Dubai is a city that has something to offer everyone, from its stunning skyline to its luxurious shopping malls. However, one thing that sets Dubai apart from other destinations is its culinary scene. Dubai is home to a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is this more evident than in its dining options. From traditional Emirati dishes to international cuisine, this city has something to satisfy every foodie's taste buds. With so many restaurants to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to dine. That's why we've compiled a list of the top 10 must-try restaurants in Dubai.
Also, You can read about the best vegetarian restaurants in Dubai.
Traditional Emirati cuisine
If you're looking to experience the local cuisine, then try out one of these restaurants that offer traditional Emirati dishes.
Local Bites by Bekijk
Local Bites by Bekijk is a hidden gem located in the Al Quoz area. The restaurant offers an authentic dining experience with traditional Emirati dishes such as matchbooks, three, and ballet. The restaurant's interior is simple yet cozy, making it the perfect spot for a casual meal with friends or family.
Seven Sands
Seven Sands is a popular restaurant that offers a modern twist on traditional Emirati cuisine. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as camel sliders, shorbat adas, and luqaimat. The restaurant's interior is sleek and modern, giving it a sophisticated vibe. Seven Sands also offers a stunning view of the Dubai Fountain, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.
Al Fanar
Al Fanar is a restaurant that offers a nostalgic dining experience with its traditional Emirati decor and ambiance. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as saloona, thareed, and balaleet. The restaurant also has an outdoor seating area that offers a stunning view of the Dubai Creek. Al Fanar is the perfect spot to experience traditional Emirati cuisine while enjoying the city's scenic views.
International cuisine in Dubai
Dubai's culinary scene is not limited to traditional Emirati dishes. The city is also home to a vast array of international cuisine. Here are a few restaurants that offer international cuisine in Dubai.
Zuma
Zuma is a Japanese restaurant that has gained a reputation for offering some of the best sushi in Dubai. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as wagyu beef and black cod. Zuma's interior is sleek and modern, giving it a sophisticated vibe. The restaurant also has an outdoor terrace that offers a stunning view of the Dubai skyline.
La Petite Maison
La Petite Maison is a French restaurant that offers a refined dining experience. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as grilled lamb chops and sea bass. La Petite Maison's interior is elegant and chic, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. The restaurant also has an outdoor terrace that offers a stunning view of the Dubai Fountain.
Coya
Coya is a Peruvian restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with its fusion of Latin American and Asian flavors. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as ceviche and lomo saltado. Coya's interior is colorful and vibrant, giving it a fun and lively atmosphere. The restaurant also has an outdoor terrace that offers a stunning view of the Dubai skyline.
Fine dining in Dubai
Dubai is home to some of the world's most luxurious hotels, and many of these hotels offer fine dining options. Here are a few restaurants that offer fine dining in Dubai.
At.mosphere
At.mosphere is a restaurant located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, making it the world's highest restaurant. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as wagyu beef and lobster. At.mosphere's interior is sophisticated and elegant, giving it a luxurious ambiance. The restaurant also offers a stunning view of the Dubai skyline.
Nobu
Nobu is a Japanese restaurant that has gained a reputation for offering some of the best Japanese cuisine in Dubai. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as black cod and miso-marinated beef. Nobu's interior is sleek and modern, giving it a sophisticated vibe. The restaurant also has an outdoor terrace that offers a stunning view of the Dubai skyline.
Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara
Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara is a seafood restaurant located in the Burj Al Arab. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as lobster and oysters. The restaurant's interior is elegant and chic, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara also has an underwater aquarium that offers a unique dining experience.
Casual dining options
Dubai's culinary scene is not limited to fine dining options. The city also has a vast array of casual dining options. Here are a few restaurants that offer casual dining in Dubai.
Tom&Serg
Tom&Serg is a casual dining restaurant that offers a laid-back atmosphere with its industrial decor and open kitchen. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as avocado toast and truffle fries. Tom&Serg is the perfect spot for a casual brunch with friends.
The Sum of Us
The Sum of Us is a casual dining restaurant that offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with its wooden decor and open kitchen. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as shakshuka and grilled cheese sandwiches. The Sum of Us is the perfect spot for a casual lunch with friends.
Eggspectation
Eggspectation is a casual dining restaurant that offers a fun and lively atmosphere with its colorful decor and menu. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as breakfast poutine and crab cake benedicts. Eggspectation is the perfect spot for a casual breakfast or brunch with friends.
Vegetarian and vegan options
Dubai's culinary scene is not limited to meat-based dishes. The city also has a vast array of vegetarian and vegan options. Here are a few restaurants that offer vegetarian and vegan options in Dubai.
Comptoir 102
Comptoir 102 is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant that offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with its wooden decor and natural lighting. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as zucchini noodles and quinoa salad. Comptoir 102 also has a boutique that offers a range of organic and sustainable products.
Wild & The Moon
Wild & The Moon is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant that offers a fun and lively atmosphere with its colorful decor and menu. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as acai bowls and vegan burgers. Wild & The Moon also offers a range of cold-pressed juices and smoothies.
Freedom Pizza
Freedom Pizza is a pizza chain that offers vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as vegan pizzas and salads. Freedom Pizza also offers gluten-free options.
Unique dining experiences
Dubai is known for its luxurious dining options, but the city also offers unique dining experiences. Here are a few restaurants that offer unique dining experiences in Dubai.
The Beach House
The Beach House is a restaurant located on the Palm Jumeirah that offers a stunning view of the Dubai skyline. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as grilled seafood and pizza. The Beach House also offers a range of shisha flavors, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing evening by the beach.
Dinner in the Sky
Dinner in the Sky is a unique dining experience that offers a 22-seat table suspended 50 meters in the air. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as wagyu beef and lobster. Dinner in the Sky offers a stunning view of the Dubai skyline, making it the perfect spot for a special occasion.
The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk
The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk is a floating boardwalk located in the Dubai Fountain that offers a stunning view of the fountain show. The boardwalk offers a range of food trucks and kiosks that offer a range of cuisines. The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk is the perfect spot for a casual evening with friends.
Reservation tips and recommendations
Dubai's culinary scene is popular, and many of the restaurants on this list require reservations. Here are a few reservation tips and recommendations.
- Book in advance: Many of the restaurants on this list require reservations, so it's important to book in advance to secure your spot.
- Dress code: Dubai is known for its luxurious dining options, and many of the restaurants on this list have a dress code. It's important to check the dress code before making a reservation.
- Timing: Many of the restaurants on this list offer stunning views, so it's important to time your reservation accordingly to catch the sunset or fountain show.
Conclusion and final thoughts
Dubai's culinary scene is a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is this more evident than in its dining options. From traditional Emirati dishes to international cuisine, this city has something to satisfy every foodie's taste buds. The restaurants on this list offer a unique dining experience, from stunning views to innovative menus. Dubai's culinary scene is not limited to fine dining options, and the city also has a vast array of casual dining, vegetarian, and vegan options. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner for two or a family-friendly spot, Dubai has something to offer everyone.