Dubai draws visitors in droves for its breathtaking architecture, unmatched engineering marvels, and mostly a smorgasbord of leisure attractions. Dubai, however, is not all about these; it is a foodies’ favorite too, where its dining venues come in every guise, cost point, and of course, ethnic diversity. Whether you are looking for a Michelin-starred menu, insta-worthy delights, or the best of street foods, you will find it all in Dubai. But, got confused or don’t know where to dine in the city? Check out this list of best restaurants in Dubai. 

1. HuQQa Dubai 

With its immaculate blend of scrumptious Turkish cuisine, relaxed open space, and stunning views of Dubai Fountain, HuQQa is one of the best Dubai restaurants for an intimate dining experience with the aesthetic sighs of modern Dubai in the background. You will find this within the third level of Dubai Mall. The best thing is that it mainly serves seasonal specialties cooked using quality ingredients. Apart from Turkish delicacies, you can also order international cuisines with Turkish influences. 

• Location: The Dubai Mall, Financial Centre Road, Downtown Dubai
• Email: [email protected]
• Contact: +971-52-173-3376

2. Ellora by Vikas Khanna 

Ellora by the Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Vikas Khanna, provides a culinary lens into authentic Indian food and flavors. So come here prepared to savor some of the most favorite Indian dishes with a refined twist, mainly Tandoori chicken salad, chicken momos, Badami Khumb, Murgh ghee roast, Achari lamb, and Kofta biryani, to name a few. And be sure to try its lip-smacking desserts like saffron rose pudding, almond lemon cake, and molten chocolate cake. 

• Location: JA Beach Hotel, JA The Resort, Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE
• Contact: 04 814 5604 

3. The Artisan 

This Florentine-centric restaurant is a favorite of the lovers of Italian cuisines. Not to mention, it is sure to wow you with its inspiring food menu made up of a vast array of pizzas, pastas and desserts, including classic Tiramisu, Cannolo, and homemade ice creams. Its wine, spirits and cocktail menu are also quite extensive, with Artisan Signature Cocktails and Mocktails. This dining venue is not all about its haute cuisine; the Artisan is equally worth visiting for its uniquely chic environment. 

• Location: Waldorf Astoria, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
• Email: [email protected] 
• Contact: 04 338 8133 

4. Zuma 

Dedicated to offering the finest in the modern yet authentic Japanese specialties, Zuma boasts of a prime location in the International Financial Centre, close to Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building.) It features three kitchens such as the main kitchen, the robata grill, and the sushi counter – which collectively delight you with a wide range of dishes, including robata skewers, signature dishes, and Nigiri sushi, Sashimi and maki rolls. Apart from a bar, there are also wine and sake cellars packed with premium quality champagnes, wines and sake. 

• Location: Gate Village 06, DIFC, Podium Level – Al Mustaqbal St – Dubai
• Contact: 04 4255660

5. Hutong 

With its intimate settings and cool décor, it is one of the top Dubai restaurants to try Chinese cuisines. Located in Dubai International Financial Centre, Hutong is a Michelin starred dining venue where its menu is mainly Northern Chinese. You can choose from its A La Carte, Private Dining, Business Lunch or Golden Lantern menu (that is created for a minimum of two guests). There is an exclusive menu for its beverage and wine selections, encompassing its signature cocktails, beer, spirits, fortified wine etc. 

• Location: Gate Building 6, Ground Floor, DIFC Dubai UAE, P.O. Box 125150 
• Contact: 04 4 220 0868 

6. Sah El Nom

Sah El Nom is one of the region’s best dining spots to sample bonafide Syrian and Oriental dishes. Along with delightful cuisine, it wins your heart for its cool settings complemented by chic furnishings. It has two locations at Business Bay and Bluewaters Island where you can jazz up your visit here with 3D Museum and Ain Dubai tickets. You can further step into Sah El Nom Express (in Business Bay) for the tastiest ever sandwiches, shawarma, and rotisserie chicken specialties.

