15 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Dubai: A Local’s Guide
As a vegetarian for the past 20+ years, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I moved to Dubai in 2022. But what I very quickly learned is that this city is as multicultural and innovative as it comes, which means if you’re on the prowl for the best vegetarian restaurants in Dubai, you will be seriously spoiled for choice here!
Dubai is a big city, so there are tons of options when it comes to enjoying both vegan and vegetarian meals here. To help you navigate your way, I’ve divided this list into three sections: First, I’ve included my top picks for the best vegetarian restaurants in Dubai, followed by a list of vegan restaurants and, lastly, a short list of vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants that go above and beyond to cater to the more plant-based inclined.
If you are vegan or are like me and enjoy eating vegan food, I’ve also written a helpful vegan guide to Dubai, which outlines where to shop for vegan food products, where to dine, and other insider tips!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (which I’m so thankful for!) at no extra cost to you.
The 15 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Dubai
1. Saarangaa Bhojan Shala
When it comes to vegetarian restaurants in Dubai, you’ll have a seemingly countless number of pure veg Indian restaurants to choose from. But one of my go-to’s is Saarangaa Bhojan Shala, which has four branches in Dubai, including one in the Dubai Marina.
The menu here is absolutely huge but trust me, you can’t go wrong with one of their masala dosas or a set meal, like a thali or tiffin combo. Be sure to also check out their specials because they’re always cooking up something special and delicious!
2. XVA Café
Tucked away in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, XVA Café is easily one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Dubai, especially if you’re looking to experience Dubai’s historical and cultural side.
Take a seat in one of the three old-world-style courtyards, and peruse the menu, which features both vegetarian and vegan Middle Eastern dishes. Think Turkish Eggs Moreish Way with wild herb labneh for breakfast, a Mezze Platter for lunch, or the XVA Thali for dinner. Whatever you order, be sure to top it off with a refreshing mint lemonade!
3. Moreish
Located in Bur Dubai, Moreish is a homey restaurant and cafe with a huge menu of over 70 dishes and house-made baked goods. You’ll find food inspired from around the world here, from a Cuban Tofu Crunch sandwich and a Pistachio Kibbeh to Beetroot Risotto and the Greek Goddess Quesadilla.
From soups, sandwiches, burgers, and more, you’ll find tons to choose from here. They also have addictive all-day breakfast items on the menu, including sweet Peaches & Cream Pancakes and savory Za’atar & Olive Waffles!
4. Avatara
If you’re searching for Dubai vegetarian restaurants for a fine dining experience, you’ll want to make reservations for Avatara. This place is the “world’s first and only vegetarian Indian Michelin star fine dining experience,” so you know you’re in for something extra special.
The vegetarian tasting menu features 16 beautifully presented courses. But there are also vegan, gluten-free, and kids tasting menus. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can even elevate your meal with a wine or non-alcoholic wine pairing menu.
5. Dip Dash
Located in Al Barsha, Dip Dash is another one of the top vegetarian restaurants in Dubai if you’re looking for places to eat that can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and Jain diners. There are tons of options for everyone, including creative sushi rolls, banh mi sandwiches, bao buns, noodle and rice dishes, and other healthy and creative pan-Asian fare.
6. My Govinda’s
With five locations around the city, My Govinda’s is one of the top vegetarian restaurants in Dubai for Indian food. Plus, they pride themselves on serving up seasonal Sattvic dishes that are low on oil and preservatives, which is much appreciated.
With a 10+ page menu, it’s always tough to choose, but you’ll find a healthy selection of street food-style snacks (panipuri is always a good idea!), South Indian and Chinese-style dishes, thalis, biryanis, dosas, and so much more!
7. Veganesha
Veganesha is another one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Dubai if you’re looking for an Indian food fix. Do note that everything here is pure vegetarian and not necessarily vegan, and there are plenty of South Indian dosas, paneer dishes, Chinese options, and loads more to choose from.
But if you prefer to go vegan, there’s also a separate vegan menu (just ask your server for it), as well as unique vegan options like the Gluten-Free Vegan Thali! So this is a great restaurant for anyone with dietary restrictions.
The Best Vegan Restaurants in Dubai
8. SEVA
When it comes to vegetarian restaurants in Dubai for a truly wholesome, healthy, and mindful experience SEVA is your best bet. This place prides itself on being the “first 100% plant-based, gluten-free, cane sugar-free, and GMO-free cafe in the Middle East!”
