The Best Restaurants In Dubai And What To Eat There

The unique culture of Dubai encompasses its delicious cuisine and amazing culinary experiences. The restaurants in the “city of gold” serve cuisines from all around the world, including its own Arabian specialties. Dubai also has the resources to import the best chefs and restaurant chains from around the world, adding to the city’s culinary prestige. These restaurants not only cater to your taste buds with delicious food but also feature stunning décor and amazing views that combine for an unforgettable culinary experience. Here are the best restaurants in Dubai.

1. The Queen’s Grill

The Green’s Grill, located at The floating hotel QE2, is as elegant and royal as the name suggests. The decor, name, and menus at this restaurant are reminiscent of a time when the restaurant was frequently visited by members of the British Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II. The restaurant has two menus, a six-course menu with the best of British cuisine and a six-course vegetarian tasting menu. The Queen’s Grill is the type of restaurant you save for a special occasion and the great service, top quality dishes and rich history makes it worth saving for something special.

2. La Carnita

Starting as a simple pop-up food stand in Toronto, selling artwork and giving away free tacos, La Carnita has now grown to be an 8-restaurant food chain, with its first Middle Eastern spot in the Intercontinental Dubai Marina. This casual Mexican eatery serves the traditional Mexican dishes including tacos, nachos, queso fundito, quesadillas with a good selection of Latin flares like sea bass ceviche, street corn, and barbacoa lamb. In the wee hours of the morning (especially on a weekend), expect to find hip-hop and R&B tunes blaring and the bar buzzing with people.

3. STK Dubai Downtown

With a high-energy vibe, sleek decor and a trendy New York edge, STK Dubai combines all the workings of a modern steakhouse with a chic party lounge. The New York steakhouse brand serves up delicious American cuisine in the heart of Downtown Dubai. If you’re looking for a lively restaurant, this is definitely the place to eat. The music is loud and the staff is friendly and energetic. The party atmosphere inside feels like eating at a buzzing party, so if you want an excuse to dress up and dance with dinner, STK Downtown is it.

4. Gusto Italian Restaurant

In the relatively new Al Bandar Rotana hotel is where you’ll find Gusto- a cozy Italian restaurant with a modern trattoria perched on the 18th floor. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere that’s reminiscent of an Italian piazza. The chefs at the restaurant prepare the best and most delicious Italian dishes, all prepared with fresh and seasonal ingredients, which is why the menu changes daily. The employees are friendly and the restaurant offers stunning views across both Old and New Dubai.

5. Babel

Lebanese fare is certainly nothing new in Dubai, but Babel, the award-winning restaurant chain is one of a kind. Situated in Jumeirah’s beachfront destination La Mer, Babel boasts two floors of stylish decor with an indoor dining area, outdoor terrace, a seafood bar, shisha bar, and licensed bar. The menu is divided into mezze, fish, soup, salads, and desserts, but the traditional Lebanese dishes served here are often made with unexpected ingredients, as Babel lives up to its ‘progressive’ promise.

6. The Blacksmith

This southern-style smokehouse has been celebrated as the one true smokehouse restaurant in Dubai. Located on the first floor of the Wyndham Dubai Marina, this restaurant has a custom-built smoker out on the terrace, setting it apart from other smokehouse restaurants in the city. This food menu is concise, with delicious smokehouse classics that will keep you coming back. The drinks menu is also something to marvel at, with spiked ice teas, porter floats and signature frozen daiquiris. The Blacksmith its “Wingin’ Wednesdays” and arguably has the best ITIS Friday smokehouse brunch in the city.

7. Patiala

When Master Chef, India’s Kunal Kapur opened this fine dining restaurant in Souk Al Bahar, the entire city took notice. Fusing authentic Indian flavors with contemporary interiors, Patiala is one of the sleekest eateries in Souk Al Bahar. The restaurant serves some of the delicious Indian dishes, dessert, and drinks all made by the Patiala team, flown in from Delhi. The surroundings of Souk Al Bahar also provide an intimate and romantic background for couples to enjoy.

