Heard about this place before we visited Dubai and decided to check it out after a walk through Old Dubai. We came here for dinner, and what an experience! This place is a true institution. Don't expect fancy decor; the charm here is in its history. The walls are covered in photos of people from all over the world, and there's a fantastic, bustling energy. We ordered a mixed platter, and the kebabs were incredible. The joujeh kabab was tender and a huge hit with our kids. The kabab koobideh was packed with flavour. We also added a side of the salad shirazi, which was nice and fresh and the garlic sauce is an absolute must-get – it takes everything to the next level!

We visited the restaurant and we are not disappointed on the quality of grilled meats they served. When we seated, the staffs are really attentive seeing we are family and friends coming in. We ordered mixed grill with lots of side dishes and they served it very efficient and fast. The staff is really attentive checking if we needed something else. After the meal they gave us tea and there’s also some dates. We will definitely coming back to this place inviting other friends to try.

World famous for celebrities visits and their photos framed inside this restaurant.
Currency of various countries are placed under the glass tops of tables and other miscellaneous articles of semi vintage status adorn the walls of this restaurant. The owner sits at the entrance welcoming guests and guiding them to sit inside or guide towards the adjoining space meant for familiy seating.
The menu is simple and limited with all details shared with pictures describing the dishes. We had already eaten a bit at other places where by we could only eat a limited amount of food hence ordered the following:
Hummus - 4.5/5
Excellent preparation with the texture being creamy and flavorful with garlic paste & olive oil. Recommended
Ustad special kebab mix for 1 person - 3.5/5
A good representation of their kebabs though one of them was a little sour due to curd marination. Came with salad, cucumber yoghurt & roti.
Falafel - 3.5/5
Service is polite and attentive. There is a continuous flow of customers, so the restaurant is busy at all times.
Overall, it was a good experience, which is great from a tourist perspective.
Decent but nothing extraordinary.

Al Ustad Special Kebab is a true Dubai institution — one of the city’s oldest and most beloved Persian restaurants, with a legacy that spans decades. Stepping inside feels like walking through a living piece of Dubai’s culinary history — the walls lined with memories, photos, and the unmistakable aroma of freshly grilled kebabs filling the air. The family run place still offers the charming help and attentiveness from the owners.

The food here is nothing short of legendary. Their yoghurt-marinated kebabs are melt-in-your-mouth tender, perfectly charred, and full of flavour — the kind of dish that keeps you coming back time and again. The saffron rice and crispy tahdig (the golden crust at the bottom of the rice) are simply divine — a must-try for anyone who appreciates authentic Persian cooking.

Beyond the incredible food, what truly makes Al Ustad special is the warmth of the people. The family behind the restaurant has served generations of locals, expats, and tourists with genuine hospitality and heart.

If you want to taste the soul of old Dubai — delicious, honest food served with tradition and love — Al Ustad Kebab is the place to go.

Today I ate at this world famous restaurant and it was really good. I enjoyed the mixed kebab meal for 1 and also ordered more of the other kebabs. All of them had unique flavours and were fresh and juicy. Also ordered the baklava which was not that sweet and ate it with my tea at home. The whole meal including a coke zero, extra salad and garlic paste came to 131 aed which is 27 pounds and I ate to my hearts content and will return again when I visit Dubai again in the future. I loved the bbq chicken and yoghurt chicken the best.