Dubai is a city that is always changing. When it comes to food, this means that new restaurants are being opened every day. With so many options, it can be difficult to know where to go or what to try.
Don’t worry! Dubai locals have the inside scoop on where you should go and what you should eat. Read on for our guide to the best restaurants in Dubai, so that you can explore the magic of Dubai’s food scene.
Dubai is home to some of the most amazing restaurants in the world, and it’s never been easier to explore them. This guide will help you discover new restaurants and explore different cuisines. Whether you want a romantic candlelit dinner or a place with the best burgers in Dubai, we got your back. Here are our top favourite restaurants and best places that we recommend you visit on your next trip to the United Arab Emirates
The best restaurants in Dubai know how to make you feel at home. They offer cuisines from different parts of the world, delicious drinks and desserts, and an unforgettable experience, whether you are trying Thai cuisine, moroccan restaurants, authentic Japanese cuisines, or romantic restaurants – Dubai has it all.
Living in Dubai is a unique experience: it’s like living in a city that never sleeps, and there’s always something to do. There are many wonderful popular restaurants that we highly recommend. But with so many choices for your taste buds it can be hard to know which restaurant to go to for your next meal out. That’s why we created this list of the best restaurants in Dubai that are sure to have what you want on your plate!
In this UAE & Dubai Restaurants guide we will introduce you to the Best Restaurants in Dubai Every Foodie Needs to Check Out
The Best Restaurants in Dubai for Every Cuisine and Budget
The Best of Dubai’s Gourmet Scene
Dubai has been a global city for over a century now, and has been at the forefront of innovation. The city is now well-known for its fast-paced lifestyle, luxurious shopping malls and eye-catching architecture.
However, it is not all about shopping and skyscrapers, Dubai also offers visitors the chance to enjoy the best food in the world.
This post will take you on a journey of Dubai’s burgeoning food scene, highlighting some of the most exciting restaurants that have sprung up around town over recent years. From Michelin starred restaurants to some of Dubai’s most popular street food vendors this post has it all.
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Dubai
Dubai has a wide range of restaurants, catering to every person’s taste. From traditional Arabic cuisine to eclectic international menus, it is impossible not to find a fine-dining restaurant that suits you. The city is also known for its world-class fine dining establishments that offer an unforgettable experience when dining with friends or colleagues. If you are looking for a high-end restaurant, here are a few of the best fine dining restaurants in Dubai, which are perfect for a special occasion.
Al Waha
This restaurant is famous for its Arabic dishes and Lebanese cuisine and was opened in 1985 and became one of the first fine dining restaurants in Dubai. Al Waha offers a graceful atmosphere and excellent service with food cooked fresh on site by skilled chefs using only the finest fresh ingredients.
Coya
Coya offers exquisite Peruvian food with Spanish, Japanese and Chinese influences. This restaurant is available for private events, and features live entertainment with music and cultural events.
Tong Thai
One of the best Asian restaurants, with Thai food in a beautiful restaurant setting. This place has an amazing ambience and great service.
Fogo de Chao
This high end Brazilian steakhouse has an open kitchen highlighting Brazilian-trained gaucho chefs. The restaurant is complimented by Fogo Bar and Lounge, complete with an extensive list of craft cocktails, elevated spirits and Brazilian bites, plus an outdoor courtyard and terrace shisha lounge boasting striking views of the Burj Khalifa
Best Cheap Eats in Dubai
Dubai, one of the most popular travel destinations in the world is also known for its diverse cuisine. It’s not just about the lavish hotels and malls but Dubai offers a lot of budget-friendly restaurants that are worth a visit.
You can find many restaurants offering traditional dishes and Middle Eastern cuisine at very reasonable prices. The best thing about these local food places is that they are really authentic, offering good food, simple food and traditional food that you can not miss. It is also very easy to find Halal food everywhere. Something to consider when visiting restaurants that are aimed more at the local Arab community is dress code, as some establishments prefer slightly more conservative dress. You can find some traditional options in Bur Dubai, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city.
