7 Under-the-Radar Places to Eat (and Drink) in Dubai Right Now (January 2026)

Dubai’s “best-of” lists tend to circle the same hotspots, while plenty of genuinely great places stay quietly excellent in the background. If you’re in the mood for somewhere a little less obvious (but still totally worth the drive/Metro hop), here are seven underrated spots to put on your Dubai rotation.

1. XVA Café, Al Fahidi (Old Dubai)

If you want a real reset from modern Dubai, XVA Café is it: shaded courtyards, calm vibes, and a vegetarian/vegan-friendly menu that feels made for lingering. It’s also famously described as a “best kept secret,” and it genuinely still feels like one.

Order for the vibe: mint lemonade + anything you can eat slowly.

When: Daily, 7am – 10pm

2. Calicut Paragon, Karama

Karama has no shortage of great food, but Calicut Paragon remains one of those places that locals quietly swear by for proper South Indian (Kerala) cooking, big flavors, strong value, and a menu you’ll want to revisit multiple times.

Perfect for: a serious, no-fuss feast with family or friends.

When: Daily, 7am – midnight

3. San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles, JLT (Cluster F)

San Wan is a comfort-food magnet: affordable, satisfying, and built around the theatre of hand-pulled noodles done right. It’s the kind of place you recommend to someone who’s “overpaying for lunch” in Marina/JLT.

Must-try move: go with a signature noodle bowl, then add a side so you don’t regret it later.

When: Daily, 12pm – 10:30pm.

4. Harummanis, Wasl 51 (Jumeirah 1)

Singaporean-Malay flavours aren’t exactly everywhere in Dubai, which is why Harummanis feels like such a gem. The menu leans comforting and aromatic, but with a modern polish—great if you want something different without going “too experimental.”

Perfect for: a date night that’s not the same DIFC loop.

When: Daily, 12pm – 11pm.

5. Daddy’s Smoke House, Majan (Dubailand/Al Barari area)

When you want deep, smoky flavour (and you’re hungry-hungry), Daddy’s Smoke House is a strong pick especially for smoked chicken and proper BBQ plates. It’s a bit of a drive for many people, which is exactly why it stays under the radar.

Perfect for: big appetites and “let’s order the table” energy.

When: Daily, 12 noon – 12am.

6. The Boil by Miran, Al Rigga (Deira)

This is a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves seafood-boil spot, messy in the best way, and seriously good value for what you get. If you’ve been craving that saucy, “dump it on the table” kind of meal, this is the move.

Perfect for: groups, late dinners, and anyone who loves Cajun-style seafood.

When: Daily, 10am – 2am.

7. Moonshine, DIFC (Behind Wise Guys)

Moonshine is one of Dubai’s more legit speakeasy-style bars: hidden behind a fridge door, moody inside, and designed for late-night hangs with cocktails and DJs. It’s not trying to be a mega-club—just a very good night out, tucked away in plain sight.

Perfect for: weekend plans that start “quiet” and end late.

When: Sun/Tue/Wed 6pm–midnight; Thu–Sat 6pm–3am.