Imagine walking into a restaurant and being greeted by the warm aroma of saffron, grilled meat, and fresh-baked bread; the sizzle of kebabs on an open flame, the jewel-like glow of pomegranates in a stew, the sound of lively Persian chatter. In Dubai’s dynamic food scene, Iranian cuisine stands out as a rich mix of heritage and comfort. Sure, you might have heard of the iconic Pars Iranian restaurant in Jumeirah, or stumbled upon countless kebab spots by searching “Iranian restaurant near me.” But the real adventure begins when you venture beyond the usual suspects. Ready to discover the best Iranian food in town? We’ve curated the best Iranian restaurants in Dubai that each offer something unique, whether it’s a budget-friendly grill packed with locals or a luxury hotspot serving dizi (Iranian food also known as Abgoosht) in designer dinnerware.
But first, what is typical Persian food? Think fragrant rice crowned with golden tahdig (that irresistible crispy bottom layer), tender meat that’s been marinated for hours, tangy pickles and yogurt on the side, and sweets perfumed with rosewater. It’s the kind of spread that makes you feel at home. And in a city like Dubai, you can find it all, from street-style kebab joints to high-end dining rooms that reimagine age-old recipes. Persian food Dubai style means you can go as humble or as lavish as you like, without ever losing that soul.
Read on to discover our top picks of the best Iranian restaurants in Dubai.
Ariana’s Persian Kitchen
Walking into Ariana’s Persian Kitchen at Atlantis The Royal feels like stepping into a Persian palace. This is celebrity chef Ariana Bundy’s culinary love letter to her heritage, and every dish has a story. Try the dizi—a hearty Iranian lamb-and-chickpea stew—served in a clay pot. It’s slow-cooked comfort that might answer the question “What is the traditional food of Iran?” in the most delicious way. The menu features elegant takes on Persian kebab classics and delicate Iranian sweets for dessert (the wild orchid ice cream is a must-try). As a luxury dining spot, prices here are on the higher side, but the experience is worth every dirham. It’s wise to reserve a table in advance (especially on weekends).
Atlantis The Royal, Crescent Rd, Palm Jumeirah
04 426 2500
www.atlantis.com
For reservations click here.
Al Ustad Special Kebab
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Al Ustad Special Kebab is nothing fancy, and that’s exactly its charm. Tucked away in Bur Dubai, this legendary hole-in-the-wall has been dishing out mouthwatering kebabs for over four decades. The walls are covered in nostalgic photographs of customers and famous visitors (including the likes of the Crown Prince of Dubai and Shah Rukh Khan), giving it a quirky museum vibe. Here, the focus is on honest Iranian food at its best, without any frills. Order the mixed grill or the famous Iranian kebab platter and you’ll get tender lamb and chicken skewers bursting with saffron, sumac, and smoky goodness, all served with buttery rice and charred tomatoes. It’s incredibly budget-friendly, making it perfect for students or anyone looking for an authentic feast that doesn’t break the bank. No reservations here; just show up early or be ready to wait a bit.
Metro Station, Al Mussallah Rd, Al Hamriya
04 397 1933
www.alustadspecialkabab.has.restaurant
Beriani Esfahan Iranian Restaurant
If you’re craving a taste of Iran’s heartland, Beriani Esfahan Iranian Restaurant brings the real deal. It’s a modest, unpretentious eatery that values traditional flavor over flashy decor. The specialty here is beryani Esfahani – not your typical biryani rice at all, but a unique Isfahan-style dish of slow-cooked minced lamb served on thin bread with fragrant herbs. The rest of the menu reads like a greatest-hits of typical Iranian cuisine: from rich stews to juicy koobideh skewers and fresh salads. Portions are generous, prices are very reasonable, and the hospitality is heartfelt. Walk-ins are the norm.
Al Maktoum Rd, Deira, Al Rigga
4 234 0093
Iran Zamin
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With multiple branches around the city (including a popular spot in Dubai Marina), it’s a go-to for many Iranian expats craving a taste of home. The vibe is relaxed and family-friendly. The menu is extensive, covering everything you’d expect from an Iranian food menu: juicy grilled kebabs, saffron-spiced rice dishes, hearty stews, and plenty of fresh-baked bread. Make sure to get a side of mast-o-khiar (cool yogurt with cucumber and herbs) to complete the experience. Prices fall in the mid-range, and the portions are built for sharing. They even offer Iranian food delivery Dubai-wide.
