There are so many wondrous things about living in or visiting Dubai, but one of the best is that it is a culturally diverse city. This diversity means that it offers an abundance of culinary delights from across the world. One continent, in particular, stands out from the rest when it comes to exceptional meals with a range of varying flavors and styles, and that is the African continent.
Many African restaurants love showcasing their traditional meals, which often include a bit of a twist depending on which country influenced them historically. Whether you seek a bit of home or you would like to try something new, the following list of African restaurants features some of the best in Dubai.
1. The Meat Co
The Meat Co. lives up to its name, offering a range of delicious, perfectly cooked, and prepared meat cuts. This restaurant is for you if you are out for a meaty delight. You can feel its African heritage in the décor and ambiance when you enter. The innovative design of this restaurant reflects an eclectic combination of texture, color, and bespoke elements.
Whether you opt to sit indoors to enjoy the African ambiance or outdoors to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding scenery and water, the setting will provide the perfect accompaniment to your meal. Enjoy one of their succulent steaks, including their signature Wagyu or their Tomahawk prime 1kg cut, or choose from their selections at their raw food bar. If you don’t feel like red meat, you also have an incredible selection of specialty dishes showcasing their South African heritage and some fresh seafood.
- Address: Shop 148, Souk Madinat Jumeirah Beach Road
- Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs: 12:00 – 23:30 & Fri – Sat: 12:00 – 24:00
- Website: https://www.themeatco.com/
- Phone Number: +971 4 368 6040
2. Tribes Carnivore
Tribes Carnivore offers its diners a fusion of exotic flavors that reflect the diverse cultural heritage of the African continent, and the menu options reflect this diversity. You can choose from delicious culinary options that include Mozambiquan prawns, North African chicken burgers, oxtail, and chicken bunny chow, among other delights. They are also vegetarian-friendly and offer gluten-free options.
Enjoy your meal while taking in the wondrous sights of the Burj Khalifa and the Fountain. Honestly, anything on their menu will leave your stomach and taste buds more than satisfied. If you don’t feel like eating a steak, you can choose one of their mouth-watering burgers or even something from their seafood or chicken options. End your meal with a slice of rooibos cheesecake, sweet tribal feast, or something else that might tickle your fancy.
- Address: Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Blvd, 2nd Floor, Dubai Mall
- Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 11:30 – 24:00
- Website: https://www.tribesrestaurant.com/
- Phone Number: +971 4 226 4974
3. The Butcher Shop & Grill
The Butcher Shop & Grill is a South African-inspired steakhouse that serves delicious steaks, ribs, burgers, seafood, and chicken options, using only the freshest ingredients in their kitchen. The menu is all-inclusive and offers vegetarian and gluten-free options, but if you seek a perfectly cooked and succulent steak, then this is where you want to be. Pair your meal with a delicious side and a mocktail, and enjoy the ambiance of their relaxed atmosphere.
One of the great things about this restaurant is that they also have a butchery where you can purchase excellent cuts of fresh meat to take home and cook yourself. The shop includes a fantastic dried meat section which will not disappoint. Their food, ambiance, and meat shop make this one of Dubai’s best African restaurants to visit.
- Address: The Walk – Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 09:00 – 23:45
- Website: http://butchershoparabia.com/
- Phone Number: +971 4 428 1375
4. Kiza Restaurant & Lounge
If you feel like a genuinely Pan African fine dining experience, you can’t go wrong with Kiza Restaurant & Lounge. This restaurant strives to showcase the authentic African experience from their cuisine, décor, and music, creating a sense of the ‘Spirit’ of Africa. The rich menu includes culinary delights from Morocco in the North to South Africa in the south, offering a wide selection with something for everyone.
You will not be disappointed by a visit to this fantastic African restaurant. Whether you are looking for an excellent meal shared with friends or family or seeking somewhere to enjoy a delicious lunch, this restaurant is for you. The hard part comes when you have to select what you will eat from their menu, which features traditional pottage and stew options. If you don’t feel like meat, there are also seafood, vegetarian, and vegan options available on the menu.
- Address: Ground Floor, Emirates Financial Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, DIFC
- Opening Hours: Mon – Tues: 12:00 – 02:00 & Wed – Sun: 12:00 – 05:00
- Website: https://kiza.ae/
- Phone Number: +971 4 453 9038
5. Hadoota Masreya
If you seek an authentically Egyptian meal, you don’t get much better than Hadoota Masreya. Their range of traditional Egyptian food is exceptional, and the flavors and presentation will make you feel like you are in the heart of Egypt. Whether you are looking for a nice place to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Hadoota Masreya has you covered.
The restaurant is all-inclusive and is a great place for a family meal or if you wish to dine out with friends. They offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Another bonus at this restaurant is that they allow you to sit back and enjoy some of their shisha on site, with fresh flavors from only the best tobacco providers. You can partake in this activity from noon till close daily.
- Address: 22A Street, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Safa 1
- Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs: 09:00 – 24:30 & Fri – Sun: 09:00 – 01:00
- Website: https://www.hadootamasreya.com/
- Phone Number: +971 4 380 9000
6. The Grand Grill
A truly South African meal and experience are what you can expect from the cuisine at The Grand Grill. Although this restaurant is known for its spectacularly delicious steaks, its menu includes burgers, seafood, chicken, salads, and excellent sides. With a menu that sports traditional South African meals, including oxtail, bunny chow, boerewors, and world-class steaks, any options will give your taste buds a fantastic experience.
Whether you feel like sitting indoors to enjoy the restaurant’s relaxed ambiance or outdoors to experience the fresh air, you will have a wonderful experience. Ensure that you leave some room for dessert, the cheesecake is mouth-wateringly good, and they also offer milk tart, a uniquely South African dessert. You can also opt to sit in the White Lounge and enjoy the relaxed bar experience if that is more to your fancy.
