The best casual dining spots in Dubai

Are you looking for an affordable, casual dining experience in Dubai without all the bells and whistles? The sort of spot you can breeze through for some tasty sharing plates with friends, or a buffet breakfast with all the trimmings with the family. While there is a time and a place for a degustation menu or a seven course dinner, this guide gives you a list of options for those times you want to enjoy good food in a relaxed setting. Fortunately, Dubai is packed to the brim with restaurants offering just that. Discover our pick of the best casual restaurants in Dubai for excellent food. 

Address: Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai, Sheikh Road, Dubai
 

Entre-Nous Restaurant at Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai hotel offers an all-day dining experience. Start the day with a buffet breakfast featuring classic dishes from around the world. Enjoy a traditional Arabic breakfast which includes ful medames, grilled halloumi and babaganoush served with sambals and pita bread. Themed dinner buffets celebrate Dubai’s blended cuisine from Asia, India and Arabia. From lamb kofta tagine to butter chicken and pan-seared Asian salmon, you can enjoy diverse dishes layered with spices.

Address: Novotel Bur Dubai, Dubai Healthcare City, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai 
 

The Hang Out Café, located at the Novotel Bur Dubai, is a great spot to enjoy delicious dishes in a bright and airy indoor space, or outside on the shady terrace. Using locally sourced ingredients, you can watch the skilled chefs prepare your food in the open show kitchen. Enjoy a variety of breakfast options from Belgian waffles to a continental breakfast or traditional Arabic or Indian breakfasts. The Indian Breakfast includes idli – a savoury rice cake, sambar (lentil stew) with a tomato coconut chutney, eggs your way and a choice of freshly squeezed juices, coffee or karak chai (cardamom spiced black tea). For lunch or dinner, enjoy lamb biryani or share a margherita pizza straight from the oven. Coffee lovers will not be disappointed with the freshly brewed selection. 

Address: Novotel Deira Creekside, 8th Street, Port Saeed District, Deira, Dubai

If you are looking for a varied dining experience, enjoy a meal at Tala Restaurant which is located at the Novotel Deira Creekside Hotel. The menu favours locally grown produce and features keto bowls, fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps. Notable main courses include Asian glazed sea bass, grilled jumbo prawns, Thai green chicken curry, Indonesian nasi goreng and an Arabic mixed grill. Pasta dishes include arrabbiata, pesto bolognese and Napolitano and kids can enjoy chicken nuggets, mini burgers, or pizzas from the kids’ corner. 

Address: Centurion Star, Port Saeed, Deira, Dubai
 

Dampa Seafood Grill is a Filipino gem. At this lively Deira eatery you can enjoy fresh seafood kamayan-style – which means all the food is laid out on banana leaves and everything is eaten with your hands. Don an apron and roll up your sleeves for a decadent seafood feast and unforgettable casual dining experience. From the restaurant’s ‘Dump-a-Seafeast’ medley of crab, mussels, clams, and shrimp served with a Cajun sauce, to the crispy giant squid and cheesy lobster thermidor. You’re in for a treat!

Address: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
 

The Food Court at Dubai Mall is the perfect place for shoppers looking to take a break and refuel. As you stroll through the food court you will be met with a variety of food vendors from all over the world.

We suggest trying something a little different like the dim sum, noodle and fried rice dishes at Chow King or a kebab with saffron rice from Iran Zamin. And make room for unusual ice-cream flavours at Mammamia Italian Gelato ranging from green apple and melon, to lemon pie and pistachio.

Address: Al Talal Tower 1, 13th Street, Al Nahda, Dubai
 

Head to Pak Liyari for the best extra-spicy mutton biryani in town. There are three outlets in Deira with the main restaurant being located in Al Nahda. You will enjoy this casual restaurants atmosphere and authentic Pakastani dishes. From traditional mutton white roast which is slow cooked in ghee and a creamy dried fruit gravy, to fragrant chicken karahi simmering in a fragrant tomato base, you’ll be impressed. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Address: Dubai Marina, Al Sufouh Rd Lower level (opposite Waitrose supermarket), Dubai
 

Soak up the sea views and Parisian ambiance of Bistro Des Arts in the Dubai Marina. The rustic decor offers a laidback and inviting atmosphere. You can sit indoors or outside on the beautiful garden terrace. It’s a great spot every Friday to enjoy Brunch on the Marina. Start with a refreshing Aperol spritz or enjoy a bistro spread consisting of fresh juice, ice tea, a selection of fruits, salad, cheeses, and cold cuts. Other brunch options include Nutella pancakes, eggs your way, smashed avocado on toast or a delicious seafood spaghetti. Brunch includes an unlimited number of hot beverages namely coffee, tea, or hot chocolate as part of a packaged price. Not on the brunch menu, but delicious all the same is their famous Moules Frites - fresh mussels served with French fries or their Parisian burger with Angus beef, brie cheese and black truffle aioli. 

Address: Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Dubai
 

Respresentative of the melting pot diversity of Dubai, 3 Fils presents pan-Asian cuisine with a Japanese twist. Grab a table in their outdoor seating area and take in the views of the bustling harbour while enjoying one of their signature dishes like the crispy tilefish or a toro croissant with caviar. Enjoy the extra marinated (for 72 hours) lamb ribs and the wagyu beef truffle burger. End your meal on a sweet note with their Karak ice cream - a creamy butterscotch ice cream topped with a black tea crumble and cardamom. 

• To get the most out of casual dining in Dubai try and avoid the weekend rush. Most spots tend to be less crowded from Monday to Wednesday Also, choose to eat dinner earlier - an early dinner between 6 pm and 8 pm means you're more likely to avoid the crowds
• Many casual dining restaurant’s offer lunch specials allowing you to enjoy great food whilst also saving money

The Dubai Marina is a great option for group dining with plenty of family style restaurants and scenic waterfront views. Visit Eat Greek Kouzina and share delicious mezze dishes with family and friends. Pizza night? Pop into Osteria Mario and enjoy a delicious Roman style pizza. Another wonderful option for groups is the Time Out Market Dubai at the Souk Al Bahar. Here you will find seventeen unique stalls all under one roof ranging from Pickl’s delicious burgers. Lebanese street food from Libon by Allo Beirut, coffee and cake from Boon Coffee and chilled wines at the Atrium Bar where you can enjoy a scenic view of Burj Khalifa while sipping on a crisp white wine. Or if you prefer you can catch up with friends over cocktails at Fountain Bar. 

One of the many joys of travelling or even exploring in your own city is finding hidden gems especially when it comes to cafes and casual dining spots. Wander the streets of Old Dubai and you will find a range of authentic streetside cafes and local stalls selling street food. Al Bait Alqadeem Restaurant and Café in Deira serves authentic Emirati dishes like traditional shrimp majboos and the Al Fanar Seafood Market serves freshly caught fish. You can also check out #DubaiEats for hidden gem recommendations.