11 Places To Go As A Vegetarian and Meat-Eating Couple in Dubai

You know what they say, opposites attract! But when you're a vegetarian/vegan and your significant other eats meat (or vice versa), it can often be difficult to agree on where to eat. Suddenly, a romantic date night or a spontaneous brunch turns into an anxiety-inducing process of compromise, checking menus online and crossing your fingers.

From casual to fancy and across all types of cuisine, we've rounded up 11 Dubai restaurants where a herbivore and carnivore couple can go out on a date and celebrate their differences.

1.  The Rib Room - to tell them you think you'd 'meat' them again in another life.

Image: @jumeirahzs

Despite the blatant meatiness of the name, The Rib Room organises its menu into categories that contain some incredibly decent vegetarian options. While your significant other peruses  "From The Sea", "From The Smoker", "From The Ranch" etc, you should be looking under "From The Garden", "From The Pantry", "From The Wild" and "From The Earth" for more veggie hidden gems than a steak house normally offers! Ground Floor, Jumeirah Emirates Towers. (04) 432 3232.

2. Muchachas - to 'taco' about just how much you love them.

Image: @_muchachas_

Muchachas is the probably the most hipster place in Dubai right now. And the Mexican catina not only has a decor that's a treat for the eyes, it's got a fantastically vegetarian-friendly menu. Share a plate of nachos with guacamole to start then when your love goes for whatever meaty main they want, you won't be disappointed by the delectable (vegan!) tacos or super cheesy vegetarian quesadilla. Holiday Inn Express Safa Park, Al Safa (04) 327 5878.

3.  Skye and Walker - to let them know they're 'egg'-sactly what you want.

Image: @skyeandwalker

Glancing at the healthy-focused cafe, tucked away in the heart of Deira, you'd think it was entirely vegetarian until you notice there are actually a couple of meat-y dishes. Finally - somewhere where vegetarian is the majority. They serve up all-day breakfast specialities, low-calorie build-your-own pizzas, salads, and entirely vegan dishes that are are pretty guilt-free. Marriott Executive Apartments, Baniyas, Deira. (04) 275 9046.

4. Al Maeda - to tell them that you 'fala'-fell in love with them.

This Arabic JBR restaurant promises to serve up the "flavors of Levant blended into traditional dishes with a modern touch" and it does not fail to deliver. While they of course serve an extensive range of traditional meat dishes from the grill, they also have hot and cold vegetarian mezze that will blow everyone's mind as well as not one, not two, but three different falafel platters. Double Tree by Hilton, JBR. 055 166 8092.

5. La Parilla - to let them know you'd only share your food with them.

Image: @laparrilladubai

While this South American grill frequently makes the list when comparing Dubai's best steakhouses, there are loads of vegetarian options hiding on its menu! Three of the six tapas options are veggie (what a lovely 50/50 split for you to enjoy on date night) and there's more winning vegetarian options to be found across the menu. Happy days for everyone. Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Road. (04) 432 3232

6. Brunswick Sports Club - to tell them you're only 'grill'-ty of adoring them.

Image: _brunswicksc_

If it's a casual burger and a beer that you want to grab, check out our list of the best veggie burgers in Dubai or head down to Brunswick Sports Club. Run by the guys who brought us The Sum Of Us and Tom&Serg, this trendy pub serves up a whole load of veggie and non-veggie finger food (from cheesy mac bites and cheesier nachos to buffalo chicken wings) and while they only have one veggie burger on their list, trust us, that's the only one they need! Sheraton, Mall of the Emirates. 056 404 0685. 

7.  Marina Social - to let them know they got the 'pesto' your love.

Image: @dxbinmyshoes

British Chef Jason Atherton believes that 15%-20% of his client base are vegetarian and his Dubai restaurant caters to this number. The result is a separate vegetarian menu dedicated entirely to the veggies with an impressive spread of hot and cold starts, pastas and risottos and sourdough pizzas that easily compare with the selection found in the meat-eating menu. Intercontinental, Dubai Marina. (04) 446 6664. 

8. Casa De Tapas - to tell them 'Te amo'.

Image: @casadetapasdxb

This Spanish gem has a 2-for-1 paella deal all day on Saturdays and guess what? There's a vegetarian paella option! On top of that, the tapas menu is very nicely evenly split between veggie and non-veggie tapas dishes so you can share a few and keep a few to yourself - the best way to enjoy tapas!

9. Moshi - Momo and Sushi - to tell them "You make 'miso' happy!".

Image: @moshiuae

Calling all sushi fans! When you and your significant other have a craving for sushi but you don't want to end up in one of those sushi places that thinks sushi without fish is blasphemy (Did you know that sushi just means 'vinegar rice'? No fish necessary) Each section of their extensive menu is broken up into 'veg' and 'non-veg'  with some seriously wacky additions - there's even a falafel nigiri!! We're really impressed with the creativity and abundance of vegetarian sushi options. 2 13A St, Barsha. 800 66744.

10. Miss Lily's - to let them know you never think they're a 'jerk'.

Image: @misslilysdxb

This downtown Jamaican restaurant specializes in jerk cooking, from pork and chicken to salmon and prawns, and yet impressively manages to also cater to vegans and vegetarians. We recommend you share the starter (the jerk corn is delicious) then go your separate ways when it comes to mains. Then maybe meet back up for dessert - if you have space. Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road. (04) 454 4073. 

11. Garden - to let them know they're very a'peel'ing.

Image: @gardenxb

This Peruvian hotspot has a menu boasting all the traditional ingredients especially the (super trendy) purple potatoes, quinoa and, of course, the meat. They have a really cool outdoor seating area as well as a dance area for later in the evening. JW Marriot Marquis, 056 224 0956.