Dubai is well-known around the world for its happening nightlife, haute couture and rich culture. The wealthiest of the seven emirates in the UAE, it offers the best experience to both tourists and citizens. If you’re a foodie who has just moved into the city, you’re in for a treat! Here’s a guide to some of the best restaurants in Dubai, each having a unique ambience and menu to satisfy your taste buds.
Top 10 Best Restaurants in Dubai
Amongst various eateries in the city that are well-known for their extravagant gastronomy, we have curated a list of the top 10 restaurants in Dubai that you must visit.
Al Hadheerah
Probably one of the coolest restaurants in Dubai, Al Hadheerah is immensely popular and is almost always bustling with customers. Introduce yourself to the Arabian culture with the restaurant’s lip-smacking food, camel caravan and gorgeous displays of falconry. It promises a one-of-a-kind experience with its live cooking stations and dazzling dance performances.
Located amidst the beautiful desert dunes of Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa, you will find a wide variety of Arabic cuisine on the menu. Make sure you try their signature dish – the whole roasted lamb amongst other items such as kebabs, spiced rice dishes and more.
Al Hadheerah is the ideal choice for those looking to try out the local cuisine and wish to make the most of their time during weekends.
White Orchid Restaurant
With splendid views of the sandy beach and fresh gardens, White Orchid Restaurant treats customers with the delicious flavors of the Far East. Their menu comprises a mix of Japanese, Thai and Chinese cuisine together with soft lighting and contemporary décor. The traditional Teppanyaki table at the restaurant also adds to the exceptional dining experience.
Couqley French Bistro Dubai
One of the most famous family-friendly restaurants in Dubai, Couqley French Bistro offers an inviting ambience and food that has you gasping with pleasure. With top favourites like Tuna Tartare, Steak-Frites, Truffle-Mushroom Pasta and Escargots, the restaurant’s signature sauce is a crowd-pleaser.For all those who enjoy dessert, ordering their Pain Perdu is an absolute must. It is a French toast coupled with caramel and gourmet ice cream that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
You can book a private dining room or an indoor terrace space if you’re not visiting with family or are looking for a larger space.
Lounge Cafè Italiano
Experience the taste of Italy in a relaxed atmosphere at Lounge Cafè Italiano. Besides Italian, the restaurant has an impressive selection of Japanese, Indian and Arabic cuisine served to customers with a contemporary twist. They make use of the finest ingredients to prepare dishes that make you fall in love with their taste. If you’re looking for a special restaurant to book this Valentine’s Day, Lounge Cafè Italiano ticks all the boxes.
The Noodle House
Asian soul food like never before – the Noodle House is exactly that! They don’t just serve noodles but also a vast range of Asian dishes that make you feel full and satisfied. It is one of the most recommended restaurants by food bloggers and tourists alike. From wasabi prawns and steamed bao buns to spicy laksa soup and more, each bite of their dishes will send you on a foodgasm trip.
Sette
Sette is an Italian restaurant and lounge. Whether you’re looking to book a table for a meeting or leisure purposes, this is one of the best restaurants in Dubai for lunch. Here, you can have an elevated dining experience with panoramic views of the resort.
Order one of their well-known authentic Sicilian and Sardinian dishes along with some dessert for the perfect sweet finish. Their lounge section is on the 7th Floor of the JA Beach Hotel where you can enjoy your pre and post-dinner drinks. Their impeccable wine selection is a must-try!
Giardino
The wide spaces and incredible mosaic patterns lure locals and travellers alike to Giardino. Getting popular by the day, this is one of the top 10 restaurants in Dubai that guarantees a fantastic experience on each visit. The best thing about Giardino is the live-cooking stations that allow customers to communicate directly with the chefs and keep them intrigued.
Seafire Steakhouse and Bar
You won’t find a steak restaurant better than Seafire Steakhouse and Bar in Dubai. The New York-style décor distinguishes this place from other restaurants that claim to offer the best steak experience in town.
Serving a versatile range of steak including cut, age and marble, Seafire Steakhouse and Bar’s menu is produced from locally sourced ingredients. It doesn’t matter which steak you choose, you have the advantage of watching it cooked exactly how you like it. Keep your knife, salt and condiments ready for an unforgettable meal!
