Best Restaurants in Dubai

Dubai’s culinary scene is as diverse, distinct and dynamic as its residents that represent over 200 nationalities. The city has one of the greatest concentrations of Michelin starred restaurants in the Middle East. Now if you assume its dining choices are limited for elites only, the good news is that the city is equally a favorite of budget diners. Not to mention, you can expect to find here all kinds of cuisines and dining options imaginable. For those who are confused where to dine in the city, we have accumulated a list of best restaurants in Dubai.

Top Restaurants In Dubai

1. BB Social Dining

It is one of the ultimate dining spots in Dubai to savor Asian delights. Get the real vibe of a New York townhouse with plenty of dining space that spans its three floors, connected by a classic spiral wrought iron staircase. Its menu is a meld of Asian and Middle Eastern flavors. It reflects its name (i.e. Social Dining) as all dishes served here are meant for sharing. There are bites, baos, bowls and BBQ specialties on offer here.

Location: Unit L&W/GV08/B2/01, Level B2, Gate Village Building 8, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, 506679, UAE
Must-Tastes: Cauliflower Popcorn, Kung Fu Wings, Butter Fish, Crispy Duck, Sakana Bao, Chicken Katsu, Mushroom Barley Risotto, Lamb Chops, and BB Crème Brulee
Timing: 12:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs on daily basis

2. Hutong

There is no shortage of Chinese restaurants in Dubai, but Hutong stands out from all for its blend of stunning location (at Dubai International Financial Centre), cozy cavernous settings, and of course, the inspiring northern Chinese menu that is simple yet lavish. It is one of the first Chinese restaurants to get a Michelin star. You get to take your pick from an extensive variety of appetizers, soups, seafood, noodles, dim sum, and vegetarian delights. It is also highly acclaimed for its special themed brunches such as Imperial Brunch and Dark Brunch.

Location: Gate Building 6, Ground Floor DIFC Al Sukook Street – DIFC – Dubai
Must-Tastes: Chilled Green Asparagus, Chicken Kou Shui, Crab and Gold Pumpkin Fish Soup, Cumin Scallop Squid and Shrimp, Roasted Peking Duck with Pancakes, Fried Wagyu in Hunan Chili Sauce, Lobster with Soba Noodle, Spiced Sea Bass Fillet, Hutong Fried Rice, and Wild Mushroom and Truffle Bao
Timing: 12:00 hrs to 15:30 hrs and 18:00 hrs to 1:00 hrs (mid night)

3. Pai Thai

For an authentic Thai dining experience, there is probably no dining spot in Dubai that can beat Pai Thai. Embodying a classic Arabian setting at Madinat Jumeirah, this restaurant is found at Jumeirah Al Qasr Resort, close to the serene waterways. It is not just its Thai menu and flavors that would bowl you over; it is equally compelling for the majestic settings, imposing views and lush greenery that surround it.

Location: Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah، King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street، Umm Suqeim 3 – Dubai
Must-Tastes: Som Tam Je, Poh Pia Thod (vegetable spring roll in sweet chili sauce), Pla Nung Ma Now (steamed fish fillet), Goong Yang (grilled prawns and lemongrass skewer with Thai lime sauce), Pla Paw (steamed seabass fish in spicy lime sauce), and Coconut Ice Cream
Timing: 18:00 hrs to 23:30 hrs (Monday to Friday) and 12:30 hrs to 23:30 hrs (Saturday and Sunday)

4. Sahn Eddar

Want to relish afternoon tea in a regal setting enriched by seven-star comforts? Sahn Eddar is your go-to spot. You will find this multi-cuisine restaurant inside one of the world’s most luxurious and expensive hotels, Burj Al Arab, which is instantly recognizable for its sail-shaped structure and captivating environs. Besides afternoon tea (with assorted Arabic pastries plus French toast, homemade scones, signature hot chocolate), it offers an A’la Carte menu.

Location: 1st level of Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah – Jumeirah St – Umm Suqeim 3 – Dubai
Must-Tastes: Burj Al Arab Gold Cappuccino, Signature Hot Chocolate, Italian Caviar Crunchy Egg, Cold Asparagus Cream Soup, Wild Mushroom Velouté, Burj Al Arab Salad, Bolognese Lasagna, Truffle Pizza, Vegan Burger, Tasmanian Lamb Chops, and Seafood Mixed Grills
Timing: 10:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs on all days

5. Coya

If your taste buds crave for bonafide Latin American specialties while in Dubai, look no further; simply make your way to Coya. It is sure to delight you with a scrumptious Peruvian fare plus other staples that are a fusion of Asian and Spanish flavors. All are served in an exceptional setting that is both comfy and contemporary.

Location: Restaurant Village Four Seasons Resort – Jumeirah Beach Rd – Jumeirah 2 – Dubai
Must-Tastes: Churros de Papa (crispy potato manchego truffle), Salmon Nikkel, Camarones (prepared with tiger prawns), Salmón a la Brasa, Pollo a la Parrilla, Bife Ancho Wagyu, Batata Frita, Bandeja de Postres, and Paleta de Piña Colada (with mango and coconut ice cream)
Timing: 12:30 hrs to 15:30 hrs and 18:30 hrs to 24:30 hrs on all days

6. Al Mallah

This is one of Dubai’s best restaurants that you must head for affordable food. With more than four decades of presence in Dubai, this classic dining venue will draw you with a selection of tempting Arabic and Lebanese dishes.

