Dubai Restaurant Prices: A Real‑World Guide for Every Budget
Thinking about eating out in Dubai? You’ll quickly see that the city serves up everything from cheap shawarma stalls to sky‑high gourmet experiences. The good news? Knowing the price brackets helps you plan a tasty trip without blowing your budget.
What a Typical Meal Costs
Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll pay for common meals:
- Street food and fast‑casual: AED 10‑30 (≈ $3‑$8) for a falafel wrap, kebab, or a bowl of soup.
- Mid‑range restaurants: AED 50‑120 (≈ $14‑$33) per person for a three‑course meal or a decent steak.
- High‑end dining: AED 200‑600+ (≈ $55‑$165) at places like Burj Khalifa’s Atmosphere or a Michelin‑rated venue.
Don’t forget drinks. A 250 ml Coca‑Cola runs about AED 4, while a cocktail in a hotel bar can cost AED 45‑70.
How to Eat Well Without Overspending
Want to enjoy Dubai’s culinary scene without the luxury price tag? Try these tricks:
- Hit the food courts: Malls such as Mall of the Emirates and Ibn Battuta have food courts with local and international stalls charging AED 15‑35.
- Explore neighborhoods: Areas like Al Karama, Deira, and Satwa are packed with authentic eateries where a generous dinner tops out at AED 40‑60.
- Look for lunch specials: Many upscale restaurants slash their menu by 30‑50% between 12 pm‑3 pm.
- Use delivery apps: Platforms like Talabat and Zomato often feature promo codes that shave off 10‑20% on your order.
- Choose buffets wisely: All‑you‑can‑eat brunches start around AED 100 and can be a good deal if you’re hungry for variety.
Also, keep an eye on the exchange rate. Paying in AED is usually cheaper than using foreign cards that add conversion fees.
When budgeting, allocate about 20‑30% of your daily expenses for food if you plan to dine out for every meal. For a week‑long stay, a moderate budget of AED 1,200‑1,800 (≈ $330‑$500) covers three meals a day with a mix of affordable and occasional splurges.
Finally, remember that Dubai’s tax structure is simple—there’s no hidden service charge in most places, but a 5% tourism levy may appear on your hotel bill, not your restaurant tab. So the numbers you see on the menu are what you’ll actually pay.
With these insights, you can navigate Dubai’s dining landscape confidently, whether you’re hunting for a quick bite or planning a celebratory dinner. Happy eating!
