Dubai is a melting pot of global flavors with a diverse culinary scene. You can find everything from rich African flavors to classic American comfort food and soulful African American cuisine.
Whether you’re craving spicy Nigerian jollof, smoky BBQ ribs, or crispy fried chicken, Dubai has a variety of restaurants that cater to every taste.
Here’s my curated list of the best African, American, and African American restaurants in Dubai.
Best African Restaurants in Dubai
1. KIZA Restaurant & Lounge
Location: Dubai International Financial Centre
Cuisine: Pan-African (Nigerian, Ghanaian, South African, etc.)
What to Expect: KIZA is a stylish African restaurant and lounge offering an immersive cultural experience. The menu spans across the continent, with Nigerian jollof rice, South African braai, and Ghanaian kelewele (spiced fried plantains).
The lively atmosphere, accompanied by Afrobeat music and well-crafted cocktails, makes it an excellent place for dining and socializing.
2. Enish Restaurant & Lounge
Location: H Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road
Cuisine: Nigerian
What to Expect:
Enish is an upscale Nigerian restaurant offering both traditional and modern dishes. Signature meals include egusi soup with pounded yam, grilled suya, and their famous pepper soup, which is excellent for those who love spicy flavors.
3. Calabar Aroma
Location: Deira, Dubai
Cuisine: Nigerian & African Fusion
What to Expect:
Specializing in authentic Nigerian cuisine, Calabar Aroma is a hidden gem in Deira. Their jollof rice is smoky and flavorful, their afang soup is rich and hearty, and the peppered snails are a must-try. The casual setting makes it an ideal spot for a simple meal.
4. Biggy African Restaurant
Location: Al Nahda, Dubai
Cuisine: Nigerian
What to Expect:
Biggy African Restaurant serves homely Nigerian dishes with bold and spicy flavors. Their amala with ewedu and gbegiri soup is a customer favorite, while the grilled fish platter is perfect for sharing.
Expect large portions and an authentic taste of home.
5. Intercontinental Flavors (@likemamadoes_)
Location: Instagram-based Catering Service
Cuisine: Nigerian & African Fusion
What to Expect:
Intercontinental Flavors offers a mix of traditional and modern Nigerian dishes, available for catering and delivery. Whether you’re craving jollof rice, grilled meats, or specialty soups, their dishes are freshly made and packed with rich flavors.
Best American Restaurants in Dubai
1. Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes
Location: Jumeirah Al Naseem & Dubai Mall
Cuisine: American (Burgers & Shakes)
What to Expect:
Known for its over-the-top milkshakes and gourmet burgers, Black Tap is a must-visit for burger lovers. Their Truffle Burger is juicy and flavorful, while their signature Shakes are Instagram-worthy and indulgent.
2. The Cheesecake Factory
Location: The Dubai Mall & Mall of the Emirates
Cuisine: American
What to Expect:
With a huge menu featuring everything from burgers and pasta to seafood and salads, The Cheesecake Factory is a go-to for American comfort food. Their legendary cheesecakes, like the Oreo Dream Extreme, are a must-try.
3. Hard Rock Cafe Dubai
Location: Dubai Festival City Mall
Cuisine: American (Rock ‘n’ Roll Dining)
What to Expect:
A classic American dining experience with a rock music theme, Hard Rock Cafe serves up BBQ ribs, legendary burgers, and loaded nachos.
4. CLAW BBQ
Location: JBR, Pavilion at The Beach
Cuisine: Southern American BBQ
What to Expect:
If you love smoky, fall-off-the-bone ribs, CLAW BBQ is the place to be. Their menu includes slow-cooked brisket, crab buckets, and fried chicken, bringing authentic Southern flavors to Dubai.
5. Buffalo Wings & Rings
Location: DIFC & JLT
Cuisine: American (Sports Bar)
What to Expect:
This sports bar specializes in classic American-style wings with a variety of sauces from mild to extra hot. It’s a great spot for game nights and casual dining with friends.
Best African American & Soul Food Restaurants in Dubai
1. Soul Sistahs
Location: Business Bay, Dubai
Cuisine: African American (Soul Food)
What to Expect:
Soul Sistahs brings traditional Southern comfort food to Dubai with dishes like crispy fried chicken, creamy mac and cheese, and cornbread. The flavors are rich and soulful, reminiscent of home-style Southern cooking.
2. Big T’s BBQ
Location: Al Quoz, Dubai
Cuisine: Southern American BBQ
What to Expect:
Big T’s specializes in slow-smoked meats, including tender brisket, juicy ribs, and flavorful pulled pork. Their homemade BBQ sauces add an extra kick to every bite.
3. Black-Owned UAE (@blackowneduae)
Location: Various locations
Cuisine: Features Black-owned restaurants and caterers
What to Expect:
Black-Owned UAE highlights the best Black-owned restaurants in Dubai, offering soul food, African fusion, and Caribbean flavors. Follow them to discover more hidden gems and black foodie spots in the city.
Dubai is a city of diverse flavors, and whether you’re in the mood for West African jollof, smoky American BBQ, or Southern-style fried chicken, these restaurants have an authentic taste of home.