Location: Al Dhiyafa Road, Al Hudaiba, Dubai
Must-Tastes: Shawarma Plate, Falafel Sandwich, Garden Salad, Fried Kubba, Manakish (with cheese and zaatar), Lahm Bi Ajeen Mashrooha, Al Mallah Mixed Grills, Kabab Orfally, Chicken Tawook and Mushroom Sandwich, Chicken Escalope Plate, Fried Hammour Plate, Mixed Vegetables Plate, Al Mallah Seafood, Al Mallah Special Cocktail
Timing: 12:00 hrs to 23:30 hrs on all days

7. Dampa Seafood Grill

If you wish to enjoy fresh, super tasty seafood treats at bargain rates, this elegant Filipino restaurant is undoubtedly one of the first places to visit in Dubai. It is especially popular for its ‘boodle fight’ kind of dining experience wherein you and your group will be treated to a vast spread of food that must be eaten with your hands. This unique dining reflects the Philippine’s military tradition.

Location: Baniyas Road, Port Saeed, Dubai
Must-Tastes: Cajun Shrimp, Cheesy Thermidor, Crispy Tilapia, Cajun French Fries, Salty Eggperience Shrimp or Crab, Baked Mussel, Semi Giant Squid, Chipotle Grilled Crab, Crunch Crispy Squid, and Cajun Mussel
Timing: 11:45 hrs to 23:00 hrs on all days

Main seating area with outside view of hotel

8. Indya by Vineet

Vineet Bhatia is an award-winning chef. And his restaurant, Indya by Vineet is greatly adored by the fans of Indian cuisines. Its color and vibrant décor is a perfect complement to its rich menu that encompasses over 70 flavorsome dishes. Feel an explosion of tastes and aromas inside your mouth as you try its chaat trolley served in small delicate pastry cups with puris, chickpea curry, raw finely cut onions, and chaat masala.

Location: Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa – Al Mamsha Street, Dubai Marina – Dubai
Must-Tastes: Gulaabi Puri Chaat (from the Chaat Trolley), Samosa Pinwheels with Desi Ketchup, Sabudana Kabab with Coriander Chutney, Kadai Methi Paneer, Tawa Prawns, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Banana Leaf Koli Fish with Cucumber Raitha
Timing: 12:30 hrs to 15:30 hrs and 18:00 hrs to 23:30 hrs on all days

9. 3 Fils

If budget dining in a pleasantly relaxed ambience is what you’re looking for in the city, this dining spot should be top on your Dubai dining checklist. Its quaint location facing the charming fishing harbor in Jumeirah and obviously its menu with Asian and Japanese influences are sure to win both your hearts and taste buds.

Location: Jumeirah Fishing Harbour – Shop 02 – 1 Al Urouba St – Jumeirah 2 – Dubai
Must-Tastes: Seaweed Salad, Hokkaido Scallops, Beef Carpaccio, Tia Snapper Ceviche, Salmon Carpaccio, Negitoro, Wagyu Overload, Tuna Carpaccio, Yokozuna with Japanese Eggplant and Japanese Bluefin Tuna, Truffle Burger, Coconut Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich, Ananas (with caramelized pineapple and pastry cream), and Karak Ice Cream
Timing: 12:00 hrs to 23:30 hrs on all days

10. Arabian Tea House

A Dubai or UAE trip is not complete until you try the region’s authentic dishes. One of our top recommendations for local food in Dubai is Arabian Tea House. Located in the quaint part of Old Dubai, this place is not only a place to savor the finest Emirati specialties, but also a great spot to experience the legendary Arabian hospitality.

Location: Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Must-Tastes: Emirati Vegetable Sambosa, Balaleet, Lemon Tikka Hummus, Arabian Tea House Special Salad, Arabian Tea House Special Wrap, Tahta Laham, Emirati Kebab Leham, Camel Milk Ice Cream, and Luqaimat
Timing: 07:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs on all days

Other Out Of The World Dining Spots In Dubai

Apart from the above surefire dining spots, Dubai is highly appreciated for its exotic and out of the box dining choices. Imagine dining onboard a laidback cruise along Dubai’s waters – this is possible with an atmospheric dhow cruise dining session. Want to add that touch of luxury and exclusivity to your cruise experience in Dubai? You can’t go wrong with a luxury yacht rental Dubai. If these aren’t enough to excite your senses, then there is the ultimate Dinner in the Sky; you literally get to dine amidst cloud with this unequaled culinary adventure in Dubai.

Conclusion

While this is by no means the ultimate list of restaurants in Dubai, you can certainly use it as a guide to start your exploration of Dubai’s gastronomy. After all, it covers a wide range of restaurants that vary in terms of price points, cuisines, themes, and venues, among other aspects. Which is your favorite dining spot in this list? If you have any suggestion, come share your thoughts below.