Where to Eat in Ajman

Ajman may be the UAE’s smallest emirate but its restaurant scene punches above its size. The city’s large South Asian workforce means there are excellent Indian and Pakistani restaurants at very affordable prices, and its Gulf coast position means fresh seafood is a real option rather than an afterthought. The fact that Ajman — unlike neighbouring Sharjah — permits alcohol gives its hotel restaurants a more varied beverage list, which draws visitors from across the northern emirates for evening dining.

Budget Eating (AED 15–45/person)

Indian restaurants near the Gold Souk: The streets around Ajman’s gold souk have a cluster of South Indian and North Indian restaurants serving some of the best-value food in the UAE. Kerala fish curry, biryani, various biryanis, and vegetarian thalis run approximately AED 20–35 for a full meal.

Al Baik, multiple locations: A much-loved Saudi fried chicken chain that has expanded into the UAE. Crispy fried chicken, shrimp, and rice combinations from approximately AED 20–30 per person. Particularly popular with families.

Shawarma row, city centre: Ajman’s central commercial area has numerous shawarma and falafel stalls with wraps from AED 5–12. Good quality across most stalls; the competition in this city is fierce enough to maintain standards.

Al Mawaid Restaurant: A popular local institution for Pakistani cooking. The karahi gosht (lamb in a wok-style spiced sauce) is particularly good. Full meal approximately AED 25–40 per person. Popular at lunch with the working population of the area.

Seafood (AED 50–120/person)

Ajman’s fish market — near the creek — is one of the most active in the northern emirates. Several restaurants within walking distance source directly from it.

Fish House Restaurant, Ajman Corniche: A straightforward but reliable seafood restaurant serving Gulf fish grilled or fried with rice and salad. Whole hammour (grouper) for approximately AED 50–70 per person. Clean and busy, which is usually a good sign.

Al Ain Restaurant, near the fish market: A local favourite with a no-frills setup and very fresh fish. The kingfish fillet grilled with spiced rice costs around AED 45–55 per person. Arrive early — the best fish sells out.

Emirates Fish Restaurant: Serves a broader menu including prawn dishes and calamari alongside the standard whole-fish options. Around AED 60–90 per person. Popular with families on weekends.

Lebanese and Middle Eastern (AED 50–110/person)

Al Bahar Restaurant: Lebanese grills and mezze in a comfortable setting. The mixed grill — comprising several types of skewered and charcoal-cooked meats — is around AED 90–110 for two people with mezze. Good flatbread baked fresh throughout service.

Automatic Restaurant, Ajman: Part of the reliable Lebanese chain. Mezze and grills from approximately AED 50–80 per person. Familiar quality with good consistency.

Karam Beirut Ajman: A Lebanese restaurant well regarded by residents for its garlic sauce and grilled chicken. The mixed mezze to start and a whole grilled chicken to share runs approximately AED 80–100 for two people.

Hotel Restaurants with Alcohol

Ajman’s status as a licensed emirate means its hotel restaurants can serve alcohol, attracting visitors from dry Sharjah next door.

Dhow Restaurant, Ajman Saray (Upscale, from AED 200/person): The Ajman Saray is the most upscale hotel in the emirate — a Luxury Collection property on the beach. Its main restaurant has an international menu with a strong Emirati and regional element. Good for a special evening. The beach setting is the best dining location in Ajman.

Fairways Restaurant, Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche (Mid-range, AED 120–170/person): A hotel restaurant with solid cooking and full bar service. The sea views from the corniche-facing tables are pleasant in the evening. International menu — not groundbreaking but reliable.

Cinnamon Restaurant, Ramada Hotel Ajman (Mid-range, AED 100–150/person): The Ramada is mid-range and the restaurant is correspondingly unpretentious. Good for groups wanting a sit-down meal with drinks in a straightforward setting. Buffet and à la carte both available.

Cafés and Sweets

Karak chai stalls throughout the city: Spiced milk tea at AED 3–5. A cultural staple — you will find stalls near every souk, market, and commercial street. The chai near the Ajman fish market in the early morning is worth stopping for.

Bateel Café: A premium date and chocolate shop with café seating. The Arabic sweets — date-filled pastries, qahwah cake — are good. Expect to spend AED 30–60 for coffee and pastries. The quality is reliably high.

Indian sweet shops, Gold Souk area: Mithai (South Asian sweets) shops selling fresh barfi, halwa, and ladoo at very low prices. AED 20–30 per kilogram is typical. Good for snacking and gifts.

Practical Notes

• Unlike Sharjah, Ajman is not dry — hotel bars and licensed restaurants serve alcohol
• Most budget restaurants are cash-preferred; hotel restaurants accept cards
• The fish market is most active from 05:30 to 09:00 — if visiting for the market experience, go early
• During Ramadan, city restaurants outside hotels may be closed during daylight hours; hotel restaurants remain open year-round for non-fasting guests

For more on the city, see our full Ajman guide.

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GetYourGuide lists tours and experiences in the Ajman area.

See Also

• Things to do in Ajman
• Where to stay in Ajman
• Sharjah vs Ajman: which to visit
• UAE food guide — Emirati cuisine explained
• Where to eat in Sharjah
• Day trips from Dubai