The Best Date Night Restaurants in Dubai

Tresind Studio is an Indian restaurant that offers a contemporary dining experience led by Chef Himanshu. The restaurant is known for its innovative culinary concepts and exquisite presentations, blending traditional Indian flavors with modern gastronomy techniques. With a focus on the transformation and amplification of humble ingredients, Tresind Studio's menu offers a captivating fusion of taste and aesthetics, making it an ideal destination for culinary enthusiasts.

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Mohamad Orfali

Chef – Dubai, United Arab of emirates

Tresind Studio is a great place for some really nice Indian food. I’ve known the guys since they opened in 2014. They’ve taken their modern Indian cuisine to an upper level with quite surprising flavours and textures and beautiful looking dishes.

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Orfali Bros Bistro Restaurant offers a delightful bistro experience, brought to life by the three Syrian Orfali brothers. Their menu is a creative exploration of Syrian cuisine, with dishes like the Shish Barak a la Gyoza, a Levantine favorite transformed with wagyu beef dumplings and garlic yogurt. Not only is their food innovative, but their non-alcoholic beverages, such as homemade Kombuchas, are equally remarkable, making Orfali Bros Bistro a must-visit for those seeking a novel culinary experience.

Recommended by

Himanshu Saini

Chef – Dubai , United Arab Emirates

I really like what the Orfali brothers are doing with the Syrian cuisine and how they’ve adapted their cooking to the ingredients available here. A lot of people don't know much about their cuisine, but I believe in cuisines that didn't have the exposure before. I’m a big believer in an underdog story, how they struggled to open their restaurant for many years and after pandemic set up their own place and and just roll the game from there.

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Offering a unique modernist Indian dining experience, Trèsind Dubai combines bold Indian flavors with time-honored techniques. The restaurant is recognized for its progressive Indian cuisine, with dishes crafted meticulously by Chef Mohammad Zeeshan. With accolades such as inclusion in the inaugural Dubai MICHELIN Guide 2022 and MENA's 50 Best Restaurants 2022, Trèsind is a testament to the art of innovative Indian cuisine.

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Marc Karim Vermette

Mr – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Absolutely spectacular technique and delivery. For the visitor, this is a must taste during any trip to Dubai. For the seasoned veteran - if you haven't been to Tresind, it will surely become one of if not your favourite place in Dubai.

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Hōseki is a high-end Japanese restaurant offering a unique omakase experience, which means "I leave it to you." The menu changes daily, based on the freshest ingredients and the preferences of the diners. With just nine seats, an intimate setting is guaranteed, and the restaurant provides a tranquil dining experience with its subtle, beautifully prepared dishes.

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Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie – Dubai, UAE

Omakase Delight Hoseki is the closest thing to being in Tokyo that you can experience in Dubai. It is ultra highend sushi done to Japan standards. Everything and everyone here is Japanese. They were awarded by Michelin and deservedly so.

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Moonrise is an Omakase restaurant that provides a unique dining experience, combining Middle Eastern ingredients with Japanese techniques. The 12-seater restaurant is helmed by self-taught Chef Solemann Haddad, who crafts an 8-course tasting menu inspired by his own interpretation of Dubai's food culture. The rooftop location offers a remarkable view of the city's skyline, adding to the overall ambience while you enjoy the ever-evolving menu.

Recommended by

Himanshu Saini

Chef – Dubai , United Arab Emirates

This place has a very unique concept and stands out because it does something very different. Chef Solemann Haddad cooks around the Dubai food culture which is a mix of Indian, Sri Lankan and Pakistani influences. He's grown up in Dubai, and has seen since he was a kid what the city started from and what it has become. Now he brings back the nostalgia for people who have lived in Dubai for many years. He is self-taught, which is why he has his own interpretation in his cooking - it's not derived from working with another chefs.

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TakaHisa is a high-end establishment offering premium sushi and wagyu, using the finest quality produce imported directly from Japan. Their menu includes delicacies such as chilled Ozaki beef carpaccio with caviar, smoked bonito, steamed Japanese hairy crab, and abalone in a thick uni and light soy dressing. With an extensive and well-selected range of wine and sake, this restaurant provides a memorable dining experience in an elegant setting.

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Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie – Dubai, UAE

High end Japanese sushi and wagyu restaurant. They use the highest quality produce flown in from Japan.

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Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Electric Pawn Shop, an Asian bar-restaurant inspired by the 70s Chinatown of New York. Here, you can enjoy creative Asian cuisine and cocktails, accompanied by the superb turntable DJing. The place is also known for its natural wine selection, underground beats, and conceptual design.

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Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A heady mix of superb turn table DJing and an original take on popular cocktails. If it was any closer to my home, I’d never get anything done.

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This Greek-inspired restaurant offers an exciting concept with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The food is flavorful, with a vibrant atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. The bar area comes highly recommended, and Chef Izu, known for his fantastic culinary skills, is also the host.

Recommended by

Andreas Caminada

Chef – Fürstenau, Switzerland

Amazing concept with super tasty food and vibrant atmosphere. I recommend to eat at the bar area. Greek inspired food. A cuisine with focus on amazing fresh and great products. Chef Izu is a fantastic chef and Host.