- Address: Grand Habtoor Beach Resort and Spa. Al Sufouh Road, Dubai Marina
- Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 12:00 – 23:30
- Website: https://www.thegrandgrillsteakhouse.com/
- Phone Number: +971 4 399 4221
7. Tagine
If you would like to enjoy a truly authentic Moroccan experience in Dubai, Tagine in the One & Only Hotel is the place. You enter this restaurant through a low door just off a sunken courtyard. The décor, ambiance, and live music all add to the intimate setting provided by the semi-private alcove seating arrangements.
Once you are through the door, you can imagine that you have gone through a portal into Morocco. Whether you choose one of their mouth-watering tagines, spiced kebabs, fluffy couscous, or one of their signature mains, you will not be disappointed.
Some of their signature meals include saffron rice with crushed almonds, Meghoui, or roasted lamb shoulder, which they serve with fresh mint. This restaurant is also known for its delicious pastilla and mezze. Pair your meal with one of their traditional coffee or tea options to ensure you have a well-rounded Moroccan cuisine experience.
- Address: Al Sufouh Road, One & Only Royal Mirage Palace
- Opening Hours: Tues – Sun: 19:00 – 23:30
- Website: https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/royal-mirage/dining/tagine
- Phone Number: +971 4 399 9999
8. Enish Nigerian Restaurant & Lounge
If you seek a fine dining experience featuring authentic Nigerian cuisine and beverages, then Enish is the restaurant for you. Their décor exudes sophistication featuring modern designs, dark marble, and rich material set in the background of subtle lighting. The menu includes a selection of dishes that represent the diverse culture of Nigeria.
Whether you seek a delicious breakfast, a fine dining experience, or a few tasty cocktails, there is something at Enish for you. Their menu includes a good selection of vegetarian options, meals from the South East, and even global African meals, including boerewors, Nyama Choma, and pilau. The Chefs’ specialties include seafood Eforiro, seafood Okro, and a 24 karat gold Poundo Yam, Eba, or Amala.
- Address: 1 Sheikh Zayed Road, Level 1, The H Hotel
- Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 12:00 – 24:00
- Website: https://www.enishdubai.com/
- Phone Number: +971 54 998 5860
9. Ocean Basket
Ocean Basket is your place if you feel like a mouth-watering seafood meal. Their menu includes delicious battered hake, scrumptious calamari, prawns, sushi, and other mouth-watering dishes that are so good they will make you return again and again. They even have gluten-free options. If you are a vegetarian, have no fear, this restaurant has you covered.
Whether you wish for a great seafood meal or a little taste of South Africa with a slash of a Mediterranean influence, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Ocean Basket. Using only quality ingredients that the chefs transform into flavorful meals, this restaurant’s simple cuisines add to its desirability. The ambiance and efficient service make it a perfect place for family meals or a meal out with friends.
- Address: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Level 1, Mirdif City Centre,
- Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11:00 – 23:00 & Fri – Sun: 11:00 – 24:00
- Website: https://dubai.oceanbasket.com/
- Phone Number: +971 4 285 4895
10. Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant
This restaurant gem offers a uniquely Ethiopian experience in a small intimate setting. They serve your meal following a traditional Ethiopian style on large, beautifully presented plates. You can use your hands to hold the traditional Injera bread they provide with your meal to gather and scoop the food into your mouth.
Pair or end your meal with their excellent coffee accompanied by burning frankincense and prepared traditionally at your table. One of the great things about Zagol is that it caters to vegetarians and vegans. The restaurant is on the smaller side, so it’s not over-suited for large groups of people.
- Address: Mabrouka B 43, 4b Street, Al Karama
- Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10:00 – 23:30
- Website: https://www.zagolethiopianrestaurant.com/
- Phone Number: +971 4 357 7740
11. Africana Home
Africana Home styles itself as a ‘home away from home’ restaurant and provides its diners with delicious traditional African meals. The Chefs use a variety of premium African spices to ensure that each meal has the right blend of flavor, creating cuisines that are so good you can’t help but eat every morsel on your plate. For those craving a tasty African-inspired cuisine, this restaurant is the one for you.
All of the cuisine options at Africana Home make you feel like you are eating a home-cooked meal back in Africa. Many tasty options are on the menu, from Plantain with beans to mixed Okro with Amala, grilled prawns, fresh fish in pepper sauce, and Efo Riro with Poundo Yam. The food and the ambiance of this restaurant work together to give visitors a truly unique and enjoyable experience.
- Address: 1820 Lootah Building, Al Nakheel
- Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10:00 – 01:00
- Website: https://africanahome.ae/
- Phone Number: +971 4 227 9559
12. Harries Pancakes
The last restaurant on this list is exceptional as it serves some of the best food in the world, pancakes. Harries Pancakes specializes in making some of the most delicious South African-inspired pancakes you will ever taste. This restaurant doesn’t only serve sweet pancakes, which adds to their desirability. They have a range of savory ones for those who want a little more than dessert.
A few of the best options include the bobotie pancake, a genuinely South African choice, chicken and mushroom, chocolate mousse, banana caramel, or a milk tart pancake, another South African favorite. Pair this deliciousness with one of their excellent coffees, or if you feel like going the extra mile, get one of their fantastic milkshakes. An ideal place for the whole family, don’t miss out on a visit to Harries Pancakes.
- Address: Bay Central Towers, Shop 5, Dubai Marina Walk
- Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 09:00 – 22:00
- Website: https://www.harriespancakes.ae/
- Phone Number: +971 54 458 0819