Dubai’s Best Restaurants: A Guide
The definitive guide on where to eat in Dubai and what to have by someone who eats, a lot.
“Which is your favourite restaurant in Dubai?” plays on loop after people learn I critique restaurants. Sometimes, they ask as a test, and sometimes just to make small talk. I oblige because I’m that kind of guy. Chances are you asked me this very question if you are reading this list.
Dubai’s Best Restaurants: structuring the list
Itemising Dubai’s best restaurants is a monumental task, especially when there are officially over 13,000 restaurants in Dubai alone (excluding the other Emirates).
Eligibility. I also only recommend restaurants that I visit and go to myself (unlike some lists that shall remain nameless). Consistency is key. Some restaurants are not on the list because I cannot humanely go to 13,000 restaurants. Also, some restaurants are either too inconsistent or muscled out by their more competitive peers, in my opinion.
Criteria. I look at the food’s quality, the chef’s or kitchen’s skill, value for money within its cost category, ambience and consistency.
Here today… Most Dubai restaurants are not on this list (remember the 13,000?). This is a live list that will be updated as and when a new entrant appears, like my other Best of Lists (Breakfast, JLT Restaurants, or Dubai Hills).
…Gone tomorrow. I will remove restaurants either on their merit or if, relative to others, they are no longer competitive.
Categorisation. There are four groups organised by price. A restaurant is as expensive as you want it to be, so we need to draw a line of fairness. The pricing model is based on an average main course and one non-alcoholic drink. This does not apply to the Lux and Fine Dining category, where, frankly, money is less of an object and main courses seldom exist.
Orders and Tagging. Restaurants appear alphabetically within their category, not in order of preference. They are also tagged with their type of cuisine and other distinguishing features, including their ownership, whether they are homegrown or licensed (e.g., they sell alcohol).
Is there somewhere missing in your view? Drop me a line if so.
Budget and cheap eats (under AED50 per person)
Allo Beirut (Levantine | Fast Food | Homegrown). This all-day Lebanese diner stands out on Hessa Street (with other branches elsewhere). It is fast-paced, family-friendly and affordable. Why do I eat here? Their food is just super tasty. The variety of dishes makes it an easy one-stop shop for vegetarians or rabid meat eaters, where there are plenty of healthier options. What should you order? Fatteh eggplant, soujuk or chicken shawarmas, lamb tongue sandwiches with pickles and garlic cream, batata hara, fattoush, hummus and pine nuts — have I made my point?
Authentic Ceylon (Sri Lankan | Homegrown). Nestled within Neighbourhood Foodhall lies this Sri Lankan eatery that serves flavour-packed curries and more. Silky, finger-licking curries, including prawn, chicken, beef, and mutton, are all under budget here. Why do I eat here? From a value-for-money perspective, it’s a rare find in this part of town. What should you order? The mutton curry with a rice side. The signature hoppers are for those who love that fermented rice batter tang. Read a full review here.
Bu Qtair (Seafood | Homegrown). This is an OG Dubai seafood restaurant tucked away in Jumeirah, where you must be prepared to line up and wait for a solid hour before eating. Heavily seasoned daily catches of fish and shrimp are always on offer. Why do I eat here? A slice of how Dubai used to be without the pretension of nearby restaurants. The heavily seasoned dishes and affordable price points. What should you order? When shared between two people, a whole fish will come comfortably under budget with rice, a small salad and curry sauce.
Chaat Bazaar (Indian | Homegrown | Street Food). An Indian street food and snack bar dotted around Dubai, but the Karama branch holds a special place with me. Why do I eat here? An insatiable addiction to chaat dishes brings me to dine roadside, eating handfuls of chaat made fresh in front of you. What should you order? Pani Puri by the fistful, the Chaat Bazaar in a Box meal combo or the Punjabi Samosas.
The Daily Restaurant (Pakistani | Homegrown). Legendary Pakistani restaurant not to be confused with a chain within Rove Hotels. It’s very casual and far removed from the modern pastiche of Dubai. The one on Damascus Road, Qusais, is my favourite (but six are dotted around Dubai). Why do I eat here? It’s been a minute since I last visited Pakistan, and there is a specific dish that I come to eat here. What should you order? Nihari with chapati.
