The 7 Best Cheap Eats in Dubai

Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, is one of the most iconic cities in the world. Home to the world’s only 7-star hotel, the world’s tallest building (Burj Khalifa), and 39 out of the 48 billionaires in the UAE, it’s easy to see why Dubai gets a reputation for being a classy but expensive place to live.

However, if you’re planning on visiting anytime soon, you can enjoy some of the nicest food in the Middle East without worrying about breaking the bank – and instead spend your money on a fancy hotel or once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here are the 7 best cheap eats in Dubai.

Affordable and Delicious: The 7 Best Cheap Eats in Dubai

1. Golden Tasty Restaurant

Starting off strong on this list of the best cheap eats in Dubai, did you know that you can get a delicious steak for around €10? Well, at Golden Tasty Restaurant you can!

And it’s not just steak that’s on offer, either – you can choose from their range of salads, shawarma, pizza, pasta, seafood, Indian, Chinese and more. The perfect budget-friendly place where you can enjoy all of your favourite foods without worrying about overspending.

And because it’s open until 04:00 every single day, it’s also the ideal place to go to in order to satisfy those late-night cravings.

Address: Retail 01 & 02, 282 Green Avenue Building, Opp Greens, Barsha Heights Dubai

Opening Hours: 10:00–04:00 Monday–Sunday

2. Ravi

Operating since 1978, Ravi offers some of the best Pakistani food in Dubai. Originally a popular destination for homesick Pakistani migrant workers who wanted an authentic taste of home while working in Dubai, the restaurant has since expanded to suit a wide range of tastes with its incredible South Asian cuisine.

From tender lamb chops to Peshwari mutton curry, kebabs, roti and more, it's little wonder that Ravi attracts so many different people through its doors. Whatever your reason for visiting Ravi, we can guarantee one thing: you’ll be back time and time again.

Perhaps the final selling point is that you can get a good, hearty, nutritious meal for around the €10–15 mark.

Address: 8th-9th Street, Al-Satwa, Dubai

Opening Hours: 05:00–02:00 Monday–Sunday

3. Pull Me Pizzeria

“New York Style, Dubai Crafted” is their slogan, which is reason enough to visit Pull Me Pizzeria! Dishing up NYC-style pizza slices and whole pizzas, baked freshly every day, Pull Me Pizzeria offers a taste of New York (and, of course, Italy) under the baking hot sun of Dubai.

Offering a range of different slices, from the classic cheese and tomato to their classy truffle or non-vodka sauce option, there’s something for everyone here. You can also add extra toppings, including hot honey and pesto to craft the perfect slice.

While you can buy whole pizzas, slices are much more popular for that quick pizza fix – and all of their slices are under €7.

Address: Al Cove Residence, Jumeirah Village, Dubai

Opening Hours: 17:00–00:00 Monday–Friday, 13:00–00:00 Saturday–Sunday

4. Planet Terra

For vegetarians and vegans who would like to eat out in Dubai on a budget, a visit to Planet Terra is a must. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as offering some of the best coffee and smoothies in the city, everything here is 100% organic, vegan, made in-house, and sourced locally wherever possible.

Despite all of this, Planet Terra makes a conscious effort to keep their prices down for customers, with favourites such as pittas and wraps costing around the €10 mark. For those who just want to pick up a freshly-made coffee, you can expect to pay around €5.

Planet Terra also offers a takeout service as well as the ability to eat in.

Address: Panorama Building, 6th Street, The Greens, Dubai

Opening Hours: 07:30–22:30 Monday–Sunday

5. Freez

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then you need to pay a visit to Freez. A wide selection of desserts, ranging from ice cream (hence the name) to crepes, Freez is a favourite amongst locals and tourists who are craving a sweet treat.

There’s no better way to cool off in the scorching Dubai sunshine than with a big ice cream, or perhaps you’d prefer to indulge in a rich brownie or some waffles.

Like many other restaurants in the city, it is open until the early hours (03:00, seven days a week!) so you can solve those midnight cravings with a trip to Freez.

Most items on their menu, from pancakes to brownies, ice cream to waffles and everything in between cost less than €9.

Address: 39th Street, Al Karama, Dubai

Opening Hours: 06:00–03:00 Monday–Sunday

6. Billy’s Hamburgers

Offering a taste of California in Dubai, Billy’s Hamburgers can be found along the world-famous Dubai Marina, one of the most scenic areas in the city.

For any burger lovers, you’ve got to try Billy’s to experience one of the best you’ll have in Dubai. And it’s not just your standard beef burgers they have on the menu – there’s a range of different burgers, including grilled chicken, fried chicken and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, so there’s something for everyone here.

Pair it with a side of their homemade French fries and you’ve got the ultimate comfort food meal. And the best part? The vast majority of their burgers are under €10, so you can enjoy a succulent, juicy burger without breaking the bank.

Address: Park Island, PI-B-06, Dubai Marina, Dubai

Opening Hours: 12:00–00:00 Monday–Thursday, 12:00–02:00 Friday–Sunday

7. Al Mallah

While Dubai has seen a rise in popularity in the last 10-15 years, when a restaurant has been successfully operating in the city for 45 years, you know they’re doing something right.

Al Mallah offers a taste of traditional Lebanese food from their restaurant located in the Al Hudaiba region of the city. 

They have a range of delicious food, from flatbread, grilled chicken salads and of course, shawarma – which can be served with a side of French fries and salad to make it a combo meal, as well as a sauce of your choice.

Not only is this nutritious, good, healthy and tasty food, but it is also remarkably cheap given the quality of the ingredients they use, with their shawarma combo meal costing around €7 and their mixed grill special around €10.

Finally, Al Mallah is open 24/7, so you can enjoy their delicious food at any time of the day or night.

Address: Al Dhiyafa Road, Al Hudaiba, Dubai

Opening Hours: 00:00–00:00 Monday–Sunday