Food & Drink in Dubai
From UK supermarkets to fine dining, Friday brunches to wine shopping — everything you need to know about eating and drinking in Dubai.
Where to Shop for Groceries
Dubai has excellent options for grocery shopping, with several chains catering specifically to expats:
- Spinneys & Waitrose — The two most popular supermarkets with UK expats, offering a very similar UK range. Both have multiple locations across Dubai and are your best bet for familiar brands and products.
- Carrefour — Excellent for bulk buying and competitive prices. Great for household essentials and international products.
- Eataly Dubai Mall — Premium Italian food hall with fresh pasta, cured meats, cheeses, and gourmet ingredients. Perfect for special occasions and quality produce.
- Specialty Delis — Various independent delis throughout Dubai offer imported goods, artisanal products, and hard-to-find items.
- Organic Foods & Café — A local chain specializing in organic products, with both retail locations and delivery options. Great for health-conscious shoppers.
Best Restaurants by Area
Marina & JBR
Home to some of Dubai's most vibrant dining. Try Zuma for Japanese fine dining, Nobu for contemporary Japanese, or STK for premium steaks.
DIFC (Downtown Financial Centre)
The business district with world-class dining. Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen, Gaucho for Argentine beef, and Coya for Peruvian cuisine are exceptional choices.
Downtown Dubai
Armani/Aqua offers fine dining with Burj Khalifa views. Couqley is excellent for authentic Lebanese cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
Old Dubai & Deira
Al Fanar specializes in authentic Emirati cuisine and is essential for experiencing local food culture. Explore local Arabic favourites throughout the area for budget-friendly, genuine dining.
Jumeirah
Perfect for casual dining. The Lime Tree Cafe offers excellent brunch and light meals, while Shakespeare & Co is ideal for coffee and relaxed lunches by the beach.
Palm Jumeirah
Home to spectacular dining experiences. Ossiano at Atlantis is iconic for underwater views, Nobu offers premium Japanese, and numerous beach clubs provide casual seaside dining.
Friday Brunch Culture
Friday brunch is a Dubai institution and not to be missed. It's a set menu experience available from midday onwards, typically running until late afternoon, and nearly always includes unlimited drinks (alcoholic and soft).
Price Range
AED 250–500 per person depending on the venue and level of luxury.
Top Brunch Venues
- Saffron at Atlantis — Exceptional international spread with live cooking stations.
- Weslodge — Social brunch atmosphere, popular with younger expats.
- Zero Gravity — Beach club brunch with vibrant DJ and poolside setting.
- Rockfish — Excellent seafood brunch with premium service.
Tip: Book in advance, especially during peak season. Friday brunch is a social highlight of Dubai expat life and a great way to meet other expats and locals.
Where to Buy Wine & Spirits
Dubai has two main licensed retailers for alcohol, both with multiple locations across the emirate:
MMI (Maritime & Mercantile International)
The largest chain with numerous stores. Available through their app for easy ordering and home delivery.
African + Eastern
The established competitor with equally broad selection and convenient locations. Also offers online ordering and delivery.
Personal Liquor Licence
To purchase alcohol in Dubai, you'll need a personal liquor licence. This is emirate-specific — Dubai residents must obtain one, but the process is straightforward and completely free.
Simply download the MMI or A&E app, complete a brief registration, and your licence is approved. Once obtained, you can purchase at any licensed retailer.
Pricing Guide
- Supermarket wine: AED 45–80 per bottle
- Quality wine: AED 80–200 per bottle
- Spirits: Comparable to UK prices
Both retailers offer home delivery, making it convenient to stock your home. Delivery times are typically 24–48 hours.
Cigars & Premium Tobacco
Dubai has a thriving cigar culture with excellent retailers and dedicated smoking venues:
- The Cigar Room, DIFC — Premier destination for serious cigar enthusiasts. Premium selection and knowledgeable staff.
- Davidoff at Harvey Nichols, Mall of the Emirates — Iconic luxury brand with excellent range and professional guidance.
- Café Bateel — Known for quality Cuban imports and authentic cigar experience.
Gentleman's Lounge Culture
Dubai embraces a sophisticated cigar and gentleman's lounge culture. It's legal to smoke cigars in designated areas and private spaces. Many hotels and clubs have dedicated cigar lounges with premium ambiance.
Organic Meat Deliveries
High-quality organic meat is readily available in Dubai, with several reputable suppliers:
- Kibsons.com — The most popular choice for organic meat delivery. Australian halal-certified organic meat with reliable weekly delivery.
- Ripe Food & Craft — Excellent online ordering and weekend market presence at Zabeel Park. Premium quality with strong sustainability focus.
- Organic Oasis — Specializes in certified organic meat with emphasis on local and international sources.
Important: Halal Certification
All meat sold in the UAE is halal. However, if you specifically want organic-certified halal meat, this is available through the suppliers above. Organic halal certification ensures both organic farming standards and halal slaughter practices.
Price Comparison vs UK
Organic meat in Dubai is typically similar in price to organic UK suppliers. While imported organic meat may carry a premium, local and Australian sourced organic meat is competitive.
Organic Fruit & Vegetable Deliveries
Fresh organic produce is widely available through multiple channels:
- Kibsons.com — The largest and most affordable option for organic fruit and veg. Reliable weekly delivery with excellent selection.
- Ripe Market, Zabeel Park — Saturday market atmosphere with wonderful community vibe. Browse, select, and support local growers directly.
- Organic Foods & Café — Retail chain locations with fresh organic produce available for immediate purchase.
- Greenhouse Organic Box Schemes — Curated organic boxes delivered weekly, supporting sustainable farming.
- The Farmer's Market, Souq Al Bahar — Regular farmers' market with organic vendors, local produce, and great community atmosphere.
Tip: Sign up for weekly deliveries to save money and ensure consistent supply. Most services offer flexible subscription options, and you can easily pause or skip weeks.
Patrick's Note on Food Culture in Dubai
Food in Dubai is exceptional — you'll enjoy world-class restaurants from around the globe, access to high-quality organic products, and the Friday brunch tradition is genuinely fun. The shopping is excellent for expats; you'll find everything familiar from home alongside incredible Middle Eastern and international cuisine. Dubai's multicultural food scene reflects its diverse population, so you can eat authentically from dozens of countries while also finding your UK comfort foods. Don't miss the local Arabic food and Emirati cuisine — it's delicious and offers authentic insight into Emirati culture. Friday brunch with friends becomes a cherished social ritual for most expats in Dubai.