The best Moroccan restaurants in Dubai

Key takeaways
Hidden in the heart of the Middle Eastern metropolis of Dubai – a city of luxury, innovation and endless possibilities – are corners of true Moroccan magic. Here, the aromas of saffron, mint, and cumin tagine intertwine with the golden light of the evening city. For the best Moroccan food, Dubai invite you not just to dine, but to take a gastronomic journey to Marrakech, Fez or Casablanca without leaving the splendor of the UAE.
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Moroccan Cuisine: A Blend of Flavors and Cultures
Moroccan cuisine is not just a national food, but one of the most popular gastronomic brands. It deservedly attracts entrepreneurs and culinary connoisseurs from all over the world. One of the secrets is a powerful synthesis that has turned historical heritage into a strong competitive advantage for Moroccan in Dubai.
Special cooking technique
The primary attribute of Moroccan cuisine and the primary driver of its global appeal is its cooking technique. A key component of this method is the tagine, a classic clay cooking tool with a flat base and a distinctive conical lid. The final product is extremely moist and fragrant because steam condenses on the walls of the so-called cone during cooking and then returns to the dish.
The Role of Spices
It is worth noting the importance of spices in Moroccan cuisine, as it is thanks to them that the very spicy aroma and unique taste of dishes are formed. Among the main popular spices are:
- Turmeric: used not so much for taste but to give dishes a characteristic golden color.
- Cumin: one of the dominant spices, responsible for the warm, very rich earthy aroma.
- Ginger: adds a spicy note that perfectly regulates the fat content of meat
- Cinnamon: a key element for creating signature sweet and salty combinations.
- Saffron: a premium spice, the "gold" of Moroccan cuisine. Adds a unique flavor and exquisite aroma
- Paprika: responsible for the soft sweetness in many stews and lemonades
These are not all the spices, but they can be called at least the main spices in all Moroccan cuisine.
The ritual of hospitality
The huge success of Moroccan cuisine is based not only on gastronomic delights but also on the well-known hospitality. Mint tea is the first thing Moroccans usually greet guests with – light and aromatic, it will be a great start. Central dishes, such as tagine or couscous, are traditionally served on one large shared platter. Bread is both a cutlery and a shared ritual. Having bread on the table is a guarantee that the guest will never go hungry.
Best Moroccan restaurants
Many entrepreneurs prefer to start their time with a cup of mint tea in a Moroccan restaurant. Dubai will offer a variety of different spots. This choice is due not only to the desire to enjoy authentic cuisine but also to the unique ambience, which is perfect for recuperating after a flight.
Tagine
This popular Moroccan restaurant (Dubai) located in the One hotel, with the interior of a traditional Moroccan riad with subdued lighting, cozy alcoves, and an air of Marrakech luxury. Ideal for special occasions such as dates or important meetings. Tagine offers classic Moroccan dishes such as tagines and mechoui (roast lamb).
- Mechoui: this signature dish is a shoulder of lamb slow roasted to exceptional tenderness, served with saffron rice and almonds.
- Chicken Tagine: a classic tagine with chicken, preserved lemons and olives, cooked in a traditional earthenware pot, making the meat incredibly juicy and flavorful.
Visitors note the high service, delicious food, and friendly waiters.
Ninive
A trendy and stylish restaurant at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Michelin-starred. It is a more modern interpretation of the cuisine of the Middle East and North Africa in the setting of an urban oasis with a stunning garden. Ninive is known for its atmosphere, where discos with a DJ are often held. The kitchen is made entirely in Moroccan style in warm colors. Popular dishes in the restaurant include:
- Zaalouk Salad: A popular Moroccan appetizer of roasted eggplant and tomatoes, seasoned with garlic, spices and olive oil
- Royal Couscous with Seven Vegetables: A traditional festive dish, served at Ninive with several types of halal meat (usually lamb and chicken) and an assortment of vegetables on a fluffy bed of steamed grains.
- Tagines: The restaurant is famous for all types of traditional Moroccan tagines. Visitors note the high quality of the dishes.
The restaurant has a parking service, which can be free of charge for a certain amount on the check.
Asil
A bright and lively restaurant in the Rixos Premium Dubai JBR hotel with a rich oriental interior. Offers a combination of Turkish, Lebanese, and Moroccan cuisine. A very rich entertainment program: live music, DJ, and belly dancing. Perfect for large companies. The terrace overlooks the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel.
- Chicken and Almond Pastilla: their signature flaky pastry, a classic pastilla from Dubai, is the perfect combination of spicy chicken filling and the sweetness of cinnamon-almonds.
- Lamb Tagine with Prunes and Apricots: a classic sweet and savory dish where the tender lamb is simmered for hours in a clay pot with dried fruits and spices.
- Moroccan Briouates: a popular appetizer made from small, crispy triangles of thin pastry filled with a variety of fillings, most commonly spiced mince or cream cheese.
The hotel is a 10-15 minute drive from the airport, and the hotel has free parking. Offers a fusion of Turkish, Lebanese, and Moroccan cuisine. The terrace overlooks the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel. Perfect for a fun evening with a company, the hotel has free parking with a valet who will park your car for you.
If you love Indian cuisine, we recommend you read our article «Best Indian restaurants in Dubai».
Bab Al Mansour
Bab Al Mansour is a premium restaurant in Dubai serving authentic Moroccan cuisine, strategically located in the business and tourist center of Dubai. The establishment can be considered a high-class venue for important business meetings. The strict style is perfect for holding representative corporate events that require special sophistication.
