Dubai has many famous restaurants. They are often very fancy. But some of the best food is found in smaller, hidden places. These spots have amazing tastes. They show you a real part of Dubai’s food. And they usually don’t cost too much money!
Here are five truly underrated restaurants in Dubai you should try.
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Birch Bakery
Do you love fresh bread? Or yummy pastries? Then find Birch Bakery. It’s a hidden spot in Al Quoz. They bake in old ways. Everything is made with care. Their sourdough bread is very popular. You can also get tasty croissants and other sweets. It feels cozy and simple. It’s great for a quiet breakfast. Or to buy some amazing baked goods. Go early! Things sell out fast.
- Timing: Mon-Fri: 8 AM – 4 PM; Sat-Sun: 8 AM – 3 PM
- Address: 28 16b St, Al Quoz 3
- Contact: +971 4222 6665
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Café Isan
Want real Thai street food? Go to Café Isan. This place in JLT is known for true Thai tastes. Chef New runs it, offering spicy food such as classic Pad Thai and great curries. It is a relaxed place and feels like a small shop-like restaurant in JLT, highlighting its authenticity. It is not only a restaurant whose head chef happens to be a Vietnamese or the type of food that will be prepared spiced up or the spicy traditional Pad Thai or the mouth-watering curries but also a restaurant with the most laid back atmosphere.
- Timing (Time Out Market): Mon-Thu: 12 PM – Midnight; Fri: 12 PM – 1 AM; Sat: 10 AM – 1 AM; Sun: 10 AM – Midnight
- Address: Multiple locations (e.g., JLT, JVC, Souk Al Bahar)
- Contact: +971 58529 1003
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Calicut Paragon
This is a famous spot for South Indian food. Calicut Paragon is known for its Malabar food. Especially seafood. It is a busy place. The flavors are rich and real. Their biryanis are a must-try. If you like crab, their crab dishes are amazing. Locals love it. It gives you a very good and cheap meal. It’s described as a busy place offering rich and authentic flavors. Their biryanis and crab dishes are highlighted as try items. The restaurant is providing a meal.
- Timing: Daily: 7 AM – 12:30 AM.
- Address: Mattar Al Tayer Bldg, 20 B St, Al Karama
- Contact: +971 4335 8700
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Harummanis
Walk into Harum Manis. You will feel at home. This restaurant in Wasl 51 serves great Malay food. Chef Akmal Anuar uses old family recipes. The dishes have lots of flavor. Try their beef rendang. It cooks for many hours. The place feels warm and nice. It’s good for sharing food with friends. It’s a lovely taste of Southeast Asia. This makes it one of the Dubai underrated restaurants 2025 to watch.
- Timing: Tue-Sun: 12 PM – 11 PM (closed Mondays)
- Address: Wasl 51, Jumeirah 1
- Contact: +971 56536 1674
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Kokoro Hand Roll Bar
Love sushi? Want something new? Try Kokoro Hand Roll Bar. It’s the first place like it in Dubai. It’s in Alserkal Avenue. It’s a cool, simple spot. The chefs make fresh handrolls in front of you. The food is very good quality. Each hand roll is a perfect bite. It is quick or fun and delicious. This helps it bear out among the 2025 underrated restaurants Dubai.
- Timing: Sun-Wed: 2 PM – 10:30 PM; Thu-Sat: 12 PM – 11:30 PM (closed Mondays)
- Address: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
Conclusion
So next time you are in Dubai and do not just go to the famous places. Try these underrated restaurants in Dubai. You will find amazing food. You’ll see a local side of Dubai. And have special times. These places show another part of Dubai is the great food scene. Enjoy your meal. Also look for Top 6 New Dubai Restaurants 2025