Al Mallah
Try Al Mallah on 2nd December Street in Satwa, for convenient and tasty street food on a budget. You have to try the chicken sherwarma!
Al Fanar
Try Al Fanar in Al-Hamariya area where you can find delicious sea food to try the catch of the day.
Al Reef Bakery
Al Reef Bakery is a great option for traditional arabic pastries, and a great option for breakfast or a late night snack.
Aapa Kadai
For Asian cuisine on a budget, try Aapa Kadai, a no frills canteen style dining restaurant with branches across the city. There are many Sri Lankan, Pakistani and Indian expats in Dubai so it is easy to find delicious Indian food on a budget.
Ayubowan
For a Sri Lankan option, try Ayubowan in Lake Point Tower.
Ravi Restaurant
Ravi Restaurant, a casual dining Pakistani restaurant, has gained somewhat of a following among the resident expats in Dubai and is a frequent spot for travelling tourists looking for classic cuisine. You can find it in Satwa.
Burger Shack
If you prefer Western cuisine or familiar restaurant chains, those are also very easily available in Dubai on a budget. Try Burger Shack
Best Middle-range Restaurants in Dubai
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
The Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is a 5 star hotel and resort that has been around since the late-1800s. This landmark is situated on Jumeirah Beach Road and this location provides access to some of the best restaurants in Dubai.
There are many excellent middle-range restaurants in Dubai, but few can compete with The Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. This luxurious venue has an extensive menu that includes everything from Italian pasta dishes to Moroccan couscous.
Tanuki Restaurant
Tanuki Restaurant in the Dubai Mall provides a gateway to a unique Asian culinary experience, serving dishes and drinks inspired by Japanese and Chinese cuisine, and the culture found all across Asia. Located on the Lower Ground floor, the casual Pan-Asian restaurant features an outdoor terrace facing the Burj Khalifa and Fountains.
A Guide to All of the Restaurants You Need to Try Near to Popular Sites of Dubai
Where to eat near to Burj Khalifa
One of the most striking features of Dubai is its skyline. One of the more recognizable buildings in the world is Burj Khalifa, which stands at a staggering 828 meters tall, the tallest building in the world.
Burj Khalifa has become a landmark for Dubai and an icon for the country. A great way to experience Burj Khalifa is from one of its restaurants, where you can get a bird’s eye view of from this landmark building with spectacular views of Dubai and all that it has to offer.
Burj Khalifa Restaurants
Visitors can choose to dine in the restaurant and lounge At.mosphere on the 122nd floor, or try The Lounge, Burj Khalifa, which is spread across floors 152, 153 and 154, making it the tallest lounge on the planet. The afternoon teas offered here are really something special, and it is a great place to relax while enjoying a unique dining experience with panoramic views.
At the base of the mighty tower of Burj Khalifa, you will find a vibrant hub of entertainment and dining, it is in the heart of Dubai, close by to The Dubai Mall, the beautiful choreographed musical Dubai Fountain and a huge range of tourist attractions to keep you and your travelling companions busy once you’ve finished eating.
Dubai Mall
Within Dubai Mall, there is a large food court and many restaurants including Cheesecake factory with views overlooking the dry skii slope next door. Cheese cake factory’s amazing desserts make it a good place for after dinner treats, if you still have space to eat!
Where to eat at Dubai Marina
Try Fogueira, Sama Lounge or Doors Freestyle Grill & Steakhouse.
Where to eat at Palm Jumeirah
When visiting Palm Island, you may want to check out the Atlantis Hotel restaurants or The Pointe, located along a scenic promenade at the tip of The Palm with over 80 restaurants. Nobu Dubai is one of the most recommended restaurants on Palm Island.
Where to eat in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah and beyond
There is more to the UAE than just Dubai – if you are venturing further afield to the other six emirates you will be sure to find many more delicious dining opportunities. So depending on your itinerary and the time you have available, be sure to try a little further afield if you can. Some of the other emirates offer the high rise afternoon tea experiences at a much cheaper budget than Burj Khalifa.
For more restaurant recommendations around the world, take a look at our Best Places to Eat in Ireland guide
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
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