15 of the best restaurants in Dubai

Annabelle Schweineberg

As Assist. Marketing & Communications Manager Annabelle knows the concept of Le Petit Chef like no other. If you have any questions, she is the right person to contact.

Last Update: February 11th, 2026

Dubai is a thriving metropolis in the heart of the desert. The city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates is a luxury getaway, a premier shopping destination, and known for endless white sand beaches, fancy hotels, and one more important thing: food.

It’s not easy to choose the best restaurants and places to eat in Dubai because there are so many options. We help you with the decision-making process, finding the best food, coolest restaurants, and most unique dining options.

Tip #1: The Magic Table

A completely new dinner elevates experiential gastronomy to a level that has not existed before. At The Magic Table, reality merges with illusion, as this 3D dinner was co-produced by The Clairvoyants.

They are known from America’s Got Talent, where they enchanted the world with their spectacular mentalism and illusion shows. Now it comes to your table! During a five-course menu, you will experience magic and wizardry up close and be part of it interactively.

5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Le Petit Chef

Continue reading to find out how Le Petit Chef will turn your next evening into an extraordinary experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Tip #2: Ossiano

If you are eager to dine in an underwater world, Ossiano is the restaurant you are looking for. The one-Michelin-star seafood restaurant is located in the famous Atlantis The Palm resort, surrounded by an aquarium.

Chef Grégoire Berger serves a tasting menu in „waves“ (courses). For a truly romantic moment, you can even hire divers to deliver underwater love messages or proposals. Local suppliers are central to Ossiano’s modern cuisine, which is prepared using traditional techniques.

The chef makes sure every food item in the restaurant is utilized; if not, it is turned into stock. The zero-waste food preparation and seafood sourcing from trustworthy suppliers are key parts of the restaurant’s sustainability program.

Tip #3: Arabian Tea House – Al Fahidi

You might not want to eat Italian, European, or Indian food when you visit Dubai; instead, you might crave something authentic. The Arabian Tea House Restaurant is a journey into Dubai’s past.

It was the first authentic Arabic restaurant to open (in 1997) in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. The Emirati-inspired food and wide selection of teas can be enjoyed in a charming outdoor garden area.

Tourists and locals alike meet here to enjoy colorful breakfast trays and authentic mains like Saloona Laham (fresh lamb cooked in a traditional way), as well as vegetable dishes and traditional sweets. Indulge in Ferni, date cakes, and a cup of gahwa (traditional Arabic coffee) in a cozy atmosphere. Kids will love the kids‘ menu with animal-shaped dishes.

Tip #4: Sonara Camp

Sonara Camp Restaurant offers a unique dining experience in the heart of the Arabian desert. The eco-friendly camp features a zero-waste policy, using ethical products, sustainable materials, and solar power.

It invites guests not only to quad biking, dune driving, or sandboarding but also to a fine dining experience. French chef Frank Sanna has created a three-course Mediterranean fusion sharing menu with locally sourced, fresh ingredients.

He also caters to vegetarians, vegans, and kids with special menus. A private chauffeur, shuttle service, kids‘ activities, overnight stays, and entertainment make this dining experience remarkable.

Tip #5: Boardwalk Restaurant

This iconic creekside restaurant, part of the Dubai Creek Resort, has been operating for over 27 years, serving Mediterranean food in both indoor and outdoor settings. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can enjoy the wooden deck with breathtaking water views and the famous Boardwalk fish & chips.

The Boardwalk Restaurant offers pizza-making for kids as an after-school activity. Kids are given a homemade pizza base to make their own creation, which is then cooked by the chefs in a wood-fired oven.

For an adult Italian experience, there is an Aperitivo hour Monday to Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Boardwalk is also famous for its oysters and bubbles.

5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Le Petit Chef

Continue reading to find out how Le Petit Chef will turn your next evening into an extraordinary experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Tip #6: At.Mosphere

They call it “The peak of fine dining”—for good reason! Enjoying meals 442 meters above the ground on Level 122 of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, is definitely hard to top.

At.mosphere is the world’s highest restaurant from ground level, overlooking Downtown Dubai and offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. One of the best restaurants in Dubai serves the finest European cuisine in a newly renovated Art Deco setting with fancy wallpapers and mosaic flooring.

For more privacy at larger tables, there are curtains that can be closed off. Breakfast, lunch, high tea, and dinner are available high above, with stunning views, beautiful sunsets, and city lights.

Tip #7: Thiptara

Thiptara is a unique Thai and Bangkok-style seafood dining experience by the waterfront. The Thai restaurant, located in the five-star Palace Downtown hotel, is considered one of Dubai’s most iconic dining destinations.

Thiptara means “Magic at the water,” and that is exactly what the restaurant offers, along with spectacular views of The Dubai Fountain. The award-winning Far Eastern culinary experience offers dishes such as grilled prawns, roasted duck breast, and different curry options. Traditional rice and noodle dishes like Pad Se Eiw or Pad Thai are on the menu as well.

Daily: 12.30 pm – 3.30 pm, 6 pm – 11.30 pm
Palace Downtown
Lobby Level
9770 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd
Dubai
(+971)4 428 7961
DineAtPalaceDowntown@addresshotels.com
thiptaradubai

Tip #8: La Farine

Some folks say it’s the best baguette in Dubai. The bakery and café La Farine is located in the lobby of the Marriott Marquis Hotel and treats you to homemade pastries, European-style freshly baked bread, and handcrafted barista coffee.

