The food scene in Dubai is well known to be eclectic, with cuisines from all corners of the globe on offer in this huge city. Dubai's restaurants are also always moving with the times, meaning that as more and more people have begun to decrease their meat and dairy intake over the past few years, an increasing number of restaurants have started to accommodate this. In fact there's never been a better time to be vegan in Dubai, with a number of both solely vegan restaurants, and restaurants with vegan menu options, now open.
There’s a common misconception that dishes which don’t contain meat or dairy are automatically less tasty than those which do, but we completely disagree. In fact, most of the plant-based dishes on offer at these restaurants are just as show-stopping as the non-vegan options, if not more so. Whether you are simply looking to reduce your meat and dairy intake or you are a full vegan, there will be something to float your boat in Dubai. The huge variety of restaurants range from more casual vegan burger joints where you can go to stuff your face with plant-based treats; to a few more up-market options, which make great spots to treat your vegan friends to a special meal.
Now we know that in a city which has as many amazing restaurants as Dubai, it can be difficult to know where to start, particularly when avoiding meat and dairy. To help out, we’ve put together a guide below to the best vegan spots in Dubai. We’ve tried to cover all price ranges and areas of the city to make things as easy as possible for you. So next time you’re looking for a plant-based meal which will live long in the memory, be sure to check these spots out.
BareBurger
What: Even when living that vegan lifestyle, occasionally you still just want to stuff yourself with a big old burger. Luckily Bareburger, who originated in the US, has now opened up multiple sites in Dubai. While Bareburger doesn’t serve an exclusively vegan menu, its entirely plant-based Beyond Burger has become a favourite among vegans and meat-eaters alike due to its impressive similarity in taste and texture to a standard beef burger. With vegan shakes and desserts also on the menu, it’s a must-visit spot.
Where: Building 6A, Al Mustagbal Street, City Walk Boulevard; Pointe, Palm Jumeirah; Shop S13, Jumeirah 1
Folia
What: It can sometimes be hard as a vegan to find places to go for dinner when you’re wanting an extra special meal. Well, Folia at the four Seasons Resort could be exactly what you’re looking for. Offering an entirely plant-based fine dining-style menu, the concept was created by chef Matthew Kenney alongside Saudi prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, who is known for championing the vegan diet. Dishes on the menu range from a green gazpacho with tomato water, paprika cream, avocado and radish sprouts, to roasted cauliflower and mushroom tacos, and all come so beautifully presented that you’ll be reluctant to start eating.
Where: 2 Jumeirah Beach
Nassau
What: Opened by MasterChef Bulgaria judge, Silvena Rowe in 2019, Nassau is a seriously Instagrammable Dubai restaurant serving a varied menu of modern Mediterranean dishes. However, what’s most exciting about Nassau is the fact it also offers a specially-dedicated vegan menu packed full of tempting options such as an iceberg wild green leaves salad with Japanese wafu dressing.
Where: Jumeirah Golf Estate
Fuchsia
What: Modern Thai restaurant Fuchsia is a great option if you’re looking for easy-to-like, affordable vegan dishes but also fancy something with a bit of kick. Its vegan menu includes everything from tom yum soup and sweet corn fritters, to tofu curries and vegetable pad Thai. Fuchsia’s spacious dining area and informal vibe also make it a great spot to visit if you’re wanting somewhere family-friendly.
Where: Building 4, Bay Square
Wild & the Moon
What: For those of you looking for a vegan spot which is all about healthy eating, then look no further than Wild & the Moon. This café-cum-restaurant offers solely plant-based food, whether that be raw bars, soups, rice bowls or even vegan ice-creams. On top of this, Wild & the Moon is focused on being highly sustainable meaning that it tries to be as waste-free as possible and uses predominantly recycled packaging.
Where: Street 8, unit H77, Alserkal Avenue
Veganity
What: There’s no doubt that the clue is in the name with Veganity. This entirely vegan spot started out as a plant-based meal-plan service before opening as a restaurant more recently and it really is a bit of a dream come true for vegans in Dubai. With over 200 different dishes on the menu, you really are spoilt for choice at Veganity and what’s more the food is all incredibly healthy with no preservatives, artificial flavourings, or GMOs used in the cooking either.
Where: Al Safa Street
Gypsy
What: Gypsy is a restaurant that’s all about tasty comfort food, with the added bonus that everything on the menu is also completely vegan. This means that you can enjoy plant-based twists on some of your favourite classics, such as a jack fruit burger or banana blossom fish and chips, without any compromise on flavour. Make sure to also leave space for one of the tempting puddings or cakes on offer.
Where: Level 2, Galeries Lafayette, Dubai Mall Downtown
Amongst Few Café
What: Let’s be honest, is there anything more hipster than a clothes store which doubles up as a vegan-friendly café? We don’t think so. However, that doesn’t stop Amongst Few from being a great spot to gobble down some plant-based nosh once you’ve bought yourself a couple of t-shirts. The animal friendly and sustainably focused menu includes fluffy vegan pancakes as well as a selection of dairy free ice creams and sorbets.
Where: Palm Strip Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road
Bounty Beets
What: Another gorgeous restaurant made for you influencers out there, Bounty Beets also boasts a food menu packed full of fantastic vegan options, but if you’re not a fan of puns it may not be the place for you. Plant-based dishes at this trendy spot range from ‘Pasta La Vista, Baby’ (spaghetti topped with vegan chipotle sauce, spinach, and tomato) to a vegan burger named ‘Bunbelievable’. With a number of sweet treats on offer too as well as a full breakfast menu, Bounty Beets has you covered whatever the time of day.
Where: Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
Soul Santé
What: The focus at vegan café Soul Santé is to serve plant-based food which is still filling and full of protein, while also not compromising at all on flavour. The bright, spacious room is the ideal spot to come for a casual catch up with friends while enjoying healthy dishes such as jackfruit tacos, and pizzas topped with vegan cheese. Make sure to check out the enticing dessert counter too which features everything from plant-based doughnuts to raw cakes.
Where: Jannah Place, Dubai Marina
Govinda’s
What: Everyone occasionally wants to tuck into a curry, regardless of whether you’re a meat-eater or not. For vegan Indian food fans, there’s nowhere better in Dubai than Govinda’s. The entirely meat-free menu here has plenty of vegan options to choose from including a variety of dals, puris and curries. If you fancy mixing it up a bit, there are also inexplicably a few Chinese dishes available including vegetable spring rolls and schezwan noodles.
Where: Ground floor, City Tower
The Eloquent Elephant
What: A British-inspired gastropub might not be where you'd expect to find vegan food in Dubai. However, this popular spot actually has a whole section of the menu dedicated to plant-free options. Dishes include a vegan hot dog served with tofu mayo, and a vegan curry. An added bonus at The Eloquent Elephant is that there's a fantastic terrace out the back, which is the perfect place to enjoy the great food on offer.
Where: Taj Dubai, Burj Khalifa Street
Wanting to indulge in some carby goodness? Check out our guide to the best Italian restaurants in Dubai