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With a focus on sushi and yakitori, Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori offers a fresh and unique dining experience. The restaurant, which opened its doors in January 2021, is led by Chef Akmal Anuar and his team who are committed to creating delicious and affordable dishes. Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori is quickly gaining popularity for its no-nonsense approach and tasty creations.

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Flip Dejaeghere

Flip World Foodie – Duffel, Belgium

A very very fresh newbie not to be missed when in Dubai. Chef Akmal Anuar & his team just opened in January 2021 this exquisite sushi & yakitori spot. No nonsense, uber tasty creations and very democratic prices will quickly make this newbie a Dubai hotspot. One not to miss when in Dubai!!

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With a rotating menu that includes unique options like wagyu beef with date caramelised onions, High Joint is a well-liked burger spot. People often recommend the fried High Chicken, Millionaire’s High, and The Smokey. It's a casual dining venue perfect for those moments when you want to indulge a little, with a delivery service available for convenience.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Seriously popular burger spot in Dubai with a seasonal rotating menu (such as a wagyu beef with date caramelised onions) and some favourite stalewarts. Get the fried High Chicken, Millionare’s High and The Smokey. Casual dining for those moments when you want to treat yourself. Delivery available.

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Honeycomb Hi-Fi is a unique spot that combines eclectic global sounds, Izakaya style dining, and rotating art exhibitions, all under one roof. It's a haven for vinyl record enthusiasts, offering weekly DJ sets and listening sessions on a bespoke Ojas sound system. The menu features classic Izakaya dishes and signature creations by Chef Matt Abergel, designed to feed the soul.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This is actually Dubai’s coolest bar, despite the trendy lists elsewhere. A speakeasy concept behind a “record store” focusing on less is more. A restrained cocktail list, wine list and food list where the bar plays remixes of old school R&B and more. It’s an intimate setting where seats fill up quickly with enough people who feign interest in not being seen.

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With a relaxed and fun atmosphere, Kinoya offers an authentic Japanese dining experience. This place is well-known for its delicious Japanese izakaya classics, with the duck ramen and sando being particularly popular. The menu is designed to transport you to the heart of Japan, featuring everyday dishes like Donabe, Onsen Tamago, Dashi, Omurice, and many other traditional delicacies.

Recommended by

Mohamed El Baroudi

Foodie – Marrakech, Morocco

An Izakaya with great food and vibes Hidden in an unimpressive building, Kinoya became a Dubaï institution in just a few months. The restaurant reflects its chef Neha Mishra’s personality : passionate, relaxed and fun. Trendy atmosphere (very good playlists!) and delicious japanese izakaya classics. The place is famous for its ramen (the duck one is outstanding). The sando is also a hit.

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Mimi Kakushi is a Japanese restaurant located in the Four Seasons hotel, offering an innovative twist to Asian cuisine. The ambiance is reminiscent of early 1930s Japan, with glossy woods, portraits, palm leaves, and warm lighting. The menu offers a variety of dishes, including popular items like wagyu foie gras gyozas, Kagoshima wagyu maki roll, and generously portioned king crab, all of which are served in small plates, allowing for a diverse dining experience.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Mimi Kakushi is a brand new opening in Dubai Jumeirah’s Four Seasons hotel combining the best of the La Cantine restaurant group in consultation with local talent, Reif Othman. The stunning decor channels early 1930s Japan with glossy woods, portraits, palm leaves and warm lighting. Mimi Kakushi injects much needed innovation into Dubai’s Asian food scene evolving now stalwart classics with twists. Menu highlights included the wagyu foie gras gyozas with refreshing pickled cucumber and truffle soy butter. A delicious Kagoshima wagyu maki roll with sukiyaki sauce in an onsen egg dip. Lighter dishes included a smashed hamachi with yuzu guacamole, crispy nori and yuzu soy and the generously portions king crab with mizuna, crisp baby potatoes and wasabi dressing. As with many restaurants that focus on small plate dining in Dubai, The bill can add up quickly as you collect a number of small plates to eat. However many dishes stay impressively below 100 dhs. Bookings are absolutely essential as this brand-new restaurant is very popular in an already popular cul de sac of high-end restaurants in Dubai.

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Specializing in homegrown Italian cuisine, Monno offers a range of affordable handmade pasta dishes. Their menu features unique creations such as ravioli al tartufo in veal jus, homemade spaghetti with bottarga butter, and a contemporary crunchy take on lasagna. Despite its high-quality food, the restaurant maintains admirably low prices.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A rare Dubai offering: a homegrown Italian restaurant serving affordable handmade pasta. From ravioli al tartufo in veal jus to homemade spaghetti with bottarga butter and smoked tuna belly to a confemporary crunchy riff on lasagna, Monno’s strength lies in its pasta courses that are also admirably low priced.

