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.
You can find our current show times on our website.
Andaz Dubai The Palm
- Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tip #2: 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.
- Daily: 7am – 11 pm
- Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Tip #3: 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.
Sonara combines desert activities with a three-course Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fusion dinner. Sandboarding, camel rides and live entertainment are offered within selected experiences; check what is included in your chosen package.
Vegetarian menus and children’s options are available. Transfers and overnight stays at The Nest are separate options; confirm dietary requirements and arrangements when booking.
Sunset and dinner experience: 4:30pm–9pm; dinner-only experience: 6:30pm–9pm. Check the booking calendar for the current schedule and availability.
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Ain Road, Margham Gate, Dubai
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Tip #4: Boardwalk Restaurant
Boardwalk at Dubai Creek Resort serves Mediterranean food beside the water, with indoor seating and an outdoor deck. It opens from lunchtime, making it a choice for lunch or dinner with creek views.
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.
- Daily: noon–midnight; last orders at 11:30pm.
- Dubai Creek Resort, Port Saeed, Dubai
Tip #5: 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 serves modern French cuisine on Level 122 of the Burj Khalifa, with panoramic views of Downtown Dubai. Its Art Deco-inspired setting makes it a distinctive fine-dining destination.
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.
Restaurant: 12:30pm–3pm and 5:30pm–midnight. Lounge and bar: 8am–1am. Check the website for breakfast and afternoon-tea service times.
- Level 122, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
Tip #6: 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.
- Sunday - Friday: 6 pm – 11.30 pm
Saturday: 12.30 pm - 3.30 pm & 6 pm – 11.30 pm - Palace Downtown, Ground Level, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tip #7: 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.
La Farine offers freshly baked bread, pastries, coffee and European dishes from breakfast through dinner. Check the hotel’s current menu for available dishes and afternoon-tea options.
Please confirm dietary requirements and the current children’s menu directly with the restaurant.
- Daily: 6am–midnight.
- Sheikh Zayed Rd, Business Bay, Dubai
Tip #8: 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.
Jun’s currently offers a 13-course tasting menu reflecting chef Kelvin Cheung’s third-culture cooking. Menus change; consult the restaurant’s website for the latest dishes and dietary options.
- Daily: 12 pm – 1 am
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Tip #9: Trèsind Studio
Trèsind Studio received its third Michelin star in 2025. Chef Himanshu Saini’s tasting-menu restaurant explores Indian flavours through contemporary techniques.
The restaurant offers an intimate fine-dining experience at St. Regis Gardens on Palm Jumeirah. Advance reservations are recommended.
Check the current degustation menu and discuss vegetarian or other dietary requirements when booking. The Papadom bar offers a curated drinks selection.
- Monday–Saturday: 6pm–11pm; closed Sunday. Dinner seatings are listed at 6pm and 9:15pm; confirm when booking.
- St. Regis Gardens, The Palm, Jumeirah, Dubai
Tip #10: Bull & Bear
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Bull & Bear by Marc Hardiman is the signature steakhouse at Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, on the 18th floor.
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.
The menu focuses on premium steaks alongside other à la carte dishes. Consult the current menu for cuts, sides and vegetarian options.
- Daily: lunch 12:30pm–4pm; dinner 7pm–midnight.
- 18th Floor, Waldorf Astoria, Burj Daman, Al Mustaqbal Street, DIFCDubai
Tip #11: 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: noon–midnight. Friday–Saturday: noon–1am.
- DIFCGate Village 3, Below Capital Club, Next to Sotheby’s, Opposite Gate 2, Dubai
Tip #12: 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.
Please check the restaurant’s official website or contact the venue for current opening hours.
- Dubai Mall, Ground Floor, Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Tip #13: 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.
- Tuesday & Saturday: 6 pm - 11 pm
- Ground Floor, Dusit Thani Dubai, 133 Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