Patiala House (Indian | Homegrown). A Punjabi and Indian restaurant that combines street food with heartier, more filling dishes. Why do I eat here? Like Chaat Bazaar, the street food here excels, and the price point is super low. What should you order? Look out for the dish of the season: vegetarian thalis, pani puris, and biryanis.
Sri Krishna Bhavan Restaurant (Indian | Vegetarian). A quiet restaurant in Al Barsha whose modest exterior should be looked passed as their cooking does all the talking. The southern Indian dishes are very affordable and decimate any doubts that vegetarian food is both exciting and flavourful. Eat the medu vada steeped in a crimson sambhar of lentils and vegetables. Follow this up with their signature Davanagere Benne Masala Dosa washed down with a fresh lime soda dressed with salt and pepper.
Sultan Dubai Falafel (Arabic | Homegrown). Roadside falafel restaurant with quick service and ticks the street food box for people looking to do so on a budget. Why do I eat here? Controversial opinion - these are the best falafel in town. What should you order? Six green, stuffed, spicy falafel with a side of tahini sauce for dipping. Maybe order some pickles. Push the boat out with the Palestinian musakhan and stay within budget.
WOFL (All day | Homegrown | Scandinavian). A breakfast or lunch spot within Mudon’s community centre (read: family-friendly) that makes light sandwiches made of crisp waffles with various stuffings. Why do I eat here? The quiet branch in Mudon is an easy place to eat a fresh, handmade product, supports a smaller restaurant chain, and it’s a sensible alternative to a chain-restaurant sandwich alternative. What should you order? Wolf’Na with sweet roasted butternut squash, sharp creamy labneh zaatar, rocket and Arabian dressing.
Mid-affordable (under 100 dhs per person)
21grams (Balkan | All Day | Homegrown | Great Breakfast). Modern Balkan restaurant with warm, welcoming staff in the residential Umm Suqeim area is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Why do I eat here? In many ways, 21grams is the perfect restaurant in my eyes, with a different menu to the conventional Dubai offerings, and its offering is versatile enough for solo diners, couples, friends and family. The quality of service for a casual bistro is up there with the best in the city. What should you order? Honey, goat’s cheese, thyme phyllo pie, ricotta gnocchi, chicken thigh skewers, or grilled polenta with clove cherry juice. Read a full review here.
Bait Maryam (Levantine | Homegrown | Palestinian-owned | Female Chef). Run by the city’s mother, Salam Dakkar, this Palestinian Levantine restaurant overlooks JLT with a homely centre to its food, decor and service. Why do I eat here? It has reasonably priced dishes, especially when you get to the daily dish on offer, which is usually hearty and very filling. I also always hope you see Salam. What should you order? Fattoush, hummus with meat, the gently spiced Fatet Maryam Muskhan or the daily special, especially the slow-cooked lamb neck with freekah. Read a full review here.
Fusion Ceviche (Peruvian | Homegrown | Female Chef). Matchbox-sized restaurant produces arguably the city’s best ceviche, especially at the price point. Reservations are highly recommended. Why do I eat here? I love Chef Penelope’s energy, which finds its way in her fiery ceviches, not shy on punch. What do I eat? Él Clasico sea bass ceviche, Nikkei Ceviche or the empanada de la abuela. Read a full review here.
Friends Avenue (All Day | Homegrown | Great Breakfast). A slice of Australian cafe culture that reliably turns out excellent bowls for breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes at reasonable prices. Why do I eat here? It glides past the commitment to one single cuisine with a shortlist of options served alongside diesel-strength cold brew. What do I eat? The filling Shakshouka with Turkish Sausage, a meaty Aussie Pulled Beef Benedict, Friends Avenue Burger or the light Ottoman Chicken Bowl.
High Joint (Burgers | Homegrown | Fast Food). Their burgers are created by people who know their stuff. Why do I eat here? Sometimes, you just need a fat burger when nothing else will do. What do I eat? High Jamz with American cheese, housemade bacon jam, arguably their signature burger, and the King’shroom with melted provolone cheese and tempura mushrooms.