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The Reif Japanese Kushiyaki restaurant offers a unique dining experience that combines traditional Japanese cuisine with a modern twist. The menu features a variety of dishes, such as seared prawn toast, cauliflower black sesame kushi, chicken or wagyu sandos, and duck ramen with a thick broth. It's not just about the food, but also the relationship with the culinary art process driven by the heart and talent of the chef, REIF Othman.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Casual, elevated Japanese dining with a modern twist - and licensed! Reif expands his reach with a new kushiyaki in residential Dubai Hills offering a licensed casual restaurant (rare in Dubai) turning out the sublime like their seared prawn toast, cauliflower black sesame kushi, chicken or wagyu sandos and duck ramen with a broth so thick, you could walk across it. It’s a run don’t walk situation. I’ve been every week since its opened.

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Featuring the culinary expertise of Yannick Alleno, Stay by Yannick Alleno offers top-notch French cuisine. While the food is almost faultless, the decor and service might not appeal to everyone. However, if you're a food enthusiast with a preference for unique dishes, the offerings here may leave you impressed.

Recommended by

Dan Fahy

Travelling Foodie – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Fantastic food in a soulless restaurant Dined this week at this newly awarded 2* in Dubai and was unfortunately left feeling a little flat by the overall experience. Food wise it was almost faultless, Yannick is a master at French cooking and he's instilled his team with the abilities to create tasty, unique dishes. Sadly, the stiff service, hideous decor and elevator let the restaurant down in a big way and at the best part of 1000 dollars for a 2 top, we came away feeling a little hard done by. It's also worth mentioning that the wine pairing is one of the least inspiring we've come across as well. If you're not fussed about excellent service and you enjoy a gaufy interior, I'd be surprised if you came away unimpressed on what the food has to offer.

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Located in the financial district, Sucre Dubai is a unique restaurant that offers a delightful change from the norm. The menu, crafted by Argentinian chef Fernando Trocca, boasts excellent dishes with Argentinian influences, including exceptional steaks. A must-try is the dulce de leche fondant, a dessert that leaves a lasting impression.

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Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie – Dubai, UAE

Fabulous place and food in DIFC Sucre by Argentinian chef Fernando Trocca is a beautiful restaurant in the financial district of Dubai known as DIFC. The place is a welcome change from the usual suspects. The food is excellent with beautiful dishes with hints of Argentina here and there. Obviously they make excellent steaks but much more. Don’t miss the dulce de leche fondant.

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TÀN CHÁ Restaurant is well-known for its delicious dim sum, offering unique options such as wagyu bumblebee buns, cordyceps dumplings, and mushroom cheung fun. The place provides a stylish, yet cosy setting with a terrace that offers a canal view and a DJ playing well-selected tunes. The restaurant also serves other signature dishes like Honey Nut Beef Cubes, Peking Duck and is known for its house made XO sauce.

Recommended by

Zoe Bowker

Food Consultant – Dubai, UAE

If you’re looking for great dim sum in Dubai, make this your next stop. Newly opened Tan Cha is delivering divine dim sum and creative cocktails in a stylish, yet cosy setting. Don’t miss their wagyu bumblebee buns, cordyceps dumplings and mushroom cheung fun. There’s a lovely terrace up top with a canal view, and the DJ has got the tunes (and volume) spot on. Be prepared to drown everything in their house made XO, it’s sensational.

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This dining spot offers an informal omakase experience, a Japanese tradition where the chef designs a bespoke menu for guests. The menu features dishes like uni nigiri, raw scallops brushed with seaweed butter, and Kagoshima Wagyu beef shabu-shabu, showcasing the chef's focus on simplicity and quality ingredients. The restaurant is unlicensed and provides a unique opportunity for guests to enjoy a casual yet exceptional culinary journey.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Local favourite Reif Othman re-launches his more casual omakase inside his successful Reif Kushiyaki. Reif’s fingerprints are all over this omakase. His signature simplicity focuses on doing less but more, drawing the best out of quality, premium ingredients. Dishes such as uni nigiri, raw scallops brushed with seaweed butter and a caviar-studded otoro gunkan wrapped in nori make for exceptional and special mouthfuls. These are followed by larger courses including a Kagoshima Wagyu beef shabu-shabu steeped in the clearest of wagyu dashi lifted by pools of yuzu oil. Unlicensed, it’s an excellent way to tip toe into an informal omakase.

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Featuring a lively atmosphere inspired by the bustling brasseries of New York, The Guild offers a variety of dining experiences from its multiple kitchens. The restaurant is known for its excellent drinks and diverse food menu, ranging from burgers and steak sandwiches to wagyu steak and a wide selection of fish. In addition to its main dining area, The Guild also houses a raw bar, a champagne room, and a cocktail bar, providing an immersive dining experience for all.

Recommended by

Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie – Dubai, UAE

It’s brand new but I’m ready to recommend it. The Guild is now into its 3rd month and it keeps on getting better. It’s a huge restaurant with multiple kitchens. It’s also beautifully designed and built. The drinks are excellent as is the food. There’s a wood burning oven that’s visible from the main room called The Salon. There’s a raw bar and a big selection of fish as well. You can get everything from a burger to a steak sandwich to a wagyu steak to a turbot to a … you get the point. There’s something for everyone.

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