Dubai’s dining scene is famously global, yet Moroccan cuisine holds a special place for diners who appreciate slow-cooked flavors, aromatic spices, and soulful hospitality.
From casual neighborhood eateries serving comforting tagines to refined venues offering polished takes on royal Moroccan dishes, the city delivers a wide spectrum of experiences rooted in North African tradition.
This guide brings together the best Moroccan restaurants in Dubai, focusing on authenticity, atmosphere, and food that genuinely reflects Moroccan culinary heritage.
Best Moroccan Restaurants In Dubai
What to Consider When Choosing a Moroccan Restaurant
Moroccan cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, patience, and balance. These key elements help you distinguish truly authentic Moroccan restaurants from places that simply borrow the label.
- 🍲 Authentic cooking methods: Slow-cooked tagines, properly prepared couscous, and time-honored techniques are non-negotiable.
- 🌿 Balanced spice profiles: Moroccan food is aromatic rather than spicy, relying on ras el hanout, saffron, ginger, cumin, and preserved lemon.
- 🥖 Fresh bread & traditional salads: Daily khobz and classics like zaalouk reveal attention to detail and authenticity.
- 🍵 Mint tea ritual: Properly brewed Moroccan tea reflects hospitality and cultural respect.
- 🏺 Atmosphere & identity: Traditional décor enhances immersion and often signals pride in Moroccan heritage.
- ⭐ Consistency & reputation: Restaurants favored by Moroccan diners tend to deliver reliable quality and authentic flavors.
1. Choumicha
- Location: 581 Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 1
- Vibes: Sophisticated and airy with a modern boutique feel, reflecting the elegance of its celebrity chef namesake.
- Signature: Beef Tagine with Prunes and Almonds, and traditional Harira soup.
Choumicha brings a level of culinary precision that elevates Moroccan “home cooking” into a high-end art form. Every dish is a masterclass in balance, where the sweetness of dried fruits perfectly complements the savory, tender meats. It is an essential stop for those who appreciate refined presentation without losing the soulful, spice-forward heart of Moroccan tradition.
2. Dar Al Mamounia Restaurant
- Location: 15 Al Hudaiba Road, Jumeirah 1
- Vibes: Traditional and cozy with a neighborhood feel, attracting those looking for a quiet, authentic escape.
- Signature: Tanjia Marrakchia (beef slow-cooked in a clay jar) and the Moroccan Breakfast spread.
Dar Al Mamounia Restaurant This restaurant is a sanctuary for those who prioritize flavor over flash, offering a menu that feels like an invitation into a Marrakesh family home. The Tanjia is particularly noteworthy, capturing the deep, earthy richness that only comes from hours of slow-cooking in traditional earthenware. It’s a place where the hospitality is as warm as the freshly baked Moroccan bread served at every table.
3. Moroccan Taste Restaurant
- Location: La Plage Residence, 1 Al Athar Street, Jumeirah 2
- Vibes: Casual, chic, and bright with a coastal-adjacent atmosphere; perfect for a relaxed weekend lunch.
- Signature: Seafood Pastilla and Zaalouk (smoked eggplant dip).
Located near the canal water, Moroccan Taste offers a breezy, refreshing dining experience that matches its seaside-adjacent location. Their Seafood Pastilla is widely regarded as a benchmark for the dish in Dubai, featuring a perfect balance of crisp pastry and briny, spiced filling. It’s a standout for its consistency and the way it brings a light, modern touch to age-old recipes.
4. Marakesh Restaurant
- Location: Street 26A, Al Karama
- Vibes: Low-key, humble, and bustling; a true “hidden gem” known for its focus on authentic street-style flavors.
- Signature: Lamb Couscous and traditional Moroccan tea service.
Marakesh is the definition of an underdog success, focusing entirely on the potency of its spices and the quality of its portions rather than ornate decor. The atmosphere is energetic and unpretentious, drawing in a crowd that knows exactly where to find the most flavorful harira in the city. It represents the gritty, delicious reality of Moroccan dining where every bite feels earned and honest.