Lila Molino (Mexican | Homegrown | Female Chef). From the makers of Lila Woodfired Taqueria (below), comes another casual concept that offers one of Dubai’s Best breakfast options. Why do I eat here? The mezzanine dining, quiet open space, plenty of plug points and fast WiFi also makes it an excellent place to work. What do I eat? Order the tamale with red chile, the enormous crispy chicken torta, Mexican breakfast bowl or their agua frescas.
Lila Woodfired Taqueria (Mexican | Homegrown | Female Chef). Arguably, Dubai’s best Mexican restaurant has an artisanal, seasonal, and local sourcing approach to its menu. Reservations are almost essential to guarantee a spot in this matchbox-sized restaurant. Why do I eat here? The soft corn tortillas stand out with a short but excellent large dishes section. What do I eat? Whatever is on the seasonal front page menu, crispy duck quesadillas, lamb pastor tacos and the wood-roasted vegetable salad. Read a full review here.
Mohalla Restaurant (Indian | Street Food | Homegrown). A place that I wish was closer than just Design District as I would go more often. Smart Indian street food plus more heart dishes are all gentrified through a contemporary lens. Why do I eat here? The airy ceilings and certain dishes bring me back here time and time again. What do I eat? Avocado Papdi Chaat, Chicken Tikka Biryani, Lamb Chops and Mohalla Dal. Read a full review here.
Mythos. (Greek | Homegrown | Licensed | Pork). A smart casual restaurant that excels at lunchtime in a city where reliable lunch spots are in short supply, IMHO. Dinner is also worth a visit. The bill can quickly creep into the next category, fast. Why do I eat here? Did you read what I said about lunch? Also, it is licensed and has a pork menu. Praise be. What do I eat here? Pork souvlaki with Greek fries and beetroot with wild greens.
Pitfire Pizza. (Pizza | Homegrown | Licensed). Dubai’s best pizza spot, IMHO, has a plethora of outlets across the city, including a reliably good delivery service. Why do I eat here? The charred pizza crusts and the garlic knots have their own religious following, and my wife is two-parts carbonara pasta at any time. What do I eat here? The Palm pizza with sticky dates, creamy gorgonzola, balsamic reduction and crisp rosemary OR the Plain Jane pizza the sings with oregano. Also, garlic knots with the truffle cream and boneless chicken wings with barbecue sauce.
Sticky Rice. (Thai | Homegrown). It is one of Dubai’s best Thai restaurants without the fancy trappings and overblown costs. There’s humility and creativity in their dishes, which stem from their late mother’s approachable vision of the menu. Why do I eat here? I am a long-time devotee of Sticky Rice, tamarind chicken tenders and their approachable price points. What do I eat here? See tamarind chicken tenders, shrimp pad thai, Hoi Pad Prik Pow (stir-fried local clams), Kai Tohd Boi (Crispy Golden Fried Garlic Chicken Served with a Side of Sticky Rice), sticky tamarind tenders and, of course, the sticky rice.
Three by Eva (Levantine | Female-Owned | Palestinian-Owned). A homely, bright, family-friendly restaurant meets delicatessen, serving contemporary, refined Levantine dishes in leafy Jumeirah. Why do I eat here? The friendly, family-led warmth comes through the food and among the patrons, plus I love their fattoush and warak enab. What do I eat here? Tahini cauliflower, pine nuts, warak enab, fatteh eggplant, Jordanian mansaf, and chicken freekeh. Read a full review here.
Time Out Market. (Various | Licensed). The observant among you will note that this is not only not a single restaurant but a clutch of restaurants and - if you squint even further - an assembly of some other restaurants that are featured in this list. That’s the beauty of “TOM”: all under one roof in Downtown Dubai and facing the Dubai Fountains and the iconic Burj Khalifa. Leave a comment to claim your prize. Why do I eat here? The second-to-none selection, the cheapest champagne in Dubai on the weekends and a regular haunt for out-of-town visitors. What do I eat here? Mattar Farm Reuben, Cold Brew from Boon Coffee, Ramen from Reif Kushiyaki, Garlic Knots from Pitfire Pizza.
