I’m Scott J. Tanner—I’ve eaten my way across Dubai from Old Dubai alleys to Palm Jumeirah tasting counters. If you want the best restaurants in Dubai by budget, this is the cheat sheet I wish I had on my first trip.
Dubai can feel like a giant menu with no prices. So here’s the simple move: pick your budget, match it to a neighborhood, and you’ll land on meals that taste like you planned your trip on purpose.
Budget Map
| Budget Tier | Typical Spend (AED) | Best For | What To Expect | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Bites | 25–90 | Quick wins, late meals, casual hangouts | Big flavor, simple settings, fast service | Mostly walk-in |
| Comfortable Meals | 90–220 | Family dinners, easy date nights | More choice, nicer rooms, better pacing | Nice to reserve on weekends |
| Special Nights | 220–450 | Celebrations, “let’s do it” evenings | Signature dishes, polished service | Reserve recommended |
| Blowout Splurges | 450+ | Once-in-a-trip dining | Tasting menus, iconic venues, slow magic | Reserve early |
Quick price reality check: in Dubai, “budget” often means smart ordering. Share plates, try set lunches, and you’ll stretch your AED like it’s elastic.
Budget Bites
Want cheap eats in Dubai that locals actually crave? These places hit hard on flavor, keep things simple, and make your budget feel bigger than it is.
Ravi Restaurant
In Satwa, Ravi is the kind of place you walk into hungry and leave smiling. Go for curries and hot bread—order one rich main, one grilled item, and let the table share. Typical spend: 30–70 AED per person if you keep it classic.
- What to order: handi-style curry, grilled chicken, fresh bread
- Best time: late evening when the vibe feels most Dubai-local
- Small tip: ask for medium spice if you want full flavor without surprise heat
Al Ustad Special Kabab
This is Old Dubai comfort food at full volume—simple room, serious kebab skill. Order mixed grills with rice, and it feels like a feast without fancy pricing. Typical spend: 40–90 AED per person depending on how many skewers you chase.
- What to order: mixed grill, saffron-style rice, fresh salad
- Best time: early dinner before the crowd gets thick
- Good to know: bring cash just in case, and keep the order shareable
Bu Qtair
If you like seafood, Bu Qtair is a small legend. You pick your fish, they fry it, and it lands on the table with bold seasoning and no drama. Typical spend: 50–120 AED per person (it depends on what you choose). It’s casual in the best way—like a beach day that learned how to cook.
- What to order: fried fish or prawns, plus a side of spiced curry if you see it
- Best time: lunch, when the whole thing feels light and easy
- Small tip: go with friends so you can sample more than one catch
Logma
For Emirati flavors in a modern setting, Logma is an easy win—especially if you’re already at Dubai Mall. Keep it budget-friendly by choosing one main and one sweet for the table. Typical spend: 60–130 AED per person, and yes, the dessert can steal the show.
- What to order: khameer sandwich, machboos-style rice, luqaimat
- Best time: mid-afternoon when you want a calm, tasty break
- Small tip: if you’re new to Khaleeji food, ask for the most popular plate—staff usually nail the reccomendation
Comfortable Meals
This is the sweet spot for affordable dining in Dubai: nicer rooms, a wider menu, and pricing that still feels fair. Perfect if you want quality without turning dinner into a once-a-month event.
Arabian Tea House
When you want Old Dubai atmosphere with Emirati comfort, this is the move. A breakfast-style spread can turn into a full meal, and the courtyard vibe feels like a slow exhale. Typical spend: 90–180 AED per person if you build a shared table.
- Order idea: mixed breakfast platter + one signature tea to share
- Best time: morning or early afternoon for the calmest experience
- Small tip: pair savory bites with something sweet, it balances beautifully
Din Tai Fung
If you want a reliable crowd-pleaser, Din Tai Fung is hard to beat. The dumplings arrive fast, the menu is clear, and you can keep your budget tidy by ordering in rounds. Typical spend: 100–200 AED per person.
- What to order: xiao long bao, spicy wontons, noodles for sharing
- Best time: early lunch to dodge the biggest mall rush
- Small tip: one basket of dumplings per person + one shared side is a smart baseline
Bait Maryam
Bait Maryam feels like a warm home meal dressed up just enough for a night out. The Levantine plates shine when you share—think dips, breads, and one comforting main. Typical spend: 120–220 AED per person, and the table always looks abundant.
- Order idea: 2–3 mezze + one main to split, then decide on dessert
- Best time: weeknights for a steadier pace and easier parking
- Small tip: ask what’s best “today”—seasonal specials often pop here
REIF Japanese Kushiyaki
REIF is where you go when you want creative flavors without the stiff mood. The smart trick is the set-style lunch: it’s a clean way to taste more while keeping your budget under control. Typical spend: 78–250 AED per person depending on lunch vs dinner.
- Order idea: bento lunch + one extra small plate for the table
- Best time: weekday lunch for value and breathing room
- Small tip: if you’re sharing, mix skewers with one noodle dish so the meal feels complete
Special Nights
This tier is for special occasion restaurants in Dubai—still approachable, but you’ll notice the polish. Think signature dishes, smoother service, and that feeling of “yep, tonight is the night.”
Easy money-saver: book a set lunch when possible. In Dubai, lunch menus can feel like the same restaurant in a friendlier price mood.
