Day Trip
Best Affordable Restaurants in Dubai That Won't Burn a Hole in Your Pocket
Dubai is famous for its luxury and sky-high buildings, but under all the glitz there are tasty, best affordable restaurants in Dubai with a great food scene just waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a tourist on a tight budget or a resident in need of a filling but cheap lunch, the city has something for everyone. From traditional Arabic fare to spicy Asian street food, here's a list of the top cheap restaurants in Dubai for a filling lunch.
1. Al Mallah (Satwa & Al Nahda)
Cuisine: Lebanese
Average Price: AED 25–40
A staple on Dubai's budget food map, Al Mallah is a Lebanese eatery famous for its shawarma, falafel platters, and manakeesh. It's perfect for a quick, flavorful, and healthy lunch that won’t hurt your wallet. The hummus with meat and freshly baked bread are a must-try!
Must-Order: Chicken Shawarma Plate, Falafel Sandwich, Fresh Juice
2. Ravi Restaurant (Al Satwa)
Cuisine: Pakistani
Average Price: AED 20–35
No discussion of cheap restaurants in Dubai is complete without mentioning Ravi. A legend in itself, Ravi serves spicy, rich curries, grilled kebabs, and buttery naan that locals and tourists alike swear by.
Must-Order: Chicken Handi, Mutton Kadai, Garlic Naan
3. Wok Boyz (Dubai Marina & DIFC)
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Average Price: AED 30–45
Wok boxes that are large in portion and flavor! Pick your noodles or rice, protein, vegetables, and sauces for the ultimate personalized lunch box. Fast, budget-friendly, and satisfying.
Must-Order: Thai Green Curry Wok, Sweet & Sour Chicken Noodles
4. Karachi Darbar (Multiple Locations)
Cuisine: Indian/Pakistani
Average Price: AED 20–35
Another pocket-friendly fan favorite, Karachi Darbar, is renowned for its biryanis and filling curries. It's among the top value-for-money restaurants in Dubai for a desi lunch.
Must-Order: Mutton Biryani, Butter Chicken, Tandoori Roti
5. Aappa Kadai (Karama, Al Qusais)
Cuisine: South Indian & Chettinad
Average Price: AED 25–40
For a spicy and pungent food craving, visit Aappa Kadai. The dosas, biryanis, and Chettinad specials here are flavorfully rich and reasonably priced. Spice enthusiasts will love it!
Must-Order: Chicken Chettinad, Egg Appam, Veg Biryani
from
33,33£
22,22£
6 Hours
From 33,33£ 22,22£
from
66,44£
46,67£
2 Hours
From 66,44£ 46,67£
from
133,11£
88,67£
6 Hours
From 133,11£ 88,67£
from
55,56£
43,33£
10 Hours
From 55,56£ 43,33£
from
32,22£
24,44£
5 Hours
From 32,22£ 24,44£
from
55,56£
37,78£
8 Hours
From 55,56£ 37,78£
6. Al Ijaza Cafeteria (Jumeirah Road)
Cuisine: Emirati & Fast Food Fusion
Average Price: AED 20–30
This superb café is a local favorite in Dubai. It mingles Emirati tastes with fast food, and their outrageous milkshake options are the icing on the cake. Perfect for a speedy, quirky lunch with a side of nostalgia.
Must-Order: Zinker Club Sandwich, Hassan Mathar, Avocado Juice
7. Chaiwala Cafeteria (Karama)
Cuisine: Indian Street Food
Average Price: AED 15–25
Are you seeking India's street food flavor? Chaiwala has it all, from fiery samosas to vada pav and kulhad chai. It's small, bustling, and flavorful. Mark in your list for best affordable restaurants in Dubai.
Must-Order: Bombay Sandwich, Vada Pav, Cutting Chai
8. Calicut Paragon (Karama & Al Nahda)
Cuisine: Kerala/South Indian
Average Price: AED 25–35
This award-winning affordable restaurant in Dubai serves economical Kerala cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. Their lunch thalis are particularly famous and full of variety and spice.
Must-Order: Fish Mango Curry, Kerala Paratha, Veg Thali
9. Pizzaro (Multiple Locations)
Cuisine: Italian
Average Price: AED 30–45 (lunch combo)
Are you missing pizza but tight on budget? Pizzaro offers high-quality Italian-style pizzas and lunch combos, including drinks and sides, without the hefty price tag.
Must-Order: Margherita Pizza, Chicken Alfredo Pasta, Lunch Combo Meals
10. BBQ Delights (JBR & Downtown)
Cuisine: Pakistani/BBQ
Average Price: AED 35–50 (buffet option available)
They usually have normal-priced buffet options for lunch—perfect when you're starving. From grilled meats to tasty deals, you'll leave full and content.
Must-Order: Lunch Buffet, Grilled Chicken Tikka, Seekh Kebabs
Quick Tips for Affordable Restaurants in Dubai:
Go Local: Karama, Satwa, and Al Qusais are goldmines when it comes to budget-friendly eats.
Lunch Combos: Value lunch combos between 12–3 PM are available at many places.
Cafeteria Culture: Visit local cafeterias. They serve fresh juices, sandwiches, and wraps for less than AED 20.
Street Food Joints: Don't be hesitant to try dingy-looking places — they tend to have the most authentic tastes.
Final Bite
Dubai's dining scene is cosmopolitan, multicultural, and incredibly cheap. No matter if you're living on a shoestring or just craving something uncomplicated yet tasty, these cheap restaurants in Dubai are evidence that you don't have to break the bank to dine well. So the next time lunchtime arrives, skip the high-end eateries and pop into one of these top affordable restaurants in Dubai for a great meal.
