The 5 Best Places for Kunafa in Dubai
Does the sound of spun pastry layered with cheese and nuts and soaked in a sugar syrup called attar make your mouth water? It has that effect on us, too.
Kunafi, a popular traditional dessert in the Middle East, has been the local’s, and ours, sweet favorite since time immemorial. The number of restaurants serving this is a testament to how popular it is in Dubai.
So we tried some highly recommended spots to give you our favorite places for Kunafa in Dubai!
How We Picked the Best Places for Kunafa in Dubai
Before we get right into our best places for Kunafa in Dubai, here are the factors we considered for our entries on this list:
1. Siraj
| Criteria | Rating |
| Quality of the Dessert | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Authenticity | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Service Quality | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
If you are looking for something that is authentically approved by the Emirati community, look no further than Siraj.
This restaurant is approved by the royal family of UAE themselves, for its contemporary reinterpretation of Emirati-Levantine cuisine.
The Kunafa is traditionally made, except it is baked in a high-end oven. We love how Siraj keeps it simple and authentic with its layers of cheese, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the saltiness of it.
Sadly, the vanilla ice cream felt like an afterthought as it was just a generic-tasting scoop that maybe should have been sourced better or made fresh in the kitchen.
On top of that, the service needed some improvement. There were no significant problems with the staff, but it needed some help in terms of matching the service quality for the price point that it has.
On top of that, the man shouting “Arabian food” outside of the restaurant was kind of annoying, and not a great way to entice customers to come in.
When it comes to its ambiance, we were in love with the dark and intimate sandy color palette that it has going on. The beautiful arches and intricate lamps made us feel like we were stepping into a temple.
However, the music was simply too loud that it overshadowed our conversations at some points.
Pros
- Serves innovative authentic Emirati-Levantine food
- Beautifully decorated restaurant
- Simple and authentic Kunafa
Cons
- The service needs improvement to match the price point
- The music was too loud
- Ice cream on the Kunafa could be better
Customer Reviews
Overall, so good!
“We were going to Karma Kafe but it was closed so we went to Siraj. So yummy! The shrimp majors and the meat margooba were delicious! Fattouch is my new fav salad. We also ordered the grilled halloumi (always good) and the beet salad. Overall so good!” – MANIYA ABLAZA, Google Reviews
Highly recommended!
“Delicious food, very good and broad menu selection including dome exotic dishes, like camel tenderloin, big selection of traditional Arabic dishes made in a different way, we had a family dinner, ordered 7 dishes – every dish was perfect, very good quality of ingredients.
Very good presentation, service is 5*.
The outdoor terrace is very big with a separate area by the water.
Highly recommended!” – Victor Kolesnikov, Google Reviews
2. Logma
| Criteria | Rating |
| Quality of the Dessert | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Authenticity | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Service Quality | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Known for its freshly prepared authentic Arab Khaleeji food, Logma serves breakfast specialties that not a lot of people outside of the UAE actually know a lot about.
The Kunafa, which is a great partner to our first cup of coffee, is very much authentic, with no frills and no fuss.
Delicately made with each layer of salty cheese perfectly proportioned is accentuated by the nice scoop of ice cream that tops the dessert.
Unlike Siraj, its ice cream is definitely better tasting. The vanilla tastes more natural, and the sweetness is just subtle enough to complement rather than overpower the Kunafa.
When it comes to authenticity, it is almost incomparable to anything. Its food is literally Arabian-Khaleeji home-cooking with a few twists to elevate it to restaurant quality.
Unfortunately, the service here can be often inconsistent. We had a great experience with the staff the first time, but the second time around, they were not as accommodating and inviting.
However, when it comes to its ambiance, it keeps us coming back for more. The view of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, especially during dinner is such an amazing addition to the space.
On top of that, the restaurant feels modern and chic without it feeling cold. We love its use of color on the throw pillows and framed art on the walls, too.
Pros
- Serves authentic Arab Khaleei food
- Has an amazing view of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain
- Beautifully decorated space
- Serves simple and authentic Kunafa
Cons
- Inconsistent service
Customer Reviews
It has been an amazing dinner experience!
“It has been an amazing dinner experience! Nadir the restaurant Captain has been such a darling! When he got to know it was my birthday and saw my fractured arm, he quickly made the necessary arrangements so that I get the fountain view! Not only is the view fabulous, but the food is also absolutely delicious! I highly recommend this place and a big shout out for their attentiveness, and wonderful service, making it such a memorable birthday for me!❤️ wish I can give this place 10 stars!” – Gina Lee, Google Reviews
By far one of my favorite restaurants in Dubai!
“By far one of my favorite restaurants in Dubai! Service was awesome, the food was delicious and so good 🤤, and the ambiance makes you feel very comfortable. We ordered a lamb dish (forgot the name), Moroccan tea, and salad. 10/10 would def recommend to anyone who’s considering dining here.” – Abbey Gautama, Google Reviews
3. Feras Aldiyafa Sweets
| Criteria | Rating |
| Quality of the Dessert | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Authenticity | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Service Quality | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Ambiance | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Known to almost every resident of the city of Dubai, Feras Aldiyafa Sweets is a local favorite dessert parlor that serves up excellent Arabic sweets.
It is most renowned for its Kunafa which are warm, soft, and really creamy. But the best part about it is that it is always served with a generous amount of sweet and salty filling.
Although its kunafa may taste a bit too simple for some who usually get these from more contemporary restaurants, it is undeniable that it is authentic, and made with the generosity of a family friend bringing it to a potluck.
When it comes to its service quality. The staff when we dine in here is definitely better than its staff that handles deliveries and online orders.
