Is Eating Out in Dubai Expensive? A No-Nonsense Guide for Escorts

Tons of people hear "Dubai" and picture gold-plated burgers, bills as long as your arm, and insane restaurant prices. But here’s the thing—eating out isn’t always a bank-breaker unless you want it to be.

Some meals cost less than a cup of coffee back in London or Paris. Other spots play up the glitz and you’ll pay for every minute of that waterfront view. The real question is: how much is a regular dinner, and when do the costs get wild?

Dubai’s got everything—shawarma stands selling wraps for AED 10 (about $2.70), malls packed with food courts, and places where a steak costs more than your plane ticket. What you spend totally depends on the vibe you’re going for and who’s picking up the tab.

• How Much Does a Meal Really Cost?
• Fine Dining vs. Budget Eats
• Hidden Gems and Street Eats
• Tips for Saving Money While Dining Out
• What Escorts Should Know About Dubai Dining

How Much Does a Meal Really Cost?

People always ask if eating out in Dubai is pricey. Here’s the lowdown—Dubai has both ends of the spectrum. So, if you’re curious about actual numbers, check these averages from 2024:

That’s a big range. A quick bite at a food court barely dents your wallet. If you’re treating yourself after a long day, a meal at a sit-down restaurant can be reasonable or steep depending on how fancy it gets. You can get a full meal for two at a casual spot for about AED 120 ($33) total—nothing crazy. But at the most famous places (think Burj Khalifa or Atlantis), you’ll fork out AED 1000+ ($270) easily for two.

Another thing—brunch is huge in Dubai. It sounds harmless but an all-you-can-eat deal at a good hotel can cost AED 250–600 ($68–$163) per person, especially if you add drinks. People go wild for these weekend blowouts, so keep it in mind if your clients suggest one.

Everyday shopping malls are packed with cheap places: Indian, Filipino, Arab, Chinese—you name it. These spots are made for quick, tasty meals and often end up being the best-kept secret for keeping your Dubai cost of living low.

Fine Dining vs. Budget Eats

When it comes to eating out in Dubai, you’ve got a wild range. Want to impress? There are fancy restaurants where dinner for two can easily climb above AED 1,000 (almost $270). Places like Zuma, Pierchic, or Nobu are all about big-name chefs, fancy service, and settings that beg for a few Instagram stories. Even a regular cocktail in these spots costs around AED 70 ($19), and a steak can cost AED 250 or more.

On the flip side, Dubai is heaven if you love tasty food that won’t empty your wallet. You’ll find shawarma stands, Indian cafeterias, and Asian diners that locals swear by. A filling meal in a budget eatery usually goes for AED 20 to AED 50 ($5 to $13). It’s not hard to survive on less than AED 100 ($27) a day if you stick to these places.

Here’s a quick side-by-side to show the gap:

Sneaky tip: If you’re meeting someone in the escort in Dubai scene, most clients love upscale but aren’t always set on it. Lots of the city’s affordable restaurants have amazing food and tons of character. Don’t be shy to suggest a cool budget spot if you know your guest. Many escorts save a ton by eating local before a night out or grabbing early bird deals at more expensive locations.

The bottom line? You decide whether you’re splurging or saving. No matter your budget, Dubai restaurant prices are all over the map. Learn the spots that fit your vibe so you can get the best for your buck (and maybe still have cash left for dessert!).

Hidden Gems and Street Eats

If you’re worried about eating out in Dubai draining your wallet, you need to hit up the city’s small joints and street food spots. They’re where you’ll find good deals and local flavors. Al Mallah in Satwa, for example, serves a mean chicken shawarma for under AED 10, and places like Ravi Restaurant in Satwa or Karachi Darbar in Deira let you eat plenty for less than AED 35 a person.

Late-night cravings? Most cafeterias in Deira and Bur Dubai stay open round-the-clock. You’ll see people from every corner of the world lining up for their favorites: stuff like manakish, falafel, or biryani that won’t cost more than a couple coins. If you want something super cheap and fast, the food court at Karama Centre has samosas for AED 2, and nobody’s judging you for grabbing three.

"Dubai’s food scene isn’t just luxury brunches and champagne dinners. The most authentic meals are often found off the main street and for less than the price of a cup of coffee," said Samantha Wood, founder of food blog FooDiva.

