Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Dubai (By a Local Veggie!)
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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 vegetarian restaurants in Dubai, followed by a list of pure vegan restaurants, and lastly, a short list of vegetarian-friendly restaurants that go above and beyond to cater to the more plant-based inclined.
For more vegetarian eats, check out my guide to all of the popular vegetarian dishes in Dubai and where to try them. Or, 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 the best vegan eateries and where to shop for vegan food products.
The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Dubai
XVA Café
Tucked away in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood in Old Dubai, 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!
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.
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-tos is Saarangaa Bhojan Shala, which has four branches in Dubai, including one where I live 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 mini tiffin combo. Be sure to also check out their specials because they’re always cooking up something special and delicious!
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, Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, Chinese bao buns, Asian noodle and rice dishes, and other healthy and creative pan-Asian fare.
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 Desi-Chinese dishes, thalis, biryanis, dosas, and so much more!
Veganesha
Veganesha is another one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Dubai if you’re in need of 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.
Pure Vegan Restaurants
SEVA Table
When it comes to vegetarian restaurants in Dubai for a truly wholesome, healthy, and mindful experience, SEVA Table 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 vegan desserts.
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!
Vegan Burger
As an American, Neat Burger has become my go-to place for vegan comfort food in Dubai. You’ll find branches in the Dubai Mall, the Al Ghurair Centre in Deira, and near where I live in JBR. Although, if you’re feeling lazy, they also deliver.
They do sinfully good vegan burgers, “chick’n” sandwiches and nuggets, pizzas, wraps, salads, and more. From the Shawarma Wrap and the Chick’n Caesar Salad to the Cheesy Loader Fries and the Smokey Bacon Burger, everything I’ve had here is addictive as can be!
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 two locations in the city, including Downtown Dubai 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.
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!
Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Dubai
While these restaurants do serve some non-vegetarian fare, they offer excellent, clearly labeled vegetarian and vegan options, so you’ll have plenty to choose from!
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 fare 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.
Cassette
If you find yourself exploring Alserkal Avenue, make your way to Cassette. When it comes to vegetarian food, 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!
Comptoir 102
Comptoir 102 is another one of the best places to get vegan and vegetarian food. 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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