With its chilled-out indoor cafe and lush outdoor garden area, this place is like a little oasis in the heart of Dubai! The menu here features nutritional all-day breakfast items, superfood-infused salads and bowls, and creative mains like a jackfruit burger, an eggless omelet, and a tempeh bowl.
They also have tons of smoothies, juices, tonics, and elixirs on the drinks menu, as well as a tempting selection of desserts.
9. Planet Terra
Located in The Greens, Planet Terra is another hidden gem that serves up creative, organic vegan food inspired by cuisines from around the world. For a vegan take on Middle Eastern favorites, try the Mushroom Shawarma or the Lentil Falafel Pita Pocket.
Or, if you prefer to branch out, go for the Car-neat-as Tacos, the Tempeh Souvlaki, or the Kimchi Pad Thai. For something extra special, they also do a vegan kunafa with a cashew cream and tapioca filling!
10. Neat Burger
Neat Burger has become my go-to place for vegan comfort food in Dubai. You’ll find a branch in the Dubai Mall. Although, if you’re feeling lazy, they also deliver.
They do a sinfully good vegan burger, smash burger, fried chicken sandwich, grilled “cheez,” and hot dog. They also serve up some unexpected items, like their Crispy Chick’n Caesar Salad (also available in wrap form), Nasty Nachos, Summer Slaw, and Crispy Cauli Wings! Whatever you order, be sure to wash it all down with one of their house-made lemonades.
11. Wild & The Moon
If you’re looking for vegetarian restaurants in Dubai that are also completely plant-based and gluten-free, you’re going to love Wild & The Moon. This vegan gem has three locations across the city, including Downtown Dubai, DIFC, and Alserkal Avenue.
Everything on the menu is designed to be “good for you” and “good for the planet.” On the menu, you’ll find a selection of fruity superbowls, seasonal salads, “cheezy” sandwiches, hot mains, and delectable desserts.
But the drinks menu is equally as enticing and you’ll have a hard time deciding between the long list of vegan coffee drinks, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices.
12. Plantoholic
Located on Palm Jumeirah, Plantoholic Cafe is not only one of the best vegan restaurants in Dubai, it’s also one of the best coffee shops. All of their beans are sourced ethically and all of their food is 100% plant-based.
If you’re here for breakfast, they do vegan renditions of all the staples, from their Plantoholic English Breakfast with plant-based sausage to the Raw Cocoa Pancakes. And then there are the globally-inspired mains like the Chycken Teriyaki, Poke Bowl, Cheesy Kebab Wrap, and Asian Salad. Their signature “meats” here are something special if you’re a fan of mock meats!
Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Dubai
While these restaurants do serve meat, they offer excellent, clearly labeled vegetarian and vegan options, so you’ll have plenty to choose from!
13. Bounty Beets
Located in Le Meridien Mina Seyahi near the Dubai Marina, Bounty Beets is all about serving up delicious and healthy organic dishes. This is a cool place to enjoy all-day breakfast dishes like the vegan Plant Based Scramble or Acai Bowl and the vegetarian Shakshouka.
The menu also features vegetarian and vegan mains and desserts – from the Tofu Kebabs and Pumpkin Risotto to the Falafel Wrap and the Berry Pavlova.
14. Cassette
If you find yourself exploring Alserkal Avenue, make your way to Cassette. When it comes to vegetarian food in Dubai, this place serves up some of the best. And though it’s not a pure vegetarian restaurant, vegetarians and vegans will have tons of creative concoctions to choose from.
From vegetarian-friendly egg dishes to vegan pancakes and smoothie bowls, the breakfast options are all tempting. But head here later in the day and you’ll find all manner of creative salads, sandwiches, and burgers that you won’t find anywhere else in town.
There’s the Caesar The Vegan salad and a Vegan Lobster Burger for vegans and the Burrata and Nectarine salad and a Risotto de Quinoa à la Provençale for vegetarians, just to name a few menu items!
15. Comptoir 102
Comptoir 102 is another one of the best places to get vegan and vegetarian food in Dubai. Everything on the menu here is sourced from local and organic farms, with sugar-free, dairy-free, raw, vegan, gluten-free, and meat options.
Vegans and vegetarians can choose from 15+ nutritional all-day breakfast items or come for lunch and enjoy the Fresh Coconut Ceviche or the Organic Kale Quesadillas with “mozzarella” for the vegans and the Watermelon and Feta Salad or the Halloumi Toast for the vegetarians
Of course, they also have a long list of smoothies, juices, coffee drinks, and more on the menu!
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