Ready for a celebration of culture, community and authentic Emirati dishes? This article lists some of the best Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi, making use of age-old recipes and the freshest local ingredients to prepare dishes that tell a beautiful story.
Tradition meets taste at these Emirati dining options in Abu Dhabi. They take authenticity really seriously, making sure to present each dish in all its glory. Try out Chabab in the breakfast and Regag for both breakfast and dinner.
There is also Thareed, a traditional comforting meal in Emirati cuisine. It is a soul-satisfying dish and so is Madrooba. You can also try out Machboos, one of the main lunch dishes of the UAE. Ofcourse, don’t miss Lamb Khuzi, an iconic and delicious Emirati speciality.
Best Emirati Restaurants in Dubai to Try!
1. Al Fanar Restaurant & Café
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe began as a dream to showcase the culinary wonders of the Emirates. From a family-run eatery, we’ve grown into a beloved destination for both locals and tourists seeking authentic Emirati dishes.
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- Contact: +97128772272
- Address: The Fountains, Yas Mall – Yas Island – YS1 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
- Email: info@alfanarrestaurant.com
2. Erth
Erth offers a range of options to suit every moment and palate, including authentic Emirati cuisine, traditional Ghawah [Arabic coffee], dates and Khaleeji [Gulf] inspired fine patisserie. Night or day, guests and visitors can satisfy their appetite with anything from light bites to a full restaurant experience.
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- Contact: +971 2 497 5831
- Address: Khor Al Maqta, Al Khaleej Al Arabi – Road – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
- Email: Dining@erth.ae
3. Al Mrzab Popular Restaurant
Al Mrzab Popular Restaurant offers a taste of authentic Emirati and Gulf cuisine in a warm, traditional setting. Known for its flavorful seafood, grills, and rice dishes, it captures the essence of local culinary heritage. The ambiance is casual yet culturally rich, making it ideal for family dining.
- Contact: +97126662333
- Address: Airport Road, behind the National Theatre – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
4. Al Arish
Al Arish is one of Dubai’s oldest Emirati restaurants, celebrated for its authentic flavors and traditional ambiance. Located in the historic Al Shindagha area, it offers a rich variety of local seafood, grills, and hearty rice dishes.
- Contact: +97126673338
- Address: F8CX+57Q – Street # 8 – Al Khalidiyah – W9 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
5. Lgymat & Rgag
Lgymat & Rgag is a charming eatery specializing in traditional Emirati snacks and street-style bites. Famous for its freshly made rgag (crispy flatbread) and sweet lgymat (fried dough balls), it offers a true taste of local flavors.
- Contact: 024432828
- Address: Al Nahyan – Zone 1 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
6. Al Dhafra
Al Dhafra Restaurant in Abu Dhabi is a celebrated spot for authentic Emirati and Gulf seafood, founded in 1993 under Sheikh Zayed’s guidance in Mina Zayed and later relocated to the Corniche Heritage Park. Diners can select fresh catches—from hammour to king prawns—from a traditional fish‑market display and have them grilled to order
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- Contact: +97126732200
- Address: G96G+25Q – Corniche St – Al Zahiyah – E12 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
7. Al Mandi & Madhbi House
Al Mandi & Madhbi House is a popular Emirati–Yemeni eatery in Abu Dhabi specializing in hearty mandi and madhbi dishes, served in multiple convenient locations—from food courts to standalone outlets. Guests praise its tender, spice-infused lamb and chicken mandi, along with flavorful madhbi and meat curries, all at wallet-friendly prices under AED 100 for a meal .
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- Contact: +97126730036
- Address: 16 – Al Zahiyah – E16 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
- Email: almandi@alnomani.ae
8. Meylas
Meylas is a cozy, Majlis-style Emirati restaurant nestled in Al Muneera, Al Raha Beach, founded by Shaikha Al Kaabi in 2015 to evoke home-cooked flavors and cultural warmth. The menu features traditional dishes like chbaab pancakes with date syrup and cheese, saffron-infused balaleet, machboos rice, salonat bedu stew, and haleeb boosh camel‑milk drink—all rooted in generational family recipes.
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- Contact: 97125522243
- Address: Al Rahah – Al Muneera – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
- Email: info@meylas.com
9. Ryba
Ryba, Known for the freshest and most flavorful seafood in the city, Ryba puts a luxurious yet affordable twist on fine dining. Nestled into a beautiful location at Al Mina, Ryba boasts a highly recommended seafood venue for any foodie who wants to have a truly memorable experience.
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- Contact: +97125845645
- Address: 31 Al Marabi‘ St – Zayed Port – Freezone 2 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
- Email: info@seenholding.ae
10. Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant Abu Dhabi
The Al Khayma Camp is designed to bring you back in the past to the traditional Bedouin life, where you learn more about the importance of falcons and falconry, enjoy a camel ride with camel feeding, spend time learning about the unique Arabic coffee preparation techniques, enjoy an amazing henna tattoo, wear traditional Bedouin clothing, and much more.
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- Contact: +971 55 403 0943
- Address: Souq Al jami’ سوق الجامع, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant Abu Dhabi – مطعم الخيمة التراثي – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
11. Harees alfareej
Harees Al Fareej is a beloved Emirati eatery in Abu Dhabi, specializing in the traditional mutton or chicken harees—a rich, slow-cooked porridge of cracked wheat and tender meat. Known for its authentic home-style flavor and generous portions
- Contact: +97137622111
- Address: Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
12. Montauk Boutique
Montauk Restaurants offer a culinary journey unlike any other, where each plate captures the essence and flavors of diverse cuisines from around the world infused with an Emirati twist, defining it as fusion cuisine at its finest.
- Contact: +97126212324
- Address: Yas Mall Montauk boutique Cafe & Restaurant Yas Mall – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
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