The Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Dubai
It’s no secret that Dubai is a city filled with restaurants – 13,000 to be exact. You name it and Dubai surely has it, from the most beautiful to the most unique.
But if you’re on the hunt for hidden gem restaurants in Dubai, those spots that don’t necessarily attract the tourist crowd but are just waiting to be discovered, you’ve come to the right place!
If you’re ready for a culinary adventure, we gathered the not-so-hidden dining spots around the city that will surely surprise you.
Itadaku
Website: https://itadaku.ae/
Address: 32C Al Wasl Road – Jumeirah 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 223 6122
Operating hours:
- 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM for lunch, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday
Price:
- Approx. AED 180 for two people
Itadaku is a hidden gems restaurant in Dubai that specializes in authentic Japanese food in a traditional setting that will instantly take you to Japan – complete with calligraphy, wood interiors and yes, bonsai trees.
This family-run restaurant is named after the Japanese word meaning “grateful for receiving,” and you’ll surely feel that after enjoying a sumptuous meal filled with Japanese classics.
If you want to see the master Chef Masaru at work, book a table at the bar-style seating in front of the kitchen where you can see the action happen right in front of you.
Here, you’ll get all your Japanese food cravings including the delicious prawn tempura sushi, hamachi sashimi and yakitori momo.
Pair your meal with barley tea or some homemade yuzu lemonade to keep your palate fresh.
Pro tip:
If you don’t want to think about what to order, check out the Chef’s recommendation on the menu or talk to the staff on what they can suggest based on your preferences.
Fusion Ceviche
Website: https://www.gaultmillauae.com/restaurant/fusion-ceviche/
Address: JLT Cluster Q Saba 3 Shop No.4 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 449 6292
Operating hours:
- 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily
Price:
- Approx. AED 140 for two people
If the name doesn’t give it away, Fusion Ceviche is a hidden gems restaurant in Dubai that specializes in classic Peruvian food.
Self-taught Chef Penelope Diaz created what’s now the place to get the best ceviche in Dubai in a cozy environment that invites you to let loose and relax.
And what a ceviche selection you’ll have in this hole-in-the-wall restaurant!! For starters, you can go with the classic salmon, tuna or scallops ceviche that’s made fresh and spiced according to how much heat you can take.
But Fusion Ceviche isn’t just about well, ceviches. Here, you can also enjoy authentic home cooked Peruvian delights that will surely make you fall in love with this cuisine.
Our favorites include the arroz con pato, empanada de la abuela, pulpo anticuchero and carretillero.
Oh, and don’t leave without trying the restaurant’s arroz con leche or tres leches cake.
Pro tip:
Fusion Ceviche only has room for 20 people at a time. So, if you don’t want to miss out on this beautiful dining spot, make sure to book a table weeks before your trip to Dubai.
Alma 560 Cafe
Website: https://alma560.com/
Address: Gold and Diamond Park Building 5 Shop No. 7 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 340 5060
Operating hours:
- 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM from Monday to Friday
- 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM from Saturday to Sunday
Price:
- Approx. AED 115 for two people
Alma 560 Cafe is your quintessential hidden gem restaurant in Dubai where people line up for one thing on the menu – the Pastel de Nata.
And believe us when we say, the trip to Gold and Diamond Park will be worth it once you taste this delicious Portuguese treat.
Alma 560 Cafe is rooted in Portuguese heritage and you’ll see it from the decor to the food they offer. And if you haven’t been to Portugal yet, you might just want to go after visiting the cafe.
The star of the show is the Pastel de Nata, of course. This 18th century treat is made with puff pastry and custard filling with sugar powder and cinnamon on top!
But that’s not all because Alma 560 is also a favorite breakfast spot among locals with offerings like the caldo verde or kale and potato soup, prego and roasted octopus.
Pro tip:
Aside from Pastel de Nata, don’t forget to take home the cafe’s brisa puff pastry with gila, bola de Berlim and an entire salame log.
