Dubai's best vegetarian restaurants

Specialising in food from the predominantly vegetarian Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, Rasoi Ghar offers a prix fixe menu that changes daily. Touches of Indian hospitality colour the home-style meal, which is made up of unlimited starters, a thali-style main course featuring different offerings on different days of the week and a selection of mouthwatering desserts. The best bit? Servers offer you a sample portion of every dish available that day, then keep your bowls full of your favourites until you're bursting at the seams.

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12-3:30pm and 7-11:30pm

Contact: +971 4 388 5711

Average price: AED100 for two people

You may not typically associate Mexican or Italian cuisines with vegetarianism, but this restaurant tucked away in Bur Dubai is set to redefine your perceptions. Originally from Mumbai, the concept uses molecular gastronomy techniques, seasonal ingredients and creative flair to offer a menu to tempt even the most committed carnivores. Highlights include spiced queso (Mexican cheese) and handmade ravioli, rolled fresh every day.

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12-3:30pm and 6:30-11:30pm

Contact: +971 4 393 1233

Average price: AED230 for two people

Priding itself on being one of only a handful of Dubai's sattvic restaurants – an Ayurvedic concept that refrains from using garlic and onions in cooking – My Govinda’s has an eclectic menu that includes a wide range of Indian specialities, as well as vegetarian twists on some Chinese and Italian favourites. The menu includes a good selection of low-calorie, high-protein, nutritious vegan and gluten-free options. The combination of quality ingredients and a lighter approach to cooking ensures that healthy doesn’t have to mean tasteless.

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:30am-11:30pm

Contact: +971 4 396 0088

Average price: AED165 for two people

A budget option with branches in Old Dubai, this restaurant serves up an unlimited vegetarian thali from around AED30 per person. Each comprises a platter of smaller silver bowls filled with different dishes. Allow servers to refill your plates with a colourful selection of curries including yellow dahl, chickpea curry and potato stir-fry. Scoop up the tantalising sauces with freshly-made bread, and activate your taste buds for more, including the restaurant's spicy snack chaat items.

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am-11:30pm

Contact: +971 4 323 6075

Average price: AED85 for two people

A veritable institution originally from Chennai in South India, this is now an international chain with a few branches across Dubai. Saravana Bhavan is a long-standing favourite, having developed a following for its inexpensive, fuss-free dishes. Fans of the typically tangy and spicy flavours of South India will love the authentic dosas (rice flour flatbreads) and idlis (savoury rice flour cakes) served in steel plates, in a basic, canteen-style environment.

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7am-11pm

Contact: +971 4 353 9955

Average price: AED115 for two people

This cute and cosy family-run restaurant near BurJuman mall whips up vegetarian plates with imaginative, home-approved culinary additions and Insta-worthy appeal. You can feel the owners' passion for food and hospitality in every bite, and even in their creatively-phrased menu. Warm up with a roasted pumpkin soup, stay for the vibrant beetroot risotto or gouda-laden macaroni, and end with a rosemary sponge cake topped with purple frosting made from a lavender infusion.

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:30am-11:30pm

Contact: +971 4 591 0441

Average price: AED180 for two people