Which restaurant to choose in Dubai when there are over 20,000 in the city today? The total number of food establishments operating in Dubai is 20,000.
Located on the Persian Gulf coast, the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates is known for its promise of luxury, adventure and unprecedented nightlife for the world's elite travellers.
Some visitors choose to dine high above the city's streets; on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building) or in a Dubai restaurant suspended by a construction crane
.
Middle Eastern, South Asian and East Asian cuisines mingle with local Arabic cuisine in the restaurants.
Even if you don't stay in a penthouse when you visit, eating in Dubai is a rich experience, with flavours from Arabia and beyond on one plate.
Let's start with the best of 2022, the ones you should try at least once!
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Best restaurants in Dubai by atmosphere
At.mosphere Burj Khalifa DubaiBest
casual restaurants in Dubai
Japanese Restaurant in Dubai - Kinoya, © photo caterermiddleeast.
comKinoyaEnjoy
an education in Japanese culture when you step into this much-loved foodie paradise and one of the best restaurants in Dubai in 2022; (and certainly in the years to come).
Japanese restaurant in Dubai - Kinoya, © photo caterermiddleeast.comBased
on two key aspects of Japanese culture izakaya and ramen (the former refers to an informal Japanese dinner where people gather after work to enjoy snacks and drinks, while the latter is an everyday dish in Japan packed with beneficial ingredients). The food is top-notch. While this restaurant in Dubai is intimate and welcoming. It has become a real hotspot so make sure you book in advance.
Café Isan
Café Isan - Restaurant in DubaiNot
only is it one of the best restaurants in Dubai, but also the most welcoming and community minded. Channel your inner backpacker and head to this restaurant inside the Armada Avenue Hotel where you can enjoy fabulous Thai food at affordable prices.
The colourful chairs and stacked plastic crates give the appearance of a street food restaurant on Khao San Road in Bangkok. But don't let the unassuming decor fool you.
This is Thai food at its best, and in this place, everything can also be washed down with a bottle of hops. Café Isan is a real hotspot where beachwear and flip-flops are welcome and (almost) anything goes. You'll feel right at home.
Myth Kouzina & Grill
Restaurant in Dubai - Myth Kouzina & GrillSome of
the best Greek food is often served in the most humble of settings and this is exactly the case at Mythos; where there is little flash or chic about the whitewashed walls and cosy environment
.
Instead, all the effort is focused on preparing delicious traditional dishes that can be enjoyed on the terrace where you can close your eyes; enjoy the satisfying aromas and imagine you have escaped to the Aegean Sea.
In reality, you are relaxing in one of the best restaurants in Dubai.
Best Casual Restaurants in Dubai
Blue Seafood Asia - DubaiBlue
Seafood AsiaAs
the name suggests, you'll be treated to an array of Asian-inspired seafood at this new DIFC restaurant in Dubai; which promises an authentic 'sea to table' dining experience as well as a stunning new terrace. And it has more than earned its place on this list of Dubai's best restaurants of 2022.
Channelling the bustling fish markets, vibrant vibes and unbeatable cooking techniques of seaside Asia, start your culinary journey at the raw sea bass before moving on to the dim sum, ceviche and cooked fish dishes, all of which hit the spot
.
Blu PizzeriaThere
are usually at least a handful of restaurants in Dubai that offer every type of cuisine; but a really good Neapolitan pizza is notoriously hard to find; but head to this one, one of Dubai's best restaurants, for a sensational slice
.
With a tiny menu and limited seating, Blu Pizzeriá has opened on the port of Umm Suqeim, and its pizzas are adorned with classic Italian meat and vegetable combos; as well as some less classic recipes (short rib pizza, anyone?). The dough doesn't play second fiddle here either - use the huge crusts to mop up the generous amount of toppings.
Tandoor Tina - DubaiAlready
popular with British expats looking for a unique take on the humble Indian curry; Tandoor Tina serves traditional dishes with an English twist, including a butty chip drizzled with curry sauce
.
