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HomeFood & DrinkDiscover 6 of Dubai’s Best Homegrown Restaurants This Summer Restaurant Week

Discover 6 of Dubai’s Best Homegrown Restaurants This Summer Restaurant Week

Dubai Summer Restaurant Week is back, giving food lovers another reason to dine out this season. Running until 2 August 2026 as part of Dubai Summer Surprises, the citywide event features exclusive set menus at more than 50 restaurants, with two-course lunches for AED 80 and three-course dinners for AED 120, including complimentary still or sparkling water. Reservations are available exclusively through Careem DineOut in the Careem app.

While there are plenty of international favourites on the list, this year’s line-up also shines a spotlight on Dubai’s thriving homegrown dining scene. From authentic Mexican cuisine and Balkan comfort food to Japanese-inspired cafés and neighbourhood pizzerias, these locally founded restaurants offer some of the best value of the festival.

Lila Molino

Hidden away in Al Quoz, Lila Molino has earned a loyal following for its commitment to authentic Mexican cooking. Chef Shaw Lash places traditional techniques at the heart of the menu, with heritage corn nixtamalised and ground in-house every day to create fresh tortillas that form the base of many signature dishes.

For Dubai Summer Restaurant Week, diners can enjoy favourites including chicken tamales, tostadas, charcoal-grilled tacos and queso fundido, followed by classic desserts such as churros, flan or coconut lime tres leches cake. It’s a great opportunity to experience one of Dubai’s most authentic Mexican restaurants at a special price.

  • Location: Al Quoz
  • Timings: Daily (restaurant operating hours apply)
  • Entry: AED 80 lunch or AED 120 dinner. Book through Careem DineOut.

21grams

One of Dubai’s best-loved independent restaurants, 21grams brings the flavours of the Balkan Peninsula to Meyan Mall. Awarded a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, the cosy bistro is known for homemade recipes, warm hospitality and comforting dishes inspired by family traditions.

Its Restaurant Week menu featured dishes such as burnt eggplant hummus, Bosnian dumplings, cabbage rolls filled with slow-cooked beef and seasonal zucchini moussaka. The relaxed dining room and terrace overlooking the city make it just as memorable as the food itself.

  • Location: Meyan Mall, Umm Suqeim 2
  • Timings: Daily, 8 am to 5 pm
  • Entry: AED 80 lunch menu. Reservations via Careem DineOut.

Piehaus

Created by the team behind 21grams, Piehaus has become one of Alserkal Avenue’s most popular cafés. The concept revolves around handcrafted phyllo pastries, transforming a simple pie into something both comforting and creative.

The Restaurant Week menu includes savoury pies filled with wagyu pastrami, pepperoni, spinach or harissa potato, while desserts range from traditional custard pie to rich chocolate pie. The industrial-inspired space also makes it a great stop while exploring Dubai’s creative district.

  • Location: Warehouse 22A, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
  • Timings: Tuesday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 9 pm
  • Entry: AED 80 lunch or AED 120 dinner. Book through Careem DineOut.

Naughty Pizza

Business Bay’s Naughty Pizza has built its reputation around contemporary Neapolitan pizzas made with slow-fermented dough, San Marzano tomatoes and premium Italian cheese. The result is a light, airy crust that has become one of its biggest talking points.

During Restaurant Week, the menu includes crispy arancini, handmade ravioli, signature pizzas, gnocchi alla Bolognese and classic Italian desserts such as Sicilian cannoli and tiramisu. The Amalfi Coast-inspired interiors add to the experience.

  • Location: Vezul Residence, Business Bay
  • Timings: Daily until midnight
  • Entry: AED 80 lunch or AED 120 dinner. Book through Careem DineOut.

NETTE

Located inside Matcha Club in Al Quoz, NETTE combines French cooking with Japanese influences in a bright, greenery-filled setting. Created by the team behind Cassette, the café has become a favourite for its fresh, balanced dishes and relaxed atmosphere.

Its Restaurant Week menu includes avocado and seaweed salad, miso-braised beef French dip sandwiches, chicken katsu burgers and mirin-glazed salmon. Dinner guests can also enjoy dishes such as truffle teriyaki steak or duck confit before finishing with matcha lava cake or French toast sando.

  • Location: Matcha Club, Al Quoz
  • Timings: Daily, 8 am to 10 pm
  • Entry: AED 80 lunch or AED 120 dinner. Book through Careem DineOut.

Asian 5

For those craving bold Asian flavours, Asian 5 offers dishes inspired by Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Indonesian and Singaporean cuisines. The restaurant is also known for using locally sourced ingredients where possible and offering a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

The Restaurant Week menu features Vietnamese rice paper rolls, chicken satay, Thai green curry, pho, nasi goreng, beef rendang, and vegan laksa, followed by desserts such as fried banana wontons and layered jar cake. It’s an excellent choice if you’re dining with a group and everyone wants something different.

  • Location: One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre
  • Timings: Daily, 8 am to 11 pm
  • Entry: AED 80 lunch or AED 120 dinner. Book through Careem DineOut.

FAQs

When is Dubai Summer Restaurant Week?

Dubai Summer Restaurant Week runs from 13 July to 2 August 2026 as part of Dubai Summer Surprises.

How much do the menus cost?

Participating restaurants offer two-course lunches for AED 80 and three-course dinners for AED 120, including complimentary water.

How do I make a booking?

Reservations are made exclusively through Careem DineOut in the Careem app. A refundable AED 1 booking fee applies.

Are these restaurants locally owned?

Yes. All six restaurants featured in this guide are homegrown concepts founded in Dubai, each offering its own distinctive take on global cuisine.

Is Dubai Summer Restaurant Week available at every branch?

No. The offers are available only at participating locations, so it’s best to check the restaurant listing on Careem DineOut before making a reservation.

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