Dubai Restaurants

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.

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  • 1. 101 Dining Lounge and Bar

    $$$$ | Jumeirah Beach | European

    101 never fails to impress. You're bound to be surrounded by potential grooms popping the question, couples clinking champagne glasses, and...Read More

  • 2. Bait Alqadeem

    $ | The North Bank | Middle Eastern

    Unless you've accidentally drifted away from the souks or visited the nearby Heritage House, it's very unlikely you'd ever discover Bait Alqadeem...Read More

  • 3. Coya

    $$$$ | Jumeirah Beach | Peruvian

    Dubai didn't know it needed Peruvian dining until Coya opened. It's not the original, but you'd never know it; this place oozes soul. Decor...Read More

  • 4. Enigma

    $$$$ | The South Bank | Eclectic

    You know that saying about the mountain and Mohammad? Dubai's first pop-up only restaurant opened in January 2016, and brings the world's best...Read More

  • 5. Khan Murjan

    $$ | The South Bank | Middle Eastern

    It's hard to experience genuine Arabic food and ambience in the depths of the Dubai summer, but this sprawling air-conditioned and covered courtyard...Read More

  • 6. Ruya

    $$$$ | Dubai Marina | Turkish

    Local chef Colin Clague (previously of Zuma and Qbara) has again opened up a seamless venue that captures just the right amount of culture,...Read More

  • 7. Abshar

    $$ | Jumeirah Beach | Middle Eastern

    The Jumeirah Beach Road is lined with ethnic restaurants—Turkish, Saudi, Lebanese— all inside villas. Most are very good, and Abshar is a favorite...Read More

  • 8. Al Hadheera

    $$$$ | Burj Dubai | Middle Eastern

    Al Hadheera sits alone in the dunes, just removed from the Bab al Shams resort, and for many, this is the quintessential Arabian dining experience...Read More

  • 9. Al Hallab

    $$ | The North Bank | Lebanese

    For some grassroots Middle Eastern cuisine without jumping too far out of the box, Al Hallab is perfect. Their pedigree is supreme—more than...Read More

  • 10. Al Ustad Special Kebab

    $ | The South Bank | Middle Eastern

    For those willing to go out of their comfort zone for a great kebab, Ustad (also known as Ostadi) is definitely worth seeking out. It's a cozy...Read More

  • 11. Aroos Damascus

    $ | The North Bank | Middle Eastern

    If you want an inexpensive feed oozing with local flavor, this heaving establishment is the place to go. Authentic Emirati food might be elusive...Read More

  • 12. Bateaux Dubai

    $$$$ | The North Bank | International

    Although pleasant year-round, Bateaux Dubai comes into its own in summer. July and August can be sweltering in the city, but all looks rosy...Read More

  • 13. Biryani Pot

    $ | Jumeirah Beach | Indian

    For a feast costing only around 35 dirhams, this is a great choice in the otherwise pricey Jumeirah district. As the name would suggest, the...Read More

  • 14. Boardwalk

    $$$ | The North Bank | International

    For a long alfresco lunch in Dubai's cooler months, this location is hard to beat. Tables sit on a large wooden deck over the Dubai creek, with...Read More

  • 15. Bussola

    $$$ | Dubai Marina | Italian

    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...Read More

  • 16. Calicut Paragon

    $ | The South Bank | Indian

    Close to the Karama shopping district, many like to come here for thali , a south Indian meal involving bottomless refills of vegetarian curries...Read More

  • 17. Elia

    $$$ | The South Bank | Greek

    This part of town is not known for romantic fine-dining restaurants, but Elia gets very close to the more sophisticated offerings in newer parts...Read More

  • 18. Farzi Cafe

    $$ | Jumeirah Beach | Indian

    New to Dubai's Indian molecular food scene, Farzi is all about image, and their interior and dishes are some of the most Instagrammed in the...Read More

  • 19. Fumé

    $$$ | Dubai Marina | Eclectic

    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...Read More

  • 20. Irish Village

    $$ | The North Bank | Irish

    This truly is a Dubai institution—a veritable dinosaur in Dubai years, founded when everyone who was anyone lived on the airport side of the...Read More

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