A fun and frivolous sibling of London's famous Tandoor Chop House, a playful interior is dotted with artwork, ceramics and lush plants; and looks to be one of Dubai's best restaurants for funky and playful Indian food for some time to come.
Best new fine dining restaurants in Dubai
Fine dining restaurant Dubai -
SushiSambaSushiSambaWith
world-class venues already established in Miami, Las Vegas and London, SushiSamba opened its doors to great fanfare towards the end of 2021; and has lived up to the hype ever since, ambitiously progressing to the upper echelons of Dubai's best restaurants ranking
.
Blending Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine on the 51st floor of Palm Tower; exclusive dishes are prepared in an open theatre style kitchen, where you will also find a chic bar and lounge area. Floor-to-ceiling windows that perfectly capture the stunning views are the perfect accompaniment.
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WoodfireA
culinary experience with a difference, 11 Woodfire is an original idea by chef Akmal Anuar of 3Sons and Goldfish, offering different types of wood on which chefs grill meat; fish and vegetables for interesting flavour combinations
.
Not only does its contemporary space exude both character and charm; but Chef Akmal is also committed to zero waste and sustainable practices, and we've got a big appetite for that.
Since its launch, Woodfire has firmly established itself as one of Dubai's best restaurants, with an almost relentless string of accolades.
Tamoka
Tamoka Restaurant in DubaiWith
a menu spanning the most exciting flavours from Tulum, San Jose and Lima to Cartagena, Caracas and Panama, Tamoka is JBR's hottest new spot and is set to become one of Dubai's best restaurants. Perched directly on the waterfront next to The Ritz-Carlton Dubai; this beautiful restaurant, terrace and beach bar combines striking bohemian interiors with an open kitchen and ceviche counter.
Add to that views of the ocean and Ain Dubai, there is no better place to spend a weekend. One of Dubai's best restaurants for Latin American food and great beach atmosphere.
Mimi Kakushi
Mimi Kakushi DubaiWhatever
your preferred cuisine and whatever part of the city you like to spend time in, chances are you've eaten at Mimi Kakushi; or put it firmly at the top of your 'must try' agenda.
And so you should. Whether you simply love Japanese food, want to try the best brunch in Dubai, want to meet up with friends, entertain a client or have a casual evening out with delicious food, exceptional service and art deco vibes, Mimi's has what you need.
And if you haven't been, what are you playing at? Book a table and be quick. This will be one of Dubai's best restaurants for a long time.
Check out our guide: What to do in Dubai in winter, 53 unusual activities and tours
Dubai's 24 must-visit restaurantsChoosing
where to eat is not a decision to be taken lightly, especially in a city full of restaurants. The aim of this article is for you to select the restaurants in Dubai that match all your whims and preferences; in the places you love, on the budget you set.
In short, we want you to choose from the best restaurants in Dubai.
Whether you like Italian or Thai, steak or seafood; we want you to eat out and have an absolutely amazing time
.That's
why we're very proud to bring you this list of the best restaurants in Dubai; the guide to the best places to eat in Dubai.
Dream City
CafeOverlooking
the
Ibn Batuta metro station, near the bus stop - قرية جبل علي - دبي - United Arab EmiratesThe
Dream City Cafeteria lives up to its name. Located in the heart of Sheikh Zayed Road (a highway that connects the UAE's coastal cities); the restaurant serves a range of Dubai's best street food, including shawarma, paratha and American-style burgers with South Asian toppings such as homemade green tamarind chilli sauce.
Much of the food is quite spicy and goes best with fresh fruit juices, which are essential for cooling off on hot summer days.
Many of the cooks come from India and Bangladesh, as do their customers, who come from nearby offices on weekdays during lunch and just after work. [€]
The Mattar Farm Kitchen
Mattar Farm KitchenDubai
- Jebel Ali Industrial Zone - Jebel Ali Industrial - Dubai - United Arab EmiratesFounded
by Hattem Mattar, Mattar Farm smokes the best meat in Dubai. After growing up in the city, Mattar got a job in the oil and gas sector in Texas; where he encountered brisket and eventually apprenticed with pitmasters there.