Vietnamese Foodies (Vietnamese | Homegrown | Female Chef-Owner). An underestimated restaurant group quietly sprouting up around Dubai, offering healthy and tasty Vietnamese dishes. Why do I eat here? It is very consistent between the three branches I regularly visit and the approachable price point. What do I eat here? Two-course daily meal deals, chicken pho, chicken and cabbage salad, Shrimp Rolls with Nuoc Cham Sauce, Duck Sausages in Betel Leaves with Plum Sauce and the Banh Mi Vit Nuong Sauce Hoisin.
YAVA (Levantine | Homegrown | Palestinian-Owned). People sleep on YAVA, but the approachable menu, soft, homely interiors, and familiar, comforting food stand out. Why do I eat here? What do I eat here? The soft onion, sumac-tinted Musakhan Pretzel, crispy baked honey feta, and the lemon chicken meatball orzo. Save room for the YAVA orange.
Mid-fancy (under 200 dhs per person)
Alici (Italian | Seafood | Licensed). A Southern Italian restaurant where the highs are found among the seafood dishes. Why do I eat here? The sweeping views across the Arabian Gulf and back onto the Dubai Marina from a terrace that is perfect during the cooler months. It’s an elegant lunch or dinner spot and one of Dubai’s best brunches. What do I eat here? Grilled octopus with lentils and romesco, crispy fritto misto, Dibba Bay oysters, parmigiana di melanzane, spaghetti with uni or spaghetti with anchovies, capers and toasted breadcrumbs. Read a full brunch review here.
BOCA (Spanish & Mediterranean | Eco-conscious | Licensed). A DIFC stalwart favourite that threads smart casual and easy-going with competent cooking and one of Dubai’s best wine lists. Why do I eat here? Chef Patricia Roig has elevated BOCA’s dining proposition and leans headlong into the sustainability ethos while keeping delicious at its core. Shiv, BOCA’s head sommelier, experiments with wine pairings and constantly shapes BOCA’s wine list. What do I eat here? The bread with burnt aubergine aioli, smoked tuna and pistachio ajoblanco, tortillitas de camarones, 12-hour braised lamb with sunchokes and the Idizabal smoked cheese custard.
Dibba Bay Oysters (Seafood | Licensed). Oyster farmers open dedicated restaurant spaces, but the JBR location stands out positively, although the Jumeirah Fishing Village branch possesses a rustic happy-go-lucky charm that Dubai seldom sees. Why do I eat here? Simple: the opportunity to support a local business single-handedly restoring the UAE oyster industry. What do I eat here? Oysters, half a dozen no. 4s, and brisk white wine.
Duo Gastrobar (European | Licensed). A sensible brasserie in the back of Dubai Hill Business Park elevates this neighbourhood’s casual dining with a notable wine-by-the-glass menu and a modern, bright dining room. Why do I eat here? The seasonal menu rotates with simple dishes that are very flavour forward and some vegetables used in unusual but mouth-watering ways. What do I eat here? Oxtail taleggio pie, yellow courgettes with Parmesan cream, orzo with beef cheeks and seared cabbage with truffle cream.
Ibn Al Bahr (Seafood | Licensed | Beachside). A beachside seafood restaurant that does not cost the Earth built on Palm Jumeirah no less. The shisha is not included in my price calculation, but now you’re considering it. Why do I eat here? The seafood selection, affordable wine selection, prime location, and beachside seating make Ibn Al Bahr hard to beat in Dubai at this price point. What do I eat here? Black pepper clams, grilled provencal prawns or squid, fattoush, batata hara, small fried sardines with tahini sauce, or a whole grilled fish.
Jun’s (Third Culture Cuisine | Licensed | Great Cocktails). Jun’s quickly left its mark on the Downtown dining scene with a talented, gregarious chef in Kelvin Cheung and both a versatile menu and atmosphere that suits casual lunches and fun date nights out. Why do I come here? Kelvin’s worldly career leaves fingerprints across the menu. Still, Kelvin assembles a coherent, exciting menu largely realised by executing the single vision of one chef instead of a “menu by committee”. What do I eat here? Smoked carrots in labneh, tempura za’atar chaat, seared scallops in corn puree and salmon carpaccio. Read a full review here.
