Discover the top-rated culinary experts in Old Dubai. From authentic Emirati feasts and Lebanese mezze to world-class Pakistani BBQ and Indian tiffin services, explore premium catering options for weddings, corporate events, and private home parties.
Al Safadi (Catering & Restaurant)
General Review
Al Safadi in Deira is a cornerstone of Dubai’s dining scene, having served authentic flavors since it first opened on Al Rigga Street in 2000. It offers a bustling, family-friendly atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of Lebanese hospitality. Whether you choose to dine in the vibrant indoor area or enjoy the outdoor seating during cooler months, the experience is consistently warm and welcoming. Known for its generous portions and efficient service, it remains a go-to spot for both locals and tourists seeking a reliable, high-quality meal in the heart of Old Dubai.
Main Cuisine
The restaurant specializes in Authentic Lebanese Cuisine. It is celebrated for its mastery of traditional Levantine flavors, emphasizing fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and time-honored cooking techniques. From charcoal-grilled meats and poultry to a vast array of hot and cold mezze, the menu is a comprehensive tribute to the rich culinary heritage of Lebanon.
Popular Menu Items
- Cold Mezze: Hummus (Beiruti & Traditional), Moutabal, Tabbouleh, and Fattoush.
- Hot Appetizers: Batata Harra (spicy potatoes), Fried Kebbeh, and Chicken Liver with Pomegranate Molasses.
- From the Grill: Mixed Grill Platter (Kafta, Shish Tawook, Meat Cubes), Lamb Chops, and Arayess Kafta.
- House Specialties: Fish Sayadieh, Stuffed Lamb, and Chicken Biryani.
- Shawarma: Chicken and Meat Shawarma Platters or Sandwiches.
- Desserts: Cheese Kunafa, Umm Ali, and Halawet El Jibn.
Catering Packages
- Set Menus: Typically available for large groups or during special occasions like Ramadan (Iftar sets).
- Catering Packages: Al Safadi offers extensive catering services for private events, including “Live Stations” for Shawarma, Falafel, and even Full Roasted Lamb.
- Finger Food Packages: Selections of mini-bites (Sajouks, Sambousek, and Mini Pizzas) priced by the dozen or per piece for events.
Contact Details
- Address: Al Dana Building, Al Rigga Road, Deira, Dubai (Opposite Holiday Inn).
- Tel: +971 4 227 9922 (Direct)
- Tel: 600 500 601 (Centralized Ordering)
- alsafadi.ae
Barbecue Delights (Caterer & Restaurant)
General Review
Barbecue Delights is a well-established name in Dubai’s culinary landscape, particularly famous for its first flagship branch in the Oud Metha area of Bur Dubai. This casual dining spot is beloved for its relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere that caters perfectly to large families and groups. While widely recognized as a premier catering service for major events and private parties across the UAE, it is primarily a full-service restaurant offering both à la carte and expansive buffet options. Its consistent quality and affordable pricing have made it a multi-award-winning destination for those seeking authentic South Asian flavors.
Main Cuisine: Lebanese
Main Menu Items
- Signature Grills: Mutton Ribs (overnight marinated), Chicken Behari Kabab, Afghani Tikka, and Reshmi Kabab.
- Main Courses: Chicken Dum Biryani, Mutton Karahi, Palak Paneer, and Daal Mash.
- Breads: Authentic Roghani Naan and Kandhari Naan.
Catering Packages
- Live Stations: On-site BBQ grilling, Shawarma stations, and fresh Jalebi making for events.
- Party Platters: Pre-set family packs suitable for 4–8 people featuring mixed grills and curries.
- Corporate & Private Events: Bespoke menus for gatherings up to 500+ guests with full service.
Contact Details
- Address: Oud Metha Road (Near Lamcy Plaza), Bur Dubai, Dubai.