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5. Berber Dubai
- Location: D71, near Al Murooj Complex
- Vibes: A captivating blend of modern design and Amazigh (Berber) heritage, featuring tribal-inspired decor and a warm glow.
- Signature: Tanjia Bacha and the Moroccan Mixed Grill.
Berber Dubai pays homage to the indigenous roots of North African cuisine, specializing in the rugged, mountain-style dishes of the Berber people. The menu focuses on hyper-local ingredients like argan oil and preserved lemons, resulting in grills that are charred to perfection and tagines that are exceptionally tender. It’s a cultural journey that stands out for its unique focus on the Amazigh influence within the Moroccan culinary world.
6. Layalina Moroccan Restaurant
- Location: Al Khobaisi, Al Ittihad Road
- Vibes: Lively and social with a traditional touch; very popular for its combination of hearty food and shisha.
- Signature: Chicken Rfissa and the Layalina Mix Grill.
Layalina is a local institution that bridges the gap between a traditional eatery and a social lounge, making it a favorite for late-night gatherings. The kitchen excels at “mass offer” Moroccan hospitality, serving generous portions that are designed for sharing among large groups. It’s the kind of place where the aroma of grilled meats and bubbling mint tea creates an atmosphere of perpetual celebration.
7. Lfassia Restaurant & Café
- Location: Al Thowayma Street, Al Barsha 1
- Vibes: Warm and welcoming with beautiful tilework and traditional seating that evokes a classic riad.
- Signature: Msemen with Honey and Chicken Tagine with Olives and Fries.
Lfassia is celebrated for its Fassi-style cooking, which is often considered the most complex and royal of Moroccan culinary traditions. The restaurant manages to feel both upscale and incredibly intimate, with a decor that transports you directly to the winding alleys of Fes. Whether you’re there for a slow-paced breakfast or a rich dinner, the attention to detail in their spice blends is unmistakably authentic.
8. Nour El Fassia Restaurant
- Location: Al Seef, Dubai Creek
- Vibes: Heritage-focused and romantic; set against the historic backdrop of Al Seef with a focus on traditional ceremonies.
- Signature: Royal Couscous with Tfaya and the Moroccan hand-washing ritual.
Nour El Fassia offers more than just a meal; it provides a cultural immersion, complete with the traditional rose water hand-washing ceremony. The setting along the Creek adds a layer of nostalgia, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the sweet-and-savory complexity of royal Moroccan dishes. It stands out for its commitment to preserving the “grand dame” style of Moroccan hospitality in a modern city.
9. Mamati Dubai
- Location: B2 Mall, Jumeirah
- Vibes: A vibrant fusion of a traditional Moroccan ‘Mahlaba’ (dairy shop) and a retro American diner.
- Signature: Bocadillo Chamali and the Moroccan Burger with Taktouka.
Mamati is a breath of fresh air, blending Moroccan street culture with pop-art aesthetics to create a space that feels youthful and energetic. Their menu reimagines street food favorites like the Bocadillo, stuffing crusty baguettes with a flavorful mix of Moroccan charcuterie and fries. It’s a standout experience for anyone looking for the “New Morocco”—bold, creative, and undeniably cool.
10. Bab Al Qasba
- Location: Lulu Building, 30C Street, Deira
- Vibes: Friendly, authentic, and down-to-earth; a favorite for the Moroccan community living in old Dubai.
- Signature: Lamb Tagine with Artichokes and Green Peas.
Bab Al Qasba is the kind of restaurant where you’ll often hear more Arabic and French than English, a sure sign of its authenticity. The service is famously hospitable, making every guest feel like a long-lost friend returning for a home-cooked meal. It excels at the “slow food” philosophy, where every tagine is allowed the time it needs to develop deep, soul-satisfying flavors.
11. Al Boughaz Al Maghribi
- Location: 22A Street, Deira
- Vibes: Bustling and vibrant with a classic Moroccan café energy; known for being one of the most reliable spots in the city.
- Signature: Roasted Lamb and Moroccan Salad.
