Dubai Dining Costs: What You’ll Actually Pay for a Meal in 2025

If you’ve ever wondered whether a night out in Dubai will drain your wallet, you’re not alone. The city serves everything from cheap shawarma stalls to ultra‑luxury tasting menus, and the price gap can be huge. Below you’ll get straight‑forward numbers, tips to stretch your budget, and a clear idea of what to expect at each price tier.

Everyday Eats: Casual and Mid‑Range Prices

For most visitors, the bulk of meals happen in the casual‑to‑mid range. A typical falafel wrap or a bowl of hummus at a local café costs between 15 AED and 30 AED (about $4‑$8). If you prefer a more Western vibe, a burger with fries at a chain restaurant usually runs 35 AED‑45 AED.

Mid‑range diners will often choose a sit‑down restaurant with a wider menu. Here, a main course like grilled chicken, pasta, or seafood averages 70 AED‑120 AED. Add a soft drink or a glass of house wine, and you’re looking at roughly 90 AED‑150 AED per person.Tips to keep the bill low:

• Order lunch instead of dinner – many places cut 20‑30% off the menu.
• Opt for set menus or “Mezza” platters; they give more variety for a fixed price.
• Avoid adding extra sides or premium sauces, which can quickly add 10‑20 AED each.

Luxury Dining: What to Expect at High‑End Spots

When you’re ready to splurge, Dubai’s high‑end restaurants deliver world‑class service and spectacular views. A tasting menu at a five‑star hotel can start at 350 AED and go up to 800 AED per person, often paired with wine at an additional 200 AED‑400 AED.

Even a la carte meals at top‑tier venues are pricey. Expect main courses like wagyu steak, lobster, or premium sushi to be priced between 250 AED and 450 AED. A bottle of good red wine typically starts around 250 AED and climbs quickly.

Luxury doesn’t have to mean wasteful spending. Consider these tricks:

• Book a “pre‑fix” menu that includes a starter, main, and dessert for a set price.
• Share a main dish with a companion; many restaurants serve portions large enough for two.
• Limit alcohol; a single glass of house wine costs about 70 AED, while a cocktail can be 80 AED‑120 AED.

Overall, a realistic daily food budget in Dubai looks like this: 50 AED‑80 AED if you stick to street food and local cafés, 150 AED‑250 AED for a comfortable mix of casual and mid‑range meals, and 400 AED‑800 AED when you indulge in fine dining. Adjust those numbers based on your appetite, the number of people, and how often you plan to splurge.

Bottom line: Dubai offers dining options for every wallet. Knowing the price ranges and using a few simple tricks lets you enjoy the city’s flavors without surprise bills at checkout.