Dining Costs in Dubai: What to Expect and How to Save

Thinking about eating out in Dubai but not sure if your wallet can handle it? You’re not alone. Many visitors picture sky‑high restaurant bills, yet the city also hides plenty of tasty, affordable options. Below you’ll find a quick rundown of typical prices, plus practical tricks to stretch your food budget without missing out on the good stuff.

Average Prices for Different Meals

Breakfast. A simple coffee and pastry at a local café usually runs between 15 AED and 30 AED. If you head to a hotel buffet, expect 60 AED to 100 AED per person. For a more filling start, a full English‑style breakfast at a mid‑range spot costs about 40 AED.

Lunch. Street‑food stalls and food courts dominate the lunch scene. A shawarma, falafel wrap, or a bowl of biryani typically falls in the 20 AED‑35 AED range. A sit‑down restaurant with a three‑course set menu will be 50 AED to 80 AED, while upscale venues can easily charge 120 AED or more.

Dinner. This is where the price spread widens. A casual diner serving pizza or burgers usually charges 40 AED‑70 AED per main. Seafood restaurants at the Marina start around 100 AED for a plate of grilled fish and can jump to 250 AED for premium catches. Fine‑dining experiences, especially those with views of the Burj Khalifa, frequently start at 300 AED per person and can exceed 600 AED for tasting menus.

Drinks. A soft drink costs about 5 AED‑10 AED, while a local tea or coffee sits around 8 AED‑15 AED. Alcohol is much pricier: a beer in a bar is roughly 30 AED‑45 AED, and a cocktail can be 50 AED‑80 AED. If you’re staying in a hotel, ordering a bottle of wine for your room may add 150 AED‑300 AED to the bill.

Tips to Keep Your Food Budget Low

1. Eat where locals eat. Neighborhoods like Al Karama, Satwa, and Deira are packed with affordable eateries that serve authentic dishes at a fraction of tourist‑area prices.

2. Use food delivery apps. Apps often run promotions, giving you discounts of up to 20 % on meals from popular chains. Just watch out for delivery fees during peak hours.

3. Watch the lunch specials. Many restaurants slash their menu prices between 12 pm and 3 pm. A set lunch can be half the price of the same dishes served at dinner.

4. Buy from supermarkets. Large grocery stores sell ready‑to‑eat salads, sandwiches, and fresh fruit for under 20 AED. Packing a picnic at a park like Creek Park saves both money and time.

5. Avoid the hotel minibar. Those tiny snacks often cost three to four times more than the same item in a nearby store.

6. Stay hydrated with tap water. Tap water in Dubai is safe to drink, so you can skip buying bottled water when you’re out and about.

By mixing a few street‑food meals with occasional splurges, you can enjoy Dubai’s culinary scene without blowing your budget. Remember, the city’s food landscape is as diverse as its skyline—there’s a tasty option for every price point.

If you’re planning a week‑long stay, aim for a daily food budget of 120 AED to 180 AED. That covers a couple of casual meals, a nicer dinner, and a few snacks. Adjust up or down based on how often you want to treat yourself to a high‑end restaurant.

Bottom line: Dubai isn’t just about gold‑leaf desserts and sky‑high bills. With a bit of research and smart choices, you can savor great flavors and keep your wallet happy.