Dubai spoils you with choice. The true magic is, however, a little further out of town. Less noise and better views. And food arrives because you drove to get it. This journey is not about crossing fancy places off a list. It is about those places where the motive contributes to the hunger. Beach streets, mountain turns, winding highways and eventually the table that leaves you pleased you didn’t turn back. The following are the 7 restaurants around Dubai that serve not only delicious food but are just a drive away.
7 Must-Try Restaurants A Drive Away From Dubai
1. Arabian Fish House
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When you like your seafood plain and down-to-earth, this one strikes the right chord. The grilled hammour is flaky and slightly spiced, while the jumbo prawns are smoked with char that can only be achieved with open grills. Share their generous fish and chicken mezzes, best enjoyed with fresh Arabic bread and cheddar dips. The atmosphere is casual, nearly beach-shack, which is a touch of charm. You are not here to eat like fine dining; you are here to eat as it came out of the boat.
Where: Al Hira Beach, Cluster 2, Venue 6 – Al Muntazah St – Al Fisht – Alheera Suburb – Sharjah
When: 6am – 1am
Cost: AED 110 for two
2. The View By Wave
The name says it all. The restaurant is a place that depends heavily on its location, and justifiably so. Look forward to grilled seafood, light pastas, as well as refreshing drinks, which will go well with the sea breeze. The fish fillet with lemon butter is a sure thing, and their mixed grill platters are diverse without getting too complicated. What stands out is the pace. No rush, no noise. Only good food falls from the mountains into your hands on one side and the ocean on the other.
Where: Saih Alkhor Suburb – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
When: 7 am–12 am
3. Virginia Angus Restaurant
It is where the meat lovers visit when they are tired of experimenting. The steaks are the main thing: juicy, well-grilled, and fried as you order. Angus ribeye is a popular one, usually served with mashed creamy potatoes and sautéed vegetables. Their burgers are equally solid, filled with flavour, and not loaded with too many gimmicks. It’s laid-back and a bit old-school, and it focuses on the basics, which is all you need.
Where: Al Heera Beach, Al Muntazah Street, Al Rifah, Sharjah
When: 2pm – 12midnight
Cost: AED 120 for two
4. Marmellata Bakery
Located at the Zayed Port of Abu Dhabi, this location has earned its reputation through tough means, that is, word of mouth and lines. The star attraction is the crisp pizzas topped with fresh ingredients and a topping with pepperoni and hot honey or burrata that are indeed as pretty as they claim. The focaccia is spongy, the cookies are space-worthy, and lemonade cuts through it all. It is informal and a bit chaotic at the busiest times, but the vibe adds to the experience. People do not come here; they make plans on how to get here.
Where: Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi
When: Sun, Wed-Sat:5pm – 10pm
Mon-Tue:Closed
Cost: AED 75 for two
5. Gardenia Cafe
This one is entirely about the setting. The cafe, on the Kalba Clock Tower, offers views of the sea, mountains, and mangroves. It is small and cosy, and it seems like a silent rest after a long drive. The menu is more of a cafe, so there are breakfast dishes, burgers, pasta, cakes, but this is the kind of establishment where you are more interested in what you are looking at between bites. Either go early or book, as there is not much room.
Where: Kalba Clock Tower, Sharjah.
When: 8 am–12:30 am
Cost: AED 80–150 for two
6. New Grove
New Grove is the kind of place you have found and keep revisiting. It bends towards a lounge-like atmosphere with live music, informal seating and a menu blending comfort food and world bites. Aesthetic Emirati dishes, grilled options, sliders, and beverages, which one can constantly reorder? It is a casual, sociable atmosphere and suits evenings when you don’t feel like anything too formal.
Where: Al Zorah Golf Club, Al Ittihad Street, Al Zorah, Ajman
When: Afternoon to late night
Cost: AED 185 for two
Also Read: Where To Eat This Month: 7 New Restaurants In Dubai To Check Out This March
7. Mikoko Cafe
Located in the mangroves in Umm Al Quwain, Mikoko looks rather like an escape than a cafe. It is immediately noticeable, with wooden decks, seating on the waterfront, and a breezy tropical atmosphere that is instantly identifiable. The menu is light: coffee, smoothies, breakfast plates and small bites, but it suits the setting. You don’t rush here. You sit down, have a drink, and you leave the environment to take its natural course. It is quite popular during sunset visits and leisurely weekend mornings.
Where: Khor Al Yeefrah, Umm Al Quwain
When: 9 AM – 12 AM
Cost: AED 50–100 for two
Not all enjoyable meals require a reservation within the city. Occasionally, it requires a tank of gas and something to get away.
These spots are just proof of it. By the beach, you have fresh seafood, smoking grills in no-frills restaurants, and silent mountain meals that seem a world apart from the bustle of Dubai. The scenery is different, the air is clearer, and somehow, when you have worked and earned it, the food tastes better. So next time you find yourself in a fix over where to dine in Dubai, just pick a direction instead and take a road trip to explore a restaurant.
Cover Image Courtesy: New Groove/FB
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FAQs
Are these restaurants suitable for day trips from Dubai?
Yes, all listed spots are within driving distance and perfect for a half or full-day trip.
Are these restaurants family-friendly?
Most of them are casual and welcoming for families, especially beachside and café-style spots
What’s the best time to visit these places?
Late afternoons or sunset hours offer the best views and a more relaxed dining experience.