Casual dining edition: Where to eat outside in Dubai

Franky’s JLT: A homegrown rooftop Pizzeria

In the market for pizza? Want a licensed bar? And rooftop vibes? Franky's might just be your place. First opened in January of 2024, this homegrown bar and restaurant is from the folks behind the likes of Byron Bathers (also on this list) and The Guild (too fancy for this list), so you know it's good…

Complete with a fun, casual ambiance, and buzzy vibe, Franky's is a great option for a laidback dinner featuring some of the city's finest Neopolitan-style pizza, Italian appetizers, and a plethora of cocktails, mocktails, and other drinks to whet your whistle.

Arabian Tea House: An alfresco Emirati gem on Jumeirah Beach

For the city's long-time residents, Arabian Tea House is a nostalgic gem with a lot of history. First opened in the Al Fahidi neighbourhood in 1997, this homegrown casual dining eatery has been serving up its delicious Emirati fare to its loyal fans (including Martha Stewart) for years.

Here on Jumeirah Beach in Umm Suqeim, you will find an al fresco-only version of the popular cafe/restaurant. It offers gorgeous views of the beach and the iconic Burj Al Arab, alongside its coveted, nostalgia-inducing dishes, which are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or, any time of the day.

Al Maskoof Al lraqi: A taste of Iraq in Jumeirah

First opened in Deira in Dubai in 1999, Al Maskoof is proudly the first-ever restaurant outside of Iraq to serve its namesake masgouf fish. Now in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and London, this Al Wasl branch is Al Maskoof’s newest and fanciest location…

Complete with modern, minimal vibes, the restaurant is housed within a converted villa and features a lovely outside seating area – where you will find all of the live, masgouf-grilling action, plus there’s shisha if that tickles your fancy.

Limonata: A slice of 1960s Italy on the Palm Jumeirah

Featuring bright colour pops of yellow, pink, and red, this striking 1960s-Italy-inspired beachside hotspot is divided between indoor dining, a licensed bar, and an expansive alfresco area for drinks, food, and lounging in the sun.

The vibes are fancy but fun, so it’s a great all-rounder spot – whether for a casual weeknight, or a special occasion like a birthday. Offering a fully redeemable beach/day pass (when the HUNTR visited, anyway), Limonata is the ideal place to gather with family and friends, enjoy delicious drinks and food, and luxuriate in the gorgeous Dubai winter sun. Food-wise, the menu features a variety of Italian favourites with Sicilian influences including homemade, sourdough pizzas, and drinks-wise the bar is stocked with all of your favourites.

Ka’ak Al Manara: An ode to Lebanon in the heart of Al Wasl

Casual and homely, this a great place to come for a long leisurely meal with family and friends. There are ample seating options for all group sizes, including a pretty outside seating area with courtyard vibes.

The menu features a wide range of Lebanese and Arabic dishes, which can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is divided between ka’ak, manakeesh & fatayer, hearty wraps platters, mouajanat, all-day breakfast & hot plates, cold mezza, Manara salads, specialty dishes, and grills. There are also cakes, pastries, Arabic biscuits and sweets, Arabic ice cream, and mouneh.

FIYA: Sublime fire-cooked cuisine in an ethereal setting

Tucked away within the Matcha Club at the Katurah Reserve – a high-end real estate development in Meydan, you will find FIYA; a seasonal pop-up inspired by the art of cooking with fire. Conceptualised by chef Hattem Mattar and the folks behind Matcha Club and Pinza, FIYA is an open-air, alcohol-free dining destination that needs to be added to your hitlist, stat…

FIYA encompasses four fire stations and an open grill – enabling guests to catch all the delicious, food-making action. Surrounded by majestic olive trees, this casual dining spot is romantic and cosy and a wonderful place to connect with friends and loved ones.

Shucks: Dibba Bay Oysters at The Sheraton in JBR

Located along the bustling Jumeirah Beach Road (JBR) within the grounds of the Sheraton Hotel, this is the second Dibba Bay Oyster Shack in the homegrown oyster farmer’s portfolio. Famed for its Fujairah-farmed ocean jewels, Dibba Bay Oysters can be found at many of the country’s top restaurants and even supermarkets. Available in three signature sizes, the oysters are shucked fresh, served on ice, and absolutely delicious…

Dibba Bay Oysters in JBR has a full alcohol license and offers sparkling, white, red, and rose wines that are perfectly curated to complement the oysters. The charming al fresco shack is reinforced with oyster shell walls, and plenty of greenery and offers unrivaled views of the beach, sea, and Ain Dubai wheel. There are few finer places to gather for food and drinks in Dubai’s winter season than here…

Bonus for HUNTR Members 🤫 You get 20% off of your food bill whenever you dine here for your HUNTR Member Perk

Want to join us? Download The HUNTR: City Guide app here

Three by Eva: A stunning homegrown eatery in Jumeirah 2

Located within a beautiful two-story villa in Jumeirah 2, Three by Eva is a casual dining eatery by Chef Eva Halasa’s and her two daughters, Emilie and Lilian. Homely and welcoming, this homegrown gem draws you in even from the other side of the road. The team has done an incredible job of creating such an inviting, and alluring space – including a lovely outside garden area, complete with lots of greenery.

Lola Taberna Española: A licensed Spanish gem in Barsha Heights

Set amongst a dimly-lit, sultry and romantic space, Lola is casual but you can easily get dressed up here, celebrate a special occasion or party the night away without feeling out of place. Open daily from 1 pm until 1 am on weekdays and 2 am on weekends, the bar is extensive enough to function as just a drinks destination, and then there are ample seating options for small and large groups. There’s also a pork license and a pretty outside terrace area complete with festoon lighting and a window into the kitchen – ideal for cool winter nights and casual catch-ups with friends.