Want even more proof? Here’s a quick rundown of classic street eats and what you’ll pay:

If you’re working as an escort in Dubai, it pays to know these cheap hotspots. You can eat quick, authentic food and save your AED for big nights out or business expenses. Plus, chowing down at these places with someone local shows you know the real Dubai scene, beyond just expensive rooftop sushi.

One last tip: Friday night, expect the best spots to be packed. Locals, expats, tired workers, and literally everyone swarm the good kebab and shawarma shops. Go earlier or late to skip the queue, and don’t stress about dress codes—jeans and trainers are totally fine here.

Tips for Saving Money While Dining Out

If you want to eat out in Dubai without blowing your budget, you don’t have to live on instant noodles. There are tons of easy ways to eat well and keep more cash in your wallet. Here’s what actually works:

• Check the lunch deals. Loads of restaurants—especially in business areas—offer set menus at lunchtime for much less than dinner prices. You can get a nice meal for AED 40–80 ($11–22), instead of double that at night.
• Try food courts and cafeteria chains. Places like Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall have everything from Asian noodles to Lebanese kebabs. It’s quick, cheap, and there’s no shame in it—locals eat here too. Shawarmas and biryanis often cost under AED 20 ($5).
• Skip drinks and fancy extras. Juices, coffees, and bottled water add up fast. Tap water is safe and free in most spots; ask for it instead.
• Snag discounts on apps. Download The Entertainer, Zomato Pro, or Privilee. The Entertainer gives 2-for-1 on mains and drinks at major restaurants, so everyone—from escorts to office workers—uses it.
• Go local for bigger portions on the cheap. Pakistani, Indian, and Filipino restaurants are everywhere. You can get a full plate of food for under AED 25 ($7), and portions are usually huge—leftovers for later!

Dubai is also full of daily happy hours. It’s not just on drinks—sometimes snacks and sharing plates get slashed in price from 4pm to 8pm. Ask the staff, since they’re usually happy to point you to the cheapest way to fill up.

Just remember, some places hit you with big service charges (10–15%), so double-check your bill before you pay. And don’t get tricked into buying ‘designer water’—regular water is free if you ask.

What Escorts Should Know About Dubai Dining

If you work as an escort in Dubai, knowing how eating out really works can save you a ton of stress—and money. First, here’s the deal: Dubai’s food scene is huge, but it’s not all flashy and overpriced. You’ve got options. Loads of them. Whether you’re grabbing food solo, heading out with a client, or planning a chill meal between bookings, it helps to know the rules and the vibe.

Let’s get real about the basic facts:

• Dubai is strict about alcohol. Most normal restaurants don’t serve booze. Alcohol is only available in hotel bars or licensed spots, and prices are way higher than back home. If a client wants drinks with dinner, check the venue before you go.
• Public displays of affection in Dubai restaurants are a no-go. Even holding hands can get you stares or even a warning. Best to keep it subtle.
• Dress code matters in some places, especially fancy restaurants or hotel lounges. Short skirts and low tops are common in nightlife, but for restaurants, most spots expect you to cover shoulders and knees. Don’t risk being refused entry.

No one likes a surprise bill. Here’s what average meal costs look like, whether you’re eating alone or out on a guest’s tab:

Gratuity is sneaky here. Most restaurant bills include a service charge, but it doesn’t always go to the server. If the service is great, leaving a bit extra (around 10%) in cash is the norm, and always appreciated.

• Dubai restaurant prices jump fast when you add starters, drinks, or desserts. Some places even charge for water by default. Check your bill before you pay.
• If you're invited by a client, let them decide where to eat, but always look up the menu and prices online—almost every place in Dubai has one. No one likes an awkward surprise over a tiny sushi plate that costs more than your last grocery shop.
• Timing matters. Late-night food options in Dubai do exist (think shawarma after midnight), but lots of restaurants close before 11pm, especially on weekdays.

If you want a more private or quiet setting, many hotel restaurants offer booths or separate dining areas—useful for discreet meetings or if you don’t want to be seen.

Last tip: A lot of delivery apps like Talabat and Zomato work great in Dubai if you want a meal delivered to your hotel or apartment. Sometimes, prices are lower if you order online. It’s handy and cuts down on travel time—especially if you’re juggling work and self-care.