Top 10 Best South African restaurants in Dubai
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What people like
Steak qualitySteaks are often praised for generous portions, careful grilling and strong flavour, including a perfectly medium South African tenderloin.
Ribs on orderThe restaurant cooks steak and ribs to order, and several diners describe the ribs as especially tender and tasty.
Grand Grill is a South African restaurant in Dubai Marina centred on grilled meats, with steaks and ribs drawing the most attention. Reviews also highlight relaxed brunches, Tuesday ladies’ night deals and outdoor seating overlooking the hotel grounds.
View full business page →TipAsk to see the steak cut before ordering: reviews mention several origins and price points, and one diner found an Australian rib-eye disappointing.
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What people like
Flame-Grilled ChickenChicken is repeatedly described as fresh, tender, juicy and perfectly grilled, including a well-done order that was brown rather than burnt.
Attentive ServiceSeveral reviews describe prompt, polite service, with staff checking orders and drinks without being intrusive.
Nando's Mall of the Emirates is a chicken restaurant in Al Barsha serving Portuguese-style, flame-grilled chicken with PERi-PERi marinades. Reviews point to breakfast, spicy chicken livers and newer espetada dishes, with a welcoming dine-in setting for families, post-movie meals or casual visits.
View full business page →TipVisit outside busy weekend or mid-afternoon periods if you want to reduce the chance of waiting for a table.
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What people like
Fountain viewsOutdoor tables can pair a meal with views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain.
Spicy sidesSpicy rice and peri-peri fries are specifically praised as satisfying accompaniments to the grilled chicken.
Nando’s Dubai Mall is a chicken restaurant in Downtown Dubai serving Portuguese-style, flame-grilled chicken with different PERi-PERi marinades. Reviews highlight the outdoor fountain and Burj Khalifa views, along with dishes such as espetada and chicken liver.
View full business page →TipAsk for an outdoor table if you want the fountain show and Burj Khalifa view, but expect crowds on weekend nights.
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What people like
BreakfastBreakfast is served warm and fresh in a cosy, inviting setting, making it a recurring reason to visit.
Family FriendlyOne family found the team patient and kind with a child, while another review describes a fun lunch with children.
Nando's Sheikh Zayed Road is an Afro-Portuguese chicken restaurant in Trade Centre, centred on flame-grilled peri-peri chicken with different heat levels. Reviews also point to breakfast, espetada and the hummus with chicken and pita bread as worthwhile orders.
View full business page →TipIf you are visiting in the morning, breakfast is a well-supported choice: one diner found it fresh, warm and well prepared.
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What people like
Helpful guidanceServers are praised for explaining the steak choices and recommending cuts and pairings without pressuring guests.
Birthday celebrationsBirthday and anniversary meals can include songs, congratulatory cakes or a lively South African-style performance.
The Meat Co. is a waterfront steakhouse in Al Sufouh, with a South African-inspired setting at Souk Madinat Jumeirah and seafood alongside its meat-focused menu. Reviews point to expertly cooked steaks, canal views and lively birthday celebrations with song and dance.
View full business page →TipMention coeliac or gluten-free needs when ordering, as gluten-free bread is available for the table if needed.
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What people like
Generous plattersSharing platters are repeatedly described as good value for groups, with one reviewer noting that the portions are large and not skimpy.
Sauce choiceA wide selection of sauces is available at the table without an extra charge, letting diners adjust the heat and flavour.
Nando’s City Centre Mirdif is a Portuguese-style, flame-grilled chicken restaurant in Mirdif, with PERi-PERi sauces and family-friendly meals. Reviews particularly point to its breakfast, generous sharing platters and standout espetada dishes, though consistency can vary during busy periods.
View full business page →TipTry visiting outside peak dinner or holiday periods: one guest waited 30 minutes for a table, while another found the branch busy at 8pm.
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What people like
Adjustable HeatChoose your preferred peri-peri spice level, from milder flavours through to extra hot.
Espetada HighlightThe Espetada is described as juicy, perfectly grilled and packed with classic peri-peri flavour.
Nando’s The Greens is an Afro-Portuguese chicken restaurant centred on flame-grilled peri-peri chicken, with adjustable heat levels. Reviews make it appealing for a relaxed meal in The Greens, especially if you want to try the Chicken Espetada or sit outdoors when the weather is comfortable.
View full business page →TipChoose your preferred spice level when ordering; the menu lets you control how spicy the meal is.
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What people like
Quiet settingThe restaurant can be calm and uncrowded, giving diners a comfortable place to talk over lunch or dinner.
Dietary helpOne reviewer with celiac disease received help putting together a gluten-free meal tailored to their needs.
Nando’s Ibn Battuta Mall is a chicken restaurant in Jebel Ali Village serving Portuguese-style, flame-grilled PERi-PERi dishes. Reviews particularly point to the Espetada and juicy PERi-PERi chicken, with a relaxed setting that works for family meals or casual celebrations.
View full business page →TipWhen ordering Espetada, say how tender and thoroughly cooked you want the chicken to avoid the dryness issue described in one review.
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