How do you find the best food spots in any city? You ask the locals.

That is exactly what we did — we asked a few friends of The Sandy Times who live in Dubai where they like to grab a bite and what they usually order. The result is a well-rounded list, featuring everything from Emirati and Balkan food to other local favourites across the city.

Al Fanar Restaurant

Location: Al Seef St — Al Hamriya

Founded in 2011, Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe started as a small family-run spot with the idea of sharing traditional Emirati food. The name “Al Fanar,” meaning lantern, reflects the restaurant’s focus on preserving and guiding Emirati culinary traditions. Today, it is a go-to place for both locals and visitors looking for authentic Emirati dishes.

Location: Building 5 — Zaa𧯮l Second — Dubai Design District

You have definitely heard of this place — we have mentioned it more than once before. Established in 2016, One Life Kitchen & Café is a homegrown café in Dubai Design District (d3) where people come for good food and great coffee. It is a relaxed, welcoming space to eat, work, or meet friends, with a menu of simple, from-scratch dishes made using natural ingredients, plus bread and pastries baked in-house.

ALICA Bakery / Eatery

Location: La Cote 2 — 2A PDLM Street — Jumeirah 1

ALICA is a homegrown café and bakery in Dubai, known for its fresh sourdough and produce sourced from local and organic UAE farms. The space is built around seasonality, simplicity, and a sense of community — a calm spot for slow living and good food.

KOKORO

Location: Alserkal Avenue — 17th St

KOKORO is the UAE’s first Japanese hand roll bar, offering a focused, counter-style dining experience. The menu is made to order using fresh fish, crisp harvested seaweed, house-made sauces, and warm, seasoned rice.

The name Kokoro, meaning “heart” in Japanese, reflects the hands-on approach behind the bar, where guests can watch the chefs prepare each roll up close. Led by chefs Daniel Lee and Patrick Pham, the kitchen keeps things precise, personal, and a little unconventional — rethinking sushi while staying true to quality and technique.

Piehaus

Location: Alserkal Avenue, Warehouse 22a

Piehaus is a homegrown pie shop by the team behind 21grams, tucked away in Warehouse 22A. It is the kind of place you wander into on a whim and end up staying longer — drawn in by buttery crusts, thoughtful craftsmanship, and the easy, welcoming atmosphere. Here, pies are treated as something familiar and meaningful, and you will feel it from the very first bite.

Everything here is made with intention: quick to serve, but never rushed in the making. It is straightforward, comforting food with character — welcoming to newcomers and deeply loved by those who already know.

21 Grams

Location: Meyan Mall, Second Floor, Umm Suqeim 2

21 Grams is a homegrown Dubai bistro led by chef Stasha Toncev, whose cooking is rooted in Balkan family recipes and regional traditions. The menu brings together handmade dishes and flavours from across the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and beyond. It’s an easy, neighbourhood spot that has become a go-to for those who appreciate comforting food made with care.