Restaurants

Ever wonder what Dubai was like in the 1960s? Consider Al Fanar a time machine. Named for the kerosene lamps that used to light the heritage mud-packed homes, this Festival City restaurant serves traditional Emirati cuisine, just like how grandma used to make it. Al Fanar is particularly popular with locals who enjoy leisurely feasts in the cushioned, majlis-style tents that flap in the canal-side breeze. And keep an eye out for the pair of camels, a Bedouin tending his goats, and the tree growing in an inner stone courtyard – fake, yes, but still all good fun.

The name of this restaurant, Al Barza, means ‘a gathering place’ and conveys a coming together of people who want to try Emirati food. Now that the weather is perfect, you can have breakfast in the extensive garden under shady umbrellas. There’s a whole area of the menu dedicated to sweet things including a selection of items to share like khan faroush (cakes with cardamom and saffron) and the irresistible lugaimat – the Emirati equivalent of freshly fried doughnut holes dipped in date molasses. Tel No.   +971 4 343 5310

While there’s a relaxed vibe inside the light flooded interior of this quirky cafe, you may just hear the revving of some pretty powerful machines outside. Bike lovers congregate on this eatery dedicated to petrol-heads on two wheels to enjoy their menu of eclectic delights. Feast on their ‘Flavor of Arabia’ breakfast platter and tuck into khameer, chebab, balaleet and muhalla (a date and wholewheat crepe). Tel No.   +971 4 349 3585

This tea house is a hidden gem situated in Dubai’s historic heart. The quaint cafe is an oasis of calm and it’s easy to imagine times gone by while you relax within its traditional walls made of coral, shell and clay. Settle down to sip your morning tea as the sun rises, taking in the cool breeze coming off the nearby Creek with a traditional breakfast platter that includes balaleet – a dish of egg and cardamom flavoured vermicelli. Tel No.   +971 4 353 5071

Tea-time never seemed so enticing. Dukes Dubai at Palm Jumeirah hosts its own brunch version of the English tradition at its stylish Tea Lounge, decorated in gold leaf and bright colours. The Partea brunch features endless dainty cucumber and cream cheese and roast beef and horseradish sandwiches, light sponge cakes, lemon meringue pie and freshly-baked homemade scones with dollops of clotted cream and strawberry jam. Exotic blends have been specially selected from the hotel’s designer tea company, Tchaba, so this is the place to try ‘silver tips’ white tea alongside traditional classics. Best for: A light brunch alternative When: Saturdays, 2 – 6pm Cost: AED295…

Located next to the Offshore Sailing Club in Jumeirah 3, Bait Al Bahar offers diners a beautiful seaside setting along with delicious Arabic coffee, butter chicken, traditional desserts and more. Enjoy the peace away from the bustling city as you taste food that stays true to traditional Emirati cuisine.

Want to try camel? Whether it’s a burger or a kebab – this is the best place in Dubai to do it. Take a seat in the pleasant courtyard and enjoy a unique dining experience. Don’t forget to try their traditional coffee.

If you’re trying to please a crowd with different tastes, this is the place to be. From European to Middle Eastern, South East Asian to Indian delicacies, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Mouth-watering favourites include a full-bodied lentil soup, Thai green curry with vegetables, butter chicken served with aromatic rice and eggs benedict with salmon. Tel No.  +971 4 453 5293 

Sitting in an environment boasting Mediterranean themed décor, it’s hard to believe that you’re actually in Dubai. Feast on traditional Greek dishes prepared ‘kouzina’ style just like a Greek grandma would. Take a hike through the country’s culinary history while tucking into the lavish Big Fat Greek breakfast, extensive meat and grilled fish menu, or unconventional dishes such as octopus with eggplant mousse. Tel No. +971 4 325 5091