Cuisine with history: A guide to some of UAE's oldest restaurants

From Bu Qtair in Dubai to Zahrat Lebnan in Abu Dhabi, these venues serve history on a plate

Palestinian Radwan Al Tamimi, left, opened the floating restaurant Bu Tafish in Abu Dhabi after personal encouragement from Sheikh Zayed. Photo: Bu Tafish

While the past few years have seen an influx of modern must-visit dining destinations, which are often backed by big operators and high-profile celebrity chefs, some of the UAE's key culinary landmarks have been around for years.

These are establishments that have stood the test of time, serving up authentic flavours and traditions passed down through generations. From humble beginnings as family-run establishments to renowned dining spots, these restaurants offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of UAE gastronomy. Here are 10 to check out.

Mannoor Cafe, Ras Al Khaimah

Opened in: 1940s

This unassuming eatery at the Old Market is said to have been founded by the late Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi in the 1940s. Particularly popular among Emiratis, the venue has also brought in tourists because of its historical charm. The building used to be a small marketplace where locals would meet and transact, and even though it's been turned into a restaurant, the community still uses it as a meeting point.

The menu has more than 30 hot and cold beverages, and its chai is its most popular. Those looking to eat authentic Emirati dishes can also go to Mannoor Cafe and soak up its history in the process.

Bu Tafish, Abu Dhabi

Opened in: 1968

Bu Tafish is a seafood restaurant in Al Bateen in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

It is said that Bu Tafish was named by UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, when it first opened in 1968 as a floating boat kiosk in Abu Dhabi. The kiosk eventually became a full-blown restaurant along Hamdan Street, but that location has since shut. Currently, the restaurant has five operating branches across the capital, Al Ain and Dubai, serving traditional Arabic cuisine, with a focus on freshly caught seafood.

In 2022, the venue was recognised by the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi as an Urban Treasure, noting its significance to the capital's cultural scene.

Bu Tafish has branches in Khalifa City, Al Bateen and Mina Zayed in Abu Dhabi, as well as at Bawadi Mall in Al Ain and Jumeirah 1 in Dubai; 02 556 5477

Joshi Restaurant, Dubai

Opened in: 1968

The popular marketplace Meena Bazaar in Bur Dubai conjures nostalgic memories among long-time Dubai residents, and it is home to Joshi Restaurant, a humble Indian eatery that has been open for 56 years. In 1968, Kaku Maharaj and his brothers opened the restaurant, which became a hit among the Bhatia community in the area. On the menu are traditional Indian delicacies, from thalis to samosas.

Open daily, 7am-11pm; Bur Dubai; 04 354 5322

Golden Dragon Restaurant, Dubai

Opened in: 1976

Chinese restaurant Golden Dragon has an extensive menu inspired by wider Asia. Photo: Golden Dragon

Located in Oud Metha, Golden Dragon first opened in 1976, and was one of the first Chinese restaurants in the UAE. Szechuan and Cantonese-inspired dishes are on spotlight, but the extensive menu features wider Asian influences – from Malaysia to Thailand. They are best known for their dim sum offerings, as well as their wok-tossed dishes.

Open Monday to Saturday, noon-midnight and Sunday, noon-11pm; Oud Metha; 04 357 7022

Sind Punjab, Dubai

Opened in: 1977

This popular Punjabi dining spot in Dubai's Al Karama has stood the test of time since being opened by restaurateur Sardar Gurvinder Singh. The eatery relies on closely guarded family recipes to create Indian classics such as tandoori chicken, biryani and the popular butter chicken.

Open daily, 8am-1.30am; Al Karama; 04 352 5058

Ravi Restaurant, Dubai

Opened in: 1978

Ravi Restaurant inspired the Superstar Ravi trainer created by Adidas in 2022. AP

The family-owned Pakistani restaurant takes pride in being rooted in its South Asian community, those "workers who helped build Dubai", as it describes on its website. Chaudary Abdul Hameed opened the restaurant in the Al Satwa neighbourhood in 1978, and has since gained a loyal following for its home-cooked style Pakistani dishes, from chicken tikka to mutton Peshawari.

In 2022, Ravi was the talk of the town after it collaborated with Adidas to release a pair of sneakers, cementing its place in Dubai's cultural scene.

Open daily, 5am-2am; Al Satwa; 04 331 5353

Al Ustad Special Kabab, Dubai

Opened in: 1978

Archive photos adorn the walls of the restaurants, which feature celebrities and other notable people who have dined at the venue. Pawan Singh / The National

A list of the oldest restaurants in the UAE is not complete without this humble Persian eatery in Dubai's Bur Dubai area. First established in 1978 by Mohammed Ali Ansari, the spot has gained a devoted following over the years for its authentic Iranian cuisine and wallet-friendly prices. Judging by its name, kebabs are the star of the culinary show at Al Ustad.

