Dining Alone in Dubai: 14 Restaurants Perfect for Solo Meals

Published On: February 15, 2026

Dining Alone in Dubai: 14 Restaurants Perfect for Solo Meals

Eating out alone might sound intimidating, but it’s far easier—and more enjoyable—than you might think. Many Time Out editors actually love dining solo, appreciating the freedom to order exactly what they want, skip small talk, and even ask for the bill without waiting for anyone else.

It’s not just us—solo dining is becoming increasingly popular in Dubai. With more people living alone and busy schedules making it harder to coordinate with friends, taking yourself out for a meal has become a normal and enjoyable experience.

If anything, many diners find it refreshing to eat alone, savor their food at their own pace, and enjoy a moment of calm in a busy city. Here’s a guide to some of the best restaurants in Dubai for solo dining, perfect for treating yourself to a little “me-time.”

1. Café Isan

Cuisine: Thai | Location: JLT, Armada Avenue Hotel | Hours: Sun-Tue noon–midnight, Wed-Thu noon–1am, Fri-Sat noon–2am

With its Thai street-stall vibe, Café Isan offers a fun and relaxed solo dining experience. Plastic chairs, stacked crates, and exposed lighting create a playful atmosphere. Grab a terrace table, order a couple of small dishes, and enjoy the friendly staff who will chat if you’re in the mood. Eating alone here can actually help you get a table faster during busy hours.

2. IchiRyu Ramen House

Cuisine: Japanese | Location: Wasl Ports | Hours: Mon-Thu 11am–midnight, Fri-Sat 11am–1am, Sun 10am–midnight

Step into a world inspired by anime and Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing. IchiRyu Ramen House introduced “Bocchi Seki” (lonely seats) in the UAE, perfect for slurping ramen in peace. Run by three Filipino brothers, including one trained in Japan, it’s a haven for solo diners craving authentic ramen.

3. Fusion Ceviche

Cuisine: Peruvian | Location: JLT, Saba Tower | Hours: Daily 11am–11pm

Fusion Ceviche is ideal for first-timers to Peruvian cuisine. The colorful décor, ceviche bar, and window seating make solo dining comfortable and fun. Don’t miss signature dishes like ceviches and pulpo anticuchero.

4. FZN by Björn Frantzén

Cuisine: Nordic-Japanese Fusion | Location: Atlantis The Palm | Hours: Tue-Sat 7pm–1am

Named Time Out Dubai’s Restaurant of the Year, FZN offers a nine-course tasting menu in an intimate 27-seat space. The open kitchen allows diners to interact with chefs while enjoying dishes like duck barbecue with yuzu and turbot with wagyu. Ideal for a solo dinner where focus is entirely on food.

5. Jun’s

Cuisine: Progressive American-Asian | Location: Downtown Dubai | Hours: Daily noon–3.30pm & 5.30pm–2am

Jun’s is a minimalist, multi-concept space with a bar, terrace, and restaurant. Chef Kelvin Cheung combines local farm ingredients with Chinese heritage to craft flavors that shine, letting solo diners fully enjoy the culinary experience.

6. Kinoya

Cuisine: Japanese Izakaya | Location: The Greens, Tower 2, The Onyx | Hours: Tue-Sun noon–1am

Kinoya is perfect for solo ramen lovers. Sit at the ramen bar and watch chefs prepare dishes in action. Shareable starters like karaage, gyoza, robata, and nigiri can also be ordered solo, making it a flavorful experience for one.

7. Kokoro Handroll Bar

Cuisine: Sushi | Location: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz | Hours: Wed-Sun noon until sushi is sold out

Dubai’s first handroll bar is ideal for a quick solo lunch or dinner. High chairs at the bar make it comfortable to enjoy freshly made sushi without the pressure of sharing a table.

8. Long Teng Seafood Restaurant

Cuisine: Chinese Seafood | Location: Business Bay, U-bora Towers | Hours: Sun-Fri noon–midnight, Sat 11.30am–midnight

Find a quiet table with Downtown Dubai views and enjoy small plates for one. Affordable prices make it perfect for sampling multiple dishes solo.

9. Mama’esh

Cuisine: Palestinian | Location: Al Manara | Hours: Sat-Thu 7am–1am, Fri 7am–1.15pm & 1.45pm–1am

A casual, budget-friendly spot specializing in manakish and fatayer. Solo diners can enjoy a peaceful morning breakfast before the weekend rush or grab a late snack without the crowds.

10. Mythos Kouzina & Grill

Cuisine: Greek | Location: JLT, Armada Avenue Hotel | Hours: Daily 12.30–3.45pm & 6–11.30pm

This cozy taverna offers classic Greek seafood dishes, making it ideal for a solo lunch or midweek dinner. Intimate seating ensures a relaxed dining experience.

11. Orfali Bros Bistro

Cuisine: Middle Eastern | Location: Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah | Hours: Daily noon–midnight

Celebrity chef Mohamad Orfali’s restaurant focuses on creative Middle Eastern dishes. The chef-led tasting menu is perfect for mindful solo dining.

12. San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles

Cuisine: Northern Chinese | Location: JLT, Cluster F | Hours: Unlicensed, Daily

Known as Dubai’s best budget restaurant, San Wan offers handmade noodles and chicken wontons. Solo diners can watch the chefs pull noodles while enjoying authentic Shaanxi cuisine.

13. Teible

Cuisine: Café / Bakery | Location: Jaddaf Waterfront, Jameel Arts Centre | Hours: 10am–6pm & 7–10pm

Teible combines art, sustainability, and gastronomy. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer Creek views, making it perfect for working on a laptop or reading while enjoying pastries and coffee alone.

14. Time Out Market Dubai

Cuisine: Multi-cuisine | Location: Downtown Dubai, Souk Al Bahar | Hours: Mon-Thu noon–midnight, Fri noon–1am, Sat 10am–1am, Sun 10am–midnight

This curated food hall offers 17 different concessions, communal tables, and options for solo diners. Try three to four dishes and enjoy the variety without needing company.

Dubai proves that dining alone can be fun, relaxing, and rewarding. Whether you’re in the mood for ramen, seafood, Peruvian ceviche, or a luxurious tasting menu, there’s a solo dining spot for every mood and budget.

FAQs: Solo Dining in Dubai

A: Yes! Dubai is very safe for solo diners, and many restaurants welcome individuals dining alone with comfortable seating and friendly staff.

A: Top spots include Café Isan, IchiRyu Ramen House, Fusion Ceviche, FZN by Björn Frantzén, Jun’s, Kinoya, and Time Out Market Dubai. These places offer relaxed seating, bar counters, or small tables perfect for one.

A: Absolutely. Restaurants like FZN by Björn Frantzén and Orfali Bros Bistro provide tasting menus or chef-led experiences designed to be enjoyed individually.

A: Yes! Budget-friendly options like Mama’esh, San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles, and Mythos Kouzina & Grill make solo dining easy, affordable, and fun.

A: Choose a spot with bar seating or a small table, order dishes you love, bring a book or laptop if you like, and enjoy the freedom of eating at your own pace without interruptions.