Dubai is home to tons of upscale dining locations, but that doesn’t mean there is a shortage of casual restaurants in Dubai. These restaurants are where you get to know the intimate side of the city, and the local flavors, and can even wear your flip-flops if that is what your heart wants.
Here are our favorite locations for casual dining in Dubai, for a comfortable and laid-back breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
PUBLIC
Location: Emar Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact: +971 600 555551
Social: @public
Why do we love it: Best place to enjoy a casual pizza with stunning views of Burj Khalifa
Public is your door that leads to the most picturesque casual dining in Dubai. This restaurant, located in Dubai Downtown, is where local and international street food flavors greet you in an open dining space.
Not only are we talking about their exceptional pizzas, but curly corn, crispy lasagna, and passion fruit gelato are also some of the items that make the bustling heart of the city a cozy and casual dinner spot for you.
The customer service is as friendly as the atmosphere. Public is indeed the perfect space to take your friends out for a hearty and relaxed dining experience.
Social House
Location: Lower Ground, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact: +971 4 339 8640
Social: @socialhousedubai
Why do we love it: Exceptional views of Burj Khalifa from the terrace, but the breakfast menu steals the show instead
Surrounded by the urban pulse of Dubai Mall, Social House offers a variety of international flavors in a laid-back dining atmosphere. This is one of the casual dining restaurants where both indoor and outdoor areas you towards its cozy setting.
However, the terrace offering an alfresco setting emerges as the winner for an aesthetic casual dinner. Not only the food, but the views will cast their charming spell on you. The majestic Burj Khalifa offers a stunning backdrop, while you choose from a variety of food items on your menu.
However, we would recommend visiting this place for breakfast, as the food choices are exceptional including Social House Shakshouka, popcorn shrimp salad, and Messy Sally – a grilled cheese sandwich filled with turkey ham or smoked salmon.
La Tablita
Location: Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact: +971 4 553 1212
Social: @latablitadubai
Why do we love it: Most authentic Mexican flavors in a laid-back atmosphere that is neither too loud nor too dull
Mexican chili fuses with Spanish herbs to create the most magical recipes for you. La Tablita has handed over its customer service, kitchen, and every other aspect to the skilled native Mexicans, especially to Chef Manuel Correa. Which is why even a casual dinner seems extra celebratory in this place.
The menu is filled with a variety of true Mexican flavors. The seafood delight – Vuelve A La Vida Ceviche, the guacamole, and sweet and exotic Tres Leches ensures that every plate leaves you feeling happier than before.
The tables are spaced well, but close enough to create an intimate dining setting. Colorful Mexican décor throughout the place makes La Tablita the perfect blend of elegant and casual restaurants in Dubai.
The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar
Location: Building No.6, Dubai Design District, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact: +971 4 422 6024
Social: @thelighthouse_ae
Why do we love it: A bar, a restaurant, and an aesthetic workstation, all in one place – what else could we ask for?
We stan for unique casual dining restaurants in Dubai, and The Lighthouse Restaurant’s concept is at the top of our list. Situated in the creative Dubai Design District, The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar has seamlessly absorbed the same vibes as the whole area.
Whitewashed surfaces, ambient lights, fresh Mediterranean-inspired décor, and natural sunlight coming in through the glass doors make it the perfect getaway to dine in or work. It’s the kind of place that asks you to bring your laptops from offices and homes and complete your work in a place meant to relax you.
The food is great as well. No matter if you’re there for a cup of coffee or a slice of cake to go with it, the flavors will never disappoint you. However, the terrace is even more beautiful, which is where we always end up sitting whenever we visit this place.
Table Otto
Location: Fashion Avenue, Dubai Mall, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact: +971 4 266 8169
Social: @tableotto.ae
Why do we love it: Minimalistic, cozy, and warm ambiance, where every dish is pure Italian and French culinary delight
This casual dining in Dubai, located on Level 2 of Dubai Mall, is where a warm ambiance meets elegant dining. Table Otto blends all the good flavors of Italian and French cuisines, inviting you to a charming setting which checks every box with its cozy environment and exceptional flavors of food.
This restaurant is a hidden gem among other Dubai Mall restaurants, offering fresh Italian and international flavors to those looking to unwind after a tiring day. Order their classic short ribs musakhan or Italian lasagna, and watch how the magic of flavors will take you far away from the bustling environment of the mall.
