazaar

   Get: the vegetarian thali and the snacks

   Serving Bur Dubai since 1968.

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9. 9

   Bait Al Mandi

   Yemeni mandi · Al Barsha

   Get: the lamb mandi, slow cooked over spiced rice

   Eaten family style.

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10. 10

    Wide Range Restaurant

    Karama

    Get: the Kerala parotta and beef fry, then tea from the side hatch

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11. 11

    Logma

    Emirati comfort food · Jumeirah

    Get: the logma dumplings and a chabab pancake

    Emirati comfort food.

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