Must-try spots – Dubai is a multi-cultural wonderland that offers something for connoisseurs of every conceivable palate. In fact, the sheer scale of Dubai’s culinary options can overwhelm even a veteran traveller’s itinerary. To help you navigate this global banquet, here is a personal selection of dining landmarks for your upcoming journey to Dubai: Bikers Cafe Sometimes a name says it all.
And the nomenclature Bikers Cafe — for Dubai’s first motor-themed cafe — does a near-perfect job of conveying what it stands for: a place to fuel your soul with classic bikes and vintage memorabilia, while you refuel your body with scrumptious food. Whether it was the pink Vespa that welcomed me outside the door or the red and grey Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 near the cafe counter, this establishment in Jumeirah will have its guests — riders and non-riders alike — linger over its curated and ever-changing display of vintage and high-performance race bikes.
The pride of place, though, was given to a blue and white Honda C70, over which lies a packed ‘Hall of Fame’ board, which also documents Formula One legend Michael Schumacher’s visit some years ago. The restaurant regularly hosts bikers for community get-togethers and barbecues, making it a rare destination where culinary brilliance meets motor culture.
“We have been around since 2011… big events come and go, but our highlight has been when we had the Ken Block Meet and Greet (former American rally driver),” celebrity racer Saeed Bintowq, who was also the first Emirati to take part in the FIA World Rallycross Championship, says. To only talk about Bikers Cafe’s ambience would be doing an injustice to the delicious food served there.
It’s an ideal breakfast destination, offering a versatile menu that ranges from traditional Emirati spreads to classic English breakfasts. They have burgers and salads, too, if that’s what you are craving.
The best choice, and easily their most famous offering, would be the Royal Platter. Served as a combo for two, the comprehensive plate pairs savoury staples such as ful medames, dango and sambousek jibneh with khameer, muhalla and egg mulawah. The sweet elements in balaleet and chebab round out the meal superbly.
Whatever you decide on, don’t miss their refreshing Spanish Iced Coffee. Social House If you’re in the hunt for a laid-back lunch with a view of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, look no further than Social House. In true ‘East meets West’ style, this popular Dubai Mall destination offers an international menu of comfort food, spanning wood-fired pizzas to sushi rolls to your standard Mediterranean favourites.
The establishment, originally from Jakarta, draws crowds for its Asian delicacies, including nasi goreng and Malaysian laksa. And if your cravings lean West, the Spanish-style beef cheek baked rice and the hearty carnivore pizza are the go-to options. With its cosy wooden interior and cascading indoor plants, the restaurant offers a tranquil retreat from Dubai’s fast-moving pace — all while being just a stone’s throw away from the serene fountain.
Pro tip: Arrive early to pair your sumptuous lunch with a front-row view of the stunning afternoon fountain shows right from the comfort of your table. Hawkerboi A sensory explosion hits you the moment the lift door opens to Hawkerboi.
Between the neon red light, the friendly bar crew, and the busy chefs tossing and tapping the blazing hot woks inside the open kitchen, Hawkerboi shoots out as much energy as it does a heady rush of aromas. The restaurant’s backstory is as engaging as its vibe, too. Hawkerboi, part of the EatX franchise, was started as a secretive dinner club series, where the city’s food enthusiasts were given clues to find the restaurant’s shifting location.
After all the unique word-of-mouth experiences, Hawkerboi and its mysterious chef decided to settle down and set up shop at The Park in Jumeirah Lake Towers. The Asian restaurant, inspired by the bustling night markets of Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, got its due recognition, too, when it was awarded a Bib Gourmand in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Dubai ceremony.
The best dishes to try (out of the many extraordinary ones) at this chic joint are Thai beef salad, duck gyoza, prawn drunken noodles, and mango sticky rice. Beyond the classics, and for the seafood enthusiasts, the whole-fried (with sweet, sour and spicy sauces) and whole-steamed (including ginger, soy and shallots) sea bass are bold and authentic highlights.
“Hawkerboi stands out by offering delicious food, friendly service, a welcoming atmosphere, and great value for money. Moving forward, we aim to continually elevate our quality, build strong guest loyalty, enhance the overall dining experience, and grow in a consistent and sustainable way,” They Aung, head chef, says.
Time Out Market If your ‘shopping time’ tends to bleed into your dinner plans, Time Out Market at Souk Al Bahar is the perfect way to reclaim your evening without leaving The Dubai Mall’s premises. The options are varied and endless at this high-octane hub, which comprises 17 restaurants and three bars — all carefully selected by Time Out’s editorial team.
A glance through this 43,000-square-foot space reveals the true scale of the menu(s), where a simple margherita pizza sits comfortably alongside exotic plates of Vietnamese pho and charcoal-grilled kushiyaki. The layout of the place, too, adds to the spectacle, where you can soak in Dubai’s finest chefs plying their trade. The combination of communal seating and live cooking stations transforms the space into a visual feast, celebrating both variety and expert craftsmanship.
After all, it’s quite fun to mix and match global cuisines for a three-course meal once you’ve finished your shopping goals. It is, one might say, a truly authentic Dubai experience! The writer was in Dubai at the invitation of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.