Al Boughaz Al Maghribi is a cornerstone of the Deira dining scene, offering a menu that covers the full spectrum of Moroccan comfort food. The atmosphere is consistently lively, making it a great spot for those who want to experience the “real” Dubai away from the tourist tracks. Their grilled meats are a major draw, seasoned with a proprietary blend of spices that keep regulars coming back for decades.
Moroccan cuisine is rooted in patience and precision. When selecting a Moroccan restaurant, authenticity often shows in the details—slow-simmered tagines served in clay pots, freshly baked khobz bread, and a spice profile built on balance rather than heat. Restaurants that reference specific Moroccan regions or traditional dishes like pastilla, rfissa, or mechoui usually signal a more genuine culinary approach.
12. Tichka Moroccan Restaurant
- Location: Al Mamzar Building, 20th Street
- Vibes: Simple, clean, and incredibly affordable; a “no-frills” destination where the food speaks for itself.
- Signature: Affordable Tagines and Moroccan Tea.
Tichka is a testament to the fact that you don’t need a massive budget to enjoy high-quality Moroccan cuisine in Dubai. It’s a community-centric spot that prides itself on providing tasty, well-portioned meals at a price point that is hard to beat. The flavors are straightforward and traditional, offering a reliable taste of Morocco for a quick lunch or a casual dinner.
13. Tajin & Tanjiah Moroccan Coffee Shop & Restaurant
- Location: Al Canna Building, 22A Street, Deira
- Vibes: A traditional coffee shop atmosphere where locals gather for long conversations over tea and tagines.
- Signature: Meat Tanjiah and various clay-pot specialties.
As the name suggests, this spot is a specialist in the two most iconic vessels of Moroccan cooking: the Tajin and the Tanjiah. The restaurant maintains a focused, authentic menu that honors the heritage of Marrakesh’s famous tanjia pits. It’s a must-visit for purists who want to see how these specialized cooking methods result in a depth of flavor that a standard stovetop simply cannot replicate.
14. Layali Tanja Restaurant & Café
- Location: Emirates Concord Hotel, 17th Street
- Vibes: Elegant yet accessible; located within a hotel but maintaining a very strong local Moroccan identity.
- Signature: Couscous and Tangier-style Seafood dishes.
Layali Tanja brings the flavors of northern Morocco to the heart of Dubai, offering a menu that is slightly distinct from the southern-influenced spots. The setting is refined, making it a good choice for business lunches or family dinners where you want a bit more privacy and space. The kitchen’s expertise in seafood and traditional couscous makes it a standout destination for those who appreciate the Mediterranean side of Moroccan cuisine.
15. Al Wedayah Al Maghiribi Restaurant
- Location: 30 22b Street, Deira
- Vibes: High-energy and very traditional; a classic “Old Dubai” eatery with a loyal following.
- Signature: Freshly baked Moroccan bread and Lamb Tagine.
Al Wedayah is famous for the freshness of its ingredients, particularly its bread which often arrives at the table still steaming from the oven. It is a restaurant that doesn’t rely on trends, instead sticking to the time-tested recipes that have defined Moroccan culture for centuries. The vibes are authentically Moroccan, providing a loud, colorful, and delicious escape from the city’s more sterilized dining options.
16. Ninive
- Location: Emirates Towers Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road
- Vibes: An ultra-chic, nomadic garden oasis; one of the most beautiful outdoor dining settings in the world.
- Signature: Moroccan-inspired Mezze and Grilled Lamb.
While Ninive explores a broader Middle Eastern and North African palette, its Moroccan influences are handled with immense style and sophistication. The restaurant feels like a modern reimagining of a desert caravan camp, set against the futuristic backdrop of the DIFC skyline. It is the pinnacle of “lifestyle” dining, where the presentation, music, and atmosphere are just as important as the beautifully spiced dishes.
17. Tagine & The Courtyard
- Location: One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina
- Vibes: Opulent, palatial, and deeply romantic; features flickering lanterns and traditional live music.
- Signature: Slow-cooked Lamb Shank and Chicken Bastilla.
Entering Tagine is like walking into a royal riad, with its moody lighting and intricate architectural details providing an unmatched sense of place. It is widely considered the most romantic Moroccan spot in the city, perfect for an evening of slow-paced dining and cultural appreciation. The food is unapologetically rich and traditional, served with a level of grace that matches the stunning surroundings.
