The Best 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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11 Woodfire is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Dubai that focuses on open-fire cooking using a hand-built wood-burning oven and forged-steel grill. The relaxed setting invites you to experience how fire, smoke, and carefully sourced ingredients come together to highlight natural flavors. Recognized by MENA’s 50 Best, it blends tradition with innovation in a straightforward yet memorable way.

Recommended by

Kaylee Folster

Food & Travel Writer

Extravagant Open Fire Cooking Experience 11 Woodfire is an absolutely breathtakingly beautiful restaurant located in the residential suburb of Jumeirah in Dubai. As the name itself implies, the restaurant’s cooking philosophy is based on the concept of fire, featuring huge open kitchen grill areas. The food is fabulous with standout dishes including the beetroot starter showcasing feta cheese, berries, aged balsamic and hazelnuts as well as the beautifully smooth and creamy potato mousseline with truffle; simply superb. Signature woodfired dishes include the beef skewers, chicken wings, lamb chops and crispy duck leg, to name a few. 11 woodfire also serves up some tasty mocktails as well as a diverse range of beautiful teas; the tea trolley experience comes highly recommended. Also on offer at 11 Woodfire, are some fantastic desserts with the burnt cheesecake being a well-deserved favourite.

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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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BOCA in Dubai is recognized by the Michelin Guide and focuses on Mediterranean-inspired cooking in a relaxed setting. They emphasize local, sustainable ingredients through measures like their on-site desert plant garden and offer a wide selection of wines. It’s a welcoming place to enjoy a reliable meal without any fuss.

Recommended by

Zoe Bowker

Food Consultant

Delicious, casual Spanish-inspired cuisine at a venue that’s a bit like Cheers - where everybody knows your name. A happy haunt for the foodie crowd, BOCA doesn’t disappoint with its food nor wines, 48 of which they serve by the glass (all Spanish or nearby). BOCA has started some great sustainability measures and champion local produce with their on-site desert plant garden and use of local produce such as Dibba Bay oysters.

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Il Ristorante – Niko Romito is a modern Italian restaurant in Dubai that holds two Michelin stars. The sleek, minimalist interior pairs smoothly with a private harbor view, offering a calm and inviting setting. It’s known for combining traditional influences with a fresh, creative approach to Italian cuisine.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

Dubai’s best restaurant? 2-star Italian cool heaven. Niko Romito’s restaurant in Abruzzo has 3 Michelin stars and his Dubai institution has two, well earned. Wonderful creative cuisine that respects Italian traditions. Super cool Italian-minimalistic decor. Incredible wine cellar. If you want to avoid the Dubai prices on wines, you may want to have their own red blend (Montepulciano), which is a truly great value.

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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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Slab – mercato is tucked inside Dubai’s Mercato Mall but offers a dining experience that feels far from a typical mall restaurant. It’s led by a skilled American Peruvian chef who keeps the menu fresh with regular updates and modern options. The setting is laid-back, and prices are kept reasonable for those looking to drop by often.

Recommended by

Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

Excellent food by a fantastic chef. It’s in a mall but is far from a “mall restaurant”.

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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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Ossiano is a one-Michelin-star restaurant in Dubai known for its creative approach to fine dining. You can dine alongside a huge aquarium, which adds to the atmosphere without taking away from the thoughtful seafood and vegetarian menus. This combination of setting and cuisine creates a memorable experience that feels both refined and welcoming.

Recommended by

Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

Phenomenal The setting is magnificent with huge windows looking into the huge aquarium at the Atlantis Hotel in Dubai. This is a Michelin starred restaurant that may well get its second star next week. The food is fantastic and the chef takes you on a voyage of taste and sight. Highly recommended tasting menu.

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Three by Eva is a family-run spot in a restored villa in Dubai, offering a warm, welcoming setting that blends tradition with a modern touch. The mother-and-daughters team puts their Jordanian roots at the center of everything they do, creating a space that feels both homey and thoughtfully curated. There’s even a small retail section on site, reflecting the same sense of care and heritage found throughout the restaurant.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

Fattoush, kibbeh, grapevine leaves - and more Levantine bites - served by mother, Eva, and her two daughters. Three by Eva radiates Levantine hospitality with cheery service inside a bright delicatessen. Boulders of falafel, mounds of tabbouleh and the creamiest labneh are presented simply and with finesse.

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Jun’s in Downtown Dubai is a casual spot guided by Chef Kelvin’s experience in North America, India, and the Middle East. The menu draws on American, Chinese, and Indian influences in a relaxed setting. Visitors can expect a free-flowing approach to cooking that feels fresh and inviting.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

Third culture kid dining abandons convention in pursuit of flavour Jun’s Dubai is an unpretentious casual restaurant disguised among Downtown Dubai’s frothing tantara. The food leans on chef Kelvin’s Chinese North American heritage and years of cooking in India and now in the Middle East. His laissez faire attitude to convention is evident across the menu with delicious results.

