Underrated spots in Dubai: where students go for the best food

Moving to Dubai as a student, you quickly realise one thing: this city is obsessed with food. From five-star dining to street-side cafeterias, the options are overwhelming.

But after a few months of university life, you start to see past the big chains and tourist traps. You find the places where the real food is.

Here are 10 underrated spots you need to try.

1. Hugo’s Argentinian Grill

Tucked away in Jumeirah 3, this spot is humble, cosy, and authentically Argentinian. You wouldn’t expect some of the best meat in the city to come from such a low-key location, but the quality speaks for itself. Rumour has it that Fazza (Sheikh Hamdan) himself is a fan, and if it’s good enough for the Crown Prince, it’s definitely good enough for us.

• Best for: A celebratory dinner after handing in a big assignment
• Order this: The steaks are incredible, but the Grill Platter is a winner if you’re sharing
• The bill: AED 60-120 (a treat, but worth it)
• Location: Jumeirah 3

2. Daddy’s Burger

In a city full of burger hype, Daddy’s focuses on flavour over gimmicks. It channels a retro diner vibe without trying too hard. Warning: Do not wear a white shirt here. I made the mistake of going before a group presentation and barely saved my outfit. These burgers are juicy, messy, and glorious.

• Best for: A Friday night cheat meal that hits the spot
• Order this: The Brisket Burger - it melts in your mouth
• The bill: AED 40-60

3. Maxzi the Good Food Shop

This one feels like a secret discovery. Tucked inside the Al Shafar Investment Building in the industrial area of Al Quoz, Maxzi is actually a butcher shop that cooks what they sell. The result? Unmatched freshness. It’s the perfect spot when you want fresh high-quality food that doesn’t feel like ‘diet food’.

• Best for: A post-gym refuel or a healthy lunch
• Order this: Steak and Eggs for protein or the Bacon Burger for lunch
• The bill: AED 50-80

4. Pull Me Pizzeria

Artisan pizza in Dubai can get ridiculously expensive, but Pull Me offers that high-end, sourdough-style crust without making your wallet cry. It’s a massive step up from the big delivery chains. It’s a small spot, so we usually grab our boxes to go and eat in the car or a nearby park.

• Best for: A quick, high-quality dinner when you’re tired of cooking
• Order this: The signature 'Pull Me' Pizza
• The bill: AED 35-50
• Location: Al Barsha / JLT

5. Around the Block

While it’s a known spot, Around the Block is often overlooked as a study location. The aesthetic is clean and modern, which somehow helps clear my brain when I’m stuck on a coding problem. It’s buzzy, so it’s perfect if you like a bit of background energy while you work.

• Best for: Social studying or group project meetups
• Order this: The Cream Top Americano - the perfect caffeine kick with a smooth finish
• The bill: AED 25-45
• Location: Wasl 51

6. Haas

If Jumeirah is the land of loud, busy cafés, Haas is the sanctuary. It’s the ultimate ‘bunker’. It has a calm, minimalist aesthetic that forces you to focus. It’s known for being quiet, making it the best place on this list for deep reading or serious revision.

• Best for: Exam season cramming and solo work
• Order this: A V60 Pour-over - precise, smooth, and keeps you alert
• The bill: AED 25-40
• Location: Jumeirah Beach Road

7. Hidden

The name doesn't lie. Located out in the Al Qudra desert, getting here is an adventure in itself. Escaping the city skyscrapers to sip coffee surrounded by sand dunes is a vibe you can’t get anywhere else. It’s the perfect antidote to exam stress.

• Best for: Clearing your head at sunset or a late-night drive
• Order this: Any of their signature coffees - the view makes it taste better
• The bill: AED 30-50
• Location: Al Qudra / Desert

8. Bait Al Shay

The unsung hero of student life. It’s open late, it’s incredibly cheap, and the food hits the spot every single time. If you’re stretching your budget at the end of the month, this place is your saviour. You can have a full meal here for the price of a latte elsewhere.

• Best for: Late-night snacks and budget dining
• Order this: Karak Tea and an Oman Chips Paratha - iconic
• The bill: AED 5-20
• Location: Multiple branches

9. Unwind Café

Sometimes you need to get off your phone and actually talk to people (or yell at them over a game of Monopoly). Unwind is a dedicated board game café with over 800 games. The staff are great at recommending new games if you’re tired of the classics.

• Best for: Group hangouts where you want an activity
• Order this: Milkshakes - surprisingly good while you play
• The bill: AED 40-70
• Location: Hessa Street

10. Temple

A texture lover’s dream. Temple has a unique concept where they blend actual desserts, like brownies, cookies, or cakes, directly into the ice cream right in front of you. It’s not just a topping; it’s fully integrated into the scoop.

• Best for: A sweet treat to end the night
• Order this: The Cereal Killer blend
• The bill: AED 25-40
• Location: Jumeirah