8. Crab Market

Located on the 15th floor of the Emirates Financial Towers, Crab Market is a cool and contemporary restaurant located in Downtown Dubai. The menu was created by chef Vladimir Mukhin and not only has a variety of crab dishes but all the seafood that you can eat- crabs, lobsters, oysters, shrimp, scallops, salmon and so much more! Situated Downtown also means that the restaurant has stunning views from the windows, with a view of the Burj Khalifa by the bar. The decor is the main dining area is also aesthetically pleasing.

9. Carine

Nestled near the hills of the Emirates Golf Club is Carine, a bright Meditteranean bistro serving  French Mediterranean inspired dishes with a homemade touch and delicious cocktails. The restaurant was opened by a former chef of La Petite Mason, Chef Izu Ani, and his family’s personal touch is all over the restaurant’s menu. Carine (Izu’s wife) serves freshly baked bread inspired by a French bakery and her own homemade plum and apple jam as delicious additions to the already great menu.

10. Armani/Amal

Armani/Amal brings one of the best aspects of Indian culture to the heart of Dubai. As part of the Armani hotel in the Burj Khalifa, Armani/Amal maintains the same standards of luxury found throughout this area in the city with its delicious Indian cuisine and sleek design. The restaurant’s contemporary interior matches the hotel’s modern decor and allows the guests to focus on the delicious food. While the menu is dominantly Indian, the dishes are incredibly varied, taking from every corner of the country and adding a modern twist to its ingredients and presentation.

11. Loca

What was once a notorious pub has been transformed, in recent years, into Loca- a restaurant synonymous with good Mexican food and a lively atmosphere in Dubai. The restaurant now has two locations, one newly opened in Souk Al Bahar and the original in the Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa. On the menu are the typical Mexican treats as well as a range of seafood dishes. If you’re looking for a great place to eat and catch the latest sporting event, Local is your top pick.

12. Akiba Dori

Tokyo-styled pizza is definitely a new sensation in Dubai, all thanks to Akiba Dori. This restaurant takes its inspiration for their menu and decor from Akihabara, Tokyo’s neon-filled electronics district. A wet-look cobblestone path runs through the restaurant, adding to its unique character. The restaurant is complete with a bar, bakery, arcade room and of course, pizzeria. On the menu, Akiba Dori serves a variety of Japanese delicacies from sushi to street food to Ramen bowls and everything in between. It is Dubai’s own Tokyo experience in the heart of the city.

13. Pierchic

The ultimate restaurant for romance in Dubai is Pierchic, the top dining destination for honeymooners in the city. The above-water restaurant is located far out into the Persian Gulf, with stunning views of the water and the city. The menu is seafood-focused, with high-end dishes like yellowfin tuna tartar and a $250 platter of crustaceans that compliment the lavish fairytale setting.

14. Zuma

Over the last few years, Zuma has been listed among the top 10 best international restaurants in the world! And all for good reasons. The decor defines fine dining, with a modern design inspired by Japanese culture. The food, however, is the main attraction at Zuma. The restaurant specializes in the Japanese Izakaya style of dining, in which food is served to share. The menu is take up of the best of Japanese cuisine including fresh sushi and maki rolls, salads and cocktails. There is a full bar, and valet parking available.

15. La Petite Maison

La Petite Maison has become one of the most popular restaurants in Dubai and an essential stop for tourists that love French food. The atmosphere is luxurious but still manages to maintain a relaxing vibe. The menu is inspired by the best of French Mediterranean and Niçoise cuisine. The menu is ever changing to offer a variety of dishes to its guests. As a popular dining destination, the restaurant is quite busy, especially on the weekends, and it can be hard to get a table so be sure to book in advance.

16. Ossiano

If you’re looking for the perfect seafood restaurant, look no further. This restaurant is unlike any other that you’ll experience in Dubai. Ossiano is underground, surrounded by the aquarium of the Ambassador Lagoon giving the impression of dining at the bottom of the sea. The Lagoon is home to more than 60,000 sea creatures so there’s a lot to be fascinated by while you dine. The menu, of course, is focused on seafood, with a range of shrimp, lobster, fish and more. The restaurant also offers both an a la carte menu and a prix fixe tasting menu.

