New Delhi, Jan. 23 -- Dubai is a food lover's playground. A restaurant calls out from almost every corner-Emirati, Iranian, Indian, Filipino, Levantine and European, sometimes all on the same street. With nearly 85% of its population made up of expatriates, Dubai's food culture mirrors the world itself.

With no-frills, hole-in-the-wall spots, mid-range cafes fuelling the brunch culture, and Michelin-starred restaurants defining its global standing, Dubai caters to every appetite and budget. On a recent trip, a local at a community table joked it would take 75 years to eat your way through Dubai-and it didn't feel like an exaggeration. This guide moves between the everyday and the occasional splurge.

While Dubai's chef-led fine dining of...