We’ve been to Dubai a bunch of times and this list is exactly where we actually eat — casual favorites, pretty cafés, and reliable dinner spots. Prince eats a vegetarian diet, so everything here works well for vegetarians (and many have vegan options too). Tap any name to open it directly in Google Maps.
Jump to:
JBR & Dubai Marina •
Jumeirah / Umm Suqeim •
Old Dubai / Bur Dubai •
Downtown •
Karama •
Al Quoz •
Mirdif •
Palm Jumeirah •
JBR & Dubai Marina
Operation: Falafel — JBR
Crispy falafel, warm pita, creamy hummus — simple, fast, and exactly what we crave after a beach walk on The Walk/JBR. Consistent, affordable, and easy for a group with mixed tastes.
Eggspectation — JBR
A beachside brunch staple for us. Huge all-day menu with lots of vegetarian picks (omelettes, pancakes, avo plates). We go early for a table with sea views.
Dubai Marina Mall (for easy food court/coffee days)
When we want AC, coffee and a quick bite before a boardwalk stroll, this is the convenient option.
Jumeirah / Umm Suqeim
FiLLi Café — Umm Suqeim
Karak tea stop! We’ll sit outside with samosas and chai and watch the neighborhood go by. Simple, affordable, and very “Dubai weekend.”
SEVA Wellness Center & Café — Jumeirah
Our recovery-day ritual: plant-based garden café with calm vibes. Bowls, smoothies, and a leafy courtyard you’ll want to linger in.
Koncrete — Umm Suqeim
Minimal, concrete-cool café near the coast. Great for a quiet coffee break or laptop hour; we like it for the design as much as the drinks.
Kaak Al Manara — Jumeirah/Al Wasl
Lebanese comfort: warm ka‘ak stuffed with halloumi or falafel, plus za’atar and fresh bakes. Fast, unfussy, and reliably delicious.
La Mer (beachfront dining cluster)
When we want a casual beachfront stroll with easy food options. Good for a sunset wander and quick eats.
Old Dubai / Bur Dubai
Arabian Tea House — Al Fahidi
Shady courtyard, Emirati plates, and the kind of calm that makes you forget the time. Great vegetarian mezze and karak. Pairs perfectly with a stroll through Al Fahidi.
Arabian Tea House — courtyard table with mezze.
Related read: For the neighborhood vibe, see our Al Seef Heritage Hotel design review.
Downtown
Coppasta — Downtown Dubai (Souk Al Manzil)
When “carbs + comfort” calls, this is where we land. Customizable pastas with plenty of veg combos; quick, filling, and central.
Karama
Swades — Vegetarian Restaurant (Karama)
Pure-veg comfort food: thalis, chaats, dosas — all the greatest hits. Friendly service and great value; we usually leave with leftovers.
Saravanaa Bhavan — Karama
South-Indian staple we trust anywhere in the world. Masala dosa, mini-tiffin, filter coffee — reliable and fast. We may even do Sarvana Bhavan world tour, that’s how much we love their food.
Al Quoz
La Nena Home & Coffee — Al Quoz
A design crush: earthy textures, sculptural seating, and a cozy coffee menu. We browse the home store, then linger over a flat white.
La Nena Al Quoz — coffee and ceramics.
Mirdif
Menagerie Eatery — Mirdif 35
Wholesome, plant-forward plates in a bright, family-friendly space. Great for a slower day when we’re out this way.
Palm Jumeirah
Khyber — Indian (Dukes The Palm)
Rich gravies, tandoor-style veg, and sunset views from high up the tower. We book around golden hour when we can.
SUSHISAMBA — Palm Tower
Big-energy dining with skyline views. We build a veg-friendly order (rolls, salads, tempura) and come for the atmosphere as much as the food.
We will continue to update our favorites as we explore more of Dubai!
