Affordable Dining Gems Across Dubai You Don’t Want to Miss - Recommended by CollectYourTicket
Dubai offers a phenomenal food scene, ranging from star-studded fine dining to hole-in-the-wall cafes that amaze and thrill with each morsel. For bargain-hunting foodies, there are plenty of excellent restaurants in Dubai without having to pay through the nose. If you want to dine at Dubai best restaurants minus the heavy price tag, here's a carefully curated list of budget eateries recommended by CollectYourTicket—each of which promises something special, fulfilling, and just amazingly delicious.
Top Food Restaurants Dubai
1. Bu Qtair – Seafood by the Sea View
Where: Umm Suqeim, close to Jumeirah Fishing Harbour
Cuisine: Seafood
A Dubai classic, Bu Qtair is a humble shack located close to the sea, where you choose your fish, have it spiced, fried, or grilled, and served with rice or paratha. It's basic, quick, inexpensive, and delicious. Seating on the beach is a bonus to this popular haunt.
2. Calicut Paragon – Kerala Cuisine Done Right
Location: Karama
Cuisine: South Indian / Kerala
One of the most popular food restaurants Dubai, among both Indian expats and locals, Calicut Paragon offers genuine Malabar cuisine. Their fish mango curry, Malabari biryani, and crispy porottas are a must-have. The prices are affordable, the quality is good, and the flavors are indelible.
3. High Joint – The Burger That Changed Dubai
Location: Multiple branches
Cuisine: American / Burgers
Begun in a small corner in Al Manara, High Joint took off with popularity thanks to its tasty, gourmet-style burgers at affordable prices. From the original High Jamz to spicy hot specials, this is a must for burger enthusiasts who demand quality without the fine dining premium. This is one of the best restaurants in Dubai for burger lovers!
4. Homey Chinese Restaurant – Flavors of Old Shanghai
Location: International City
Cuisine: Chinese
If you're craving authentic Chinese food that doesn't come with a luxury bill, Homey Chinese Restaurant is your go-to. Think spicy Sichuan dishes, dumplings, and stir-fried noodles just like you'd find in China, all at pocket-friendly prices.
Suggested Read: Top Food Restaurants Dubai
5. Jailbird – Crispy Chicken with a Twist
Location: Jumeirah, Al Safa
Cuisine: American / Fried Chicken
Serving Nashville-style fried chicken tenders and sandwiches, Jailbird has perfected the art of crispy, juicy, spicy delights. It's quick, it's cheap, and it's ideal for a down-to-earth, flavor-filled bite.
6. Khoori Special Kabab – For the True Grill Seekers
Location: Satwa
Cuisine: Pakistani / BBQ
Hidden away in the historic center of old Dubai, Khoori Special Kabab is all about delicious grilled meat. The mutton seekh kebabs, the spicy chicken tikka, and the naan are the real thing. Expect significant portions, intense flavors, and affordable prices.
7. Little Bali – Real Indonesian Comfort Food
Location: Al Karama
Cuisine: Indonesian
Looking for exotic tastes at food restaurants Dubai? Little Bali brings Indonesia's rich, aromatic flavor to Dubai. Nasi Goreng, Beef Rendang, Satay sticks, and Sambal dishes will transport your taste buds without requiring you to leave the city.
8. Mama'esh – Palestinian Bites, Fresh and Filling
Location: Multiple branches
Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Palestinian
Mama'esh is famous for its freshly baked manakish, musakhan rolls, and authentic Palestinian food. Everything is homemade with love, served hot, and at a price that will put a smile on your face - one of Dubai's most affordable restaurants.
9. Maiz Tacos – Tacos Worth Gushing About
Location: JLT & Dubai Hills
Cuisine: Mexican
Born from a food truck concept, Maiz Tacos offers killer street tacos, burritos, and nachos packed with authentic flavor. Think slow-cooked beef, grilled chicken, and zesty toppings, all wrapped up in homemade tortillas.
10. Maisan15 – Dubai's Best-Kept Secret Café
Location: Al Barsha South
Cuisine: Fusion / Café
Hidden inside a villa, tucked away from the traffic roads, Maisan15 is one cool café that resembles a secret find. It's famous for its filling brunches, innovative beverages, and cultural events—a fantastic place to dine, work, or relax without breaking the bank.
11. Masmat Baha Restaurant – Homey Emirati Cuisine
Location: Al Barsha
Cuisine: Emirati
For those who want to experience genuine Emirati cuisine without going to a high-end resort, Masmat Baha comes through. Their harees, machboos, and luqaimat are local staples prepared with heart and tradition—budget-friendly and satisfying. Don't miss out on these Dubai food restaurants while visiting here!
12. Streetery Food Hall – A Pan-Asian Playground
Location: JLT Cluster D
Cuisine: Thai, Malaysian, Chinese
This laid-back food court has a range of Asian street food stalls all housed under one roof. From pad thai to laksa and dim sum, Streetery takes you on a culinary journey through Asia in one sitting. Perfect for group meals and late-night hunger pangs.
13. Saigon – Real Vietnamese in the Heart of Dubai
Location: JLT
Cuisine: Vietnamese
If you're looking for pho, banh mi, or bun cha sans fancy surroundings and an overpriced bill, Saigon is your destination. Fresh ingredients, uncomplicated flavors, and abundant portions make this a standout choice for the frugal food enthusiast.
Final Bite
You don't need to break the bank to dine at Dubai food restaurants. From fiery street food to comforting home-cooked meals, the city offers a wealth of great culinary gems at affordable prices. Whether you're a local or visiting, include these value-for-money and best restaurants in Dubai on your list of places to visit—approved and recommended by CollectYourTicket for taste, quality, and value.
Which one will you try first?
