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.

How We Selected the Top 10 Restaurants in Dubai

With so many dining choices, how did we narrow it down to just the top 10? Our selections were based on:

• Ratings: All restaurants on this list have exceptional ratings on TripAdvisor, Google, and other major review platforms.
• Reviews: We analyzed hundreds of diner reviews to ensure each restaurant offers consistently fantastic food and service.
• Awards & Accolades: Restaurants recognized with culinary awards or as top picks in food media rankings earned bonus points.
• Cuisine Variety: To represent Dubai's diversity, our list includes restaurants serving Emirati, Middle Eastern, Indian, Italian, French, Asian Fusion, and international cuisines.
• Budget Options: Along with fine dining, we included more casual, budget-friendly restaurants, so there's something for all budgets.

Keeping these criteria in mind, we are confident these are 10 of the best, must-visit restaurants in Dubai. 

1. Ewaan – Palace Downtown

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.

2. Pierchic – Al Qasr Hotel

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.

3. Rhodes W1 – Grosvenor House

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.

4. Pai Thai – Jumeirah Al Qasr

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.

5. Folly by Nick & Scott – Souk Madinat Jumeirah

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.

6. Tomo – Raffles Dubai

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.

7. Indya by Vineet – Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort

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.

8. Bastakiah Nights Restaurant – Al Seef

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.

9. Operetta at Intercontinental Dubai Festival City

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.

10. Logma at Gateway Hotel – Deira

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.

Tips for an Exceptional Dining Experience of Restaurants in Dubai

To help you make the most of Dubai's dining scene, here are handy tips for a stellar culinary experience:

• Book ahead: Reserve tables 1-2 weeks early, especially for weekends and popular restaurants.
• Dress respectfully: Many restaurants enforce dress codes, so opt for smart casual attire at a minimum.
• Go early: Arrive before 8 PM to beat the rush and dine unhurriedly.
• Request a table with a view – Ask for a table overlooking Dubai's glittering cityscape or waterfront vista.
• Splurge on signature dishes: When a restaurant is renowned for a specialty, order it to appreciate its talent.
• Communicate dietary needs: Don't be shy to ask for dishes to be adjusted for preferences or restrictions.
• Pair with fine wine: Enjoy Dubai's tax-free alcohol complementing your meal.
• Save room for dessert: Finish your meal sweetly with Arabic sweets or imported indulgences.
• Tip for good service: Tip 10-15% at restaurants for excellent service, adjusting up or down as needed.

FAQs – All About Restaurants in Dubai

Still curious about eating out in Dubai? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about restaurants in Dubai  :

• What is the average price for a meal at excellent Dubai restaurants?

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.

• What are the dress code rules in Dubai restaurants?

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.

• When are peak dining times in Dubai?

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.

• What is the legal drinking age? Can you drink alcohol in Dubai restaurants?

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.

• What restaurant discounts or deals can you find in Dubai?

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.

• How can you customize your meal at Dubai restaurants?

Most restaurants can tailor dishes to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions – just ask! Specify if you want something made vegetarian, low-carb, etc.

• What are the top restaurant cuisine options in Dubai?

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.

Also read Mikhail Ignatiev, BSI Lifestyle: "We can arrange moving to Dubai within as little as two or three weeks"

Exclusive Presentation by Resident Publications.