Long Teng Seafood (Chinese | Seafood | Dim Sum). A directionally boujis Cantonese restaurant with fresh shellfish bobbing in tanks until you come along. Why do I come here? It’s the best dim sum that I have enjoyed in Dubai so far and the one I recommend the most to people (although I am very open to being shown alternatives). What do I eat here? Red rice and prawn cheung fun, steamed prawn dumplings, chicken xiao long bao, crispy radish pastry (shaped like swans), and creamy egg custard buns for dessert!
Lowe (Woodfire cooking | Eco-conscious | Licensed). The problem with Lowe is the location; otherwise, I would be here a few times a month for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Why do I come here? There is thoughtfulness in how they cook, focusing on drawing the best flavour out of ingredients without being loyal to any cuisine. The menu also changes seasonally with a focus on sustainability. What do I eat here? For lunch, the woodfired sesame bread with burnt za’atar dip is essential eating, as are the Hokkaido scallops on brioche, beef carpaccio with Espelette pepper, and the whole Dover sole with curry leaves when it is in season. Parmesan truffled eggs with spiced chutney, sweetcorn hotcake with bacon, or baked broken eggs with curried onion gravy for breakfast. Read a full review here.
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki (Japanese | Licensed | Inventive). REIF Japanese Kushiyaki is informed by Japanese ingredients and techniques but not shackled to them. This is not a Japanese restaurant for devotees who are fond of tradition. It remains one of my most visited and recommended restaurants every year. Why do I eat here? A versatile restaurant that retains a sense of specialness while remaining casual and accessible, whether it is day or not. Reif’s food is always delicious and delightful. The Dubai Hills branch is my preferred location (it’s licensed). What do I eat here? Kimchi melon, chicken katsu sando, wagyu sando, mushroom clay pot rice, duck ramen, prawn toast, chicken gyoza and the banana passion fruit dessert. Read a full review here.
Teible (Fiercly local | Seasonal | Eco-conscious). Teible quietly arrived on Dubai’s food scene showing that sourcing local ingredients and focusing on seasonality and cooking techniques can yield fabulous results, even in the desert. Why do I eat here? Beautiful plating that leans towards plant-based eating here that makes for lighter meals. What do I eat here? The menu changes regularly, but the “In Season” Zucchini, Shio Koji Emulsion, Preserved Pumpkin Ravioli, the outstanding Garum Burger, and prawns al ajillo were recent favourites. Read a full review here.
Lux and fine dining (over 200 dhs per person)
Avatara (Indian | Licensed | Vegetarian | Tasting Menu). No meat, no onions, no garlic. There is sparing use of processed carbohydrates through about 16 courses. Avatara’s Ayurvedic menu is dainty; it’s delightful and dares to challenge (incorrect) pre-conceptions about fine dining and vegetarian food. Why do I eat here? Stunning presentations and very reasonable pricing considering the skill and labour on show. What do I eat here? It is a tasting menu that changes with the seasons, so I eat whatever is presented. Read a full review here.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal Dubai (British | Licensed | Unique Menu). Legendary British chef ostensibly serves his signature menu inspired by historical British dishes inside Atlantis the Royal. She’s a pricey affair for special occasions. Why do I eat here? The service is second to none in Dubai; the wine menu is one of Dubai’s largest and most impressive, with some seriously impressive cooking. What do I eat here? The meat fruit, tipsy cake, triple-cooked chips, and goat’s milk sambocade. Read a full review here (and the Sunday Roast review here.)
FZN by Björn Frantzén (Tasting Menu | Excellent Wine List | Superb Service). Fighting for the crown of one of Dubai’s most expensive restaurants, FZN delivers with aplomb through its Nordic meets Japanese menu that is predominantly seafood-based. Why do I eat here? It feels special in all the right ways and without the trappings and restrictions of fine dining. What do I eat here? It is a tasting menu, but the chawanmushi, tart tatin and langoustine ‘tender’ stand out positively with the wine pairing. Read a full review here.
Hoseki (Japanese | Omakase | Licensed | Tasting Menu). “It’s cheaper than flying to Japan”, as a friend says. A stoic omakase menu in library-like silence where ingredients are flown in frequently from Japan. Why do I eat here? Impeccable service and the near-meditative craft of the master sushi chefs making sushi before your eyes. What do I eat here? It is an omakase-tasting menu that changes almost daily; therefore, I eat what I am given, but the sushi courses always stand out.
