The Best Date Night Restaurants in Dubai

Tresind Studio at St. Regis Gardens in Dubai is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Himanshu Saini, known for its fresh take on Indian cuisine. The team highlights local, sustainable ingredients and welcomes guests with genuine warmth, creating a memorable and inviting dining experience.

Recommended by

Mohamad Orfali

Chef

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 RESTAURANT is a casual bistro in Dubai led by three Syrian brothers who blend their heritage with fresh ideas. Their welcoming atmosphere and playful approach to cooking have earned the restaurant international recognition. It’s a comfortable spot where guests can enjoy thoughtful flavors and genuine hospitality.

Recommended by

Himanshu Saini

Chef

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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Trèsind Dubai has earned recognition in the Dubai MICHELIN Guide for its fresh perspective on Indian flavors. It’s often praised for its inviting setting and creative approach to spices and techniques. Whether you live in the city or you’re just visiting, it’s a spot many consider worth exploring.

Recommended by

Marc Karim Vermette

Mr

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 nine-seat Japanese restaurant in Dubai where the chef designs each omakase meal based on the freshest ingredients and guest preferences. Sitting on the fourth floor of an upscale resort, it offers a calm, minimalist space with sweeping city views, recognized by Michelin for its dedication to authentic Japanese dining.

Recommended by

Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

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 a 12-seater chef’s table perched on a rooftop in Dubai. Led by Chef Solemann Haddad, it offers an ever-evolving menu that highlights Middle Eastern influences alongside global inspirations. The intimate setting creates a welcoming spot for anyone curious to explore creative cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.

Recommended by

Himanshu Saini

Chef

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 Japanese Restaurant in Dubai is recognized in the 2023 Michelin Guide and is known for using premium ingredients brought in directly from Japan. Led by experienced chefs specializing in omakase and top-grade wagyu, the restaurant highlights a refined yet welcoming vibe. Guests can expect attentive service and a focus on fresh, high-quality produce.

Recommended by

Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

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

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Electric Pawn Shop blends a 70s Chinatown vibe with a laid-back atmosphere, offering imaginative cocktails and a lively music scene. Recognized for its underground feel and innovative approach, it provides a welcoming spot that stands out from the usual bar scene.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

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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Gaia Dubai is a Greek-inspired restaurant in the Dubai International Financial Centre, known for its friendly vibe and focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Chef Izu’s welcoming approach makes guests feel at ease, whether they’re at the bar or seated in the main dining area. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, offering a comfortable spot to enjoy a flavorful meal.

Recommended by

Andreas Caminada

Chef

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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Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori is a new restaurant in Dubai, opened in January 2021 by Chef Akmal Anuar and his team. Its straightforward approach and fair prices have quickly made it a popular spot for sushi and yakitori. Guests appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and no-nonsense style that set it apart.

Recommended by

Flip Dejaeghere

Flip World Foodie

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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High Joint is a popular burger spot in Dubai known for its rotating menu and laid-back atmosphere. It’s a relaxed place where you can enjoy a casual bite or choose delivery for added convenience.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

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 tucked-away spot in Dubai behind a “record store,” known for its streamlined approach to drinks and dining. It has an intimate atmosphere featuring weekly DJ sets, rotating art displays, and a carefully curated vinyl collection played on a bespoke sound system. The focus on quality over quantity makes it a relaxed place to enjoy music without any fuss.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

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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Kinoya is a casual Japanese izakaya that quickly became a local favorite in Dubai for its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and lively music. Despite its unassuming location, it exudes the fun, passionate spirit of its chef, offering a genuine spot to unwind with everyday Japanese flavors.

Recommended by

Mohamed El Baroudi

Foodie

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 brings a welcoming taste of 1930s Japan to Dubai’s Four Seasons Jumeirah, blending glossy woods, warm lighting, and stylish décor. Created in collaboration with the La Cantine team and local chef Reif Othman, it offers a fresh spin on Asian-inspired cuisine in a popular dining spot. Bookings are recommended, as it’s quickly becoming a favorite among those looking for something new in the city.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

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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Monno is a homegrown Italian restaurant in Dubai that specializes in fresh, handmade pasta at approachable prices. They focus on simple, wholesome cooking using carefully chosen ingredients to bring out genuine Italian flavors. The welcoming setting and honest approach to food make it an appealing place for anyone craving a true taste of Italy.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

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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Reif Japanese Kushiyaki – Dubai Hills is a casual, licensed spot that puts a modern spin on Japanese dining. The menu takes inspiration from Chef Reif Othman’s inventive approach and often sees new creations. It’s a relaxed, neighborhood setting where you can drop by and enjoy something different each time.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

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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Stay by Yannick Alleno is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Dubai that showcases skillful French cooking. Many guests appreciate the careful preparation and attention to detail in every dish. Located in One&Only The Palm, it provides a calm setting for a refined dining experience.

Recommended by

Dan Fahy

Travelling Foodie

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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Sucre Fire Dining Dubai is a welcoming spot in the heart of DIFC that highlights the art of Mediterranean fire cooking. Led by Chef Fernando Trocca, it combines fresh ingredients with an open-kitchen concept for a casual yet memorable dining experience. The relaxed lounge and bar areas add to the warm atmosphere, making it an inviting place to share good times.

Recommended by

Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

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 in Dubai provides a cozy yet stylish setting for enjoying modern interpretations of Chinese cuisine. The warm interior extends to a terrace with a canal view, paired with a relaxed musical backdrop. Whether you’re gathering with friends or marking a special occasion, the inviting atmosphere and attentive service make it an appealing choice.

Recommended by

Zoe Bowker

Food Consultant

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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The Experience by Reif Othman in Dubai features a cozy 12-seat counter with a low-key, speakeasy feel. Chef Reif’s interest in streetwear and sneaker culture sets a fun vibe in the arrival area. Every few months, the omakase menu switches up its influences, so guests can expect something fresh and different with each visit.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

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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The Guild is a new spot in Dubai’s DIFC, recognized as MICHELIN Guide’s Opening of the Year 2024. It has multiple kitchens and inviting spaces, setting the scene for a relaxed meal or drinks any day of the week. Lively music and thoughtful design add to its welcoming atmosphere without feeling over the top.

Recommended by

Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

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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