Our Favourite Dubai Restaurants That Need Extra Love Right Now

Lately, where we choose to eat has started to feel like more than just a casual decision. It’s about showing up, supporting places we love, and returning to the ones that have quietly become part of our routines — especially in moments where everything else feels uncertain.

So this isn’t a list of the “best” restaurants in Dubai. It’s the places we keep going back to; the ones we want to keep full, busy, and alive.

We’ll start with Of The Earth, where the farmer’s breakfast has become something we think about long after we leave. Everything is homemade, deeply comforting, and just done right, from the sourdough to the almond butter. It’s simple, but it stays with you, and it’s exactly the kind of place you want to return to again and again. they also have yummy coffees and juices.

OF THE EARTH

ALSERKAL

@OFTHEEARTHAE

Then there’s Alica Bakery, which feels less like a one-time visit and more like a habit in the making. The morning tray alone - sourdough bun with homemade compote and cheese, - their coffees, their Alica tartine, the cinammon bun, the lemon cake...makes it nearly impossible to choose just one thing. Everything is consistently incredible, and the fact that it’s on Deliveroo just means we’ll be ordering it just as often as we’ll be going.

ALICA

PORT DE LA MER

@ALICABAKERY

We recently discovered Subko, and honestly, it might have the best avocado toast we’ve had in the city. And when a staple like that is done this well, you know everything else will follow. Add smoked salmon and chili crunch, and you’ll understand why we’re already planning our next visit.

SUBKO

ALSERKAL

@SUBKOUAE

Maisan15 has been a favorite for years; the kind of place that feels personal. We always go back for the açaí bowl with homemade granola, peanut butter, and berries, paired with a pistachio latte. It’s still, without question, the best açaí bowl in Dubai. Nothing really comes close. There’s something about Maisan15 that feels like home, and it always has. Don't sleep on the housebread and 'Rami's Breakfast'.

MAISAN 15

AL BARSHA SOUTH

@MAISAN15

For something that instantly takes us back, we go to Akhu Manoushe. One bite and you’re in Lebanon. We keep it simple: the zaatar manoushe, warm, fragrant, and exactly how it should be. It’s the kind of staple that doesn’t need reinventing, just doing right, and here, it is. The kind of breakfast that feels both grounding and a tad nostalgic.

For something more casual but just as satisfying, Taqueria El Primo does exactly what it needs to do: no overthinking, just really good, authentic food. The taco de camarones is a clear standout, but the soft shell tacos followed by churros and a vanilla softie make for the kind of meal you don’t want to end.

When we’re craving something that feels closer to home, we head to Em Sherif Deli for a sourdough tartine topped with hindbeh and Bulgarian cheese. It’s simple, but it carries so much flavor, the kind that immediately takes you back to Lebanon.

EM SHERIF DELI

ONE CENTRAL AND GALLERIA MALL, BARSHA

@EMSHERIFDELI

For coffee, Stir Coffee has become a go-to, especially post-workout. It’s tucked into a gym, which makes it feel like a reward, and the beans are some of the most carefully sourced in the UAE. The flat white never misses.

STIR

THE IVY, JVT

@stircoffee.ae

We’ll always go back to One Life Kitchen and Café, across all its locations. It’s one of those places that just works, every time. An iced latte with homemade almond milk is non-negotiable, followed by a build-your-own salad from the counter — always fresh, always packed with flavor.

ONE LIFE

D3, ALSERKAL, JVC

onelifedxb.com

Then there’s Chom Chom, a Vietnamese spot that somehow gets everything right. The summer rolls are unreal, the coconut ice cream is the perfect finish, and the whole place has that laid-back energy that makes you want to stay — or take it home and do the same.

CHOM CHOM

GALLERIA MALL, BARSHA

@chomchomdxb

For pizza, Blu Pizzeria is hard to beat. Their sourdough base alone is worth the visit, and the rotating menu keeps things interesting without overcomplicating anything. It’s straightforward, and it’s really, really good.

BLU PIZZERIA

UMM SUQUEIM

@blupizzeria

SEVA Table is where we go when we want something plant-based that still feels indulgent. The chickpea omelet and banana pancakes are favorites, but what makes it stand out is how nourishing everything feels — full of superfoods, adaptogens, and ingredients that actually leave you feeling good.

SEVA TABLE

JUMEIRAH 1

@SEVATABLE

For something more classic, Scalini Dubai does what it does exceptionally well. The parmigiana is easily one of the best we’ve had, the truffle pasta never disappoints, and the atmosphere makes it the kind of place you stay a little longer than planned.

SCALINI

FOUR SEASONS JUMEIRAH

www.scalini-dubai.com

We also love Brix Café — calm, minimal, and quietly perfect. It’s where we go for a good coffee, a few light bites, and a moment to slow down. The kind of place that doesn’t try too hard, but gets everything right.

BRIX CAFE

JUMEIRAH FISHING PORT

@BRIXCAFE.AE

We’ll also be going to Amongst Few Cafe, which is one of those places we keep coming back to without really thinking about it. It’s amongst few where we love basically everything on the menu, is a great place to work from, have great vegan options and some copies of JDEED to read through. It just feels easy — the kind of spot you settle into and end up staying longer than planned.

AMONGST FEW

UMM SUQUEIM

@AMONGSTFEWCAFE

More than anything, these are the places we’ll keep choosing, not just for the food, but for what they represent. Familiarity, consistency, and a sense of community, especially when it matters most.

Because sometimes, showing up is enough.