Multiple branches in Dubai
Berenjak Dubai
If you’re seeking the best Iranian restaurant in Dubai, may we suggest Berenjak? This trendy outpost of a hit London restaurant delivers modern Iranian cuisine in a lively, social setting. You’ll see the open kitchen in full swing. The vibe mixes industrial-chic with Persian nostalgia. Their koobideh is beautifully spiced and served with fluffy saffron rice. They often feature a traditional dizi too. It’s mid-range in price and offers great value for the quality. The place can fill up on weekends, so booking a table is wise.
Dar Wasl Mall, Shop 01, Al Wasl Rd, Al Wasl
04 295 3644
For reservations click here
Enigma
Enigma at the Palazzo Versace is not your typical Iranian restaurant– it’s an upscale culinary journey that reimagines Persian classics. The setting is ultra-luxurious, yet somehow inviting, making any dinner feel like a special occasion. Chefs take traditional Iranian flavors and give them a bold, contemporary twist. You might start with a charcoal grilled eggplants, and next find a ghorme sabzi presented like modern art. If you’re wondering what is the national dish of Iran? this iconic flavorful stew might be it– and at Enigma, it’s elevated to new heights. Enigma isn’t cheap, but if you’re a foodie seeking mouth-watering Persian cuisine, it’s worth the splurge. Reservations are pretty much required.
Palazzo Versace Dubai, Al Jaddaf, Jaddaf Waterfront
04 556 8830
www.palazzoversace.ae
For reservations click here
Shabestan Restaurant
Dubbed Dubai’s most authentic Iranian restaurant, Shabestan is a true old-school gem, serving authentic Persian flavors in the UAE since the 1980s. Perched by the Dubai Creek at the Radisson Blu hotel, it carries an aura of timeless elegance. The menu hasn’t changed much over the decades– and that’s a good thing. You’re here for the classics done right: joojeh kebab, ghormeh sabzi, meygu polo, you name it. Don’t trust us? The restaurant received Michelin’s Bib Gourmand award in 2022 and 2023, making it one of the best Iranian restaurants in Dubai. Prices are on the higher side of average. Reservations are recommended on weekends.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek
04 205 7033
www.radissonhotels.com
DejaVu Restaurant & Cafe
Don’t let the modern name fool you– DejaVu Restaurant & Cafe is deeply rooted in Persian tradition even as it keeps a hip, contemporary edge. Tucked in a trendy neighborhood, it’s become a favorite for young foodies seeking a chill atmosphere and authentic bites. Part Iranian restaurant part Mediterranean eatery, its fusion menu mixes Iranian classics with a contemporary twist. You can grab a koobideh wrap or a beautifully plated fesenjan. The Iranian sweets, namely the Saffron milk cake and the rose water umm ali, are a highlight. Prices are comfortably mid-range. Walk-ins are welcome, but weekends do get busy.
694 Sheikh Zayed Rd, Al Manara
04 232 6606
www.dejavudubai.ae
For reservations click here
Rivas
If your idea of a perfect meal is juicy kebabs without any fuss, Rivas is for you. This unassuming spot is one of the best Iranian restaurants in Dubai in our humble opinion. Step inside and you’re greeted by the aroma of meat on charcoal and the sight of skewers sizzling. Regulars swear by the classic kabab koobideh served with heaps of saffron-laced rice, charred tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Each dish is made with the freshest ingredients and highest-quality meats, and served with a piping hot side of mouth-watering Iranian bread. It’s pretty budget-friendly with generous portions. No need for reservations – it’s first come, first served.
Jumeirah St, Umm Suqeim, Umm Suqeim 3, inside the mall
04 360 8880
www.rivas.ae
Farsi Restaurant
With branches in Business Bay, JLT, and Al Ghurair, Farsi Restaurant has quietly built a reputation as a go-to spot for anyone hunting down the best Iranian restaurant in Dubai. The menu hits all the right notes—juicy koobideh kebabs, golden tahdig, and aromatic stews that feel like home. The vibe is casual but warm, perfect for a family dinner or a mid-week saffron fix. It’s also one of the few spots where both dine-in and delivery experiences hold up equally well.
Multiple branches in Dubai
800 327 742
www.farsi-restaurant.com
To order online, click here
Abshar Restaurant
Tucked away in Umm Suqeim, Abshar is a strong contender for the best Iranian restaurant in Dubai if you’re after generous portions, fair prices, and no-frills authenticity. The kebabs are consistently flavorful, the rice is always fluffy, and the décor nods to traditional Persian charm without being over the top. It’s the kind of place locals swear by—whether you’re breaking bread with family or just popping in for a solo koobideh.
24 12A St, Umm Suqeim, Umm Suqeim 1
04 394 0950
www.grandabshar.ae