3Fils
3Fils is a neighborhood star that tastes like it should cost more. Expect modern Asian with a Japanese lean, a laid-back setting by the water, and a menu built for sharing. Typical spend: 200–350 AED per person if you sample widely (which you should).
- What to order: a couple of signature small plates + one main to anchor the table
- Best time: arrive a little early—queues can form, and it’s popular for a reason
- Small tip: keep the first round light, then order a second round once you find your favorites
LPM Restaurant & Bar
In DIFC, LPM is pure grown-up joy—bright room, polished energy, and food that tastes clean and confident. This is where you order a few iconic plates, share, and let the meal unfold. Typical spend: 250–450 AED per person depending on how many signature dishes you chase.
- Order idea: one seafood starter + one vegetable plate + one main, then decide if you “need” dessert (you do)
- Best time: weeknights for a smoother pace and easier reservations
- Small tip: if you’re watching budget, skip extra sides and focus on the restaurant’s core plates
Zuma
Zuma is the classic DIFC night: sleek room, sharp service, and Japanese plates that land with confidence. It’s not “cheap,” but you can keep it tidy by ordering a tight set of favorites instead of chasing the whole menu. Typical spend: 350–700 AED per person, depending on how adventurous you get.
- Order idea: a couple of sushi plates + one hot signature dish + one shared side
- Best time: earlier seating if you want more breathing room and calmer energy
- Small tip: go smart-casual—this place likes a polished look
Blowout Splurges
These are the luxury restaurants in Dubai you plan a night around. The venues are iconic, the service is tuned like an instrument, and the meal moves at a slower, intentional rhythm.
Ossiano
Ossiano is a full-on Dubai moment: fine dining with an underwater view that feels like you’re eating inside an aquarium dream. Expect a tasting-style journey and a setting that people remember for years. Typical spend: 900+ AED per person, so treat it like the main event.
- Best for: proposals, anniversaries, “we’re here, let’s go big” nights
- Booking tip: reserve early and request your preferred seating vibe
- Small tip: arrive a bit early so you can settle in and enjoy the scene
Trèsind Studio
Trèsind Studio is the kind of meal you talk about on the flight home. It’s modern Indian fine dining built as a story, course by course, and it’s one of those places where every detail feels chosen. Typical spend: 900+ AED per person, depending on the menu and additions.
- Best for: food-focused travelers who want a true tasting experience
- Booking tip: pick a date early in your trip, so you can reschedule if plans shift
- Small tip: keep the rest of the day light—this is a long, satisfying dinner
Pierchic
Pierchic is all about the setting: over-water dining with a view that makes the whole night feel cinematic. The food leans Italian and seafood-forward, and the atmosphere does a lot of the work. Typical spend: 450–900 AED per person, depending on how you order.
- Best for: romantic dinners and milestone nights
- Booking tip: reserve and note any special occasion (it helps the pacing)
- Small tip: ask for terrace seating when weather is kind—pure Dubai
Smart Ordering Moves
Ever leave a restaurant thinking, “How did that get so expensive?” In Dubai, the fix is simple: order with a plan, not with panic. These moves keep your budget calm while the meal still feels generous.
- Start with sharing: one starter per two people, then add as you go—pace saves money.
- Use set lunches: many mid-range and special-tier spots offer strong daytime value in AED.
- Pick one “hero” dish: choose the signature plate, then support it with simpler sides.
- Time it right: early dinners are often smoother, and you’re less likely to over-order when you’re not rushed.
- Book when it matters: a good reservation can save you from last-minute “fine, we’ll take anything” choices.
My favorite Dubai trick: treat your budget like a suitcase—pack the essentials first, then add a small splurge only if you still have room.
Neighborhood Shortcuts
In Dubai, location is half the decision. Pick the right area and your budget options multiply—like switching from a tiny menu to a full buffet.
- Satwa: big flavor, fast service, budget wins.
- Bur Dubai / Al Fahidi: heritage vibes, Emirati comfort, relaxed pacing.
- Jumeirah: casual seafood and modern spots—great for a day-to-night flow.
- DIFC: polished dining, special nights, and the most “dress-up” energy.
- Palm Jumeirah: iconic venues and the splurge tier.
Quick FAQs
What budget should I plan per person?
For Dubai, 90–220 AED per person covers a comfortable meal in many popular spots. If you want a special night, plan 220–450 AED. For tasting menus and iconic venues, expect 450+ AED.
Do I need reservations?
For budget bites, you can usually walk in. For mid-range and up—especially in DIFC or on weekends—make a reservation. It keeps your night smooth and your budget choices flexible.
How do I stay on budget without feeling cheap?
Pick one signature dish, share starters, and skip ordering “just in case.” You’ll still eat well, and the bill stays friendly. In Dubai, the smartest diners aren’t the ones who order the most—they’re the ones who order with intent.
Sources
- Visit Dubai – Food & Drink — Official dining guide from Dubai’s tourism authority, great for browsing neighborhoods and cuisines.
- Dubai Municipality – Food Safety Department — The city’s official hub for food safety oversight and standards.
- Dubai Municipality – Provisional Guidelines For Food Establishments (PDF) — Detailed official guidance used across food venues in Dubai.
- UAE Government Portal – Food Safety & Health Tips — Practical official tips that apply when dining out across the UAE.
- Wikipedia – Emirati Cuisine — A helpful overview of traditional dishes and ingredients you’ll see on many local menus.