Dubai is renowned for its luxury shopping, pristine coastline, seriously modern architecture, and its incredibly diverse food scene. New restaurants are frequently opening their doors, giving you all the choice you could ask for, and then some.
See Also:
- 20 epic places to get your drink on in Dubai
- 21 epic things to do in Dubai that will make you book a flight ASAP
Your toughest decision will be deciding between tasty local cuisine and global-inspired fare at restaurants throughout this growing United Arab Emirates metropolis. Before we say any more, here are our favourite spots to eat in Dubai.
Upscale Anatolian: Ruya
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Ruya was voted one of the top 50 restaurants in the Gulf, so you know it offers something special. The Anatolian menu takes inspiration from regions in Turkey and the result is truly impeccable food. Make sure to taste the Aegean Sea olives and southeastern Anatolian kebabs during your upscale dining affair at the restaurant.
Address:Â Al Emreef Street
Neighbourhood: Dubai Marina
Phone:Â +971-4-399-9123
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Desert dining:Â Al Hadheerah
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Looking for the ultimate desert dining experience? This alfresco restaurant is designed like a rural fortified Arabian village, a setting that emulates the authentic Arabic food being served. Taste grilled fish, lamb, and more during the outdoor BBQ and buffet. The best part is that it’s not too far from Dubai’s downtown core, yet it feels like a million miles away.
Address: Al Hadheerah, Bab Al Shams Resort & Spa, Al Qudra Road, Opposite Endurance City
Neighbourhood:Â Dubai Desert
Phone:Â +971-4-809-6498
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Asian street style fare: Cargo
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If you’re looking for an eatery in Dubai reminiscent of 1960s Hong Kong, add Cargo to your list right now. Located on the third floor of Pier 7, the lounge serves up Asian style street food every day from 4 pm. Order a hearty curry or dumplings and you’ll be the happiest foodie there ever was. With an epic view of the Marina, you won’t be able to stop Instagramming in between bites.
Address:Â 3rd Floor, Pier 7
Neighbourhood: Dubai Marina
Phone:Â +971-4-361-8129
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Lunch with a view: Barasti Beach Bar
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In a beach bar mood? Barasti has you covered for fun, food, and drinks. It’s free to get into the legendary beach bar and you don’t need to make a reso. Check it out for lunch or dinner on the deck and take in the beach views as you chow down.
Address:Â Le Meridien Mina Syahi Beach Resort and Marina Dubai
Neighbourhood: Dubai Marina
Phone:Â +971-4-318-1313
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Towering heights: Observatory Bar & Grill
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Take in 360-degree views of Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah from the urban Observatory Bar & Grill, located on the 52nd floor of the Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel. Visit during happy hour or catch the sunset with truffle fries by your side. Pro tip: The fish and chips with crispy onions taste good any day of the week.
Address:Â Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, 52nd Level, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, Al Saud Street
Neighbourhood: Dubai Marina
Phone:Â +971-4-319-4000
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Hidden terrace: Pad Thai
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Pad Thai serves up a taste of Thailand in Dubai with a menu packed full of authentic, aromatic and flavourful dishes. The restaurant even has a hidden terrace which can only be reached by boat on the hotel’s waterways. We recommend starting with the sundried crispy beef with coriander, or go all-out during the unlimited lunch feast on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah، Hotel, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street،
Neighbourhood:Â Umm Suqeim 3
Phone:Â +971-4-432-3232
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Haute Mediterranean: Atelier M
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Atelier M is another luxurious foodie haven in the heart of Dubai Marina that’s totally worth your attention. With a menu boasting 98% Mediterranean cuisine (their stats), it’s got something for everyone in the most divine setting – on the top floor of Pier 7. The roasted eggplant dish with smoked buffalo mozzarella and basil pesto tomato fondue, is without a doubt something you need to try.
Address:Â Floor 7/7M, Pier 7, next to Marina Mall
Neighbourhood: Dubai Marina
Phone:Â +971-4-450-7766
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Irish bar: McGettigan’s
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There’s always at least one Irish pub and in Dubai, McGettigan’s is where it’s at. The vibrant spot has two locations; one next to Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers, and another at 8 Sheikh Zayed Road (McGettigan’s DWTC). No matter what location you visit, you’ll find Irish-inspired dishes like wagyu beef and Guinness pie, and a hearty roast dinner that’s on the menu every weekend.
Address:Â Next to Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Neighbourhood: JTL Cluster J
Phone:Â +971-4-356-0470
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Breakfast heaven: Tesoro
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Breakfast is a big deal everywhere, especially in Dubai because you’ve got fancy eateries like Tesoro offering buffet-style dining. The restaurant is set inside a glass and metal conservatory boasting a modern, minimal decor with the most perfectly chill atmosphere.
Address:Â Taj Dubai Burj Khalifa Street
Neighbourhood: Close to downtown Dubai
Phone:Â +971-4-438-3100
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Upscale sports bar: Nezeaussi Grill
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For starters, the name of this downtown Dubai sports bar celebrates the tri-nations – New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia. It’s where sports fans gather to watch the game as they dig into everything from roasts to ribs and burgers. The venue is open until 2 am most nights and you might even find a food challenge or two on the menu… ask your server for more deets.
Address: Al Manzil Hotel, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Boulevard
Neighbourhood:Â Downtown Dubai
Phone:Â +971-4-428-5888
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Meatlovers rejoice: The Rib Room
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Located in the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, The Rib Room takes everything about fine dining and customizes it for meat eaters. Tender cuts of meat and succulent steaks are just some of the prime items you’ll find on the menu. If you don’t feel like going full-on carnivore, order a vegetarian dish instead (they have those too).
