01Modern Iraqi
YABA Modern Iraqi
4.65,285 reviews
A twist on Iraqi food where the meat melts in your mouth, the rice dishes explode with flavour and you get to try flavours you've never tried.
Curator guide/Hidden gems scout
Dubai’s Best-Kept Secrets: The ‘Anti Viral’ Guide
Curated by Sonia & Vishnu@transatlanticfoodies07 places · Dubai·Updated August 2026
@transatlanticfoodiesUCHI · pick 03
Hidden gems scout
Under the radar, over-delivering.
The overhyped spots skipped in favour of character.
Who are Sonia & Vishnu?
A husband-and-wife duo.
“Every recommendation is somewhere we've personally visited and loved.”
A collection of our favourite under-the-radar cafés, restaurants and experiences across the city. We've skipped the overhyped spots in favour of places with character, incredible food and the kind of atmosphere that keeps us coming back.
Sonia & Vishnu·Hidden gems scout
About Sonia & Vishnu
We're Sonia & Vishnu, a husband-and-wife duo who have spent years exploring restaurants, cafés and hidden corners across the world. Every recommendation is somewhere we've personally visited and loved, chosen for quality, atmosphere and the story behind it - not because it's gone viral.
The places
02Coffee boutique
Mokha 1450 Coffee Boutique
4.6514 reviews
The perfect spot for a coffee connoisseur. Charming decor, an incredible coffee collection and wonderful staff that are passionate about coffee in all its forms!
03Japanese-Med counter
UCHI
4.8456 reviews
Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine collide in this wonderful, small and chic restaurant. The low fi vibe, the counter seating and the delicious small bites will you having coming back for more!
04Vietnamese street food
Chôm Chôm
4.8148 reviews
Hands down our favourite Vietnamese spot in the city. Inspired by its street food culture, you'll find an incredible selection in this casual yet refined spot.
05Chocolate atelier
Chocolate Molecule
4.9264 reviews
The pastry game here is unmatched. Perfect if you're in Al Wasl when you're craving something sweet - thanks to their cakes, pastries and chocolate focused menu.
06Cevichería
Fusion Ceviche
4.71,137 reviews
This spot takes you straight to Latin America - with its great buzzy vibe, and excellent fish and ceviche based dishes that find the perfect balance between tangy, sour and fresh.
Order this
- Ceviche
07Bakehouse
BRĒD Bakehouse
4.6223 reviews
The new(ish) bakery is the only reason we come to Mall of the Emirates. From its gianduja rolls to its labneh pastries and fresh sourdough - the woman founded, Middle Eastern inspired bakery keeps us coming back for more.
Order this
- Gianduja rolls
- Labneh pastries
- Fresh sourdough
Keep up with Sonia & Vishnu
“Every recommendation is somewhere we've personally visited and loved - not because it's gone viral.”
Sonia & VishnuHidden gems scout · Moqa curator
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