Mimi Kakushi (Modern Japanese | Licensed | Beautiful Decor | Great Cocktails). It is a lively, sexy restaurant where beautiful go to be seen, but the food and drinks live up to the hype. Be prepared to drop a lot of cash before you leave the starters. Why do I eat here? It’s an excellent spot for special occasions, corporate entertaining or showing out-of-towners all they have heard about luxurious Dubai and its symptoms. What do I eat here? Wagyu gyozas with foie gras, Kagoshima wagyu maki rolls, king crab cold salad with fresh mizuna, braised short ribs with sweet garlic soy, ginger wasabi relish and pistachio miso and grilled toro with crispy leeks and spicy wafu. Read a full review here.
Ninive (Pan-Arabic | Licensed | Beautiful Decor). Rare are there licensed Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai, and even rarer are there restaurants this striking. To dine at Ninive is truly an immersive experience. Why do I eat here? Ninive is one of my top five go-to restaurants for friends or business colleagues visiting Dubai where they want a drink and I want them to eat food from the broad region. What do I eat here? Roasted pumpkin with spiced tomato jam and raisins, tamarind chicken with yoghurt, pomegranate and parsley, the cous cous royale and any of the Tagines. Read a full review here.
Ossiano (French | Seafood | Licensed | Fine Dining | Tasting Menu). I always say that Ossiano could be a complete disaster in the wrong hands, leaning violently on its soaring ceilings and towering aquarium. Instead, it is one of Dubai’s most complete restaurant experiences. Why do I eat here? The incredible wine pairings, the attentive, the hypnotizing aquarium and the modern progressive menu. The collaborations are also groundbreaking. What do I eat here? Again, this tasting menu changes repeatedly, but you can expect luxurious ingredients like caviar, lobster or turbot quite regularly. Also, give me Alsacean Riesling or give me death. Read a full review here.
TakaHisa Japanese Restaurant (Japanese | Omakase | Licensed | Fine Dining). TakaHisa runs from strength to strength with a more lively atmosphere than Hoseki (above), but retains a myopic focus on its food and beverage’ quality. It is arm-bendingly expensive but utterly memorable. Why do I eat here? The simple, restrained approach showcases the quality of ingredients coupled with an eye-widening selection of wine and sake — the only restaurant ever to serve me enjoyable sake. What do I eat here? This is another omakase tasting menu that changes frequently; however, the steamed abalone with uni liver sauce and soy is a house staple. It is so delicious that it might be my death row bowl. Read a full review here.
The Experience by Reif Othman (Japanese | Omakase | Licensed | Fine Dining). Buried within REIF Japanese Kushiyaki lies “TERO”, Reif Othman’s fine dining omakase that retains its creative heart and the chef’s philosophy of less is more and let the ingredients do the talking. Why do I eat here? TERO is not as formal as the other Omakase restaurants on this list, which I welcome. The price point is also slightly more accessible but still pricey. It is also private and out of eye-sight of the REIF Kushiyaki diners, making for intimate date nights or occasions where private conversations are key. What do I eat here? You’ve gathered by now that omakase menus change but TERO features a new menu each month behind a theme, like wagyu, sushi or whatever strikes Reif at the relevant time. Read a full review here.
Tresind Studio (Modern Indian | Innovative | Fine Dining | Licensed) is the restaurant that trips off my lips first when people ask for a fine-dining restaurant recommendation or other deserving occasion. The Rising India tasting menu’s sensorial assault sharply juxtaposes the sober dining space. It’s an education and a delight. Why do I eat here? Tresind Studio appeals to my desire for small, intense bites, my love of chaat, and my desire to learn something throughout. It is also one of the world’s best restaurants. The collaborations are some of the best in Dubai. What do I eat here? This tasting menu changes periodically, but the kebab scarpetta, pani puri, Onam sadhya, tender coconut kushiyaki, raw and ripe banana with miso and the honeymoon tea ‘flying to the moon’. Read a full review here.
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What a round up 👏🏻
Great list! Thank you for dining out ideas for the next several weeks 😃