Eating Out in Dubai

Dubai 's restaurants provide cuisine of every nationality possible, ranging from typical Arabic food, European, Indian to Far Eastern and American - the list is endless. Whether it's fine dining or fast food you want, Dubai has an outstanding choice of restaurants to choose from. Local and Arabic food is available in the smartest hotel to the humblest café. Locally caught seafood is plentiful and the quality unbeatable. Only restaurants in hotels and leisure complexes are licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.

Many restaurants provide a buffet where you will find an array of Middle Eastern dishes from Lebanon , North Africa , Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries. Typical dishes are hoummous, tabbouleh, stuffed vine leaves, roasted meats such as lamb or chicken, spiced rice dishes, stuffed vegetables such as courgettes and for dessert, the popular Umm Ali a type of sweet bread pudding or many desserts made of nuts.

There are numerous international fast food chains such as McDonalds, Burger King, Hardee's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, Round Table Pizza and Pizza Corner. Theme restaurants such as TGI Friday's, Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Café and Henry J Bean's can also be found around the city. Recently, international coffee outlets have sprung up such as Costa Coffee and Starbucks plus hundreds of local tea and coffee shops.

Tipping

Restaurants, bars and hotels add a service charge. Additional gratuities are entirely discretionary and not necessary. Porters and bellboys expect modest tips. Taxi drivers do not expect a gratuity.