13 Surprising American Chain Restaurants in Dubai
If you’re an American who is planning to visit or move to Dubai and you’re worried that you won’t be able to find all of your favorite American chain restaurants in Dubai – think again. As an American who moved to Dubai in 2022, I was surprised to find many of the most classic American restaurants as well as some of my favorite American fast-food restaurants right here in Dubai!
From fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Subway, KFC, and Burger King to burger joints like Five Guys and Shake Shake to old-school American diner chains like Denny’s and Applebee’s, getting a taste of home is surprisingly easy in Dubai.
This post is dedicated to some of the most popular American chain restaurants in Dubai that, as an American, I was surprised to find here. But I’ll be dedicating a whole post to the very best American restaurants in town soon!
13 American Chain Restaurants in Dubai
1. Chipotle
As a San Deigo native, I’m always craving California-style Mexican food here in Dubai. And I know I’m far from alone. It goes without saying that the opening of the very first Chipotle in the UAE in 2024 was very exciting news to most Americans living in Dubai.
The Dubai Chipotle is located at The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and offers all of the customizable burritos, tacos, quesadillas, bowls, and salads you’ve been craving from home. This is yet another one of my go-to Mexican restaurants in Dubai. Oh, and there’s a Pinkberry right next door!
2. Dave’s Hot Chicken
When it comes to American fast-food restaurants in Dubai, we’re actually pretty lucky to have three branches of Dave’s Hot Chicken in town because there aren’t all that many locations outside of the US.
This place is all about serving up Nashville-style hot chicken. You can choose from four combos with 2 chicken tenders (served with sliced bread), 2 sliders (served with Kale Slaw), 1 tender and 1 slider, or 1 slider. Each combo comes with a side of fries and the real kicker… Dave’s Sauce.
But the fun part is choosing from the 7 spice levels for your sauce, which range from “No Spice” to “Reaper.” If you’re feeling bold and go for the reaper, you will have to sign a waiver! It’s really spicy.
There’s also the option of getting single tenders and sliders, as well as addictive sides like the Cheese Fries, Mac & Cheese, and Kale Slaw. And if you plan to go big with the spice, be sure to order one of Dave’s frozen Slushers to tame the heat.
3. Denny’s
When I moved to Dubai and saw that there was a Denny’s here, I was dumbfounded. In all of my time living and traveling abroad, I’m fairly certain I’ve never come across a Denny’s before!
Denny’s actually opened its first Middle Eastern franchise restaurant right here in Dubai in 2015 and you’ll now find four locations across the city. So whether you’re craving a Grand Slam breakfast, a Moons Over My Hammy sandwich, or a stack of their signature Buttermilk Pancakes, you won’t have to go far.
4. Raising Cane’s
When Raising Cane’s opened its JBR location in December 2023, it was a big deal. Raising Cane’s actually made its Dubai debut at the Dubai Mall in 2018 but it didn’t last long.
But the new JBR location is still going strong and locals and tourists alike still flock here every day to try Raising Cane’s famous chicken fingers, chicken sandwiches, and crinkle-cut fries, all doused in the famous (and secret) Cane’s Sauce. It’s easily one of the most popular American fast-food restaurants in Dubai!
Whether you plan to nosh a Box Combo on your own or share the Tailgate platter with your friends, don’t forget to wash it all down with Raising Cane’s famous freshly brewed iced tea or homemade lemonade. And if you’re here during the hot Dubai summer months, this is a must!
5. Five Guys
If you’re like me, you’re always excited to see a Five Guys. This is one of my favorite American fast-food restaurants in Dubai to visit when I’m craving a grilled cheese and fries. Their fries are the best and in true Five Guys fashion, the portions are always extra generous!
There are 10+ Five Guys locations in Dubai, so getting your burger fix is always a cinch. As always, the menu is simple, with a small selection of hamburgers, hot dogs, and (vegetarian) sandwiches, including a killer grilled cheese.
Fries come in the classic Five Guys Style or Cajun Style, if you need a bit of spice in your life. But the portions are huge, so keep that in mind before you order a large! If you’ve got the room, the shakes are to die for too.
If you’re new to Dubai, order the Lotus Biscoff mix-in. You’ll thank me later!
6. Applebee’s
When it comes to American chain restaurants in Dubai, I was not expecting to see Applebee’s here. But Dubai is actually home to two Applebee’s locations. So if you’re in the mood for a hearty all-American meal, head over to your neighborhood Applebee’s!