Cafe Isan
Website: https://www.cafeisan.co/
Address: Level 1 Armada Avenue Hotel Cluster P – Jumeirah Lake Towers – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 58 529 1003
Operating hours:
- 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM from Sunday to Thursday
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM from Friday to Saturday
Price:
- Approx. AED 195 for two people
Cafe Isan is a Dubai hidden gems restaurant that’s everything you wouldn’t expect a Thai restaurant would be – and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Located in Jumeirah Lake Towers, Cafe Isan offers stunning views of the city in a rustic and colorful space that encourages you to dig in and enjoy your meal without worrying about the bill after.
That’s because this chef-founded restaurant offers authentic – and very delicious – Thai dishes from the Isan region at very affordable prices.
In fact, it’s one of those budget-friendly restaurants in Dubai that doesn’t scrimp on flavor or experience, making it a favorite well-kept secret among locals.
So, don’t wonder why you haven’t heard about this dining spot yet. Our favorites include the laab cakes, pik gai chicken wings, gai pad khing and of course, pad Thai!
Don’t forget to end your meal with a refreshing traditional Thai coconut ice cream and the famous mango and sticky rice.
Pro tip:
Do you want to try everything but you’re on a budget? Visit Cafe Isan before 6:00 PM and ask the staff for their combo meals.
Here, you can go for the Curry Combo, Isan Combo, The Hustler Combo, Garlic Chicken Combo or the famous Special Lunch Combo.
Boston Lane
Website: https://www.courtyard-uae.com/boston-lane
Address: Courtyard 25 – 4B Street – Al Quoz – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 54 449 2131
Operating hours:
- 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM daily
Price:
- Approx. AED 140 for two people
Out of the many cafes around Dubai, Boston Lane is considered a hidden gem restaurant because it offers a unique peek at Melbourne’s rich coffee culture.
Being owned by Australians, the coffee shop is designed to help you let loose and enjoy your surroundings.
It even has a boutique where you can find a curated selection of different local and international brands from a retail space named The Collective.
Of course, there’s the Aussie-inspired menu that locals flock to Al Quoz for. Get the classic cheese toastie or spicy tuna toastie, Aussie breakfast staples with a good cup of coffee.
But if you want something healthy, they also have a homemade granola bowl and acai bowl for good measure.
Pro tip:
Boston Lane gets easily packed, especially during the weekends. So, if you want to secure a spot in the courtyard.
Dukkan El Baba Restaurant and Grill
Address: Thuraya Telecom Building Shop No.7 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 58 674 6376
Operating hours:
- 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily
Price:
- Approx. AED 95 for two people
Dukkan El Baba is one of those hidden gems restaurants in Dubai that you go to if you’re looking for simple home cooked granny-style food that brings you comfort and warmth.
What started as a simple pop-up sandwich store quickly became a hit among diners looking for simple meals featuring authentic Lebanese flavors.
In fact, it’s still a surprise that not a lot of tourists know about this restaurant, although the locals may love it so much they don’t want others to know about this spot.
But now that you know about it, you have to make the trip to Barsha Heights for it. Once you step inside the restaurant, you’ll instantly feel like you’re in Grandma’s living room.
There’s a little library of books, some rustic rugs and mismatched furniture giving this place such a homey vibe.
You’ll also get to meet the owner Salam El Baba where you can ask for recommendations depending on what style of food you like.
But our favorites include the makanek, eggs in aleppo pepper and cheese, chicken tawouk and kibbi b’laban.
You also need to try the restaurant’s wraps and sandwiches made fresh in their daily counter. We especially love their roast beef sandwich, falafel in saj and if you’re vegan, the cauliflower sandwich is a must.
The best part about eating in this restaurant? Everything is so cheap that you’d want to order everything from the menu.
Pro tip:
Don’t know exactly what to choose from the menu? Ask the staff for their daily specials or talk to the owner for some recommendations.
Juntas
Address: 35 6C Street – Al Mizhar 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 52 880 4778
Operating hours:
- 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday
Price:
- Approx. AED 50 for two people
Juntas is a hidden gem restaurant in Dubai that feels more like eating at home rather than dining out. After all, it’s located in an Emirati lady’s house in Al Mizhar giving you that real community vibe.