Blu Pizzeria: A sourdough Neapolitan wood-fired pizza restaurant in Umm Suqeim

This homegrown pizza gem started life as a pop-up in Umm Suqeim Park in 2021. It quickly garnered a lot of attention thanks to its delicious pizzas, which are handcrafted with perfectly cooked sourdough bases in wood-fired ovens. Fast-forward to the end of 2021 and Blu Pizzeria opened its first proper restaurant – this gorgeous spot right on the Umm Suqeim marina.

Water-facing, the restaurant offers floor-to-ceiling glass windows for picture-perfect views even from the inside, and there are a variety of outdoor tables available too. A casual spot, Blu is the perfect place to head with family or friends, and be warned – pizzas are only available until they sell out.

Insider Tip: Blu just opened a new branch in Khawaneej

Isola Ristorante: A licensed Italian gem in the New Dubai Area

Hidden within the upscale Jumeirah Islands neighbourhood in the New Dubai Area you will find Isola Ristorante – a homegrown, licensed Italian restaurant by the folks at Sunset Hospitality.

A little bit fancy but mostly relaxed, elegant but carefree, Isola is the ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner with friends, family, clients, or solo. During the winter months, it offers a spectacular outdoor seating area overlooking the Jumeirah Islands water and the clubhouse pool, and there are ample seating options for small and large groups.

Byron Bathers Club: A day-to-night beachfront hotspot

From Tom Arnel’s EatX group, Byron Bathers Club is an all-occasions day-to-night beachfront hotspot, which opened in the summer of 2022 at Bidi Bondi’s old home on The Palm Jumeirah.

The family-friendly space encompasses a main restaurant and terrace – Byron’s Bar & Bistro, the al-fresco Ulu’s Oyster Bar, and Tigerlily’s Beach – with pool and beach access, plus a kid’s play area. Inspired by Australia’s iconic Byron Bay, it’s refined but casual. Think chic blue and white stripes, lots of potted greenery, a gorgeous outside space with sea views, and a wonderful little thatched roof bar.

3 Fils: A tiny little Asian gem in the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour

An award-winning contemporary Asian restaurant and a favourite with those in the know, 3Fils first opened its doors in November 2016. Since then it has been wowing visitors with its faultless food, impeccable service, and relaxed, welcoming vibes.

Nestled inside the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, 3Fils al fresco dining game is in a whole other league. The glistening sunlight (or moonlight depending on when you visit) dances on top of the bobbing water, there are boats, it’s light, bright, and airy, and in the distance, you can see the fishermen at work. Q: What is better than eating fresh seafood by the water? A: Eating 3Fils award-winning, fresh seafood by the water (and maybe a burger and some spicy wings for the side)

The Farm: Wholesome eats in a beautiful oasis in Al Barari

Founded in 2012, The Farm is overflowing with nature and serenity. Greenery is literally bursting out of every corner in the shape of beautiful old trees, bushes, plants, and flowers, and a pretty little stream of water runs through the back. The furnishings complement the earthly surroundings and feature carved solid wood tables, a white and sandy colour palette, and a striking sculpture (sourced from Thailand), also carved in wood.

There are ample seating options for small and large groups, including indoor, AC-friendly corners and tables outside to enjoy the blissful Dubai winter in what is quite possibly the most picturesque and tranquil setting in the whole of the city.

Terra Eatery: A beautiful restaurant in Al Safa

Located next to Waitrose in Al Manara, Terra Eatery is a beautiful homegrown gem that far exceeds the expectations of a mall restaurant. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu features a plethora of dishes inspired by “travel, art, culture, and people”. You’ll be hard-pushed to find something that doesn’t tempt you – unless you’re vegan (not too many options).

Complete with topnotch specialty coffee, and a stunning, earthy aesthetic, Terra’s outdoor space is right next to the mall's car park – but you would never know it, thanks to the dozens and dozens of potted plants, and secret garden vibes. And relax…

Mythos: Delicious Greek food served in a whitewashed taverna in JLT

Say hello to this gorgeous little licensed, whitewashed taverna with an outdoor terrace that serves unbelievable Greek food in the heart of Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)…

Located in the basement of the Armada Bluebay Hotel in Cluster P, Mythos serves up some of the best Greek food in the UAE. Compact and cute, Mythos will transport you to Greece thanks to its traditional stone walls and rustic, Mediterranean interiors. Plus there’s a beautiful outdoor terrace, which features a real olive tree and is the perfect place to enjoy Dubai’s cooler climes.

There’s also a branch in City Walk with a lovely outside space – see more here

Ibn Al Bahr: A beachside seafood restaurant on the Palm Jumeirah

You’re probably on to a good thing with a seafood restaurant “owned by fishermen” right? Right! Ibn Al Bahr is a dreamy beachside fish restaurant where “no catch is kept longer than 12 hours to guarantee impeccable freshness and flavour”, situated along The Palm’s pretty Club Vista Mare. The space offers diners a large beach and sea-facing outdoor terrace for the cooler months – and what could be better than eating fresh fish by the sea?

Insider Tips: Shisha is available. There’s also a new branch at the Dubai Creek

Mama’esh: Delicious Palestinian fare in Al Manara

Named after mana’esh (or manakish) – the delicious flatbread that’s a Middle Eastern cuisine staple, Mama’esh Al Manara is just one of several Mama’esh outlets in Dubai. This homegrown Al Safa gem serves, as you might have guessed, one of the city’s best mana’esh, plus fatayer, soups and salads, appetizers, wraps, and desserts.

Open weekdays from 7 am until 1 am and weekends until 3 am, all of the flour used for Mama’esh’s freshly baked delights is organic and there are organic coffees and teas available too. Complimentary filtered water and wifi are on offer and there’s a pretty little outdoor terrace seating area for the cooler months.