Enjoy tarts, éclairs, and croissants, as well as an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. Breakfast features fluffy coconut pancakes, açaí bowls, or a fancy Crab Benedict. Lunch ranges from Gnocchi Primavera and Australian beef tenderloin to grilled Harissa-spiced jumbo prawns and corn-fed chicken.

A kids‘ menu, as well as vegetarian and vegan options, are available. For afternoon tea, you can savor freshly baked scones, pistachio apricot profiteroles, or vanilla caramel mousse. The menu almost reads like an Arabian tale.

Tip #9: Jun’s

Jun’s, the award-winning restaurant by chef Kelvin Cheung and owner Nehan Anand, presents North American comfort food combined with Far Eastern and Indian flavors.

Local and seasonal ingredients are key players in Cheung’s kitchen. The Canadian chef, raised in Chicago and based in Dubai, spent most of his life traveling the world and finding inspiration for his creations. Jun’s menu features fusion cuisine with flavors and ideas Cheung picked up on his travels.

Butter-poached lobster, Hokkaido scallops with homemade yuzu kosho, rainbow heirloom carrots, and Wagyu beef potstickers are part of the nine-course tasting menu and the chef’s favorite dishes. Jun’s is also a great spot for those with a sweet tooth.

Tip #10: Adaline

If you are looking to redefine your night out, Adaline is the destination where Old Hollywood glamour meets the modern energy of Dubai. Located in the heart of DIFC, this sophisticated supper club offers more than just a meal; it is an immersive experience where live jazz, soul, and 90s anthems converge with refined Italian cuisine.

The menu is a tribute to old-school Italian flavors with a contemporary twist. You can start your evening with classic Antipasti like Vitello Tonnato or the signature Wagyu meatballs, followed by indulgent mains such as Wagyu Tagliata or the creamy Rigatoni alla Vodka.

To maintain its exclusive and intimate vibe, Adaline enforces a strict no-photo policy, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the music and the moment.

Monday: closed
Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, Sunday: 7 pm – 2 am
Thursday, Friday: 7 pm – 3 am
ground floor of DIFC, Gate village 08, Zaa’beel Second, Dubai
(+971) 04 498 6200
reservations@adaline-restaurants.com
adalinedubai

Tip #11: Trèsind Studio

It’s the only Indian two-Michelin-star restaurant in the United Arab Emirates and is currently ranked as number 11 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

Known for its progressive Indian cuisine, the Trèsind team and chef Himanshu Saini operate with a seating capacity of just 20 people. Modern cooking elements and traditional Indian techniques are reflected in the restaurant’s menu.

“Rising India – The Great Continent” is the name of the menu, available in both vegetarian and regular options. It reads like a long story of an Indian travel experience, from coastal plains to the Deccan Plateau, Northern Plains, and the Himalayan mountains. The Papadom Botanic Bar holds signature cocktails, each with a story and lovely sounding names.

Tip #12: Bull & Bear

The award-winning signature steakhouse of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel is inspired by the original New York concept. While the NYC institution closed, the Dubai location—under manager Orsi Halasz and head chef Giovanni Pintore—is thriving.

An ironclad bull and bear sculpture greets guests stepping in from the Financial District outside. The fancy Bull & Bear, with its golden interior, is perfect for business lunches, special occasions, and romantic dinners.

It’s definitely a restaurant for meat eaters and guests who appreciate a perfectly cooked steak. Enjoy Australian tenderloin, ribeye, and Wagyu beef striploin. Additionally, you can find a vegan Eggplant Parmigiana and a vegetarian Asparagus Risotto on the menu.

Monday – Friday: 12.30 – 4 pm and 7 pm – 12 am
Saturday, Sunday: 1 – 4 pm and 7 pm – 12 am
18th Floor, Waldorf Astoria
Burj Daman, Al Mustaqbal Street
DIFC
Dubai
(+971) 4 515 9888
n/a
bullandbear.difc

Tip #13: Bombay Borough

Bombay Borough is an Indian restaurant located in the International Finance Centre in the city’s luxury dining zone. Look forward to the most delicious Indian cuisine, based on traditional recipes.

The style of the restaurant is inspired by Indian bungalows with French and British influences. It goes without saying that refreshing, high-quality drinks are also available here.

Whether at lunchtime or in the evening, you will be pampered by the professional service and will want to return again and again.

Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
Friday, Saturday: 12:00 pm – 1:00 am
DIFC
Gate Village 3
Below Capital Club, Next to Sotheby’s
Opposite Gate 2
Dubai
+971 54 995 8296
reservations@bombayborough.com
bombayborough_uae

Tip #14: F.R.N.D.S.

FRNDS is a unique restaurant decorated in an Art Deco style with golden elements, floating marble, silky drapes, mirrors, and much more to discover!

Your taste buds can look forward to the best of Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine. It is the perfect place for a meal in an elegant atmosphere, where both your plate and your surroundings will delight your senses.

Tip #15: MaKiRa

Another hidden gem in Dubai is MaKiRa, a modern Japanese restaurant that brings Japanese flavors to life through a creative menu and a colorful, vibrant ambiance.

In addition to sushi rolls, they offer ramen, bowls, and much more. Traditional Japanese techniques are used, and only high-quality ingredients are selected.

Alongside the excellent menu, there is also a curated selection of drinks to perfectly round off the evening.

Our selection of restaurants is based, among other things, on the editorial team’s individual preferences and on reviews on the internet. Please contact the respective provider directly for information on reservations and prices. The pictures come from the restaurants listed. All Information is provided without guarantee!