Aseelah

Top choice in Deira


With its mix of traditional and modern Emirati cuisine, this stylish restaurant ticks all the boxes. Many dishes feature a local spice mix called bezar (containing cumin, fennel, cinnamon and dried chillies), including the date-stuffed chicken leg and camel stew. To go the whole, well, goat, order ouzi, an entire animal filled with legumes and nuts, slow-cooked for 24 hours.

Snag a table on the terrace for sublime Creek views.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Deira attractions

1. Al Seef

0.3 MILES

In the early 1900s this historical area was Dubai's trading hub, during a period when the pearl diving industry was being developed. Stretching some 1.8km…

2. Museum of Illusions

0.36 MILES

Opened in September 2018, this museum is fast becoming a favourite for families and Instagram fans, with several of the 'illusions' frankly looking a lot…

3. National Bank of Dubai

0.38 MILES

In 2007 the National Bank of Dubai merged with Emirates Bank to form Emirates NBD, but its headquarters remains in this shimmering landmark overlooking…

4. Naif Market

0.57 MILES

The historic Naif Souq was burned down in 2008 and replaced by this mall-style version, albeit fronted by arabesque arches. It is especially popular with…

6. Coffee Museum

0.66 MILES

This cute private museum in a historic Emirati home offers an aromatic bean-based journey around the world and back in time. Learn about the importance of…

7. Majlis Gallery

0.67 MILES

Dubai's oldest fine-art gallery was founded in 1989 by British expat Alison Collins and presents mainly paintings and sculpture by international artists…

8. Al Fahidi Historic District

0.68 MILES

Traffic fades to a quiet hum in the labyrinthine lanes of this nicely restored heritage area formerly known as the Bastakiya Quarter. Its narrow walking…