Dubai has become a global food hub, and food delivery apps are now essential for residents and tourists alike. From gourmet dining to local takeout, you can order almost anything with a few taps on your phone.
In this updated 2025 guide, we’ll review the best food delivery apps in Dubai, compare their features, payment methods, and highlight what makes each app unique.
Why Use Food Delivery Apps in Dubai?
Dubai is a city that never slows down. Between long working hours, heavy traffic, and the city’s diverse food culture, food delivery apps have become a natural part of everyday life. They don’t just make ordering food easier. They also open doors to variety, savings, and safer dining. Here’s why they’re so valuable in 2025:
Convenience and Speed
- Time-saving: Instead of cooking, calling restaurants, or waiting in long queues, people in Dubai can now order food online with just a few taps. This is especially useful for busy professionals, students, and families who want meals delivered quickly without the hassle.
- Real-time tracking: Most major food delivery apps in Dubai (like Talabat, Deliveroo, and Careem) provide GPS order tracking, so customers can follow their meal from confirmation to the doorstep. This creates a sense of reliability and transparency.
- Advanced ordering: Some platforms, such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo, allow customers to schedule deliveries in advance. This feature is great for meal planning, office lunches, and family gatherings, making the process more flexible and stress-free.
Variety and Selection
- Vast restaurant networks: Dubai’s leading online food delivery services give users access to thousands of restaurants, ranging from fast food chains and budget eateries to luxury fine dining.
- Culinary diversity: Thanks to Dubai’s multicultural community, apps showcase an incredible mix of global cuisines Indian, Pakistani, Lebanese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and Emirati food are all just a tap away.
- Healthy options: Many platforms also focus on healthy food delivery. Services like Eat Clean ME, Kcal, and meal plan apps provide calorie-controlled meals, vegan dishes, and fresh salads for health-conscious consumers.
Deals and Cost-Effectiveness
- Frequent discounts and promotions: Food delivery apps UAE are famous for their daily deals, coupon codes, and buy-one-get-one offers, which make them attractive to students and families.
- Value for money: Apps such as Careem Food highlight affordable bundles like the “Meals: ON” feature, helping budget-conscious users find cheap meal deals in Dubai.
- Free delivery subscriptions: Services like Deliveroo Plus and Careem Plus offer monthly memberships that include unlimited free delivery from partner restaurants, which leads to significant savings for frequent users.
Enhanced Customer Experience
- Simplified payments: Today’s apps support multiple secure payment methods, including credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and even cash on delivery for those who prefer traditional options.
- Customizable orders: Customers can easily personalize their meals by adding notes, removing ingredients, or requesting special cooking instructions, perfect for people with dietary needs.
- Feedback and reviews: Most Dubai food apps feature user ratings and restaurant reviews, helping customers choose the best restaurants in Dubai for delivery. Reading other people’s experiences builds trust and improves satisfaction.
Which is the Best Food Delivery App in Dubai?
With so many choices available, it can be hard to decide which food delivery app in Dubai is the best. Some are known for wide restaurant networks, while others focus on speed, discounts, or healthy meal plans. To make it easier, here’s a quick list of the most popular and reliable apps people use in Dubai today.
List of Best Food Delivery Apps in Dubai (2025)
- RestroFood (For own ordering & delivery system)
- FoodBook (For own ordering & delivery system)
- Talabat
- Deliveroo
- Careem (Careem Food)
- Noon Food
- InstaShop
- Smiles (by Etisalat)
- EatEasy
- Carriage
10 Best Food Delivery Apps in Dubai (2025)
1. RestroFood ( For Own Ordering & Delivery System)
RestroFood isn’t a third-party delivery app like Talabat or Deliveroo. Instead, it’s a powerful online ordering and delivery system designed for restaurants that want to manage their own orders, deliveries, and customer relationships without paying high commissions. It’s a perfect choice for restaurant owners in Dubai looking to keep full control of their business while offering customers a smooth ordering experience.
With RestroFood, restaurants can:
- Accept direct online orders without relying on aggregators.
- Offer real-time order tracking for delivery and takeaway.
- Manage multiple branches, zones, and delivery fees easily.
- Use integrated POS, dine-in ordering, and invoice printing.
- Accept secure payments via card, cash, or digital wallets.
Other Exciting Services
Here’s why RestroFood is an essential tool for Dubai restaurants:
- Commission-free system – keep more profit from every order.
- Restaurant branding – run your own ordering website and mobile app.
- Full control – manage menu updates, delivery times, and promotions.
- Seamless customer experience – give diners the convenience of an app, but directly with your restaurant.
