The food scene in Dubai is pretty remarkable! You could probably eat at a different restaurant every day of the year and not repeat a place. With such a wide variety of cuisines to choose from, there is something to suit everyone’s palate. I often get asked for recommendations on places that not only serve up delicious food but are wallet-friendly as well. So to help you out a bit, I have listed out five of my favorite casual dining spots in the city. These are restaurants that have been visited on more than one occasion, so they are tried and tested folks!
Reifkushiyaki
Chef Reif has returned to the Dubai food scene with a bang! His latest offering Reifkushiyaki, located in Dar-Al-Wasl, is the current talk of the town and deservingly so. Most of the food is the chef’s take on Japanese street fare with a few exceptions like the chicken and rice which pay homage to his hometown of Singapore. Everything is packed with oodles of flavor and the dishes are quite reasonably priced too. The restaurant seats about 25-30 people and they do not take reservations (except for Monday dinner), so you might have to wait to get a table. But folks, it is worth it!
(Tip: If you arrive a little before they begin service, you are more likely to be seated quickly.)
Follow them on Instagram at reifkushiyaki for all the latest updates.
Location: Dar Al Wasl, Al Wasl Road, Dubai
Timings: Sat-Wed : 12pm-11pm, Thu/Fri : 12pm-12am
For reservations contact: 04 345 0761
Lowe
This contemporary dining restaurant located in Al Barari serves up some seriously good food. Aussie culinary duo Jesse Blake and Kate Christou have created magic in the kitchen. So much thought and love put into every single dish. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu has been wonderfully curated to suit each meal. The interiors are minimal yet striking and make for a beautiful dining setting. Lowe ticks all the right boxes, especially price point. So if you haven’t been here yet, I highly recommend you do so. You won’t regret it.
Follow them on Instagram at lowedxb for all the latest updates.
Location: KOA Canvas, Al Barari, Dubai
Timings: Mon-Sun : 10am-12am
For reservations contact: 04 320 1890
Maisan15
Who doesn’t love a hidden gem?! This bistro in Al Barsha is sure to make you swoon. The sharing based menu uses tons of fresh seasonal and regional produce resulting in the creation of some mouth-watering dishes! The funky artwork on the walls, the trendy interiors and the vinyl records playing in the background just adds to the dining experience. Maisan15 is laidback, charming and goes easy on the pocket. I have been a repeat customer ever since it opened and I am pretty sure you will be one too!
Follow them on Instagram at maisan15 for all the latest updates.
Location: Dubai Science Park, Maisan Towers, Dubai
Timings: Mon-Sun : 8am-11pm
For reservations contact: 04 244 7291
Slab
Located in La Mer, right by the beach, this modern yet casual dining restaurant should be on everyone’s list. Chef Omar Rodriguez has created a wonderful menu with an eclectic range of dishes to suit each season. The interiors are industrial and minimalistic with grey and white tones and the random splashes of color gives it just the right feel. Come cooler weather, the outdoor terrace seating will make for the perfect al fresco dining spot. But above all else, it is affordable. And if that isn’t enough to get you going, Slab is also on The Entertainer! Yay! More food for less!
Follow them on Instagram at slab.dxb for all the latest updates.
Location: La Mer, Dubai
Timings: Mon-Sun : 10am-12am
For reservations contact: 04 298 8899
3 Fils
Three years in and numerous food awards later, 3 Fils still got plenty of game. This quaint eatery overlooking Jumeirah’s fishing harbor serves up modern Asian cuisine with a Japanese influence – tapas style. Chef Akmal Anuar, a Singaporean native, heads up the kitchen and is the man behind all the magic! The interiors are modern and elegant. If you are seated indoors, you get to watch the chefs in action. Innovative food served up in an unpretentious setting at reasonable pricing – we definitely need more of this!
Follow them on Instagram at 3.fils for all the latest updates.
Location: Jumeirah Fishing Harbor 1, Dubai
Timings: Mon-Wed : 11am-11pm, Thu-Sat : 12pm-12am
CLOSED ON SUNDAY
For reservations contact: 04 333 4003
Note: None of the above mentioned restaurants serve alcohol.
Reservations are recommended (if they are taken) just so you don’t have to wait to get a table especially on the weekends.
Disclaimer: All photos and opinions are my own unless stated otherwise.
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