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Sufret Maryam is a new restaurant in Dubai from the same chef behind Bait Maryam, offering a refined take on Levantine cuisine. It features both familiar and original dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. The setting is inviting, making it a comfortable spot to share a meal with friends or family.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

A refined interpretation Levantine cuisine through the hands of one of Dubai’s best loved chefs. Order the chicken musakhan rolls, the labneh crème brûlée and hummus bel lahme.

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FZN by Björn Frantzén is a fine dining restaurant at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai that balances polished details with an easygoing atmosphere. Despite its upscale setting, the service feels relaxed and welcoming, so guests can settle in comfortably.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

FZN weaves in the best elements of fine dining to feel special supported by casual, easy service so that dinner does not feel uptight or rigid. The chawanmushi, the langoustine and the tart tatin stood out together with the wine pairing and slick service. It’s pricey, of course.

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Reif Japanese Kushiyaki at Dar Wasl has a relaxed, casual feel that highlights a fresh take on Japanese cooking. An open kitchen and friendly service add to its welcoming vibe, making it an appealing spot for a straightforward and enjoyable meal.

Recommended by

Malgosia Minta

Food journalist

Fun and tasty play on Japanese food. Fun and tasty play on Japanese food. Best to come with a few people to enjoy as many small dishes as possible, such as raw hamachi with umeboshi and almonds, melo with kimchi sauce and sesame (this I will copy at home) maki with soft shell crab or a variety of kushi (beef with black pepper teriyaki and bonito flakes eryngi mushrooms and seaweed butter). PS Reif was also named the best ramen place in town - and not without a reason!

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21grams Urban Balkan Bistro in Dubai is a casual, home-grown spot for modern Balkan soul food. Its warm, minimalist setting and friendly service create an inviting space to enjoy something different. Whether you visit for breakfast or a leisurely meal, it’s a comfortable place to explore new flavors.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

21 grams’ modern Balkan soul food nourishes offering one of Dubai’s best home-grown restaurants. Minimalist self-described Urban Balkan Bistro is a full service, casual restaurant but its breakfasts are my reason to come back again and again. It breaks away from the tiresome avocado toast to offer gusty Balkan dishes including crunchy, totemic burek wedges, spicy pindju eggs, Balkan breakfast eggs with smoked paprika sausages and cooling feta. Clove cherry juice and diesel-strength cold brews are worth ordering. The mid-century modern decor makes 21 grams a quiet retreat.

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Streetery JLT is a relaxed Asian spot in Dubai offering street-style food inspired by Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and more. Visitors appreciate the variety of dishes that keeps things interesting on each visit. It’s a comfortable place to explore different flavors in a casual setting.

Recommended by

Pallavi Sangtani

Foodie

Fav casual Asian spot in Dubai. Authentic and true street style food from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and more. You will not get tired of sampling their menu options!

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Royal China Restaurant in Dubai has built a solid reputation for its consistently high-quality Cantonese cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. Part of a well-known international chain, it offers a comfortable place to gather with family, friends, or colleagues. With attention to fresh ingredients and authentic flavors, the dining experience here feels relaxed and enjoyable.

Recommended by

Zoe Bowker

Food Consultant

If you’re looking for some of the absolute best Peking duck in town (and the best value!) then look no further than Royal China. The interiors may be starting to age but it’s all about the food here, and it’s excellent. Classic Cantonese cuisine done very very well, and excellently priced. Always a great meal!

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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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Nobu Dubai is located at Atlantis, The Palm on Palm Jumeirah and blends Japanese cuisine with a Peruvian twist. Diners can take in panoramic views of the Palm and Dubai Marina skyline in a contemporary setting. It’s known for its lively atmosphere and draws both locals and visitors throughout the week.

Recommended by

Hrvoje Petric

Food & Wine Writer

Nobu Dubai restaurant, located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah (Atlantis the Palm hotel), offers a world-renowned Japanese cuisine with a Peruvian twist for a great culinary experience. With the stunning views of the Palm and Dubai Marina skyline you can taste some iconic dishes by chef Nobu Matsuhisa like black cod miso, premium wagyu beef tacos with a Japanese twist, Dubai’s best sushi, all prepared by head chef Damien Duviau.

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Bait Maryam – Dubai has a warm, family-like atmosphere that makes guests feel at home, drawing on Palestinian and Lebanese inspirations. Its cozy setting and welcoming vibe invite visitors to relax and enjoy comforting flavors in a laid-back environment.

Recommended by

Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

Just Like Home Chef Salam makes you feel like you are ih her home having beautiful Palestinian and Lebanese food. She makes some of thr best hummus and falafel you will ever have. The whole menu is excellent with daily home style stews for lunches. Highly recommended.

