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Dubai is a global culinary destination, offering an incredibly diverse dining scene. With thousands of eateries, deciding where to eat in Dubai can be challenging. This guide covers the top 10 must-visit restaurants for fine dining in Dubai. From fine dining establishments to casual eateries, these are the highest-rated dining gems that should be on your itinerary.
With so many dining choices, how did we narrow it down to just the top 10? Our selections were based on:
Keeping these criteria in mind, we are confident these are 10 of the best, must-visit restaurants in Dubai.
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Featured Dishes: Mandi, machboos
Ewaan is an opulent restaurant in the Palace Downtown Hotel inspired by majestic Arabian architecture. Diners can enjoy traditional Arabic cuisine in a regal setting with live music. Standout dishes include slow-roasted baby chicken mandi, tender lamb machboos, and hot and cold mezze starters. With its warm hospitality, palatial atmosphere, and authentic Emirati flavors, Ewaan is a top choice for Middle Eastern cuisine.
Cuisine: Seafood
Featured Dishes: Seafood platter, sushi
Jutting over the Arabian Gulf waters, Pierchic serves fresh seafood alongside breathtaking views. The airy, nautical-chic restaurant is known for grilled fish, seafood platters, and sushi, enjoyed while gazing at the Dubai Marina skyline. Make reservations for sunset to marvel at the kaleidoscopic colors over the Dubai seascape while savoring dishes prepared with the day's catch. Pierchic is a prime seafood destination in an unforgettable setting.
Cuisine: British
Featured Dishes: Beef Wellington, bread & butter pudding
British Michelin-starred chef Gary Rhodes heads Rhodes W1 in Grosvenor House Hotel. The elegant restaurant with silver accents and a glass wine cellar serves reinvented British classics with a contemporary twist. Must-try signature dishes include beef Wellington, fish and chips, Scottish salmon, and bread & butter pudding. With its classic British fare, premium ingredients, and exceptional service, Rhodes W1 offers refined dining.
Cuisine: Thai
Featured Dishes: Pad thai, chicken satay
Pai Thai at Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel is a go-to for authentic Thai flavors. The beachfront restaurant prepares vibrant Thai cuisine using traditional cooking techniques. The must-try signature pad Thai noodles, curry dishes, tom yum soup, and chicken satay deliver bold, balanced Thai flavors. With an island vibe and palm-fringed views, Pai Thai whisks you to tropical Thailand.
Cuisine: European
Featured Dishes: Truffle arancini, lamb loin
Headed by acclaimed chefs Nick Alvis and Scott Price, Folly brings contemporary European cuisine with a British slant to Souk Madinat. The seasonal menu features creative bites like truffle arancini, inventive mains such as lamb loin with confit garlic, and even high tea-inspired desserts. Set within Souk Madinat's charming waterfront promenade, folly impresses with flavor, finesse, and charm.
Cuisine: Japanese, New Style
Featured Dishes: Wagyu beef tataki, sushi rolls
For contemporary Japanese cuisine, Tomo from chef Takashi Saito is a must-visit. Inn Raffles Dubai, Tomo's sleek space and garden terrace complement a menu blending traditional Japanese flavors with global influences. Innovative sushi rolls, wagyu beef tataki, miso cod, and tofu foie gras lollipops are house favorites. Tomo's artful dishes and modern Japanese dining experience make it a standout.
Cuisine: Indian
Featured Dishes: Coconut chicken tikka, chilli chocolate kulfi
Led by famed chef Vineet Bhatia, Indya delivers modern Indian cuisine in a playful, vibrant setting. Twisting classics, the menu offers creative dishes like coconut chicken tikka, machli in banana leaf, and chili chocolate kulfi. With its hip Bombay decor, Bollywood music, and reimagined Indian fare, Indya brings Mumbai flair to Dubai.
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Featured Dishes: Mixed grills, mezze
Transport back in time at Bastakiah Nights, set in a restored traditional wind tower within the Al Seef heritage district. Emirati hospitality and flavors are showcased through hot and cold mezze, mixed grills, and traditional desserts. Post-meal, enjoy Arabic coffee and shisha outdoors against the historic Dubai Creek views. For authentic local cuisine in a unique setting, Bastakiah Nights hits the mark.
Cuisine: European, Seafood
Featured Dishes: Butter-poached lobster, lamb loin
Operetta's elegant setting features waterfront Dubai Creek views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The menu from Chef Marco highlights fresh seafood with European influences. Standouts include butter-poached lobster, squid ink risotto, and lamb loin with truffle mash. With live piano and Opera performances, Operetta provides sophisticated dining with a side of entertainment.
Cuisine: Emirati
Featured Dishes: Mixed grills, stews
For genuine Bedouin-style Arabic cooking, Logma is a local favorite. Dine traditionally on the ground, oversharing platters loaded with barbequed meats, rice, stews, and bread. The rustic restaurant also features majlis-style seating, Arabic cushions, and a tent-inspired ceiling. Logma offers hearty Emirati flavors coupled with traditional hospitality.
To help you make the most of Dubai's dining scene, here are handy tips for a stellar culinary experience:
Still curious about eating out in Dubai? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about restaurants in Dubai :
For upscale restaurants, expect to spend a minimum of USD 70+ per person, including food, soft drinks, and tips. However, many eateries also offer more budget-friendly weekday lunch specials.
General smart casual attire suits most restaurants in Dubai, avoiding shorts, sleeveless tops, flip-flops, etc. For higher-end venues, the dress code is more formal – cocktail dresses, suits, etc. When in doubt, call ahead.
Peak days tend to be from Thursday to Saturday. The busiest reservation times are from 8 PM onwards, so go earlier or on weekdays for a calmer atmosphere. Fridays also host brunch from 11 AM – 3 PM.
The legal drinking age is 21 in Dubai. You can consume alcohol at licensed independent establishments, hotels, and restaurants in Dubai. However, strict public alcohol rules apply outside these venues.
Look for weekday lunch promos like 25% off the food bill. Resident discount programs like Entertainer offer substantial dining deals. Some hotels give restaurant discounts for booking a stay.
Most restaurants can tailor dishes to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions – just ask! Specify if you want something made vegetarian, low-carb, etc.
Leading cuisines include Middle Eastern, Indian, Italian, Asian, Thai, French, fusion, and seafood. Dubai also boasts African, Chinese, British, Japanese, Peruvian, and American restaurant options.
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