You can expect all of your American favorites right here in Dubai. From Honey BBQ Boneless Wings and Spinach Artichoke Dip to start to a wide selection of burgers, steaks, ribs, pasta, salads, and more for mains, you won’t go hungry here.
7. Fuddruckers
For me, Fuddruckers is another very random American chain that I never in a million years would have expected to be a thing in Dubai. Yet, here it is!
There are a few locations scattered across the city where you’ll find a huge selection of American staples, like pub grub-style appetizers and a selection of wraps, melts, surf and turf dishes, and salads. But this is Fuddruckers, meaning the main event is always going to be the burgers.
Here in Dubai, you’ll find local favorites like the Avocado Crunch Burger topped with onion rings, avocado, pepperjack cheese, and creamy chipotle sauce, and the Cowboy with grilled onions and BBQ sauce. Or you can always go with their classic burger with American cheese and special sauce.
8. Black Tap
With three locations across the city, New York-based Black Tap is alive and well in Dubai. This place has long been famous for its over-the-top and highly Instagrammable CrazyShakes and craft burgers.
While there are classic burgers, like The All-American Burger with cheese or The Old Fashioned with cremini mushrooms and swiss, it’s tough not to be tempted by the less traditional combinations, like The Gulf Burger with zaatar, halloumi cheese, chimichurri, avo, and pesto mayo.
From the Atomic Shrimp and Sriracha Mac & Cheese apps to the specialty Texas BBQ Fries and the House Cobb Salad to the insane CrazyShakes like the CakeShake, you’ll want to come back to try everything on the Black Tap menu!
9. IHOP
Well, it is the International House of Pancakes, so I guess I shouldn’t have been so surprised that IHOP is a thing in Dubai! If you’re in constant need of big American breakfasts in your life, this will definitely be one of your go-to American chain restaurants in Dubai.
Of course, you’re going to find their famous Original Buttermilk Pancakes on the menu, along with their decadent Cinn-A-Stack and Chocolate Chocolate Chip pancakes. But you’ll also find tons of waffles, French toast, crepes, omelets, and more.
The Al Barsha location is open 24 hours, so come later in the day (or during the wee hours of the night), and you can order dishes like the Country Fried Chicken Dinner, the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Burger, and the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich, among other classic American mains.
10. Cheesecake Factory
Missing those big American portions? Fear not, because The Cheesecake Factory has got you covered with four Dubai locations. As with everything at The Cheesecake Factory, the menu here is huge and features tons of apps, salads, sandwiches, surf and turf, pasta, “Glamburgers,” and much more!
And, of course, no true American can visit The Cheesecake Factory without ordering a slice of the cheesecake.
11. Shake Shack
Missing Shake Shack? Yep, Dubai has got a few of those too, including one in the Dubai International Airport.
This is another one of the most popular American fast-food restaurants in Dubai, and no matter which outlet you visit, you can go for the classic ShackBurger, Grilled Cheese, or Chicken Shack.
Or mix things up with a SmokeShake with veal bacon and ShackSauce, a Shack Stack with a cheeseburger and ‘shroom burger, or a Black Truffle Chicken with black truffle mayo and pickled shallots.
This is Shake Shack, so you’ll also have a selection of flat-top hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, hand-spun shakes, and their famous frozen custard with fancy mix-ins like strawberry cheesecake or red velvet.
12. TGI Fridays
What’s more American than TGI Fridays? You’ll find these restaurants in malls across the city, so it’s always an easy go-to if you’re feeling peckish while shopping.
This is another one of those American chain restaurants in Dubai that you’ll want to come hungry to. From tons of tacos to a bevy of burgers, steaks, ribs, sandwiches, pastas, and more, there’s something for everyone on the TGI Fridays menu.
13. Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets is easily one of the most popular American chain restaurants in Dubai if you’re craving a good ol’ American burger and a side of fries. You’ll find a branch in Motor City as well as a wild Mad Max-themed drive-through location at Last Exit on the road to Abu Dhabi (pictured above).
Step inside the Motor City location, though, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into a diner in 1950s America. Because, after all, this is an actual Johnny Rockets!
You’ll find all the usual suspects on the menu. From their classic fries, tots, and onion rings to their famous burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches, this is the place for your American comfort food fix. Oh, and don’t forget to top it all off with one of their classic shakes.
Plus, vegetarians will love that they offer veggie versions of The Original and The Original Double burgers with Impossible patties.