Since then, he has developed fan-favourite recipes for smoked meat, beef ribs, turkey, chicken, lamb legs, duck and sausages in flavours such as lamb and za'atar; all using locally sourced ingredients, if not grown on Mattar's own farm.
The meats are available in pop-ups and in restaurants such as BB Social Dining, as well as for delivery by the kilogram
. [
Allo Beyrut
Allo Beyrut DubaiHessa
St - Al Barsha - Dubai - United Arab
EmiratesFunky and colourful roadside
restaurant
, Allo Beirut serves energetic Levantine cuisine in Dubai; including juicy, perfectly grilled shawarma, hard to match elsewhere in Dubai
.
Customers also come for the crispy manakish; topped with basil and rosemary, akkawi or kashkaval cheese, honey, labneh, soujok or a combination; as well as other baked goods such as stuffed saj, kaak, pizza and sandwiches on spiced sumac and za'atar bread.
Hungrier diners should dig into the stuffed lamb, steak and roast chicken served with toum and cheese sauce. [€]
Project Chaiwala
Restaurant Project Chaiwala brings a modern twist to the everyday cup of chai in Dubai. The café started as an entrepreneurial venture by two chai enthusiasts and has now expanded across the UAE. The chai is sustainably sourced from tea plantations in India; brewed with Indian spices, milk and saffron; and served in mud cups, which the owners say adds a soothing aroma and a unique earthy taste to the tea. [€]
Alserkal Avenue, Warehouse 68 - القوز - دبي - United Arab Emirates
Umami
Umm Suqeim - Umm Suqeim 1 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
As part of a group of restaurants established in the 1980s to bring Asian cuisines to Dubai (including the Chinese Palace Restaurant, Mongolian Barbecue Restaurant and Koryo Korean Restaurant), Umami serves Japanese cuisine that is a far cry from the over-the-top omakas of nearby resorts. The menu offers simple but tasty interpretations of ramen, sushi, donburi, curry and omurice. [€€ - €€€]
Wild and the Moon
Wild and the Moon
Alserkal Avenue, street 8, H-77 - القوز - دبي - United Arab Emirates
Like many cities, Dubai has seen a shift towards plant-based eating, which is clear at Wild and the Moon; one of the first local vegan restaurants. All ingredients are local, organic, seasonal and ethically sourced. The menu is designed around healthy food options and includes a wide selection of salads, soups, bowls, cold pressed juices, nut milks and smoothies.
Desserts and snacks without refined sugar, processed enzymes, gluten or dairy are also available. [€€€]
Nightjar Coffee Roasters
Unit G62 Alserkal Avenue - القوز - دبي - United Arab Emirates
Nested on Dubai's artistic Alserkal Avenue, Nightjar Coffee Roasters is a local restaurant and coffee shop offering single-origin coffee from "micro and nano-lots". Leon Surynt launched the award-winning café in 2017 to address the lack of locally produced coffee in Dubai. The restaurant thrived on delivery during the pandemic, and the coffee is still going strong. [€€]
Raju Omlet
Raju Omlet Restaurant
Real Estate International Building, Exit 43, Sheikh Zayed Road - Near Noor Islamic Bank Metro Footbridge - Station - Dubai - United Arab Emirates.
As the name suggests, Raju Omlet is about all things eggs with a Bollywood twist. The restaurant is decorated with a mix of vintage photographs, cheeky egg-themed pieces and Bollywood fan art. While the full menu focuses on different Indian street snacks, all with a must-have ingredient.
There are rolled parathas with various omelettes, Kejriwal eggs, fried eggs on egg noodles and a variety of other dishes where eggs make surprise appearances. [€€]
Istanbul Street Food
Turkish housewife Munira Hijazi runs one of Dubai's best food delivery services. The pandemic-era home-based business started in 2021 with a limited menu of popular Turkish snacks and desserts; including simit, baklava and knafeh, but the operation has expanded to include a wide variety of sweet and savoury Turkish dishes that rotate throughout the day.