18. Asil Dubai
- Location: Rixos Premium, The Walk JBR
- Vibes: High-glamour and high-energy; a fusion of Turkish, Lebanese, and Moroccan cultures with live entertainment.
- Signature: Fish Tajin and Moroccan dance performances.
Asil is where the party meets the plate, offering a vibrant “Arabesque” experience that is perfect for JBR’s cosmopolitan crowd. The Moroccan influence is strong here, seen in both the menu’s tagines and the nightly entertainment that features traditional music and dance. It’s a luxury destination that proves Moroccan flavors can thrive in a modern, high-energy environment without losing their soul.
19. Bab Chaouen
- Location: Hor Al Anz East
- Vibes: Vibrant and street-focused; inspired by the “Blue City” of Chefchaouen with a focus on quick, flavorful snacks.
- Signature: Maakouda Sandwich and Moroccan Sfinge (donuts).
Bab Chaouen is a unique entry that focuses on the “snack” and street food culture of Morocco, particularly the blue-hued north. It’s a small, colorful spot that excels at sandwiches and traditional tea-time treats that are often hard to find in more formal restaurants. For a quick, affordable, and authentic taste of Moroccan street life, there is no better place to grab a bite and a glass of mint tea.
A Taste of Tangier in Deira
You don’t need a flight to Marrakesh to experience the magic of the Maghreb. Hidden within the bustling alleys of Old Dubai is a world of bubbling clay pots, aromatic mint, and honey-drenched pastries. Follow this curated trail to find the soul of Moroccan soul food in Deira.
🇲🇦 The Deira Soul Hunt: One-Day Food Crawl
A curated walking route through the heart of Old Dubai’s Maghreb flavors.
📍 Tajin & Tanjiah Coffee Shop
Order the Msemen & Mint Tea. Watch the neighborhood wake up over layers of honey-soaked flatbread.
📍 Al Boughaz Al Maghribi
Order the Trio of Moroccan Salads. The smoked Zaalouk (eggplant) here is legendary.
📍 Al Wedayah Al Maghiribi
Order the Lamb Tagine with Prunes. This is authentic, fall-off-the-bone comfort food at its peak.
📍 Tichka Moroccan Restaurant
End with Gazelle Horns (Cookies). A delicate almond-paste finish to a spice-filled day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dubai’s Moroccan dining scene is as diverse as the kingdom itself, offering everything from humble street-side tagines to opulent royal feasts. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Maghrebi flavors or a curious newcomer, these 19 spots promise a meal that is as much about hospitality as it is about spice. Now, the only question left is: which one will you visit first? Let us know your favorite in the comments below
What defines an authentic Moroccan restaurant?
Authentic Moroccan restaurants focus on slow-cooked dishes such as tagines and couscous, use traditional spices like ras el hanout and saffron, and avoid blending Moroccan food with generic Middle Eastern menus.
Is Moroccan food always spicy?
No. Moroccan cuisine emphasizes aromatic depth rather than heat. Spices provide flavor and balance, while chili heat is typically served on the side as harissa.
Why is couscous often served only on Fridays?
Couscous is traditionally a communal dish enjoyed on Fridays after midday prayers. Many traditional restaurants maintain this schedule to respect local customs.
What dishes should I try for the first time?
We recommend starting with a lamb or chicken tagine, vegetable couscous, or a pastilla. These dishes offer a classic introduction to the savory-sweet profile of the region.
Are there vegetarian options in Moroccan cuisine?
Yes. There are many plant-based options including vegetable tagines, lentil stews, and a variety of cooked salads like Zaalouk (eggplant) or Taktouka (peppers).
What is the significance of Moroccan Mint Tea?
Mint tea is a staple of hospitality. It is served throughout the day and acts as a gesture of welcome for guests and travelers alike.
What makes a Tagine different from a regular stew?
A Tagine is slow-cooked in a conical clay vessel. The shape allows steam to circulate, keeping ingredients moist and tender while concentrating the flavors.
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