- Tel: +971 4 335 9868 (Oud Metha)
- Tel: 800 222 83 (Centralized)
- barbecuedelights.com
Catering Menu Packages
The Modern Indian Fusion
Bombay Street Food (Indian)
The “Royal North” Buffet (Indian)
Live Pasta Station
Live Luqaimat & Regag station
Live Shawarma Station
Arabian Tea House (Caterer & Restaurant)
General Review
Stepping into the Arabian Tea House in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood feels like a serene escape into Dubai’s past. This iconic venue, established in 1997, is famous for its charming turquoise benches, white rattan chairs, and the shade of an old sidr tree that creates a “secret garden” atmosphere. It is widely regarded as one of the best places to experience authentic Emirati hospitality in a relaxed, picturesque setting. Whether you are a tourist exploring the old district or a local seeking a quiet brunch, the combination of heritage architecture and soulful music makes it a must-visit cultural landmark.
Main Cuisine
The restaurant is a premier destination for Authentic Emirati Cuisine, serving traditional family recipes that highlight the rich culinary history of the UAE, alongside a massive selection of over 150 types of tea.
Main Menu Items
- Emirati Breakfast Trays: The “Special Emirati Breakfast” featuring balaleet (sweet vermicelli with cardamom), dango (boiled chickpeas), bajella (fava beans), and fresh tanoor bread.
- Signature Mains: Lamb Machboos (slow-cooked spiced rice), Tahta Laham (shredded lamb layers), and Saloona (traditional Emirati stew).
- Grills & Wraps: Lemon Lamb Tikka, Mixed Barbecue platters, and Chicken Shawarma wraps.
- Sweets: Luqaimat (golden dumplings with date syrup), Khabisah, and their famous Dates Cake.
- Beverages: Arabian Gahwa (coffee), Karak Tea, and Special Lime & Mint juice.
Catering Services
In addition to its famous dine-in locations, Arabian Tea House operates as a full-service caterer. They provide tailored packages for corporate events, weddings, and private gatherings, often featuring:
- Live Cooking Stations: Traditional bread making (Chebab/Ragag) and Luqaimat stations.
- Emirati Majlis Catering: Full-spread traditional dinners including Ouzi (whole roasted lamb) for large groups.
- Corporate Boxes: Curated breakfast and lunch boxes for office meetings and cultural events.
Contact Details
- Address: Bastakiya (Opposite Musalla Post Office), Al Fahidi St, Bur Dubai, Dubai.
- Tel: +971 4 353 5071
- arabianteahouse.com
Gazebo (Catering and Restaurant)
General Review:
Gazebo is renowned for its “Dum Pukht” style of cooking, bringing royal Mughlai flavors to Old Dubai. Their catering service is top-tier, offering liveried personnel and elegant place settings suitable for high-profile weddings and formal corporate banquets.
Main Cuisine: Royal Indian (Lucknowi and Hyderabadi Mughlai).
Main Menu Items: Murgh Hyderabadi Biryani, Galauti Kabab, Dum Murgh Handi Korma, and Shahi Tukda.
Main Catering Packages: Live Tawa & Chaat Stations, Royal Buffet Packages (50 to 3000 guests), and Lunch Boxes.
Contact Details:
Calicut Paragon (Catering and Restaurant)
General Review:
A global leader in South Indian cuisine, Paragon’s Karama branch is legendary. Their catering is highly sought after for Malabar feasts, known for delivering fresh, coastal flavors and traditional hospitality that feels like a home-cooked meal in Kerala.
Main Cuisine: Malabar / South Indian (Keralite coastal specialties).
Main Menu Items: Fish Mango Curry, Chicken Malabari Biryani, Mutton Varattiyathu, and Appam.
Main Catering Packages: Traditional Sadhya (Banana Leaf Feast), Biryani Party Packs, and Corporate Lunch Trays.
Contact Details:
- Address: Al Tayer Building, Al Karama, Bur Dubai
- Tel: +971 4 335 8700
- paragonrestaurant.net
Deeritna Catering (Catering Company)
General Review:
A premium catering-focused brand that specializes in Levantine “home-cooked” style food. Their presentation is modern yet deeply rooted in Palestinian and Jordanian traditions, ideal for sophisticated family gatherings.