The walls in the restaurant are decorated with traditional Moroccan handmade tiles, wooden ceilings, and majestic arches. You can also hear traditional music playing on the oud, which will make the dinner memorable.
The chefs of Bab Al Mansour proudly present the classics of Moroccan cuisine, prepared according to ancient recipes. According to visitors, they serve only fresh and delicious food.
The popular Moroccan mint tea is served in compliance with all the rituals. Guests advise trying the standard tagine of lamb with prunes and mundane, which has already become a symbol of the cuisine of this restaurant.
Chicken and Almond Pastilla. This legendary Moroccan layered pie combines tender, spiced chicken filling, crunchy almonds, and a subtle sweet cinnamon accent.
The restaurant does not have its dedicated parking. The most convenient option is to use the spacious underground parking in Dubai Mall, which is a few minutes' walk away. We recommend booking tables in advance.
Nour El Fassia
A charming and authentic family restaurant in the AI Seef area. Visitors praise the hospitality, including the traditional ceremony of washing hands with rose water. The focus here is more on traditional home cooking, good for a family dinner with children. Among the best dishes, visitors note:
- Chicken tagine. This flagship dish is a classic position demonstrating authentic Moroccan cooking techniques.
- Seafood pastilla. A modern interpretation of the traditional Moroccan pie.
- Lamb and vegetable couscous. The position is steamed wheat groats (couscous), which is served with tender braised lamb shoulder.
Al Seef has spacious underground and valet parking for you to use.
Moroccan Taste Dubai
In a city full of gastronomic delights and a competitive environment, Moroccan Taste stands out due to its quality and delicious food. The restaurant offers a proven collection of famous Moroccan dishes, including:
- Tajines: The heart of Moroccan cuisine. Here, they are given special attention. From the classic tagine with chicken to the more refined aristocratic tagine for special occasions.
- Couscous. Following traditions, Moroccan Taste serves aromatic couscous with various meats and vegetables.
A restaurant with very low prices and low occupancy, only in the evening, can be difficult to find a table, so it is recommended to book in advance. There is a public parking lot near the restaurant.
Marakesh Restaurant
A known harira restaurant, the emphasis on 'home cooking' here is not a marketing ploy, but an actual description of the menu. The atmosphere is simple and is often visited by working Moroccans or simply connoisseurs of cuisine. The interior is simple, but this does not cancel out the richness of the cuisine. Here you can find the following dishes:
- Tajines: In addition to the classic chicken with lemon, you can find rarer and more satisfying versions here. It is rare to find a tagine with spicy meatballs, and visitors recommend trying a tagine with beef, which is cooked here until it is as soft as possible.
- Grill: Meat skewers (brochettes) and spicy merguez sausages, which are fried on an open grill, are especially popular.
- Soups: The menu includes a thick and rich Harira soup, as well as dishes that are rarely offered in high-class establishments due to their simplicity.
Public parking outside, finding a place can be difficult.
Layalina Restaurant
Layalina Restaurant is another Moroccan restaurant (Dubai) whose business model is built not on a narrow specificity of cuisine but rather on a mass offer of various cultural delights. It is better to check parking information by phone. The menu is standard for Moroccan cuisine:
- Couscous with Meat and Vegetables: boiled cereal with tender meat, vegetables, and spices
- Harira Soup: a traditional Moroccan thick soup of lentils, chickpeas, and tomatoes with spices, often eaten as an appetizer or light dinner.
Before visiting, it is better to book a table on the restaurant's website.
Al Boughaz Restaurant
Located in the same Hor Al Anz area as Marrakesh, Al Boughaz Restaurant may at first glance seem like its analogue. This Moroccan restaurant focuses on more iconic and elite dishes of Moroccan cuisine, which makes it attractive for connoisseurs. The name "Al Boughaz" alludes to the strait in northern Morocco, which is reflected in the menu. You should pay special attention to the following dishes:
- Tanjia (Tanjia Marrakchia): This is the main dish for which people come here specifically. Tanjia has a whole technology - beef or lamb languishes for several hours in a clay amphora in the coals of a public oven.
- Tajines with an emphasis on seafood: Few restaurants make tajines with seafood, since this is a culture typical of the northern regions of Morocco, but here you can find them.
- Homemade bread: Many regular guests note the special taste of local bread, which is baked according to recipes from northern Morocco.
Mamati Eatery
The project is based on the original idea of merging two cultures: the Moroccan "mahlaba" (a cozy neighborhood cafe) and the aesthetics of the American retro diner. This place is ideal for meetings of people from the creative industry - designers, artists, and so on. Among the dishes are:
- Benchmark breakfasts: The establishment is especially famous for its breakfasts. The key position is "Mamati's Special Breakfast": this is a beautifully served set on one tray that includes scrambled eggs with bread, amlou paste, fresh cheese, and Moroccan flatbread.
- Modern interpretations: here you can find unexpected combinations between the food culture of Morocco and the USA, for example, the Moroccan equivalent of mini burgers.
Located in B2 Mall, which has its own parking.
FAQ
What are the best Moroccan restaurant in Dubai?
For Moroccan food, Dubai offers many unique places. For premium experience – Tagine and Bab Al Mansour. For authentic cuisine that is appreciated by the locals, try Al Boughaz and Marakesh. For a modern creative presentation – Mamati Eatery.
Are there Moroccan restaurants in Dubai Marina or Downtown?
Yes. Key spots: Bab Al Mansour in Downtown and Tagine in Dubai Marina.
Can you have Moroccan tea and pastries in Dubai?
Yes, real mint tea and traditional sweets are standard on the menu at most of the restaurants in this guide.