Hundreds of photographs adorn the interior of the restaurant, showing its interesting clientele over the years – from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, to several celebrities, including Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, Iranian actor Mohammad Reza Golzar and footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

Abbas Ansari, son of Mohammed, now runs the eatery, and while he is aware of their popularity, in 2021 he told The National that it's important they keep their feet on the ground.

“We are carrying a legacy, which is why we never compromise on quality or raise prices – even if the costs are high,” he said. An order of chicken or mutton kebab, with their special marinade, stands at Dh28.

Open Saturday to Thursday, 11am-1am, and Friday, 6pm-1am; Al Fahidi, Dubai; 04 397 1933

Bu Qtair Restaurant, Dubai

Opened in: 1980s

Seafood restaurant Bu Qtair in 2011. Charles Crowell / The National

One for seafood lovers, Bu Qtair Restaurant in Jumeirah, Dubai, has a solid reputation of serving the freshest catch, inspired by the Emirati owner's family history of fishing and pearl diving. First opened in the 1980s by Matar Al Tayer, the restaurant has operated in Jumeirah as the coastal area has developed into a luxurious seaside destination. It started as a small kitchen overlooking the beach near a fishermen's dormitory, but moved to a bigger premise across the road in 2015, with the option of both indoor and outdoor seating. Expect to queue for the food, and try to get there early, as when the catch of the day runs out, the restaurant stops serving.

The menu is simple, diners pick and pay for freshly caught seafood (fish and prawns) by weight, which are then cooked in the restaurant's secret blend of dry spices, with rice and paratha served on the side with a curry. In 2010, American TV chef Anthony Bourdain featured the restaurant in an episode of No Reservations about Dubai.

Open Saturday to Thursday, 11am-11.30pm, and Friday, 1.30pm-11.30pm; Fishing Harbour 2, Umm Suqeim; 055 705 2130

Ashuk Ice Cream, Ras Al Khaimah

Opened in: 1982

Ashuk Ice Cream serves an extensive selection of treats. Photo: Ashuk Ice Cream

More than 40 years ago, Mohammed Ashiq arrived in Ras Al Khaimah. Raising funds to invest in a camera, he toiled selling photographs to visiting tourists then. He also sold slushies, as well as other flavoured drinks, before buying his first ice cream machine in 1982.

Ashuk Ice Cream still proudly stands today as one of the oldest food establishments in the northern emirate. Located at Old Bazaar along Old Corniche Road in the Sidroh district, the ice cream shop has long queues of tourists and residents wanting a refreshing treat (and a piece of history with it). The shop also has an extensive selection of flavours using fresh fruits from mango to pomegranate, sometimes even embellished with crushed pistachios and other toppings.

Saturday to Thursday, 9.30am-1.30am; Friday, 11am-1.30am; Old Bazaar, Ras Al Khaimah; 07 233 2318

Zahrat Lebnan, Abu Dhabi

Opened in: 1983

Another Urban Treasure in Abu Dhabi, Zahrat Lebnan, has been serving authentic Lebanese cuisine in the capital since 1983 and now has seven branches across Abu Dhabi and an outpost in Cairo. Traditional Levantine fare is on the menu, from a popular mixed grill dish to a broad selection of cold mezze.

Food aside, the restaurant is also known for its welcoming staff and friendly atmosphere, making it a go-to dining spot among residents and tourists.

Zahrat Lebnan has branches in Al Shamkha South, Khalidiya Street, Al Shahama, Defence Street, Muroor, Tourist Club Area, Baniya and Khalifa City; 600 500 502

Miyako, Dubai

Opened in: 1987

Credited as the very first Japanese restaurant in Dubai, Miyako first opened its doors in 1987 and has since become a beloved institution for authentic Japanese cuisine. Located at Hyatt Regency Dubai in Deira, the restaurant offers an extensive selection of sushi and hot pots. There's also the social media-popular live teppanyaki room, as well as space for private dining experiences.

Open daily, 12.30pm-3pm and 6pm-11.30pm; Hyatt Regency Dubai; 04 209 6912

Casa Mia, Dubai

Opened in: 1993

Casa Mia has been operating for more than three decades now. Photo: Le Meridien Hotel

For Italian food lovers, Casa Mia at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre in the Al Garhoud area has remained a popular fixture among residents and tourists alike for more than three decades.

The trattoria-style venue, which has been running since 1993, is renowned for its simplicity – and ode to Italian hospitality of making guests truly feel at home. The decor is rustic, with dark wood finishings and stone accents adding to its overall charm. On the menu are Italian classics – from a selection of pastas and pizzas, to home-made gelato.

Open daily, noon-3.30pm and 7pm-11.30pm; Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre; 04 702 2455