3 Fils
Location: Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact: +971 4333 4003
Social: @3.fils
Why do we love it: Fresh Japanese cuisine in a vibrant and comfortable setting, beside the waters of Jumeirah Fishing Harbour
This culinary gem at Jumeirah Fishing Harbor is where the sea breeze deliciously mingles with the tempting flavors on your plate. Designated as one of the most authentic Asian and best casual restaurants in Dubai, 3 Fils is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
The magic behind the perfect Japanese cuisine served at 3 Fils is the umami warrior, Chef Shun Shiroma. Designing each dish with precise recipes but with a modern spin, you will find each plate speaking of the precision and focus practiced in the kitchens.
The menu and customer service are more elegant than you would expect from such a laid-back setting. However, the food is always fresher in each visit, and the staff is friendlier than ever. This is where you savor delectable treats like seaweed salad, black cod, and slow-cooked lamb ribs, all while enjoying the stunning views of Dubai waters. The long line waiting at the doors of the restaurant is a strong testimonial for its excellent food and service.
Miss Tess
Location: 3rd floor, Taj Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact: +971 4 438 3134
Social: @misstessdubai
Why do we love it: Classic Asian flavors available in a modern and laid-back setting
The casual restaurants in Dubai are mostly laid-back eateries in relaxed atmospheres, but Miss Tess, located on the third floor of Taj Dubai, proves that casual dinner can be done in a 5-star restaurant as well.
Here you will indulge in a culinary experience that goes beyond just Chinese, Japanese, and Thai flavors. It is more than that – a blend of creativity, tradition, and innovation that makes every recipe unique than before. The interior design, just like the food, blends modernity with classic Asian décor, painting each surface in colors and wooden textures, and
Impeccable customer service, dim ambient lighting, and panoramic views of the skyline outside will make you feel as if you are seeing Dubai for the first time.
Brasserie Boulud
Location: Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk Wafi, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact: +971 4 281 4020
Social: @brasseriebouluddubai
Why do we love it: Visual appeal, chic ambiance and food that will have you coming back for more
Chef Daniel Boulud brings traditional and contemporary flavors from France all the way to the Emirates. With an intimate and warm atmosphere and serving the true essence of gastronomy, this French restaurant shows other casual restaurants in Dubai how it is done.
The Michelin-guided dining experience and an open kitchen showcases how much the chefs pay attention to details. The tables are spaced strategically so that you can enjoy the luxury of not just the exquisite décor, but the mirrored ceiling as well – we can guarantee you will have the time of your life at Brasserie Boulud.
Gastro Kitchen
Location: The Walk – Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact: +971 55 166 8092
Social: @gastrokitchenjbr
Why do we love it: Food prepared with fresh and healthy ingredients, poolside dining experience, great brunch deals
We already know and love Gastro Kitchen as one of the best poolside brunch places in Dubai. But it is also the perfect place to have a casual dinner under clear skies and good company.
Surrounded by the serene views of Dubai Marina, the al fresco dining arrangement on the terrace offers the perfect backdrop for the pool area. The menu features many items that we have come to know as our comfort foods – homemade waffles, slow-braised lamb, grilled steak and tiramisu.
We highly recommend visiting this place for a weekend brunch as at this time the restaurant is at the peak of its vibrant and cozy dining culture.
Mythos Kouzina & Grill
Location: JLT Cluster P, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact: +971 4 399 8166
Social: @mythosdubai
Why do we love it: Classic Greek flavors in a relaxed and ambient, taverna-inspired atmosphere
When we remember warm and cozy flavors, Greek cuisine is the first thing that comes to our mind. Mythos Kouzina & Grill is one of the most laid-back, casual dining restaurants that doesn’t compromise on its elegance and high-quality food.
The taverna-style restaurant with its whitewashed surfaces, and soft ambient lighting invited through the huge windows, reminds you of inexpensive and casual dining spaces in Dubai where people meet over good food and music
The food is as comforting and fresh as classic Greek flavors. Chicken Souvlaki wrap, grilled sea bass, and the classic Greek mojito are some of our regularly ordered items whenever we visit Mythos Kouzina and Grill.
Cafe Isan
Location: Armada Avenue Hotel Cluster P, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact: +971 58 529 1003
Social: @cafeisan
Why do we love it: This one is for our readers who are always looking for a variety of vegetarian options on the menu
Cafe Isan has taken casual dining in Dubai to the next level. The former Thai farmer, Chef New, took her 15 years of experience and weaved it into culinary magic that only a few can resist. Authentic Thai street food and healthy food options make it one of the best casual restaurants in Dubai. And of course, nothing speaks casual atmosphere and vibes as a rooftop dining. That is why Chef New has catered to every aspect of the restaurant – the plastic chairs, table umbrellas, and lush greenery – to make sure that you are reminded of the streets of Phuket when having a casual dinner.