Fujiya
For an authentic Japanese Izakaya-style dining experience, Fujiya is a remarkable choice. Equipped with imported goods and fresh produce, the restaurant serves a wide variety of traditional as well as modern Japanese dishes. You can drop in for a quick lunch or choose this place for a relaxing dinner when in the mood to try out something new.
Japanese tapas, Shabu-shabu buffet and Yakitori (chicken skewers) are some of their most popular dishes. If you like Japanese food, this is sure to become your favourite place.
Shamiana
Shamiana in Dubai is one restaurant that does complete justice to India’s vibrant culture and exemplary food. Its amazing menu comprises some of the most mouth-watering dishes from the country. Originally hailing from Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, Shamiana’s hospitality and exquisite dishes is the reason why it is included in the list of best restaurants in Dubai.
Be sure to say namaste to Shamiana’s customised Thali lunches and home-style dinner dishes. If you’re in search of the best breakfast in Dubai, their elaborate buffet is a must-try. They serve everything from Savour Kebabs and Awadhi Dum Biryani to other flavourful curries like Chicken Lababdar, Mutton Curry and more.
Best Restaurants in Dubai – Vegetarian Cuisines
If you’re particularly looking for restaurants that serve only vegetarian food, here are our top 3 picks:
Quattro Ristorante
A slice of Italy and Mexico awaits you with vegetarian food at Quattro Ristorante. It’s hard to digest that only vegetarian Italian and Mexican food is served here but it’s true. The restaurant aims to change perceptions and offer vegetarian food you’ve never tasted before. What sets them apart is the use of molecular gastronomy techniques, fresh ingredients and a drive to innovate. They have a menu with dishes you won’t be able to say not to. The favourites include spiced queso and a deconstructed minestrone with green tea infusions.
Comptoir 102
Fresh ingredients, healthy eating and an excellent range of vegetarian bites are on the menu at Comptoir 102. This French-owned organic cafe believes in bringing joy to your mouth with its dairy-free smoothies and sugar-free juices. There is also a breakfast buffet comprising intriguing items like chia seed pudding with almond milk, coconut water, orange blossom and dates. The lunch menu is no less and gives you various options to choose from. A top favourite in that list is the all-green salad of avocado, fennel, walnuts, sunflower seeds and argan oil.
Maharaja Bhog
No one serves North Indian flavours better than Maharaja Bhog in Dubai. For those looking for the best vegetarian restaurants in Dubai, this is just the place for you. With a vibrant vibe and a vintage charm, this place serves an assortment of curries, chutneys, rice and bread. They use generations-old recipes and cooking methods that have helped them ensure the same taste for years now.
Still Hungry?
The above-mentioned list contains 2022’s top 10 restaurants in Dubai so far. Give them each a try and you’d know why they’ve made it to our list.
But if the foodie in you is still not satisfied and you’re looking for something more, we recommend you try street food. Yes, Dubai’s street food makes for affordable eats and allows you to enjoy a great fusion of cultures. Shawarma, Shish Tawouk Sandwich, Oman Chips Roll and Samboosa are a few street food items that you shouldn’t miss out on.
FAQs
There are 11 Michelin-star restaurants in Dubai. All of them are known for their unique flavours, services and renowned chefs. One has to make a reservation in advance to book a table in any of these restaurants. Alain Ducasse’s ‘MiX Dubai; Massimo Bottura’s ‘Torno Subito’; and Gordon Ramsey’s ‘Bread Street Kitchen And Bar’ are to name a few.
The main dishes in Dubai range from 40 to 100 AED while burgers and sandwiches cost from 35 to 55 AED. You will add somewhere around 20 to 40 AED if you like having desserts and appetizers.
A fine dining restaurant offers a greater formality and higher quality experience compared to a casual dining restaurant. The vibe in a fine dining restaurant is formal and elegant. Even the food is served formally. How many Michelin star restaurants does Dubai have?
How much is the cost of one meal in Dubai?
How is a fine dining restaurant different from a normal one?
