With a growing food scene that spans across different cultures, Dubai is not just a beach destination but a lively, buzzing city where you can taste just about anything you want with the most spectacular views in the background. Dubai is home to some of the finest restaurants in the world; this year’s MICHELIN Guide for Dubai features 103 restaurants across 35 different types of cuisine. With five restaurants receiving their first MICHELIN star, La Dame de Pic, Smoked Room, Sagetsu by Tetsuya, Orfali Bros and Row on 45, if you enjoy delectable dining served in exclusive venues then a visit to Dubai is a must and we’ve put together some of our top picks on where to dine.
A quaint, romantic food story began on a charming Greek island, the initial chapters of which were love letters to the art of cooking in its rawest form. However, such an impassioned and romantic story was destined to be told to the world. Today, Opa Dubai brings the legendary flavours of the man who started it all, Tassos, to a contemporary setting in Fairmont Dubai.
Medieval-era British cuisine is reanimated through the genius of celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal is a truly unique gastronomic experience led by a world-renowned chef. Gastronomic flare meets a curious mind and the result is a menu that never disappoints.
Located on a prime position on Jumeirah Beach in the Ritz Carlton, Tamoka is where playful Latin American vibes are served alongside the signature flavours of the Antilles, Latin America and the Caribbean. Think dry-aged meats, ceviche and specialty seafood.
Trèsind is Dubai’s trend-setting modernist Indian restaurant which prides itself on innovative Indian fine dining. Receiving two Michelin stars and being included within the Middle East and North Africa’s top 50 restaurants, Trèsind, led by chef Himanshu Saini, is an obligatory stop for lovers of Indian cuisine.
Two-Michelin-star French dining by master French chef Yannick Alléno, STAY by Yannic Alléno is one of the most exceptional gastronomic experiences in the Middle East. Carefully curated menus are served within a divinely opulent and elegant setting. One&Only The Palm’s STAY by Yannick Alléno is more of a sumptuous degustation journey than a mere meal.
The endearing dynamic of three brothers, Mohammad, Wassim and Omar whose love for food and each other has led to the creation of Orfali Bros Bistro is one which makes it a deserved favourite of ours. Awarded in the Middle East and North Africa’s top 50 restaurants, Orfali Bros Bistro is underpinned by the fundamental tenets of taste, texture and ingredients. Inspired by their Syrian beginnings and subsequent travels, the menu includes playful and imaginative Mediterranean dishes alongside global flavours - all are served with impeccable presentation. If you’re looking for more inspiration, Jason Atherton's Dubai Dishes returned to ITV1 for a second series earlier in the year with 10 episodes exploring Dubai's rich and diverse gastronomic scene and you can catch previous episodes on ITVX. Jason Atherton's own restaurant, Row on 45, is in Dubai's 2024 MICHELIN guide two MICHELIN stars.
As well as fine dining, Dubai is home to dining options to suit every traveller. From poolside beach brunches to family friendly cafes, traditional Emirati cuisine to affordable street food there is something to suit every budget and craving.