Ad. Like many cities, Dubai is a city that is starting to take sustainability seriously. With an increasing focus on environmental conservation and responsible consumption, Dubai has seen a rise in sustainable restaurants that prioritise locally sourced ingredients, waste reduction, and eco-friendly practices. Let’s look at the top sustainable restaurants in Dubai, where you can indulge in delicious food while making a positive impact on the planet. You can also check out Square Meal UAE for some great Dubai restaurants.
1. BOCA: Embracing Local Ingredients and Zero Waste
BOCA, located in Gate Village 6, DIFC, is not just a Mediterranean restaurant but a sustainability champion. With a commitment to sourcing ingredients locally and supporting local farmers and fishermen, BOCA goes above and beyond to reduce waste and operate sustainably. In addition to hosting zero-waste dinners, BOCA has written a guide dedicated to Emirati produce, showcasing their dedication to promoting local flavours and reducing their carbon footprint. When you dine at BOCA, you can expect a menu that changes with the seasons, featuring dishes like local seabass ceviche and Emirati honey.
2. Cassette: Reducing Waste and Embracing Biodegradability
Cassette, situated in The Courtyard in Al Quoz, takes sustainability to the next level with its unparalleled approach to dining. This trendy eatery not only reduces waste but also embraces biodegradable materials. Their takeaway containers are made of 80% Bagasse, an efficient byproduct of the bioenergy sector, while their cassava-made straws and cups are entirely biodegradable, breaking down into carbon dioxide and water within six months. Cassette also prioritises working with local farms like New Leaf Herbs and Urban Fresh Local Produce to ensure the freshest and most sustainable ingredients for their dishes.
3. Folia: A Sustainable Start-Up Committed to Organic Recycling
Nestled in the Four Seasons Resort on Jumeirah Beach Road 2, Folia is not just a restaurant but a sustainability start-up with a passion for healthy cuisine. This unique eatery continuously explores new sustainability efforts, such as partnering with Tiny Footprint, the world’s first carbon-negative coffee company, to source organic and fair-trade coffee. Folia also prioritises the implementation of organic recycling in their coffee service, ensuring that they leave the smallest possible environmental footprint. When you dine at Folia, you can enjoy delicious and healthy cuisine in a serene botanical setting.
4. Hapi: A Commitment to Minimizing Food Wastage and Using Sustainable Packaging
Located in Al Khazzan Park, Hapi is a cafe that goes above and beyond to minimise food wastage and use sustainable packaging. All the cutlery, cups, and food tubs at Hapi are made from cornstarch, a biodegradable material. The cafe also sources packaging from Vegware, an environmentally friendly company based in the UK. Hapi has developed a Zero Waste Menu, where all dishes use food trimmings, ensuring that every ingredient is utilised to its fullest potential. By dining at Hapi, you can enjoy delicious meals while knowing that the cafe is committed to minimising its carbon footprint.
5. Lowe: A Sustainable Oasis with Vegetable Gardens and Eco-Friendly Packaging
Lowe, located in KOA Canvas, has become a renowned sustainable restaurant in Dubai, known for its vegetable gardens, eco-friendly packaging, and innovative use of kitchen scraps. This contemporary spot has been recognised as the most sustainable restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa, winning the Sustainable Restaurant Award by MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2022. Lowe’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its waste reduction efforts, such as using leftover peels in recipes and creating unique dishes like sourdough ice cream. When you dine at Lowe, you can expect a dining experience that combines sustainability with exceptional cuisine.
6. Ibn AlBahr Seafood Restaurant: A Sustainable Haven by the Beach
Ibn AlBahr Seafood Restaurant, located in Jumeirah Dubai, is a prime destination for seafood lovers who also value sustainability. This restaurant stands out not only for its remarkable aesthetic, situated on the beach amidst palm trees, but also for its commitment to serving fresh and responsibly sourced seafood. With a menu rich in dishes made from fresh fish, shrimps, and prawns, Ibn AlBahr ensures that every bite is both delicious and sustainable. The restaurant’s location at Club Vista Mare offers incredible waterfront views, allowing you to enjoy your meal while appreciating the beauty of Dubai’s coastline.
7. Amwaj Rotana: A Five-Star Hotel with an Award-Winning Dining Experience
Amwaj Rotana, a five-star hotel located on Al Sayorah Street, offers a dining experience that is both luxurious and sustainable. With elegant indoor and outdoor dining areas, this hotel is known for its premium buffet brunch, steakhouse, and afternoon tea service. The restaurant’s sophisticated culinary concepts and dynamic ambience make it a perfect place to indulge in unforgettable cuisine. Located just three miles away from Palm Jumeirah, Amwaj Rotana provides a convenient and sustainable dining option for both locals and tourists alike.
Dubai’s sustainable restaurants are leading the way in promoting eco-friendly practices and responsible consumption. Whether you choose to dine at BOCA, Cassette, Folia, Hapi, Lowe, Ibn AlBahr Seafood Restaurant, or Amwaj Rotana, you can enjoy delicious meals while making a positive impact on the environment. These restaurants prioritise locally sourced ingredients, reduce waste, and embrace sustainable packaging, ensuring that every dining experience is not only enjoyable but also sustainable. So, the next time you’re in Dubai, embark on a culinary journey and explore the city’s top sustainable restaurants.