RestroFood has more related addons like:
- Restaurant Point Of Sale (POS)
- Restaurant Multibranch
- Restaurant Multi Delivery Fees
- Restaurant Automatic Order Invoice Printing
- Free In-Restaurant Orders Addon
- Free Restaurant Tips Addon
So, if you’re a restaurant owner in Dubai looking to grow your business with your own food delivery system, RestroFood is the perfect solution.
2. FoodBook (For Own Ordering & Delivery System)
FoodBook is a complete online ordering and delivery solution made for restaurants to manage their own delivery system without depending on third-party apps. It gives restaurant owners in Dubai full control over orders, menus, and customer relationships, helping them save on commissions and boost profits.
With FoodBook, restaurants can:
- Set up their own ordering website and mobile app.
- Accept direct online orders without paying aggregator fees.
- Manage multiple branches and delivery areas.
- Provide real-time order tracking to customers.
- Handle dine-in, takeaway, and delivery in one system.
Other Exciting Services
- Commission-free ordering – maximize restaurant profits.
- Custom branding – keep your restaurant identity strong.
- Advanced features – delivery fee settings, POS integration, and multi-branch support.
- Better customer loyalty – build direct relationships with diners.
So, if you’re a restaurant owner in Dubai looking for an independent way to grow your food business, FoodBook is an excellent choice.
3. Talabat
Talabat is the most popular and budget-friendly food delivery app in Dubai. Known for its huge restaurant network and affordable deals, Talabat makes it easy for customers to order food, groceries, pet supplies, coffee, flowers, skincare, and more, all in one app.
With Talabat, you can:
- Indulge in a world of cuisines, from Middle Eastern shawarma to Italian pasta, sushi, and desserts.
- Browse, order, and track your meals in a few taps.
- Pay easily with debit cards, credit cards, digital wallets, or cash on delivery.
- Save money using promo codes, coupons, and discount vouchers.
- Reorder your favorite meals with just one click.
Other Exciting Services
- Largest online food delivery platform in the region.
- Over 70,000+ restaurant partners to choose from.
- Affordable delivery charges with frequent promotions.
- Free delivery available from selected restaurants.
- Option to order groceries and pharmacy items directly.
Talabat continues to be the go-to food delivery app in the UAE, trusted by millions of users.
4. Deliveroo
Deliveroo is one of Dubai’s top choices for premium and gourmet food delivery. Known for its fast service and curated restaurant selection, Deliveroo connects customers with some of the city’s finest dining spots.
With Deliveroo, you can:
- Access exclusive restaurants available only on Deliveroo.
- Get fast delivery and accurate GPS order tracking.
- Subscribe to Deliveroo Plus for unlimited free deliveries.
- Enjoy personalized suggestions based on your tastes.
- Place group orders easily with friends or family.
Other Exciting Services
- Scheduled ordering – plan your meals.
- Multiple payment methods – cards, wallets, or cash.
- Premium dining experience – fine dining delivered to your home.
- Reliable service – high customer satisfaction ratings in Dubai.
Deliveroo is the perfect choice if you want fast delivery from high-quality restaurants.
5. Careem
Careem is more than just a ride-hailing app, it has grown into a super app with services that include rides, groceries, and food delivery. With Careem Food, you can order meals from top restaurants across Dubai while also managing your daily needs.
With Careem Food, you can:
- Enjoy a Careem Plus membership with free deliveries and discounts.
- Order food, groceries, and daily essentials from one app.
- Switch easily between rides, deliveries, and food orders.
- Pay securely via card, wallet, or cash.
- Access thousands of local and international restaurant menus.
Other Exciting Services
- Subscription savings – Careem Plus saves regular users money.
- Fast and reliable delivery service.
- Multi-service platform – rides, food, groceries, and pharmacy in one app.
- Special discounts for new and loyal users.
Careem is ideal if you’re looking for a multi-purpose app that covers food and more.
6. Noon Food
Noon Food is part of Noon, the UAE’s popular e-commerce platform. Known for shopping and electronics, Noon has expanded into food delivery, offering customers a wide range of restaurants with seamless integration into the Noon app.
With Noon Food, you can:
- Get free delivery if you are a Noon One subscriber.
- Order meals, snacks, and drinks along with your shopping.
- Discover new restaurants and local favorites.
- Track orders live within the Noon app.
- Pay securely using cards or wallets.
Other Exciting Services
- All-in-one shopping & food app – groceries, electronics, and meals together.
- Exclusive member deals for Noon One users.
- Growing list of restaurant partners across Dubai.
- Simple and user-friendly interface.
Noon Food is perfect for people who already use Noon and want food delivered too.
7. InstaShop
InstaShop began as a grocery delivery app but has expanded into food, snacks, and everyday essentials. It’s especially popular for those who want to order both meals and groceries at the same time.