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RSVP Restaurant, located in Dubai’s Jumeirah Boxpark, is run by the same team behind the Michelin-starred 11 Woodfire. It offers a French-inspired menu with subtle Japanese touches, all in a welcoming and stylish space. The balanced design and attentive service have already made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Recommended by

Kaylee Folster

Food & Travel Writer

RSVP is located in the Jumeirah Boxpark region; an urban lifestyle destination that houses trendy boutiques, concept dining and entertainment venues. The restaurant is run by the very same passionate team that founded Michelin star 11 Woodfire. The menu showcases French cuisine – with subtle Japanese influence – in an unpretentious yet highly impressive manner. Signature dishes include the escargot (snails cooked in a butter parsley jus), the charcoal smoked lamb chops cooked in a teriyaki sauce, the spicy tom yum curry with cod fillet and the Wagyu beef fillet, to name a few. A personal favourite is the Wagyu beef tartare, served on a bed of freshly home-made brioche elegantly topped with a touch of Russian Osetra caviar; a divinely tasty starter that will keep you coming back to RSVP. Other personal favourites include the iconic truffle pizza, the Blue Fin tuna avocado tartare as well as the incredible chouquettes dessert (choux pastry filled with vanilla cream) drizzled with decadent chocolate and sprinkled with nuts. This dessert was absolutely phenomenal. RSVP offers an array of dishes so you can build your own meal based on personal preferences of starter, mains, sides, desserts, etc (as well as personal budget). The service at RSVP is impeccable. The style of dining may be “Fun French Dining” but the service is certainly top class. This gorgeous and beautifully designed restaurant is already a popular Dubai spot and there is certainly no questioning why. If you’re looking to enjoy absolutely fantastic food, be sure to add RSVP to your Dubai restaurant list.

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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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Itadaku is an authentic Japanese restaurant in Jumeirah, Dubai, run entirely by a Japanese team. They focus on traditions and recipes passed down over time, offering a genuine experience without any fusion twists. The atmosphere is welcoming and aims to reflect the spirit of true Japanese dining.

Recommended by

Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

Authentic Japanese Everything Itadaku is an authentic Japanese restaurant and everything and everyone is from Japan. It's a gem of a restaurant that stays true to the recipes and traditions. There is no fusion here.

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Fusion Ceviche is a welcoming Peruvian spot in Dubai, known for its casual atmosphere and communal seating. Neighbors often gather here to enjoy a laid-back dining experience and relaxed conversation. Its friendly vibe makes it a comfortable place to connect with friends or family over fresh flavors.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

A local delivery hero done good by opening an instantly popular neighbourhood cevicheria Fusion Ceviche is a decidedly casual, but determined Peruvian restaurant that serves more than just ceviche. It is a communal space for the residents in the area to eat rounds of grilled octopus, empanadas, seafood rice and three milk cake as they come together around communal tables and the ceviche bar. It leans on your goodwill a little, but the results are worth it.

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Rivas Restaurant is a casual Persian spot tucked inside a small neighborhood mall in Dubai. It’s known among locals for its generous portions and home-style flavors. Reservations are recommended on weekends due to its popularity.

Recommended by

Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

Best Persian Food in Dubai Rivas is where we Dubai locals go for Iranian food. It is hidden inside a small neighborhood mall near Burj Al Arab hotel. The food is exquisite. The grills are done to perfection. Everything you have there is incredible and tastes like home cooking. The reason is the owner Masoud who puts in long hours and much love into his place. I highly recommend it.

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Hashmi Barbeque Restaurant first opened in Nairobi back in 1978 and now brings its Kenyan-Indian barbecue roots to Dubai. It’s a family-run spot that blends African and Indian influences, with recipes passed down through generations. The casual setting and straightforward menu make it an easy choice for anyone seeking a laid-back meal with bold flavors.

Recommended by

Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

Kenyan Indian Hidden Gem in Dubai. There is a large Indian community that has been living in Nairobi for over 100 years. The family who own and operate this restaurant is one of them and lucky for us have moved to Dubai. Go there for some of the best chicken you will ever have. Order the chooza chicken and the lemon chili prawns. The food is phenomenal. Members of the family are always there and are very nice people.

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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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Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in Dubai holds a Michelin star and brings centuries-old British cooking into the present day. Its setting at Atlantis The Royal hotel is often praised for attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere. The dining experience balances historical inspiration with modern touches in a relaxed setting.

Recommended by

Hrvoje Petric

Food & Wine Writer

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (1* Michelin) offers diners a cutting-edge take on historic British cuisine dating back to the 1300s. This unique restaurant which is settled in the Atlantis the Royal hotel, takes you on a delightful promenade through the kitchens of medieval Britain through contemporary eyes. Chef Heston Blumenthal embarked on a journey to create a menu that transports historical discoveries and fascinations into a new and evolving modern dining experience. His iconic and signature dishes such as the Meat Fruit, a playful mandarin and chicken liver parfait, and jovially named Tipsy Cake, a spit roast pineapple dessert circa 1810, are world-renowned.

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