Far from the familiar landscapes of Russia, amidst the skyscrapers and sandy horizons of Dubai, you might unexpectedly find yourself transported to your grandmother’s kitchen. A steaming bowl of hearty borscht sits on the table, pancakes with sour cream are served nearby, and a familiar melody strums softly on a guitar.

These are the Russian restaurants of Dubai — culinary sanctuaries where expats and food lovers from around the world gather to enjoy traditional flavours and the warm, soulful spirit of a Russian feast.

Today, Dubai is home to a growing number of Russian dining spots — from cosy, Slavic-style cafés to fashionable restaurant-lounges offering live entertainment. Slavic cuisine has confidently claimed its place on the emirate’s gastronomic map, serving not only beloved national dishes but also a sense of heartfelt hospitality that rivals what you’d find back home.

Babushka, Slavic Cuisine Restaurant in Dubai

Russian food is no longer a rarity in Dubai. Talented chefs from Russia and the CIS have brought their skills to the emirate, opening both branches of renowned Moscow restaurants and unique, independent venues with a creative flair.

As a result, the city now boasts a vibrant collection of places where you can enjoy Slavic cuisine — from time-honoured classics to modern reinterpretations. You’ll find everything from kholodets (meat aspic) and lazy dumplings to inventive twists like lobster-filled vareniki or seafood-infused Olivier salad.

These restaurants attract not only Russian-speaking expats but also curious locals and international foodies. What draws them in is the distinctive character of Russian food — its richness, comforting heartiness, and the undeniable taste of nostalgia.

As many visitors put it — “it feels just like home: comforting food, a warm welcome, and heartfelt conversations.”

Babushka is often called the “most authentically Slavic” restaurant in the city — not just for its menu, but for the unmistakable spirit of nostalgia that’s hard to fake. At the same time, it warmly welcomes an international audience. The menu is fully translated into English, and the flavours are approachable even for those who’ve never tried Slavic cuisine before.

Whether you’re a homesick expat or a curious traveller, you’ll feel right at home.

And when evening falls… well, as the Russian saying goes, “when grandma goes to bed, the party begins!”

Upstairs, Babushka features a lively bar that hosts themed parties, live music, and karaoke nights. On Fridays, it transforms into a cosy “flat concert” — a Russian-style acoustic evening with guitar and accordion, where guests join in with familiar songs. Once a week, the restaurant hosts soulful karaoke sessions featuring favourites from the 1980s and ’90s.

This unique blend of comfort, culture, and entertainment has earned Babushka a top rating and a firm spot among Dubai’s best-loved Slavic dining spots.

The Babushka menu blends nostalgic recipes with creative presentation — from classic borscht with beef cheeks to a refreshing okroshka reimagined with prosecco.

Babushka | Modern Grandma’s Cuisine is a relatively new addition to Dubai’s dining scene, yet it has already become something of a cult favourite. Located in JBR (Pavilion at The Beach), this Slavic-style restaurant invites guests into a setting that feels like home — more specifically, your grandmother’s home.

Step inside and you’ll find vintage sideboards, a genuine 1930s wooden window frame brought in from Russia, and a warm, nostalgic décor that includes floral curtains, hand-painted porcelain plates, a classic gramophone, and soft melodies from decades past playing gently in the background.

On the menu: tender veal tongue in a creamy sauce, homemade mors (berry juice) made from northern berries, and even signature infused vodkas.

Russian food is known for its richness, variety, and comforting heartiness. Below are just a few traditional dishes that are well worth trying when visiting our restaurant in Dubai:

Borscht. Topping the list is this iconic beetroot soup, served hot with sour cream and fresh herbs. In Dubai’s warm climate, a steaming bowl of borscht may feel almost exotic — yet both locals and tourists are often surprised by how much they enjoy it. At Babushka, the dish is elevated with beef cheeks, adding depth and richness to the broth.

Pelmeni & Vareniki. These delicate dough parcels filled with savoury or sweet ingredients are true stars of Slavic cuisine. Classic Siberian pelmeni — filled with beef and pork and served with sour cream or a splash of vinegar — win over even first-time tasters. As for vareniki (similar to dumplings, often filled with potato, mushrooms, or cherries), Dubai’s restaurants get creative — think lobster vareniki or truffle-infused fillings in fusion-style menus. Still, the traditional versions, such as pelmeni in broth or potato-filled vareniki, remain perennial favourites.

Slavic Starters & Salads. No Russian feast is complete without a spread of starters — especially when paired with a chilled shot of infused vodka. Popular appetisers include pickled cucumbers, lightly salted herring, and marinated mushrooms. Salads like Olivier (a rich potato and meat salad) and Herring under a Fur Coat (layered beetroot and herring salad) are staples of Russian festive tables — and surprisingly popular abroad. Many Russian eateries in Dubai serve these classics year-round, and they consistently rank among the most ordered dishes.

Hearty Mains. Among the hot mains, you’ll find Chicken Kiev — crispy on the outside, with aromatic butter oozing from the centre — and Beef Stroganoff, tender beef strips in a creamy mustard sauce, typically served with mashed potatoes. Also featured are skewers of marinated grilled meat — a nod to shashlik, a Caucasian speciality that’s become a staple in Slavic cuisine.

Desserts & Drinks. For those with a sweet tooth, Slavic cuisine offers simple yet heartfelt treats. Medovik — a delicate honey cake layered with sour cream — has found fans far beyond Russia’s borders. Syrniki, fluffy cottage cheese pancakes, are perfect for breakfast or dessert. At Babushka, you’ll find their signature berry medovik and classic syrniki served with jam. To drink, many restaurants offer mors (a chilled berry drink), kvas (a fermented bread drink), and sbiten (a warm, spiced honey beverage). For a cosy finale, enjoy a cup of samovar-brewed tea with mint or fragrant herbs.

From nostalgic cafés to show-filled lounges, Russian restaurants in Dubai come in many flavours. Here are three standout spots — each offering a unique take on Slavic dining:

Babushka

JBR (Pavilion at The Beach)

Palm Jumeirah (The Pointe)

JBR и Damac Hills

Chalet Berezka

Suvoroff

Homely atmosphere inspired by a grandmother’s kitchen; traditional dishes with modern presentation; live music, karaoke, and intimate acoustic evenings

Russian-style restaurant-lounge with live performances, music, and dancing; a mix of classic and signature chef’s recipes

Traditional Russian restaurant with a retro feel; home-style menu with modern twists; ideal for relaxed family gatherings

Whether it’s a lively dinner with music and dancing or a quiet meal that evokes the warmth of home, each of these restaurants carries a piece of the Russian soul. And perhaps nowhere is that spirit more meaningful than in multicultural Dubai — where people from dozens of nationalities gather around one table to savour the comfort, flavour, and heartfelt hospitality of Slavic cuisine.