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After some time mimicking dining scenes in other cities, importing chef names and restaurant chains, Dubai has developed quite a complex and singular dining culture with more and more regional influences. Expats, trade, and tourism has brought all corners of the world to Dubai's doorstep, and there is something for any budget in
After some time mimicking dining scenes in other cities, importing chef names and restaurant chains, Dubai has developed quite a complex and singular dining culture with more and more regional influences. Expats, trade, and tourism has brought all corners of the world t
After some time mimicking dining scenes in other cities, importing chef names and restaurant chains, Dubai has developed
After some time mimicking dining scenes in other cities, importing chef names and restaurant chains, Dubai has developed quite a complex and singular dining culture with more and more regional influences. Expats, trade, and tourism has brought all corners of the world to Dubai's doorstep, and there is something for any budget in almost every conceivable cuisine.
There is no Michelin guide in Dubai, but dine on the upper-end and you'll find establishments of the highest quality. Restaurants here get worldwide recognition, and the greatest chefs on the planet often pop up for unexpected residencies.
Middle-of-the-road dining will take you beach-side for gourmet burgers, into gastropubs and speakeasies, out to the desert for pizza on a rooftop, or sampling some very fine regional cuisine within particularly decadent spaces.
Some may argue that the most exciting element of Dubai’s cuisine culture is the budget sector, which provides a tantalizing and authentic array of cultural choices, sometimes just for loose change. Examples can be found at the rising number of food trucks around the city, but the originals will tend to be holes-in-the wall around the older parts of Dubai.
Even though Dubai is a Muslim country, pork products and alcohol are still available. Licences for both are restricted to restaurants and bars in large hotels and clubs. The prices at licensed premises tend to hover a little higher than elsewhere, and the venues sometimes suffer from blandness that can come with hotel restaurants, so it might be worth considering if you really need that drink; some of the greatest cuisine in the region is found in simple roadside ethnic eateries.
Local chef Colin Clague (previously of Zuma and Qbara) has again opened up a seamless venue that captures just the right amount of culture, class, and exotic beauty to fit with Dubai's classy restaurant scene. Although Ruya calls itself a Turkish restaurant, there are elements fused from many cuisines, particularly Nikkei and those of other Middle Eastern countries. The interior is open and elegant, yet plush and exotic. There are moss walls, Arabic lanterns, majlis-style seating, marble floors, and an enormous central bread oven. In cooler weather, the glass walls open up to turn the entire venue into an open-air space. The most famous dish is a simple two-cheese pide (Turkish flatbread) with a soft-cooked egg yolk, but also look for sashimi, flamboyant salads and richly flavored exotic stews and kebabs. Alcohol served.
Al Sufouh Rd., Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
There are two parts to Bussola, and both are well worth a visit. The first is the casual pizzeria, which rests on the rooftop capturing views of Palm Jumeirah, skydivers falling on the target at Skydive Dubai, and the illuminated dinner dhows that cruise the gentle bay in front. They serve delicious wood-fired pizzas, antipasti and salads in a convivial atmosphere, and it's possible to have a beer and share a pizza for around AED100. Downstairs is the fine-dining area, and one of Dubai's best Italian restaurants. Cuisine and the dress code are more serious, prices a little more uppity and the surroundings more sedate. Here look for very special homemade pasta, suckling pig and some luscious desserts.
Al Sufouh Rd., Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The original Fumés (there are now two in the city), this location is in Pier 7, a swanky tower overlooking the Dubai Marina, with seven restaurants serving seven different cuisines on seven levels. They are licensed to serve alcohol, which is done either in the bright and lively restaurant, or at the dark and brooding garage-style bar. The menu is varied, with fried foods partnered with piquant Asian flavors, pulled beef brisket, and banoffee pie. Drinking is a pleasure here—reasonably priced, with plenty of cocktails and mocktails to sample. Staff are casual and usually fairly friendly—just watch for busy times (Thursday and Friday night) when the service can't quite keep up with the crowds. Look for great business lunch and brunch deals; it's possible to eat here for less than AED50.
Million-dollar views and fine dining without pretension, it's no surprise chef Jason Atherton's Marina Social is quickly becoming one of the most popular restaurants in Dubai. The menu is pure London, fun and fresh, with an emphasis on ingredient quality. There's an adjoining bar, and early suppers are also available if you just want a quick bite. If the food wasn't enough to get you in, then the views will. Social's terrace is smack in the middle of the Dubai Marina, and is definitely one of Dubai's top outdoor eating areas. Alcohol served.
Day Central Dubai Marina, Al Sufouh Rd., Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
We couldn't talk about the beach without mentioning ice cream, and Milkcow has the best available along the JBR stretch. This South Korean chain only serves organic soft-serve ice cream, but they top it with incredible stuff like candy floss with sea salt, pistachio syrup with cashew clusters, and oozing natural honeycomb. They also have some cakes (including gluten free options), milk shakes, tea, and coffee. It's located up the north end of The Walk at JBR, a little stroll from the public beach, but well worth the extra distance. No alcohol served.
Trident Grand Tower, Al Sufouh Rd., Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), G11, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Emirati food is surprisingly difficult to find in restaurants. It's generally home-cooked comfort food, and not the kind of thing that looks fancy on restaurant china. Seven Sands were the first to take traditional Emirati flavors to a fine dining level, and it's a very welcome addition to the Dubai dining scene. They have worked tradition into a contemporary beach-side weave, with majlis-like nooks, arabesque lamps, and modern geometric patterns, and on the plate, authentic cuisine twisted gently to fit today's tastes and the classy seaside atmosphere. Look for some of the more traditional dishes like fouga, jisheed, and ouzi, or try a lighter selections of salad and mezze, and don't forget dessert; there are some fusion dishes that are both original and exceptional. No alcohol served.
Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
For classy, casual, and long alfresco lunches, it doesn't get better than the front terrace here. Children can play in the wooden fort and playground next door, just far enough to be seen and not heard. With colonial fans swooping up the breeze, aqua water and white sand at your feet, barasti roofing filtering the Arabian sun, and waiters in white linen delivering chilled oysters and rose, you'll find it very, very hard to leave. The sun sets over the sea, and as darkness falls, fire lamps and candles come alive. Food is a mix of simple seafood and great grilled red meat, with the occasional Arab or Oriental twist, but without any fuss.
Al Sufouh Rd., Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This hole-in-the-wall mainly offers take-out and home delivery, but it's possible to snag a seat, whether inside or at benches around a grassy area. Sausages are halal and gourmet, made of either chicken or Angus beef, and start at 17 dirhams, then go up at 1 dirham per topping. The menu is fairly simple but there are also some pasta dishes, hearty sides, and churros for dessert. It's one of the cheapest places to feed the family in the Dubai Marina if you don't want to go with an international chain, with a family deal coming in at around AED100. No alcohol served.
Nasaq St., Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This place combines mood lighting, a gorgeous crowd dressed to the nines sipping Cachaça-based cocktails, and tunes that make you want to move. Sample ceviches, empanadas, and cachapas with one hand, and hold your drink, or your partner, with the other. The restaurant features a long list of carnivorous delights including grills and churrasco, and a wine list to please high-rollers and those looking for some ethnic delights. Toro Toro is also known for their lively Friday brunch, which starts as a very classy affair but can get rowdy toward the end.
Al Sufouh Rd., Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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