"Welcome to our curated list of recommendations for traveling and dining in Dubai. These suggestions have been gathered from our personal networks. While these recommendations are not personally vetted by us, they come highly recommended by those within our network. Please feel free to add your own favourite spots or share any updates in the comments section below. If you come across any information that may have changed, such as closures or updated details, we would greatly appreciate your feedback. Let's build a community-sourced guide to ensure that everyone can enjoy the best of what Dubai has to offer." Marco van Embden, Cape Town
1. Dining Recommendations
In Abu Dhabi:
- Coya is located at the Galleria Al Mareya Mall connected to the Four Seasons Hotel
- Flamingo Room by Tasha’s - a causal, chic dining experience — from lunch into the evening for dinners and cocktails
- Le Petit Maison located at the Galleria Al Mareya Mall connected to the Four Seasons Hotel
- Robertos are located at the Galleria Al Mareya Mall connected to the Four Seasons Hotel.
Drivers
- Ashraff Taxi – +971 50 161 6786
- Firoz Driver – +971 55 966 7336
- Ahmad Asif – +971 55 913 2494
Index
Dining in the DIFC Complex:
- Alaya Dubai
- Avli by Tasha’s – “Inspired by modern Athens and the rustic courtyards of the Mediterranean”
- Clap Dubai – “specialising in upscale Japanese dishes, plus craft cocktails & a robust wine list.”
- Chic Nonna Dubai – “is a two-storey Osteria gourmet and Lounge located in Dubai's DIFC. A one-of-a-kind location in which the Italian tradition”
- Clap Restaurant – Japanese dishes
- Gaia Restaurant – Greek-Mediterranean
- The Guild at ICD Brookfield Place
- Hutong Dubai – “dramatic restaurant featuring dim sum & Northern Chinese cuisine, plus cocktails & wine”
- Josette at ICD Brookfield Building
- Le Petit Maison Restaurant & Bar - Relaxed restaurant with a Cote d'Azur feel serving a mix of southern French and Italian cuisine.
- L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon – “the epitome of fine dining through a culinary experience, anchored in heritage and ‘savoir-faire à la française’ “
- Royal China Restaurant – “Stylish establishment presenting traditional Chinese cuisine & dim sum specialties.”
- Shanghai Me Dubai – “Fashionable, fine dining destination offering a fusion of Asian dishes & cocktails.”
- Sucre Fire Dining Dubai
- Zuma Dubai - “Chic Japanese restaurant with steel and granite decor, serving sushi, grill dishes & sharing plates”]
- Another great resource – best restaurants in DIFC
Hutong Dubai
Hutong Dubai
Dining in Jumeirah:
- 3 Fils – “International with Japanese influences”
- 101 Dining Lounge “at The One and Only Palm Jumeirah. - make reservations much in advance.... Tel. 4011010. Amazing place for outdoor drinks and dinner.”
- Burj Al Arab - "Drinks at the Bar on the top floor - advance reservation required. Also check out Sal and Scape their outdoor terraced restaurant."
- Gold Fish Sushi & Yakitori, Galleria Mall Jumeirah
- Jumeirah Al Naseem Hotel – "Jumeirah has some amazing dining concepts in their Turtle Lagoon area"
- Kayto – "Japanese and the newly opened Maya Bay"
- Mimi Kakushi – “Japanese restaurant”
- Nammos – “great outdoor / al fresco venue. Stylish choice focusing on seafood in a clubby setup featuring a shisha lounge & beach view.”
- Orfali Bros Bistro – “Experimental food with Levantine influences”
- Ossiano Dubai - Seafood
- Scalini Dubai – Italian restaurant
- Sushisamba Dubai - “sushi at St Regis - hot spot right now.”
Dining at various Malls:
- 21Grams Urban Balkan Bistro, “Mayan Mall - Food from the Baltics”
- Atelier M, “Marina Mall”
- CZN Burak Dubai, Dubai Mall
- Din Tai Fung, “Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall and Nakheel Mall, Bluewater (fully licensed) “
- Gia “in Dubai Mall for homemade Italian staples such as pizzas, pastas & meat plates.”
- Eataly, “In Dubai Mall. their new Fashion extension has some amazing new restaurants including Bebabel”
- Eugene Eugene – “Kempinsky Hotel, Mall of the Emirates”
- La Maison Ani by Chef Izu in Dubai Mall
- Reif Kushiyaki, “Dar Al Wasl Mall”
- Salmontini Le Rosto “at Mall of the Emirates. - For the best Salmon – Licensed. Full View of the Indoor Ski Slopes.”
Dining at various Hotels:
- The Atlantis Hotel at The Palm Island – “Many world class restaurants including Nobu, Seafire (Steaks)”
- Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia at the Al Qasr Hotel
- Bussola, “Italian Restaurant and Roof Top Pizzeria at the Westin Mina Seyahi.”