17. Arabian Tea House Cafe

Located in the historic neighborhood of Al Fahidi, the Arabian Tea House Cafe was once the home of a rich, pearl merchant. Today, it serves the best Lebanese Emirates-styled breakfast and lunch in a charming setting. Everything about this cafe makes you feel right at home, from the delicious food to the wicker furniture and the black-and-white photos that tell the story of old Dubai. This restaurant is a great place to get delicious food before or after touring the historic surrounding neighborhood.

18. Zaytoun

Zaytoun is a Mediterranean all-day dining restaurant in Crowne Plaza Dubai. This restaurant serves all meal categories throughout the day, with a buffet, full bar, and live music. The restaurant also has a large, open-air terrace beside the pool deck, with views of the Dubai skyline. People especially love visiting Zaytoun in the morning as its classic and tasty breakfast is like no other in Dubai.

19. Nobu

Nobu is one of the most famed international restaurant chains in the world, known for its delicious food and sleek interior design. Dubai’s Nobu is no exception. This restaurant is located in the Atlantis resort and is every bit of luxurious as you’ve heard with modern, ocean-cave-like design, a sushi bar, and sake lounge to add to the diners’ culinary experience. Nobu Matsuhisa’s internationally known dishes like the soy-slicked cod are on the menu, along with regional specials that make this Nobu location stand out from the rest.

20. Al Iwan

For some of the finest Arabic cuisine in a stunning Emirates setting, visit the Al Iwan restaurant located in the Burj Al Arab. This restaurant, in true Dubai culture, has an opulent design, richly decorated in gold, red and black. The restaurant has stunning views of Persian Gulf Water and the menu is authentically Arabic, with a plethora of delicious dishes like hummus and baba ganouj.

21. TOMO by Takahashi

Chef Takahashi and his team provide Dubai with authentic Japanese food and culture and a friendly atmosphere. TOMO is the Japanese word for “lifelong friend” and here, everyone is treated as such. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming vibe and the staff is friendly and professional, making your dining experience pleasant. The comprehensive menu offers the classics of Japanese cuisine, as well as some surprising but delicious modern twists. The terrace at TOMO also provides the perfect scenery for a few afternoon cocktails with loved ones.

22. Aprons & Hammers

Many locals consider the experience at Aprons & Hammers to be the best seafood experience in the city. Buckets of freshly-caught crabs, jumbo shrimps, mussels and even lobster are the order of the day at this restaurant, all served with a signature dipping sauce. The atmosphere and fun vibe of Aprons and Hammers make is a popular choice for large groups and birthday parties. The menu wisely advises you to grab an apron and hammer (hence the name) to crack open seafood buckets.

23. Teatro

Teatro was opened more than 15 years ago and is still one of Dubai’s top dining destinations. Why? Firstly, the menu has a fusion of some of the best-tasting international cuisines. Where else in Dubai will you find a sleek open kitchen, serving Japanese, Chinese, Indian and Italian cuisine. Guests can have anything that their stomach desires, from pizza to sushi to delicious Indian curry. The restaurant’s theatre-inspired design and rich interior also make it a must for the locals as well as the tourists that visit Dubai.

24. Mythos Kouzina & Grill

Mythos Kouzina & Grill, located at the bottom of the Armada hotel in the heart of Dubai’s JLT, provides the city with its own taste of Greek cuisine and culture. The walls of the restaurant are white-washed and space is designed with contemporary furniture and cave-like ceilings giving the feel of a modern Greek Taverna. The menu offers delectable Greek classics like nutty fried Graviera cheese imported from Naxos Island in Greece and special delicacies like the grilled octopus.

25. Zheng He

Zheng He is the perfect combination of Chinese cuisine and techniques blended with a Western presentation. The restaurant is named after the historical Chinese explorer and the decor is inspired by Chinese culture, with modern designs and a neo-oriental flair. The food is similarly inspired by the best of China, with dishes like the deep-fried beef strips and dim sum that evoke the best of Chinese cuisine.