The best places for budget-friendly dining experiences in the UAE need not necessarily mean low-quality food or poor service. From Dubai’s lively streets to the more refined scene that is Abu Dhabi, these top ten dining spots will give you great value for less and won’t put a dent in your wallet. Here are the best places in the UAE to dine well on a budget, ranging from humble, family-friendly restaurants to those with a Michelin star.
1. Maison de Curry – Dubai
Maison de Curry is one of the greatest options to enjoy fine dining experiences while having a view of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. It is somehow pricey, though still relatively good value for money; an average meal would cost around AED 450 500 per person. It is a Michelin-starred restaurant that has been on consecutive lists for its various menus—kids’, sushi, and vegetarian-friendly dishes. Enjoy the daily happy hour from 1 pm until 6 pm with discounts starting at 35 AED. Then, on Wednesdays, the ladies’ night includes unlimited house beverages and a 20% discount on the food menu from 6 pm until 10 pm. This is an ideal choice to celebrate a special occasion or to spend a little on luxury without going overboard.
2. The Foundry – Abu Dhabi
Located inside the Southern Sun Hotel, The Foundry is particularly known for its buffet and à la carte options. For their substantial meals, it is relatively inexpensive, with prices ranging from 150-200 AED. The restaurant serves three meals a day, which are breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is great variety that caters to vegetarians and sea food lovers. With consistent quality and different varieties, The Foundry is a great place to enjoy your meals any time of the day.
3. Maiden Shanghai – Dubai
Savor fine Chinese cuisine at Maiden Shanghai in No 1 Palm Jumeirah, where the average cost is 250-300 AED per person. This spot has been well-liked because of its organic food, prepared without MSG, and karaoke on the house with every meal and enchance your dining experiences. Their “Naughty Noodle Brunch” on Saturdays will set you back a minimum of 450 AED with a vibe and after-party from 4 pm to 7 pm. They have private karaoke rooms, and their gourmet Chinese food is the menu for a price as low as AED 199 per person, making it a fun and flavorful way to dine.
4. La Petite Maison (LPM) – Abu Dhabi
La Petite Maison, located in The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, offers a menu inspired by the French Riviera. This highly-rated Abu Dhabi restaurant brings fine dining experiences with its French cuisine specialty. Lunch and dinner are served daily, but reservations for large groups are recommended. With fine surroundings and good food, this venue really makes for an excellent choice to experience fine dining without one breaking his wallet.
5. Asha’s – Abu Dhabi
For a rich taste of Indian cuisine, one should drop by Asha’s at The Galleria, Al Maryah Island. It offers generous portions and varieties of all the popular Indian dishes such as Butter Chicken, Biryani, and Naan Bread at an approximate price of AED 300-350 per person. The restaurant boasts its truly unique flavors and a very friendly atmosphere, just about right for savoring traditional Indian food and provide you a unforgettable dining experiences
6. Bistro Aamara – Dubai
Sexy, with the fusion of Asian and European cuisine and a price tag per head about 250-300 AED at Bistro Aamara in Voco Hotel—this is an established Michelin-starred restaurant about new concepts of presentation and vegan selection. Open from 12 pm till 11:30 pm every day, it serves food of a high culinary standard in a relaxed dining environment—hence, a great option for both relaxed and special dining experiences.
7. Quince Restaurant – Abu Dhabi
Located in the heart of Central Park on Reem Island, Quince Restaurant is a little more budget-friendly at 100-150 AED per person. It has a nice environment with both inside and outside seating, which exudes a family-friendly atmosphere where kids are also catered for with children’s meals, and there is breakfast all day. Prices here are very sensible, and a person would rightfully say there is quite a nice atmosphere for casual dining.
8. Social House – Dubai Mall
Casual dining with the average pricing of 150-200 AED per person, Social House is open from 10 am until 11 pm from Sunday to Wednesday and until midnight from Thursday to Saturday. The place offers outdoor seating and has vegetarian options available, but it does not take reservations. Since the place isconveniently located and offers great diversity of dishes, it is one of the places to drop by for a casual meal while visiting the mall.
9. Somewhere – Dubai Mall
Tucked away somewhere in The Dubai Mall is another bustling area with fabulous energy and a little something extra: Black Angus beef fateh. It will set you back 200-250 AED per person. You’ll be surrounded by life, making this the perfect dining experience if you love noise and commotion. Popular dishes with an energetic vibe go a long way to make up unforgettable meals in the middle of Dubai.
10. Maté – Abu Dhabi
Experiencing Argentina, Maté at Park Hyatt Villas offers you a range of grills to barbecues. The prices range from 300-350 AED per person, including a supper club every Wednesday with a starting package of 295 AED per person with beverages. Other promotions include a complimentary tango show every Friday from 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm in order to give a cultural twist to your dinner.
Conclusion:
Diverse in tastes and budgets, the UAE has a galore of dining options that are affordable. From top places to visit in Dubai to family dining in Abu Dhabi, here is the list of top 10 dining spots for real value. From luxurious settings overlooking breathtaking views to casual eateries with lively atmospheres, these restaurants ensure you can enjoy high-quality meals while keeping the spend at bay. See the list below, and find out some of the best dining spots around UAE for your next meal out.