Deliveries here are often getting canceled or arriving late, which are definitely big disappointments for us since we usually would just rather have our Kunafa delivered rather than have to drive down to one of its locations.
When it comes to its ambiance, it is not the most luxurious-looking restaurant out there. It definitely has that casual family-run vibe to it, and we are not mad at that.
While it could definitely use some improvement on how it looks, we really don’t think it’s that big of a problem, since it is undeniably clean and sanitary.
Pros
- Authentic Kunafa with generous filling
- Known for its authentic Arabian sweets
- Has multiple locations
Cons
- Delivery service is unreliable
- Nothing special about its ambiance
Customer Reviews
Feras Aldiyafa Sweets in Dubai is a must-visit
“Feras Aldiyafa Sweets in Dubai is a must-visit! The best Kunafa in town with a secret cheese ingredient that makes it incredibly delicious. Friendly staff and a delightful dining experience. Highly recommended!” – Bassam Sh, Google Reviews
Feras has always served my favorite kunafa
“Feras has always served my favorite kunafa and is a great simple spot to drop by at night with friends. We even had them serve at a relative’s wedding and they provided a grand experience (a picture of the cheese stretching as they served may be framed soon)! I love their recent renovations and hope that they continue to grow as they seem like they are. I only have pictures of our take away order as we eat everything else too quickly when we visit.” – Stephen Marone, Google Reviews
4. Al Samadi Sweets
| Criteria | Rating |
| Quality of the Dessert | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Authenticity | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Service Quality | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Ambiance | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Offering no fuss and no frills Kunafa is Al Samadi Sweets’ specialty. Inexpensive yet tasty, the Kunafa here is made better by its indulgent rosewater sugar syrup drizzled over the pastry.
We love how simple and traditional its Kunafa is. In a world where traditional recipes keep getting reinvented and elevated, Al Samadi Sweets stays strong and unmoving with its great recipe.
And because of that, its authenticity is unrivaled and untouched. We love how we can really taste Kunafa the way it has been made for so many years now.
As for its service, there really isn’t anything special to it except for the fact that we can pre-order its treats, which is really handy when we need a big batch of Kunafa for sharing.
When it comes to actually dining here, the service was fine. The staff was accommodating, but they didn’t really go out of their way to meet some of our requests.
As for its ambiance, we do appreciate how warm and bright the space is. Its floor-to-ceiling windows let so much natural light in, and the light warm wooden furniture makes it so welcoming.
However, we are not big fans of the cold white fluorescent overhead lighting, and the generic white floor tiles cheapen the restaurant.
Pros
- Inexpensive authentic Kunafa
- A welcoming and warm ambiance
- Allows pre-ordering
Cons
- Nothing special about its service
- The lighting and the flooring feel cheap
Customer Reviews
Very reasonable price for such a high-quality treat
“I’m not a big fan of Arabic Sweets as I don’t like overly sweet things.
But I need something from Dubai to bring home and a lot of people recommended this place so I went and gave it a try.
The staff is friendly and doesn’t mind answering my million questions as I don’t know what to get.
Very reasonable price as well for such a high-quality treat. I love that it is not very sweet so my Asian family will probably love it.
Plenty of options from Petit Four, Baklava, Kunafa, Rahash, nuts filled Dates, Cakes, and even Chocolates.” —Suciani Arta, Google Reviews
It takes me back home immediately from the first bite
“All-time favorite in Dubai. It’s one of the oldest in the country and one of the very few real original Lebanese sweets and has one of the best Lebanese Kunafa in Dubai. It takes me back home immediately from the first bite.” — Abed Halawani (Just Abood), Google Reviews
5. Sale Sucre
| Criteria | Rating |
| Quality of the Dessert | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Authenticity | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Service Quality | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
A favorite amongst locals and ex-pats alike, Sale Sucre serves up unique Kunafa that explores its potential to serve up different flavor combinations in between its layers of pastry.
We especially love its mango and Nutella Kunafa because it has such a unique flavor profile that we can’t find anywhere else.
And while it is not the most authentic or traditional Kunafa out there, it does not mean it does not have that on its menu. However, we think our favorite flavor trumps the classic, and if you are looking for traditional Kunafa try our other entries instead.
When it comes to its service, despite the staff being friendly throughout our whole experience, communicating with them was frustratingly slow.
Instead of having checked the store’s inventory for the day, our waiter had to come back to our table thrice just to tell us that some of our orders were not available.
While we logistically understand that there will be days when the restaurant is not going to have everything on its menu, the staff should be ready if it ever happens.
As for its ambiance, we like its quaint small space that feels like it is perfect to spend a hot afternoon in with some cold coffee and a plate of its excellent Kunafa.
Pros
- Unique Kunafa with different flavor profiles
- Has unique and traditional Kunafa
- Quaint cafe vibe
Cons
- Staff service is slow and inefficient
- Not all of its Kunafa is traditionally made
Customer Reviews
Strongly recommend it for any occasion
“Thanks to your excellent customer service and to your attention to customer care service you provided.
Excellent Fresh Tasty cake that you eat and feel secure it will be the best
Thanks to Mr. Ahmed the branch manager for your excellent or above excellent service
Fresh tasty cakes just made a fresh start to the new year…could not be happier.
Strongly recommend for any occasion” – Eman Tamam, Google Reviews
It’s a nice dessert shop
“It’s a nice dessert shop, they have some creative items there worth a try I’ve tried the basbosa tise it was nice and fresh they are half normal and with nuts and they have in a plate (half kg/ one kg) you can choose one of them for me it’s a bit pricey, but overall worth to try” – Food Passport, Google Reviews
FAQs about Kunafa in Dubai
We hope this helped you find your favorite places for Kunafa in Dubai. Also, if you’re looking for other dessert recommendations, then check out these articles: