5 Must-Visit Restaurants and Cafes in Dubai

Dubai is a city of superlatives. High buildings, big malls and among the most over-the-top dining experiences anywhere. But beyond the gold-flaked cappuccinos and the celebrity-chef outposts in towering skyscrapers, there’s a diverse and delicious culinary scene.

It’s not difficult to find a good meal in Dubai, but finding the kind of place where you don't just eat their food, you feel it — a spot that has soul, knockout flavors and a vibe that makes you want to claim squatters’ rights — can take some time spent nose-to-the-ground digging (or guidance like this). Whether you live here and are in search of your next weekend go-to spot, or a visitor who wants to sample the city’s mix-and-match food scene, we’ve got you covered with these five spots that always hit the mark.

Here are five of the top restaurants and cafés to try in Dubai right now, from artisanal sourdough bakeries to real regional Indian food.

1. Birch Bakery

Buried within Al Quoz, Birch Bakery is a little-known spot that has quietly established itself as one of the best in the city for artisan bread and pastries. It’s not just a place to pick up croissants in a flash; it’s for anyone who loves the art of baking.

What to order: They’ve got legendary morning buns and the sea salt focaccia is a savory dream. If you’re in the neighborhood at lunchtime, those sandwiches — assembled on that fabulous house-baked bread — are among the best in the city.

2. Kissa at Tezukuri

For anyone needing a little bit of Japan in the desert, try Tezukuri: Kissa – an intimate oasis. This place in Business Bay is what a stealthy Tokyo listening bar meets high-end eatery would feel like.

The atmosphere is undeniably cool, emphasizing high-fidelity audio and similarly high-fidelity food. It’s the sort of environment in which the playlist is as meticulously selected as the menu. Interior wise, it’s clean, minimal and futuristic with hardly any distractions so the food gets the spotlight.

What to order: The menu is Japanese comfort food with a modern twist. Be sure to try their sandos (Japanese sandwiches) or their wide variety of specialty coffees. It’s the perfect destination for a lazy afternoon that segues into a fashionable evening.

3. Middle Child

Sometimes, all you really want is food that reminds you of a hug, and Middle Child in Al Jaddaf has that covered. This is a neighborhood café that projects a quirky, unpretentious charm that can be hard to come by in a city so enamored of the glittering and glitzy.

The vibe is warm and welcoming, usually crowded with patrons working and drinking on laptops or talking to friends.

What to order: A standout breakfast menu that includes classics with inventive twists. The “Karaage Benedict” is huge with boisterous Japanese fried chicken teamed with the quintessential poached egg breakfast. Their coffee game is strong as well; they get beans from some of the finest roasters around.

4. Kashkan

If you wish to embark on a culinary journey through India without leaving Dubai, Kashkan in Dubai Festival City Mall is your passport. Designed by celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar, the restaurant is a celebration of Indian cuisine; it's an ode to it that covers everything from Kash 2 Kanny (from Kashmir to Kanyakumari).

Interiors are colorful and inspired by India’s rich cultures. Why Kashkan stands out is its fidelity; the seasonings ring true, and traditions are followed in the cooking methods.

What to order: The menu here is large, so let's call a spade for what it is. The Galouti Kebabs are tender and smooth, and the Dal Kashkan is rich, creamy and soothing. It’s a great place to go for family dinner where shared plates will give you a tour of few regions all in one seating.

5. WooHoo

For families with young children, dining out is frequently a tricky negotiation between entertainment and passable food. WooHoo, at Al Quoz neatly addresses this. Although it is mostly an “edutainment” museum for kids, you wouldn’t expect the coffee in its connected café to be so good.

It’s the best of both worlds: Kids get to spend time exploring interactive exhibits that stimulate their minds and challenge their bodies, and parents can have an actual good cup of coffee (and a healthy snack).

What to order: It's all about healthful, sustainable options that kids and adults will love. They have fresh, vibrantly colored smoothie bowls and lunchtime wraps that are great for a healthy grab-and-go while your littles play.

Your Next Meal Awaits

Dubai’s dining scene is evolving rapidly, seemingly with new concepts popping up every week. But these five spots are worth spotlighting, since actually good, reliable (and fun!) restaurants will always get in where they fit in. Whether it’s breaking bread at Birch Bakery or exploring Indian flavors at Kashkan, you’ll be in for a treat.