With InstaShop, you can:
- Order fresh groceries, meals, and daily items in one app.
- Shop from supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants.
- Get deliveries within 30–60 minutes in most Dubai areas.
- Save time with quick reordering and favorites.
- Pay via card, wallet, or cash on delivery.
Other Exciting Services
- All-in-one delivery app for food + groceries.
- Pharmacy and household essentials available.
- Fast delivery network across the UAE.
- Reliable and easy-to-use platform.
InstaShop is perfect for those who want groceries and food delivered quickly.
8. Smiles (by Etisalat)
Smiles is a unique loyalty and rewards app by Etisalat that also offers food delivery. It is popular among budget-conscious users who want discounts and cashback while ordering meals.
With Smiles, you can:
- Order food from partner restaurants.
- Enjoy cashback rewards and points.
- Use daily promo codes and discounts.
- Access dining vouchers and bundle deals.
- Redeem Smiles points for free food and offers.
Other Exciting Services
- Cashback-based system – save money while eating.
- Exclusive vouchers for members.
- Food + lifestyle app – beyond just meals.
- Affordable dining for families and students.
Smiles is the best option for saving money while ordering food in Dubai.
9. EatEasy
EatEasy is a growing platform in the UAE that offers food, groceries, and pharmacy delivery. It is known for its affordability and convenience, making it a good choice for everyday use.
With EatEasy, you can:
- Order food from a wide selection of restaurants.
- Shop for groceries and essentials in one app.
- Pay easily via multiple methods.
- Track your order in real time.
- Find budget-friendly meal options.
Other Exciting Services
- Multi-category platform – food, groceries, and pharmacy items.
- Low delivery fees compared to big players.
- Special promotions for regular users.
- Supports multiple languages for better accessibility.
EatEasy is ideal if you want a budget-friendly delivery app in Dubai.
10. Carriage
Carriage is known for its quick and efficient delivery service across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. While smaller compared to Talabat or Deliveroo, it has built a loyal base of users who love its speed.
With Carriage, you can:
- Browse a wide range of local restaurants.
- Get fast delivery, often under an hour.
- Track your order in real time.
- Pay securely with different payment options.
- Reorder meals with ease.
Other Exciting Services
- Focus on fast delivery – great for busy schedules.
- User-friendly app with easy navigation.
- Reliable service in major UAE cities.
- Affordable pricing with promotions.
Carriage is a great choice if you want quick food delivery without delays.
Boost Your Restaurant Business with RestroFood
For restaurant owners in Dubai and across the UAE, using the right technology is key to growth. RestroFood is an all-in-one online food ordering and delivery system built specifically for restaurants. It helps you set up and manage your own ordering platform without any coding skills, giving you complete control over your business.
With RestroFood, you can:
- Accept online orders directly from your customers without paying high commissions to third-party apps.
- Offer real-time order tracking, takeaway, dine-in, and delivery options.
- Manage multiple branches, menus, and delivery zones from one dashboard.
- Use powerful add-ons like POS integration, invoice printing, and tips management.
- Provide customers with a smooth ordering experience using secure payments (card, wallet, or cash on delivery).
Whether you want to grow your restaurant’s digital presence, increase profit margins, or build your own food delivery system in Dubai, RestroFood is the perfect solution to take your restaurant business to the next level.
Payment Methods for Food Delivery Apps in Dubai
When ordering through food delivery apps in Dubai, customers get the benefit of flexible and secure payment options. Whether you prefer cash or cashless food delivery, these platforms ensure a smooth and trustworthy checkout experience.
1. Credit & Debit Cards
Most popular online food ordering apps in the UAE, such as Talabat, Deliveroo, and Careem Food, support payments via Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Card payments are quick, safe, and widely accepted, making them the top choice for frequent users.
2. Digital Wallets
With the rise of contactless delivery in Dubai, mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay have become standard options. They allow fast, one-tap transactions and are perfect for users who prefer digital payments in the UAE.
3. Cash on Delivery (COD)
Despite the push toward digital, many customers in Dubai still prefer cash on delivery. Food apps like EatEasy, Smiles, and Carriage allow users to pay in cash once their order arrives, making it a convenient choice for those who don’t use cards or mobile wallets.
4. In-App Wallets & Rewards
Apps such as Careem Food and Smiles by Etisalat feature in-app wallets and reward systems. Users can top up their balance, earn cashback points, or redeem vouchers, creating a more cost-effective online food ordering experience.
5. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)
E-commerce-linked platforms like Noon Food are beginning to offer BNPL services through providers like Tabby and Tamara. This gives customers more flexibility to order meals today and pay later in installments, a growing trend in Dubai’s food delivery market.
