Dubai and Hatta hold a special place in our hearts – just an hour apart, yet worlds away in feeling. The drive through the mountains feels like crossing into a completely different country, and it’s this contrast that we’ve always loved. This might not be the Dubai most people imagine, but it’s the Dubai we know – rooted in the older, more authentic parts of the city like Jumeirah, where we’ve built our life together.
Living here has given us a deep appreciation for the culture and hospitality of the UAE, which is something we hold close. While the country is incredibly welcoming, we kindly ask everyone to be mindful and respectful of local customs during their stay.
If you have some free time while you’re in town, we’ve put together a list below of some of our favourite spots to eat in Dubai – from laid back cafes to great dinner options. These are places we love and hope you get a chance to enjoy too!
Alicia Bakery
Port de la mer – Jumeriah 1
A morning at Port de La Mer just got more interesting with Alica, where the aroma of fresh sourdough meets speciality coffee. This homegrown bakery and coffee shop, named for the Greek word for ancient grains, adds a slice of slow living to the marina.
21 grams
Umm Suqeim
warm neighbourhood space on the 2nd floor of a shopping mall an ‘urban Balkan bistro’. As such, the dishes are made for sharing and the influences come from all over the region, from Eastern Europe down to Greece and Turkey.
The Hundred Wellness Centre
Jumeirah Beach Road, 53 B Street, Villa 21
A unique wellness destination in the heart of Dubai. Empowering you to transform your physical, mental and emotional health.
Amongst Few Cafe
Bahwan Complex – Villa #3 – 966 Al Wasl Rd – Umm Suqeim 1
Amongst Few unveils a cafe space that merges seamlessly into the neighbourhood, extending the brand’s aesthetics into lifestyle and food. Before the opening of this full-fledged coffee-shop-meets-creative space, the brand had garnered much attention for its ability to merge different worlds and curate its own ‘amongst few’ identity.
Brew
Opposite Emarat Petrol Station – Jumeira St – Umm Suqeim – Umm Suqeim 2
Brew features ample seating options and a breakfast menu with easy eats like sourdough toasts, chia pudding, acai bowls, freshly-baked pastries, desserts, and cakes – including the best-selling eclairs. Don’t miss them.
Bikers Cafe – Emirati Breakfast
Jumeirah 1
Being the first motorcycle-themed cafe in the Emirate, Bikers Cafe serves a wide range of dishes from traditional Emirati breakfasts to Mexican salads to our speciality burgers that will leave customers coming back for more.
Mama’esh – Great Palestinian Food
Mutiple Locations
Enjoy the authentic, bold, and unforgettable flavors of Palestine right here at Mama’esh. The perfect blend of culture and cuisine!
Kinoya – Japanese
The Onyx Tower 2, Sheikh Zayed Road, next to Zabeel House Hotel
Kinoya offers an all-encompassing experience of atmosphere and food, by serving everyday Japanese dishes such as Donabe, Onsen Tamago, Dashi, Omurice, and many other authentic delicacies.
3 Fils – Contemporary Asian, Japanese
Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Shop 02, 1 Al Urouba St – Jumeirah 2
The Story of an Award-Winning Contemporary Asian Restaurant. The philosophy of 3Fils is deeply rooted in the meticulous focus on technique and quality ingredients of Japanese cuisine, delivered in a casual, contemporary style.
Origami – Japanese
Fishing Harbour
The kitchen demonstrates a commitment to balance through both raw preparations and cooked dishes, with careful attention paid to texture and temperature contrasts.
Lana Lusa – Portuguese
Water Canal – Four Seasons Private Residences
Being the first motorcycle-themed cafe in the Emirate, Bikers Cafe serves a wide range of dishes from traditional Emirati breakfasts to Mexican salads to our specialty burgers that will leave customers coming back for more.
While Dubai is modern and welcoming, Hatta is a more traditional and less developed area, so it’s especially important to be mindful of the local culture. We kindly ask that you dress modestly in public spaces, keeping shoulders and knees covered is a good general rule.
Alcohol is limited in Hatta, with only one hotel licensed to serve it, and visible overindulgence can be seen as disrespectful to the local community and close friends of ours. We’re so grateful to be celebrating here, and your respect for the culture means a lot.
Tanoor – Best Traditional Food
Reward yourself with a hearty and traditional Emirati meal at Tanoor Restaurant. Tuck into the restaurant’s menu of savoury specialties with your choice of chicken, lamb, or even camel. For a larger crowd, indulge in a full sheep meal that can be delivered straight to the hotel at request.
Barreya – Best Shawarma, but also their Lamb
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Hatta, Barreya Restaurant is an inviting culinary haven that beautifully combines traditional Arabic flavors with modern dining aesthetics.
Hatta Wild Cafe
Located at Hatta Wadi Hub, Hatta Wild Cafe has a good selection of drinks and sweet and savoury food.
Freij Hatta
Freij Hatta Cafe is a delightful restaurant nestled in the heart of Dubai, offering visitors a unique culinary experience that celebrates local flavors. Known for its exceptional breakfast menu, the café serves an array of traditional dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Concept Farm
Hatta Dam
Hatta Concept Farm is a captivating destination that promises a delightful escape into the heart of nature. Located near the breathtaking Hatta Dam, this farm is not just about agriculture; it’s an experience that combines the joys of farm life with the rich flavors of expertly brewed coffee
Hatta Heritage Village
Hatta Heritage Village is a living museum that showcases the traditional way of life in the United Arab Emirates.
Kindly let us know if you are joining us here.