You can order hearty su borek (pastry sheets stuffed with cheese and parsley) for breakfast, gozleme (flatbreads) stuffed with lamb and beef for lunch, and late-night islak (wet) burgers topped with tomato sauce like they eat in Istanbul. [€€]
Nour in the Kitchen
Nour Ashraf is a self-taught baker who delivers fresh delicacies to homes across Dubai. Her experimental business, Nour in the Kitchen, became wildly successful after her Nutella lava cupcakes went viral on a local food blog.
Ashraf's menu ranges from healthy breakfast oatmeal biscuits to vegan cakes and gluten-free desserts for all occasions. Particularly popular are the sweet and healthy baked doughnuts. [€€ - €€€]
Vietnamese Foodies
Vietnamese foodies
Dubai City Centre - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Vietnamese foodies are bringing the tastes of Ho Chi Minh City to Dubai's food scene. Its pho, simmered for 14 hours, is the star dish on the menu; but other favourites include bun bo hue (beef and lemongrass soup), hoanh thanh chien gion (crispy prawn ravioli) and goi cuon (spring rolls), including a vegan variant with sweet potato, aubergine and courgette.
The rest of the stellar menu is packed with aromatic Thai basil, green onion, annatto and other Southeast Asian flavours. [€€€]
Al-Baik
Dubai Mall - Downtown Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
In 2021, locals were eagerly awaiting the arrival of arguably the most popular fast-food chain in the Persian Gulf - Al-Baik. After five decades in business, the Saudi chain marked its first overseas expansion with two new locations in Dubai, including one in the Dubai Mall.
The place is known for its roast and fried chicken, marinated in secret spices known only to the founders (a la KFC). You won't find much else on the menu; or you won't need much else. [€€]
Ravi-Restaurant
Ravi has been serving cheap Dhaba-style Pakistani food since the 1970s; but the place got a boost when Anthony Bourdain visited to film an episode of No Reservations in 2010.
Dining here can feel chaotic at times, but the food is worth all the hassle. The naan comes out hot and crispy from the clay oven, served with Peshawari mutton curry and lamb chops that are the best you'll get in Dubai. Stay for dessert; its kheer is the perfect way to end a meal at Ravi. [€]
Al Satwa - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
2nd December Street Food Market
2nd December St - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
2nd December Street (formerly Al Diyafah Street) was not originally intended as a food market. But as soon as the sun sets each day, the street fills with outdoor tables and a night market comes to life.
The former block of Al Satwa neighbourhood is home to an immigrant community that arrived from various nations in the 1990s.
Over time, local food shops catering to these residents began to open. Most of the restaurants on the street are Indian, Iranian and Turkish. But the food that pours onto the street each night is a variety of Arabic, East Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. [€]
Saravana Bhavan
Burj Al Gubaiba Building Souq Al Kabeer - Al Fahidi - دبي - United Arab Emirates
With more than 50 branches worldwide. Saravana Bhavan claims to be the best vegetarian Indian cuisine restaurant not in Dubai but in the world. Specialising in South Indian cuisine, the place serves dosas, idli, medu vada and desserts like payasam; all masterfully prepared by hired chefs from Kerala and Madras, India.
Dubai currently has four branches, with more set to open soon. For vegetarians in Dubai, there is no better economical place to eat. [€ - €€]
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Al Ustad Special Kebab
Near Al Fahidi Metro Station - Al Mussallah Rd - Al Hamriya - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Managed by the Persian al-Ansari family who immigrated to Dubai 43 years ago. Al Ustad proudly prepares classic Iranian cuisine in the old quarter of Bur Dubai.
The menu includes kebabs of mutton, chicken and fillet; some marinated in yogurt before being barbecued and others slow cooked in mild spices and herbs such as: dill; mint, basil, chives, fenugreek and tarragon.
The dishes are accompanied by khubz (flat bread) or saffron rice sprinkled with roasted dried fruits. Vegetarians should stop by at lunch for options like okra and aubergine. [€]
Billo
Near Lamcy Plaza - 4th Street - Oud Metha - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
A small ice cream shop tucked away on the corner of a crowded street in Bur Dubai; is a favourite haunt for local South Asian residents.
The self-proclaimed home of the world's best falooda; Billo adheres to traditional Pakistani methods of making the frozen dessert.
