Opening a restaurant or café in Dubai is exciting, but the fit-out is usually the single biggest cost before your doors open. Two restaurants of the same size can have very different fit-out budgets, depending on the concept, the condition of the unit and the approvals involved. This guide explains what really drives restaurant fit-out cost in Dubai, so you can plan a realistic budget before you sign a lease.
What is included in a restaurant fit-out?
A restaurant fit-out turns an empty unit (often handed over as “shell and core”) into a finished, licensed venue ready to trade. A typical design and build fit-out covers:
- Interior design, 3D visuals and technical drawings
- Authority approvals (Dubai Municipality food safety, Civil Defence, DEWA and the mall or landlord)
- Partitions, ceilings, flooring and wall finishes
- MEP works: air-conditioning, kitchen exhaust and fresh air, drainage, grease traps, electrical and lighting
- Fire alarm and fire-fighting systems
- Custom joinery: counters, bar, banquettes, shelving and display units
- Kitchen layout coordination with your equipment supplier
- Loose furniture, signage and final handover
7 factors that drive restaurant fit-out cost in Dubai
1. Size and layout of the unit
Cost is usually estimated per square foot, but smaller units often cost more per square foot because the kitchen, toilets and services take up a bigger share of the space. Open-plan layouts with fewer partitions are generally more economical than venues with private dining rooms, mezzanines or several levels.
2. Condition of the space at handover
A shell and core unit needs everything built from scratch, including MEP. A second-generation restaurant space that already has a kitchen exhaust, grease trap and drainage in the right place can save a large part of the budget, but only if the existing services suit your new layout and pass inspection.
3. The kitchen and MEP works
The kitchen drives restaurant costs more than anything guests see. Kitchen exhaust, make-up air, gas, drainage, grease traps and higher electrical loads all add up, and DEWA may need to approve extra power. A café serving drinks and pastries needs far less than a full grill or Asian wok kitchen. Read more in our guide on why MEP works are critical in any fit-out project.
4. Concept, finishes and joinery
Statement ceilings, feature lighting, natural stone, fluted timber and bespoke bars create memorable spaces, but each one adds cost. Custom joinery is often where a restaurant’s identity comes to life, so it is worth investing in the pieces guests notice most and keeping back-of-house finishes practical. Working with a contractor that has its own joinery workshop gives you more control over quality and lead times.
5. Location and approvals
Malls, hotels and master-planned communities have their own design guidelines, working hours and inspection rules. Fit-outs in places like The Dubai Mall, City Centre malls or waterfront promenades usually need more coordination, night work and landlord approvals than a street-front unit. Free zones also have their own authorities, so it pays to confirm the approval route early.
6. Programme and opening date
A tight opening date can mean overtime, night shifts and faster material choices, all of which increase cost. Allowing realistic time for design and approvals keeps the build phase smooth and protects your budget.
7. Furniture, equipment and signage
Loose furniture, kitchen equipment, audio-visual systems and signage are sometimes priced separately from the fit-out. Ask early which items are included in your quotation so you can compare like for like.
How to keep your restaurant fit-out on budget
- Fix the concept and menu before design starts. The menu decides the kitchen, and the kitchen decides much of the cost.
- Check the unit’s existing services before you sign the lease. Ask your fit-out contractor to visit the site with you.
- Choose a design and build contractor. One team handling design, approvals, MEP and joinery means fewer gaps between consultants and contractors.
- Ask for an itemised quotation. It makes it easier to see where the money goes and to value-engineer without losing the concept. See our tips on how to read and understand fit-out contractor quotes.
- Keep a contingency. Unexpected site conditions and authority comments are common, so plan a reserve for them.
Restaurant and café fit-outs by Aujan Interiors
Aujan Interiors has delivered restaurant, café and F&B fit-outs across Dubai and the UAE, including Bedrock at Pier 7, Dubai Marina (4,600 sq.ft), The 9th Cut in Al Barsha (7,000 sq.ft), Mezza House in Downtown Dubai (5,706 sq.ft) and Joud Coffee at West Yas Plaza, Abu Dhabi (1,300 sq.ft). With in-house design, MEP and joinery, we manage your project from concept to handover. You can see more in our F&B projects.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a restaurant fit-out take in Dubai?
It depends on the size and complexity, but most restaurant fit-outs need several weeks for design and authority approvals, followed by the build phase on site. Mall locations and full kitchens usually take longer than small cafés.
Do I need approvals for a restaurant fit-out in Dubai?
Yes. Most restaurant fit-outs need landlord or developer approval, Dubai Municipality approval of the kitchen and food areas, Civil Defence fire safety approval and, where extra power is needed, DEWA approval. Free zones and some communities have their own authorities.
Is it cheaper to take over an existing restaurant unit?
Often, yes, because the kitchen exhaust, drainage and grease trap may already be in place. However, older systems may not suit your layout or meet current requirements, so have them checked before you commit.
Get a quote for your restaurant fit-out
Every restaurant is different, so the most reliable way to know your fit-out cost is a site-specific quotation. Tell us about your project and our team will call you within one working day.