Main Cuisine: Levantine (Palestinian/Jordanian)
Main Menu Items: Mansaf, Musakhan, Stuffed Vine Leaves, and Cheese Burrek.
Main Catering Packages: Buffet Catering, Live Cooking Stations, and “Tawasi” (large platter) deliveries.
Contact Details:
- Address: Operations covering Deira/Bur Dubai (HQ in Al Quoz)
- Tel: +971 50 151 1004
- deeritna.com
Kamat (Catering and Restaurant)
General Review:
The premier choice for vegetarian catering in Old Dubai. They offer a massive variety ranging from street food (Chaat) to formal South and North Indian main courses.
Main Cuisine: Indian Vegetarian
Main Menu Items: Masala Dosa, Pav Bhaji, Palak Paneer, and a wide range of Indian-Chinese fusion.
Main Catering Packages: Chaat Counter setups, Jain-specific menus, and full Vegetarian Buffets.
Contact Details:
Dampa Seafood Grill (Catering and Restaurant)
General Review:
If you want a fun, interactive “Boodle Fight” style catering, Dampa is unmatched. They specialize in fresh seafood dumped directly onto tables (or trays for catering) for a communal dining experience.
Main Cuisine: Filipino / Seafood
Main Menu Items: Shrimp, Crabs, Mussels, and Corn in Cajun or Garlic Butter sauce with unlimited rice.
Main Catering Packages: “Dump-at-Home” Seafood Buckets and large-scale Seafood Feast platters.
Contact Details:
- Address: Baniyas Road, Rigga, Deira
- Tel: +971 4 299 0884
Golden Dragon (Catering and Restaurant)
General Review:
Dubai’s first-ever Chinese restaurant (est. 1976). Their catering brings a nostalgic, reliable flavor profile that has been a favorite for Dubai residents for decades.
Main Cuisine: Chinese (Cantonese/Szechuan)
Main Menu Items: Dim Sum, Crispy Beef, Hakka Noodles, and Manchurian Chicken.
Main Catering Packages: Multi-course Asian Buffets and Party Starter packs.
Contact Details:
- Address: Oud Metha (Bur Dubai area)
- Tel: +971 4 337 7139
Kulcha King (Catering and Restaurant)
General Review:
Specializing in Amritsari-style stuffed breads, this caterer is perfect for casual weekend brunches or office lunches that need something hearty and comforting.
Main Cuisine: North Indian (Punjabi)
Main Menu Items: Amritsari Kulcha, Chole, Dal Makhani, and Tandoori Chicken.
Main Catering Packages: Bulk Kulcha combos and North Indian Mini-Buffets.
Contact Details:
- Address: Near Al Attar Center, Karama
- Tel: +971 800 585242
The Thai Kitchen (Catering and Restaurant)
General Review:
Located in the Park Hyatt, they offer some of the most refined Thai catering in the Deira area. Perfect for high-end events where presentation and authentic spice levels are critical.
Main Cuisine: Thai
Main Menu Items: Pad Thai, Green Curry, Som Tum (Papaya Salad), and Mango Sticky Rice.
Main Catering Packages: Custom Thai Buffets and Live Wok Stations.
Contact Details:
- Address: Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira
- Tel: +971 4 602 1814
Al Hallab (Catering and Restaurant)
General Review:
A household name for Lebanese sweets and grills. Their catering is particularly strong in the desserts department, making them a favorite for Ramadan and Eid events.
Main Cuisine: Lebanese
Main Menu Items: Mixed Grill, Warak Enab, Kunafa, and Baklawa.
Main Catering Packages: Iftar Boxes (seasonal), Wedding Buffets, and Sweet Platters.
Contact Details:
- Address: Garhoud (Near Deira)
- Tel: +971 4 282 3388
- alhallabrestaurant.com
15 Menu Packages For All Budgets
Starting AED 10 Per Person