The 11 best restaurants to eat in Dubai

In the city of follies, you can have fun, marvel… and feast! Here are the Dubai restaurants that will make your stay a delight.

With its skyscrapers built in the middle of the dunes, Dubai has the air of a futuristic dream. In this city, which is a world unto itself, everything exudes excess, luxury and leisure. Hard to believe that the desert is only a few steps away…

This city, which was entirely invented around tourism, is of course home to a host of restaurants. In this emirate where anything seems possible, some offer a setting that is a show in itself.

But often, the show is also on the plate, as the world’s greatest chefs now have their restaurants in Dubai. And for those with too much bling or a limited budget, the city has other nuggets to offer. In fact, all the world’s cuisines are represented on Dubai’s culinary scene, and there’s something for everyone.

The spectaculars

With these flamboyant Dubai restaurants, there’s no doubt that you’ll leave your dinner with stars in your eyes.

1. Al Mahara

Photo credit: Facebook – Al Mahara

This restaurant epitomizes Dubai’s excessive luxury. It is located in one of the city’s most emblematic buildings, the Burj al Arab hotel. Built on water, this iconic building in the shape of a ship’s sail houses several restaurants.

At Al Mahara, you can enjoy delicious seafood in a room whose centerpiece is a huge aquarium. And perhaps extend your evening with a cocktail at the Skybar, on the 27th floor of Burj al Arab?

2. Pierchic

Photo credit: Facebook – Pierchic

Perched on stilts not far from Burj al Arab, Pierchic is undoubtedly the most romantic of Dubai’s restaurants. All chiselled wood and large bay windows, it seems to float on the water, where you can enjoy the sea as far as the eye can see.

The Italian chef offers a refined variation on the gastronomy of her native country. What better way to spend a romantic evening than with a lovingly prepared meal served in an unforgettable setting?

3. At.mosphere

Photo credit: Facebook – At.mosphere

There are no limits to the grandeur of Dubai. In fact, this restaurant, perched on the 122nd floor of the world’s tallest tower, will tell you otherwise!

At At.mosphere, you’ll feel like you’re floating on air. And, of course, one of the best views of the city.

If you want to enjoy the show without breaking the bank, we suggest you come for breakfast instead.

4. WaterZone

Photo credit: Facebook – EauZone

Located in the superb One and Only Royal Mirage Dubai hotel, the EauZone restaurant is the perfect place for a romantic dinner. It’s at sunset that the mirage is at its most magical, when the colorful sky is reflected on the water of the many pools. Like the resort in which it is located, EauZone has the air of a paradise oasis. In this idyllic setting, you can enjoy refined Asian-inspired cuisine.

Middle Easterners

Contrary to appearances, Dubai has not totally abandoned its Middle Eastern identity. In fact, Levantine cuisine occupies an important place in Dubai’s restaurants.

5. Al Hadheerah

Photo credit: Facebook – Al Hadheerah

To discover Al Hadheerah, you’ll have to venture far from the city, into the heart of the Dubai dunes. In fact, it’s in the middle of the desert that this large, unusual complex is nestled.

With its earthen buildings, it recreates the atmosphere of a traditional village, with the added bonus of a festive ambience. Strolling between the various Middle Eastern food stalls, you’re treated to a festival of colors and smells.

A feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds, this Dubai restaurant is an experience in itself, and one that also delights children.

6. Ayamna

Photo credit: Facebook – Ayamna

Ayamna is not only one of the best Lebanese restaurants in Dubai, but also one of the prettiest! In fact, the traditional Arab decor is revisited in a contemporary and refined spirit.

This spirit is also evident on the plate. You’ll certainly have stars in your eyes when your table is covered with plates of colorful mezze… This restaurant, whose name means « our memories », will leave a lasting impression on your memory.

7. Siraj

Photo credit: Facebook – Siraj

Located in the heart of Dubai’s Souk Al Bahar, this restaurant is one of the best places to enjoy Levantine flavors. Its setting is its first asset: the stone vaults are adorned with beautiful metal sculptures and bathed in soft light. As for the dishes, they celebrate Levantine tradition with a contemporary twist.

8. Al Sarab Lounge

Photo credit: Facebook – Al Sarab Lounge

Let’s return to the desert to discover this beautiful oriental restaurant. Although less spectacular than Al Hadheerah, it is nevertheless more elegant and authentic.

The international clientele enjoy an evening in the fascinating desert landscape. By the light of lanterns, you can sample the most typical Middle Eastern specialties, and some even enjoy a chicha.

The internationals

Dubai is a resolutely contemporary metropolis that lives at the pace of globalization. So it’s easy to find all the world’s cuisines here!

9. SLAB Mercato

Photo credit: Facebook – SLAB Mercato

Of Peruvian origin, chef Omar Rodrigues has chosen to dedicate himself to the cuisine of that country, despite having grown up in the United States. He reinvents it beautifully, adding welcome international touches, in his Dubai restaurant. The setting is pleasant, the atmosphere warm and the prices reasonable. What more could you ask for?

10. Lana Lusa

Photo credit: Facebook – Lana Lusa

Take a surprising journey to Portugal at Lana Lusa. In this pretty bistro, we escape Dubai for a moment to plunge into a timeless Europe.

At any time of the day, you’ll enjoy dishes to share that transport you to the lively backstreets of Lisbon or Porto. The deliciously vintage, trendy atmosphere reveals another side of Dubai, less glamorous but equally attractive.

11. Vietnamese Foodies

Photo credit: Facebook – Vietnamese Foodies

After a few days in the United Arab Emirates, are you tired of the bling bling and excessive luxury? Don’t worry: Dubai also offers a wide choice of inexpensive, quality restaurants.

Vietnamese Foodies is one of our favorites. With its uncluttered « canteen » atmosphere, you can enjoy delicious, healthy Asian dishes. It’s the perfect address for an unpretentious but really good lunch.

Behind the smooth facades of its skyscrapers, Dubai has a thousand faces, not least those of an international city. Chefs from all over the world flock here to treat you to all kinds of dishes in a variety of atmospheres. There’s something for everyone in Dubai’s plethora of restaurants.