After living in Dubai for a year, I’ve sorted through the hype, the glitz and the glamour. Here are some of my favorite spots I visit as often as possible.
My all-time favorites
Zagol Restaurant
The venue is situated in the lively Al Karama neighborhood. The staff is friendly and helpful and the dishes are just amazing. I recommend you choose the mixed platter, a bit of everything on top of Injera (Ethiopian Bread). Important note: The restaurant is split in two, Zahol Café (on the left) and Zagol Restaurant (5 meters to the right). Either one is fine, but if there’s space, I recommend you go to the one on the right-hand side (Zagol Restaurant).
https://goo.gl/maps/gyEDXHng3Lh4LSfy6
Friend’s Avenue Cafe Al Thanyah
One, if not the hippest café in Dubai. The café is in the classy Umm Suqeim Neighborhood, mostly villas and large mansions in the area. Great interior design, good food and excellent coffee, with the option to sit inside or outside. Located in a small shopping center, you can also find a Pharmacy and Supermarket (Waitrose).
https://goo.gl/maps/kNPfbTiYXYAfJJ4j6
MAMA’ESH Al Manara
Just around the corner from Friend’s Avenue Cafe Al Thanyah, MAMA’ESH (a local franchise) serves some of the best Palestinian cuisines in town. It’s a great choice for breakfast (try the Palestinian breakfast), lunch or dinner. Like most places in Dubai, it’s very family-friendly.
https://goo.gl/maps/inL99T4vfgfXJgCj6
Fujiya
Without a doubt the best Japanese restaurant in Dubai and one of the best I’ve ever been to (even having been to Japan multiple times). From what I heard, it is the favorite of Japanese expats in Dubai. They have a wide range of authentic Japanese cuisine (Chicken Karaage, Okonomiyaki, grilled eel, …) as well as beer and sake. Definitely worth a try.
https://goo.gl/maps/wkGzLg2SJGkrga2U6
Latakia House
One of my soul food favorites. I accidentally discovered this one while staying at Rove - Healthcare City (Hotel). Definitely more on the fast food side of things, fantastic taste and great value for money. You can have a big lunch for only 3-5$. If you like fried chicken - this one is for you.
https://goo.gl/maps/n55VToVuzUzcBsDN8
Dubai Half Desert
This is a massive plot of land with roads and roundabouts leading nowhere. The road is partially covered in sand dunes. This development was either abandoned or will be developed in a couple of years. Many people take their expensive cars out here to push them to the edge.
https://goo.gl/maps/rH7UJcmbYSMqvneu6
Topgolf Dubai
This is a good one - what’s better than having a beer and great snacks while hitting balls from the 3rd floor. Pro tip: Come during the week and make a reservation.
https://goo.gl/maps/AGiXi7xa4cA67BZ7A
Honorable Mentions
The Farm, Al Barari
Probably the greenest spot in all of Dubai.
https://goo.gl/maps/YZ2iiHzUUQbkEts88
Palma Cafe
Great coffee, also great for hanging out with your laptop.
https://goo.gl/maps/TxgXxy2mDmoWvwox6
The Coffee Lab
A bit separated from the rest of the city, a large 2-story café with amazing views of Port Rashid.
https://goo.gl/maps/dNTHbeHP2NmYbA966
La Mer Beach & Kite Beach
The two best beaches in Dubai. Openly accessible and well developed with lots of restaurants and cafés.
La Mer Beach
https://goo.gl/maps/vCF7rwvkoxR37JMs6
Kite Beach
https://goo.gl/maps/Fc542wMeD57EvgKC9
ALHAJARAIN RESTAURANT, Hatta, Dubai
If you get the chance, take a tour to Hatta. Situated in the mountains, the territory technically still belongs to the Emirate of Dubai. It’s a well-developed small mountain town with a focus on tourism. Alhajiran Restaurant serves exquisite Arab cuisine and is located right next to Hatta Heritage Village, also worth a visit.
https://goo.gl/maps/axuurFMe4GMwdnfD9
Qudra Desert
This is a good place if you want to check out the desert on your own terms without booking a tour. You can park your car on the roadside and walk into it briefly.
https://goo.gl/maps/EdRmVbpYwKP5jgpn9
Summary
The list became more prolonged than anticipated. There are so many things to do and check out here. If you liked this post, please leave a comment or like below.