The best ouzi in Dubai is the Emirati ghuzi at Al Fanar — a whole slow-roast lamb shoulder over spiced rice with nuts and raisins, meant for sharing. For a Syrian take, Aroos Damascus does an excellent ouzi with peas and minced lamb. Both are best pre-ordered a day ahead for a group.
Ouzi in Dubai at a glance
| Restaurant | Area | Price for two | Signature dish | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe#1 | Festival City (& branches) | AED 180 | Emirati ghuzi (ouzi) | ★★★★★ 4.6 |
| Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant#2 | Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai | AED 150 | Ouzi platter | ★★★★★ 4.9 |
| Aroos Damascus#3 | Al Muraqqabat, Deira | AED 120 | Syrian ouzi | ★★★★☆ 4.3 |
| Bait Al Mandi#4 | Al Muraqqabat, Deira | AED 90 | Lamb ouzi / madfoon | ★★★★☆ 4.1 |
Prices are our most recent in-person estimates for two people before drinks. Last verified July 2026.
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
The reference point for Emirati ouzi in Dubai. Al Fanar recreates a 1960s Dubai setting and serves ghuzi (AED 95 for the sharing platter) — slow-roast lamb shoulder over rice studded with fried nuts and raisins, fragrant with loomi and cardamom.
It is the most polished, most reliable place to try the dish, with branches at Festival City, Dubai Mall and elsewhere. Pair it with balaleet and a karak. First-timers to Emirati food should start here; see the Emirati cuisine guide for more.
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
Set in a restored wind-tower house in the Al Fahidi historical district, Al Khayma pairs Emirati home cooking with the prettiest courtyard on this list. The ouzi (around AED 85) is generous and deeply spiced, and the setting makes it a genuine occasion.
Its 4.9 rating is among the highest of any Emirati restaurant in the city. Come at dusk, sit in the courtyard, and order the ouzi with a spread of mezze. It’s a short walk from the Dubai Museum — pair with the Bur Dubai guide.
Aroos Damascus
A Deira institution since the 1980s, Aroos Damascus does the Levantine version of ouzi: spiced rice with minced lamb, peas and toasted nuts, sometimes wrapped in thin bread. At around AED 45 a plate it is the value entry here.
The mezze spread is enormous and the grills are excellent, so build the ouzi into a wider Syrian feast. It is buzzy and family-heavy on weekend evenings — go with a crowd. More options in the Arabic & Lebanese guide.
Bait Al Mandi
Better known for mandi, this Deira favourite also turns out a big-value lamb ouzi over fragrant rice. Two can eat heavily for under AED 90, which makes it the budget feast of the group.
No-frills, communal, and fast — this is everyday ouzi rather than an occasion. If you like it, our best mandi in Dubai guide compares seven houses nearby.
Ouzi, ghuzi or quzi? They’re the same idea spelled differently: a whole or large cut of lamb, slow-roasted until falling apart, served over a mountain of spiced rice with fried nuts and raisins. The Emirati and Gulf version (ghuzi) is a celebration centrepiece; the Levantine version (Syrian ouzi) is smaller, often wrapped in filo. For the big roast-lamb platter, call the restaurant 24 hours ahead and specify how many you’re feeding.
Where can you find ouzi in Dubai?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ouzi?
Ouzi (also spelled ghuzi or quzi) is a Middle Eastern celebration dish of whole or large-cut lamb slow-roasted until tender, served over spiced rice with fried nuts and raisins. Gulf and Emirati versions are large sharing platters; the Syrian version is smaller, mixed with peas and minced lamb and sometimes wrapped in filo.
Where is the best ouzi in Dubai?
Al Fanar serves the best Emirati ghuzi in Dubai, while Aroos Damascus in Deira does the best Syrian-style ouzi. Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant in Al Fahidi offers the most atmospheric setting.
Do I need to order ouzi in advance?
For the large whole-lamb Emirati ghuzi platter, yes — call the restaurant 24 hours ahead and specify your group size. The smaller Syrian ouzi and plated portions are usually available without pre-ordering.
How much does ouzi cost in Dubai?
A plated portion runs about AED 40–95 depending on the restaurant, so two people typically spend AED 90–180 including sides and drinks. Whole-lamb ghuzi platters for a group are priced separately.
What's the difference between ouzi and mandi?
Ouzi (ghuzi) is roasted lamb served over rice mixed with nuts and raisins, while mandi is meat cooked in a pit or oven and served over separately-cooked smoky rice. Several Deira restaurants, like Bait Al Mandi, serve both.
Related Guides
Keep exploring: the Emirati cuisine guide, our best mandi in Dubai comparison, and the best restaurants in Dubai overall.