Sah El Nom Restaurant 

• Location: Bluewaters Island, Dubai, UAE 
• Contact: 04 587 7096

Sah El Nom Café 

• Location: Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Blue Bay Tower, UAE
• Contact: 04 423 1122

Sah El Nom Express

• Location: Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Blue Bay Tower, UAE
• Contact: 04 589 6677

7. Bull & Bear 

Slick and stylish, Bull & Bear is the signature dining spot of Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre Hotel. This New York-export has a dedicated menu for Business Lunch and Al La Carte dining. Equally tempting is its list of beverages, complete with cocktails, red wines, white wines, rose wines, craft beers, mocktails, and several varieties of teas such as green tea, herbal tea, and black tea. 

• Location: Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, Al Mustaqbal St – Za’abeel, Floor 18 – Dubai
• Contact: 04 515 9888 

8. Marina Social 

Located in the heart of the canal city of Dubai Marina, this vibrant spot run by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton is one of the city’s most incredible restaurants to savor classic British and Mediterranean specialties. Its spirit list is one of the best, encompassing a spectrum of gin, tequila, and cognac.

• Location: King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street, Dubai Marina 
• Email: [email protected] 
• Contact: 04 446 6664

9. Ibn AlBahr

Get a slice of Lebanon’s culinary flavors as you take in Lebanese specialties in an elegant setting overlooking the sun and sea! Among the must-tastes here are shrimp bisque seafood soup, Mediterranean sashimi, Ibn AlBahr ceviche, and fish kebab. 

• Location: Club Vista Mare on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
• Email: [email protected] 
• Contact: 04-5539575 

10. LPM Restaurant & Bar 

This eatery, embodying luxe sophistication, is the go-to place for the finest French cuisine with Mediterranean and Niçoise influences. It offers dedicated menus for diverse categories, including A La Carte, Dejeuner D’Affaires, Les Desserts, Cinq A Sept and Beverages. 

• Location: Gate Village 08 DIFC, P.O. Box 506711, Dubai 
• Email: [email protected] 
• Contact: 04-439 0505

11. Café Isan 

This award-winning restaurant by chef New is famed for its exciting Thai delicacies. Feel the effervescence and liveliness of savoring Thai street foods as you drop in here. From the traditional dim sum and grilled satay to coconut shrimp papaya salad, and pad Thai noodles, it goes without saying that this is one of the ultimate places to savor authentic Thai dishes. Located within Armada Blue Bay Hotel, a dining experience at Café Isan makes an amazing add-on to your Dubai tour packages. 

• Location: Level 1, Armada Blue Bay Hotel, Cluster P, Jumeirah Lake Towers
• Contact: 050-9132611

12. Mythos Kouzina & Grill

Chosen as the Best Greek Restaurant at TimeOut Dubai’s Restaurant Awards 2021, Mythos Kouzina & Grill promises you an unparalleled dining experience, thanks to its elegant décor and striking outdoor terrace. It serves traditional Greek specialties prepared using the freshest ingredients that are hand-picked and healthy as well. 

• Location: Cluster P, JLT, Dubai, UAE 
• Email: [email protected] 
• Contact: 04-399 8166

13. Al Bayt 

This dining place within Palace Downtown Hotel is second to none for an imposing afternoon tea experience. You can opt for sumptuous Arabic or traditional English style afternoon tea with tea, finger sandwiches, cakes and scones. 

• Location: Palace Downtown, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, 9770 – Dubai
• Email: [email protected]
• Contact: 04-4287961 

14. The MAINE Oyster Bar and Grill 

This multiple award-winning restaurants is mostly frequented for its scrumptious seafood delights. Another of its winning aspects is its graceful ambiance reflecting a New England vibe. 

• Location: Ground Floor, DoubleTree by Hilton JBR, Dubai, UAE 
• Email: [email protected]
• Contact: 04 -4576719

15. Ninive

If you are a fan of the Middle Eastern or Arabic cuisine, this place should be high on your Dubai dining checklist. Besides being famed for its Iranian, Moroccan and Turkish specialties, it is also one of the most romantic dining spots in Dubai, thanks to its distinctly embellished Arabian style décor. 

• Location: Emirates Towers Hotel, P.O. Box 504904, Dubai – United Arab Emirates
• Email: [email protected]
• Contact: 04 -3266105

Conclusion 

Dubai is a second home to nationalities from over 200 countries across the world and this greatly impacts its dining scene. So come hungry, discover the best places to eat in Dubai, and don’t return until you satisfy all your distinct gastronomic desires.