- Bombay Brasserie at Taj Business Bay - Indian
- Tamoka – “Beachfront restaurant and lounge at Ritz Carlton JBR”
- Tasca (Portuguese) and Netsu (Japanese) – “both at the Mandarin Hotel, Dubai”
- Tresind “at the Royal Mirage Hotel.”
- Thiptara – “Thai at The Palace Hotel, Downtown, Dubai”
- Little Miss India at the Fairmont, Palm Island
- Indego by Vineet at Grosvenor House Hotel
- Shamiana “at the Taj JLT”
- West Beach at the Palm – “Lot of amazing restaurants”
Atmosphere Dubai
Atmosphere Dubai
More Restaurants across Dubai:
- Atmosphere at Burj Khalifa - "A great place to go and watch the sunset"
- Asador De Aranda “from Barcelona - the best leg of lamb in town – Downtown Dubai”
- Avatara Restaurant – “Dubai's first and only all-vegetarian fine dining experience at Dubai Hill”
- Amazonico
- Beef Bar
- Carine – “French Restaurant at Emirates Golf Club”
- Daikan Ramen – “Quick ramen fix for lunch”
- Doors Freestyle Grill - Steakhouse
- Fi'lia – Italian
- Gazebo – “for everyday casual good Indian food – multiple locations across Dubai.”
- Hakkasan - “The Palm – Asian, which is really nice for Chinese.”
- il Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai – “Italian, always on the Top 5 Restaurants in Dubai”
- Itadaku – “Authentic Japanese Izakaya run by Japanese.”
- Jones the Grocer – “various locations in Dubai”
- Kinoya – “Japanese Izakaya specializing in Ramen.”
- Kooya Eatery “Filipino – by Chef JP Anglo”
- L’aAmo Dis Bistro
- Long Teng Chinese Sea Food Restaurant, Business Bay
- Lowe – “Aussie run, wood fire cooked clean food high on flavours”
- Masti – “Cocktails & Cuisine”
- Milos
- Mott 32
- Sushi Samba
- Ninive – “Great vibe and good Middle Eastern food”
- Nette – “Great for a game of Padel followed by breakfast/lunch “
- Reif Kushiyaki
- Sidartha Lounge by Budha Bar - Asian
- Torno Subito - Italian
- Tresind Studio, “Dubai Marina - Contemporary Indian. Go for the coursed dinner.”
- Thiptara – “Thai at The Palace Hotel, Downtown, Dubai”
- Time Out Market Dubai “a must visit. Check it out”
- Opa – “Greek at the Fairmont Sheikh Zayed Road.”
- Pekoe Tea & Bread Bar – “Great tea bar with good food”
- Pier 7 – “Dubai Marina, 7 story building with 7 restaurant concepts.”
- Pret To Go
- Roka – “The Opus Building – Business Bay”
- The Meat District
- Slab – “Inspired Latin American”
- Teible – “Lovely international food, great for breakfast/lunch. This is a cafe located inside a nice art gallery “
More resources:
- Hidden Gems / Home-Grown Concepts
- Foodiva’s Dubai Bucket List / Restaurant website and blog. “She is one of the most popular food blogger and writer in the region”
- Foodiva’s Top Restaurants 2024
- Michelin Guide
- Time Out: New Restaurants in Dubai 2024
- Gault and Millau Guide 2024
- Michelin star restaurants
2. Bar Recommendations
- Bla Bla Dubai
- Bar Du Port Dubai
- Drift Beach “at the One and Only Royal Mirage”
- Koko Bay “at West Beach Palm Island. Great beachside bar and best for sunsets”
- Twiggy “by La Cantine at the Park Hyatt Hotel, Deira”
- Nammos – “Four Seasons Jumeirah”
- West Palm Beach at the Palm Island – “lots of bars and restaurants.”
- Best Dubai Homegrown Bars: Top 10 homegrown bars in Dubai - By the Cocktail Dandy for FooDiva
3. Activities Recommendations
- Dubai Design District
- Dubai Museum - if you want to see some history... check the link for information on other museums and cultural sights.
- Dubai Marina - nice walk around the Marina - take a boat ride from there. They offer hourly rides around the Palm Island.
- Dubai Harbour - nice place to walk around.
- The Louvre Museum – Stunning architecture and exhibits
- “Make sure you do a Desert Safari - Arabian Adventures one of the best... or book thru your hotel. Or check out Platinum Heritage should you require luxury / personal tours.”
- “Also check out bnbmehomes.com for a glamping adventure.”
- Museum of the Future
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must visit. Check out website for information and visiting / tour hours.
- Warner Brothers Theme Park
- Yas Island has a lot happening – Ferrari World / Grand Prix Race Track / Water Park and a Mall.
More resources:
4. Accommodation Recommendations
5. Shopping Recommendations
- Abu Dhabi Mall – 15 to 20 minutes by car.
- Dubai Hills Mall – lot of dining and shopping options.
- Dubai Mall
- Galleria Mall
- Mall Of the Emirates, The Metro is a great way to explore and see the city.
- Yas Mall