This cozy dining spot is inspired by the Portuguese countryside with some Emirati influences. What you get is a heartwarming menu of homemade delights perfect for a cozy breakfast, lunch, tea or dinner.
You get to choose between an indoor and outdoor dining area that offers comfortable seating and a really relaxing atmosphere that you don’t want to leave.
For breakfast, Juntas serves a hearty breakfast platter that will surely fill you up for the rest of the day.
They’re also famous for their open sandwiches including the classic steak prego, a staple in Portuguese cuisine and the brie, fig, jams and capers sandwich.
Pro tip:
Visit Junta from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays for their Saturday buffet breakfast that includes hummus, grilled eggplant, grilled cauliflower, cheese board and dressed boiled potatoes among other dishes.
Ivy’s Secret Garden
Website: https://www.secretgardenivy.com/
Address: Unit 14 – R450 – Al Quoz Industrial Area 4 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 55 889 6982
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM from Wednesday to Sunday
- 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Tuesday
Price:
- Approx. AED 155 for two people
Ivy’s Secret Garden is a hidden gems restaurant in Dubai that combines two of the owner’s favorite things: plants and coffee.
A refreshing space in the middle of all those industrial warehouses, Ivy’s Secret Garden is a favorite spot among creatives who want to work in a cozy environment while enjoying some good food and drinks.
In fact, you can book the cafe’s meeting rooms where you can close deals and brainstorm with your team in a quiet and private area.
Ivy’s Secret Garden is famous for its sandwich delights including our favorite King’s steak ciabatta, all day breakfast in a wrap and grilled cheese toasties.
You also get a lot of beverage options here including smoothies, coffees, milkshakes and even some mojitos if you feel like day drinking. Promise, they won’t judge!
Pro tip:
While you’re in the cafe, check out their art, wellness and botanical workshops that will help you relax, get creative and just have fun.
Sallet Al Sayad Seafood Restaurant
Website: https://salletalsayad.com/
Address: Bin Abdulah – Al Shafar Building – 46 47C Street – Al Karama – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 335 5722
Operating hours:
- 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM daily
Price:
- Approx. AED 180 for two people
Sallet Al Sayad is a hidden gems restaurant in Dubai that specializes in fresh seafood cooked in traditional Palestinian and Arab flavors.
And believe us when we say that this is the restaurant to go to if you want premium seafood served in a cozy environment.
Sallet Al Sayad is designed to invite you to have a good time over a good meal. And what a fantastic meal you’ll have at this seafood restaurant.
You’ll be spoilt for choice with Sallet Al Sayad’s seafood collection that includes oysters, lobsters, shrimps, mussels, tiger prawns and different types of freshly caught fish.
We love their hamra red snapper, seafood soup with cream and turmeric, fisherman’s pasta and mixed seafood fajita.
Pro tip:
Since it takes time to cook seafood, it’s best to look at the menu online and choose what dishes you want to order, so you won’t get overwhelmed – and wait a long time – for your meal to be served.
Oath at WUD Flowers
Address: 342 Al Wasl Road – Jumeirah 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 349 0077
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily
Price:
- Approx. AED 70 for two people
Oath is a quaint cafe – and hidden gems restaurant in Dubai – located inside Wud Flowers, a villa in Jumeirah 1 that’s been converted into a flower shop.
Since it’s mostly known to locals, Oath is not as crowded as other more popular cafes in the area. But once you try its specialty coffees and smoothies, you’ll know why its customers keep coming back to this spot.
Oath has a pretty straightforward menu with food and beverages done right. Their Nutella sea salt cookies and honey pudding are huge hits for desserts.
You also need to try their specialty drinks including the Oath special, affogato and the berrie booster if you’re looking for something healthy.
Pro tip:
After grabbing your coffee, don’t forget to grab some flowers from WUD Flowers too. This flower shop is one of the best in Dubai specializing in creative floral arrangements.