He uses clay utensils to freeze milk and yeast. Then mixes different fruit flavours before combining everything into a sweet, syrupy concoction of milk, vermicelli and nuts.
He also serves up tasty Pakistani street food. [€]
Eskinita Street Food Restaurant
144 Abu Baker Al Siddique Rd - Deira - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Eskinita satisfies all Filipino food cravings; including the national dish, adobong manok (chicken adobo), which is slow-cooked and then pan-fried with soy sauce.
The restaurant started out as a small Street Food. But eventually transformed into a spacious restaurant; with indoor and outdoor seating in Dubai City.
The menu includes a wide variety of Philippine seafood and meat dishes, including various preparations of bangus (lumpia, tokneneng and kwek kwek (tempura fried eggs). [€]
Indoors
City Centre - Hor Al Anz - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Inside one of Dubai's busiest shopping malls. Indoors is a lively food court decorated with vibrant graffiti.
There are 15 food stalls to choose from, plus a huge lounge area with communal tables. An arcade and live music stage where listeners can relax on pear chairs.
Among the bites, head to Smart Brat for hot dogs, Taiwanese chicken and pancakes for a meaty meal, and Saj 2 Go Bakery for huge 18-inch Lebanese flatbreads. [€€]
Pars Iranian Restaurant
Dubai - Hor Al Anz East - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Pars Iranian Restaurant is Dubai's oldest and most popular Iranian restaurant. Combining traditional Persian dishes with Arabic flavours. All food is centred on three basic ingredients - bread, rice and meat; exclusively cooked by Iranian chefs who deploy deft hands to blend sweet herbs such as:
thyme
parsley
dried mint
hot Arabic spices
pepper
red chilli paste.
While most of the menu caters to omnivores with meat stews and seafood kebabs. There are delicious vegetarian options such as ash reshteh (herbed noodle soup) and kashk bademjan (aubergine and whey dip); as well as falafel, hummus and other Arabic snacks.
Pars is a perfect representation of Dubai's melting pot at work. [€€€]
A long table laden with dishes, including a large platter of kebabs on saffron rice, leg of lamb, salad and flatbread with dips
Real Karak Cafe
Nadd Al Hamar - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Karak chai was commonly sold from tea carts in pre-colonial India; but the masala chai style is also popular in the Middle East.
The Real Karak Cafe's version is prepared with locally produced tea leaves; slow-cooked with cardamom and saffron (staple ingredients of Arabian desserts) and sweetened with condensed milk. The café prides itself on serving the most cups of tea per day of any café in the city. For proof of its claim, just look at the long lines of cars outside at all hours of the day. [€]
Daily Restaurant
Damascus Road, Qusais, Near Dubai Grand Hotel - Al Qusais Industrial Estate - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
South Asian residents in Dubai rely on Daily for home-style comfort food. With four branches in the city's main residential areas. The restaurant specialises in Indian and Pakistani brunch, lunch and dinner buffets, with popular options including biryani, kebabs, nihari and dal. [€€]
Firas Sweets
Al Warqa - Al Warqa 1 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Opened in 1993, Firas is one of Dubai's oldest dessert shops; satisfying customers with sweets from all over the Middle East. His knafeh, which he promotes as the "queen of Arab desserts"; is loaded with cheese and topped with a crispy layer of sugar and vermicelli. Unsurprisingly, it's a bestseller at the bakery's various branches.
Other staples include baklava and mamul, made from nuts and baked in a thick sugar syrup. [€€]
Last Exit
Al Khawaneej - Al Khawaneej 1 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Last Exit is a local mini-chain of loosely themed food truck parks around Route 66 (one place also looks like a post-apocalyptic Mad Max scene). Great for travellers in and out of the city. Al Khawaneej's is inspired by American ranching culture; with a dozen funky food trucks offering drive-through service.
There's also a farm-themed outdoor lounge area. Where you can enjoy live music and games. The varied food selection includes cinnamon buns at Doh's; takeaway sushi at Sushi Station and hearty steaks at Steakanji. [€€]
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