In summary, Dubai food apps provide every type of secure transaction method, from cash on delivery to digital wallets and BNPL. This flexibility ensures that food ordering in Dubai is not only convenient but also safe, cashless, and customer-friendly.
Tips for Ordering Food in Dubai
- Read reviews & ratings to pick trusted restaurants on food delivery apps in Dubai.
- Use promo codes and discounts on Talabat, Careem, or Deliveroo to save money.
- Order in bulk to cut delivery fees and make meals more cost-effective.
- Avoid peak hours (lunch/dinner rush) for faster delivery.
- Choose cashless food delivery with Apple Pay or Google Pay for safety.
- Try scheduled orders on Deliveroo or Careem Food to plan meals..
👉 These tips make online food ordering in Dubai easier, safer, and more budget-friendly.
Food Delivery vs. Dining Out in Dubai
Both food delivery and dining out have their perks. Depending on your mood, schedule, or the occasion, one option might suit you better than the other.
Aspect | Food Delivery | Dining Out |
---|---|---|
Convenience | It can be more expensive with service fees | Medium – Requires travel and wait time |
Cost | Usually cheaper (no tips, travel, parking) | Can be more expensive with service fees |
Experience | Comfortable at home | Better ambiance and social interaction |
Food Variety | Wide range via apps | Limited to the restaurant’s menu |
Wait Time | Delivery delays possible | Faster service during non-peak hours |
Future of Food Delivery in Dubai
Dubai is a global leader in adopting new technology, and the future of food delivery here looks exciting. Over the next few years, customers can expect:
- Drone deliveries – Companies are already testing drone food delivery in Dubai, which will reduce road traffic and cut delivery times dramatically.
- AI-powered recommendations – Food apps will use artificial intelligence to suggest meals based on your preferences, past orders, and even the time of day.
- Personalized nutrition plans – Expect more apps offering healthy meal plans, calorie tracking, and customized diets delivered to your doorstep.
- Voice ordering & smart devices – Integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and smart fridges will make food ordering hands-free.
- Sustainability focus – Eco-friendly packaging, green delivery bikes, and carbon-neutral services will become more common.
- All-in-one super apps – Apps like Careem and Noon will keep expanding, letting you order food, groceries, and daily essentials all in one place.
👉 The future of food delivery in Dubai promises to be faster, smarter, and more personalized, offering customers not just meals but complete lifestyle convenience.
Final Thoughts
While apps like Talabat, Deliveroo, and Careem dominate food delivery for customers in Dubai, the smartest choice for restaurants is RestroFood. As a commission-free own ordering and delivery system, it gives restaurants full control, higher profits, and direct customer connections. With a free plan and a Personal plan at just $75, RestroFood is the most affordable and sustainable way to grow your food delivery business in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top food delivery companies in Dubai?
Dubai boasts a vibrant food scene, and with it comes a thriving food delivery market. Here are the top food delivery companies in Dubai:
- RestroFood (For own ordering & delivery system)
- FoodBook (For own ordering & delivery system)
- Talabat
- Deliveroo
- Careem (Careem Food)
- Noon Food
- InstaShop
- Smiles (by Etisalat)
- EatEasy
- Carriage
Which is the Cheapest Food Delivery System in Dubai, UAE?
The cheapest food delivery system in Dubai, UAE, for restaurants is RestroFood. Unlike third-party delivery apps that charge high commissions on every order, RestroFood allows restaurant owners to run their own ordering and delivery system at a fraction of the cost. It provides all the tools needed to accept direct online orders, manage multiple branches, track deliveries in real time, and process secure payments, while letting restaurants keep full control over their menu, pricing, and promotions. RestroFood offers a free plan for businesses that want to get started without upfront costs, and its Personal plan is just $75, making it one of the most affordable and sustainable food delivery solutions in the UAE. For restaurant owners who want to maximize profits and reduce dependency on third-party apps, RestroFood is by far the most cost-effective choice.
Which is the Best Food Delivery Company in Dubai, UAE?
For restaurant owners, the best food delivery system in Dubai is RestroFood. It’s a commission-free online ordering and delivery platform that lets restaurants run their own branded system. With plans starting at $75 and even a free plan available, RestroFood is the most affordable and sustainable way for restaurants in the UAE to manage food delivery while keeping full control of profits and customer relationships.
How does RestroFood differ from other food delivery apps?
RestroFood stands out with its commission-free model, ensuring restaurants earn more while providing customers with exclusive discounts and deals.
Can I track my order with food delivery apps in Dubai?
Yes, most food delivery apps in Dubai, including RestroFood, offer real-time tracking so you can monitor your order from preparation to delivery.