Address:Â Ground floor, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Neighbourhood:Â DIFC
Phone:Â +971-4-453-0444
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Jamaican soul food: Ting Irie
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Eat out Caribbean style at Dubai’s first Jamaican restaurant and lounge, Ting Irie. It serves up food for the soul with many ingredients and spices imported straight from Jamaica. Reggae, hip-hop, and dancehall beats enhance the ambiance. The Rotisserie Jerk Chicken is one of our firm favourites.
Address:Â Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Souk Al Manzil
Neighbourhood: Downtown Dubai
Phone:Â +971-4-557-5601
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American cuisine: Black Tap Craft Burgers
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New York-inspired Black Tap stacks their craft burgers and their milkshakes high, for good reason. You can order a succulent beef burger with all of the trimmings in the laid-back restaurant at the JBR or the Jumeirah Al Naseem location. Remember to leave room for dessert though, aka the mega, almighty shake.
Address:Â Axis, Beach Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence
Neighbourhood:Â Dubai Marina
Phone:Â +971-4-399-9076
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Dinner on the water: Alexandra Dhow Cruise
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Tired of dining on land? No problem. Sail out around Dubai Marina on a dinner cruise with live entertainment instead. The Alexandra Dhow Cruise offers an international-style buffet so you can go up for a second or third plate if you feel like it. Who doesn’t love a floating restaurant?
Address:Â Dubai Marina Yacht Club, West Bay, Berth A11
Neighbourhood:Â Dubai Marina
Phone:Â +971-52-899-63-10
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Chic grill: Butcha Steakhouse
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Butcha is another spot for the meat lovers in Dubai. It’s renowned for serving beef and meat products from the butcher section directly to you without any loss of quality. Basically, they pride themselves on serving the best steak there is in Dubai and at their Ankara, Istanbul, and Doha locations. Don’t be surprised if you can’t leave room for dessert.
Address:Â JBR Beach, near Sofietel
Neighbourhood:Â Dubai Marina
Phone:Â +971-4-55-30-684
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Bubbly brunch: BARBARY Deli + Cocktail Club
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Brunch is best enjoyed somewhere like BARBARY Deli + Cocktail Club in Barsha Heights, a cocktail bar meets retro club, with a little delicatessen. It’s got an illicit parlour ambiance like you’d expect from a 1930s Parisian bar, as the brainchild of Montreal gastropreneur, Joey Ghazal. Come for the brunch and crystal chandeliers, stay for the bellinis.
Address:Â Tryp by Wyndham Dubai
Neighbourhood:Â Barsha Heights
Phone:Â +971-4-247-6688
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For the sweet tooth: The Cheesecake Factory
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Cheesecake is always a good idea, so when the craving calls take yourself to Dubai Mall to delight in the vast array of signature American-style cakes at The Cheesecake Factory. If you want something more savoury, they serve salads, too. Check out the mall’s indoor ski centre after you drool over your order.
Address:Â The Dubai Mall, Doha Street
Neighbourhood: Downtown Dubai
Phone:Â +971-4-325-3521
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Cozy Irish pub: Fibber Magee’s
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Another one of Dubai’s lively Irish spots, Fibber Magee’s offers up comfort food and a super laid-back breakfast. The self-titled Fibber’s breakfast is literally loaded consisting of pork sausage, bacon, hash brown, mushrooms, tomato, black and white pudding, eggs, baked beans, and untoasted or fried bread. Bring your appetite!
Address:Â Sheikh Zayed Road, Saeed Tower One – Dubai
Neighbourhood: DIFC
Phone:Â +971-4-332-2400
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Seafood epicentre: Aprons & Hammers
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When you’re around the Dubai Marina, you’ve got to try some of the fresh local seafood and one of the best places to do that is at the award-winning Aprons & Hammers. Portion sizes are huge so they’re perfect for sharing.
Address: The Beach, Near Roxy Cinemas, Jumeirah Beach Residence
Neighbourhood: Dubai Marina
Phone:Â +971-4-456-7888
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Decadent desserts: Cocoville
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Situated in Jumeria, dessert shop Cocoville is your go-to spot for decadent handmade chocolates and dessert. Almost everything is Instagrammable here. Plus, the cafe serves breakfast and an all-day light menu which makes the visit even more worthwhile.
Address:Â 51st Street, Jumeira 1Â
Neighbourhood:Â Jumeira 1
Phone:Â +971-4-338-9786
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Luxe Italian: Armani/Ristorante
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Armani is one of the world’s biggest Italian luxury brands so it makes sense that there’s a boutique Armani Hotel in the world’s tallest tower. Located in downtown Dubai, the hotel has a stunning decor and everything is just as upscale as you’d imagine. The risotto, the salads, the spaghetti – it’s all divine.
Address: Ground Level, Armani Hotel Dubai – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd
Neighbourhood: Burj Khalifa
Phone: +971-4-888-3666
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We think you’ll agree that food is another reason to add Dubai to your wanderlust list. By the time you visit, there’s sure to be even more exciting new restaurant options waiting for you. We’ll leave this link to Skyscanner right here in case you need it.
See Also:
- 20 epic places to get your drink on in Dubai
- 21 epic things to do in Dubai that will make you book a flight ASAP
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