Best Restaurants in Dubai 2025
Explore the culinary scene of Dubai - from local favorites to fine dining.
Dubai is a dazzling emirate on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, renowned for its ultramodern skyline, luxury shopping, and world-record-breaking landmarks. From the iconic Burj Khalifa piercing the clouds to pristine beaches along the Arabian Gulf, Dubai seamlessly blends Bedouin heritage with 21st-century ambition. It is one of the world's most visited cities, attracting tens of millions of tourists each year with its unrivalled mix of culture, adventure, and opulence.
Dubai's dining scene is one of the most cosmopolitan in the world, reflecting the emirate's diverse population of over 200 nationalities. From three-Michelin-star progressive Indian cuisine to 50-year-old Iranian kebab shops, the city offers extraordinary breadth at every price point. Emirati cuisine itself is rarely featured publicly but worth seeking out — fragrant rice dishes, slow-cooked lamb, and pearl-diver heritage food tell the story of pre-oil Dubai. The restaurant scene is concentrated in Downtown Dubai, DIFC, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah, and Palm Jumeirah, with the more authentic and affordable options found in Deira and Bur Dubai.
Must-Try Dishes
These iconic dishes define the culinary identity of Dubai.
Machboos
Slow-cooked spiced rice with lamb or chicken, the national dish of the UAE
Shawarma
Marinated meat carved from a rotating spit and wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce
Luqaimat
Crispy fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup and sesame, a traditional Emirati sweet
Harees
A comforting porridge of wheat and slow-cooked meat, especially popular during Ramadan
Camel Burger
A uniquely Dubai experience — camel meat burger served in several casual restaurants and hotel lobbies
Mezze Platter
Lebanese and Levantine selection of hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and kibbeh
Koshari
Egyptian street food of lentils, rice, pasta, and spiced tomato sauce, very popular in Deira
Complete Food Guide
100+ restaurants, local recipes, and dining recommendations for Dubai.
Top Restaurants
Our handpicked recommendations for the best dining experiences.
Trèsind Studio
Dubai's only three-Michelin-star restaurant delivers a theatrical 20-course tasting menu that deconstructs and reimagines Indian flavours using avant-garde techniques. Located in the St. Regis Garden on The Palm, this is one of the hardest reservations in the city.
Hakkasan Dubai
A Michelin-starred contemporary Chinese restaurant inside Atlantis The Palm offering stunning sea views alongside exquisite dim sum, Peking duck, and wok-fired specialities. The dramatic interior design matches the quality of the food.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
The Dubai outpost of Heston Blumenthal's celebrated concept at Atlantis The Royal offers historically inspired British cuisine cooked with extraordinary precision. Winner of the Time Out Dubai Award 2024 for best restaurant.
Nobu Dubai
The iconic Nobu brand has a stunning home at Atlantis The Palm with theatrical interiors and the beloved fusion cuisine that made Nobu a global institution. The black cod miso and yellowtail jalapeno are non-negotiable orders.
Cipriani Dubai
The legendary Venice institution has a spectacular outpost in DIFC serving authentic Venetian cuisine in a glamorous setting. The risotto, handmade pasta, and carpaccio are prepared to the same exacting standards as the original Harry's Bar.
Jara
Opened in 2024 at The Lana – Dorchester Collection, Jara brings Spanish Basque haute cuisine to Business Bay with an elegant terrace overlooking the Creek. The chef's tasting menu showcases premium Spanish ingredients with refined technique.
Alici
A dreamy Amalfi-inspired restaurant at Club Vista Mare on Palm Jumeirah known for picture-worthy sea urchin spaghetti, fresh seafood pasta, and spectacular Gulf views. A popular spot for romantic dinners and weekend lunches.
BeBabel
Contemporary Lebanese dining at Club Vista Mare on Palm Jumeirah offering mezze, grills, and creative cocktails in a stylish waterfront setting. One of Dubai's most popular Lebanese restaurants for both taste and atmosphere.
Restaurants by Cuisine
Find restaurants that match your taste preferences.
Progressive Indian Cuisine
Trèsind Studio
Chinese Cuisine
Hakkasan Dubai
British Cuisine
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
Japanese-Peruvian Cuisine
Nobu Dubai
Italian Cuisine
Cipriani Dubai
Eataly Dubai
Larte
Spanish-Basque Cuisine
Jara
Street Food & Markets
The best local flavors at affordable prices.
Shawarma
Chicken or meat rotating spit wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce and pickles
Samboosa
Deep-fried pastry triangles filled with meat, cheese, or spinach — Middle Eastern samosa
Falafel Wrap
Crispy chickpea fritters with tahini, pickles, and salad in fresh flatbread
Manakish
Lebanese flatbread baked with za'atar and olive oil or cheese, eaten for breakfast
Corn on the Cob
Charcoal-grilled corn with butter and spices sold by street vendors along JBR
Fruit Juice
Freshly pressed juice from pomegranate, mango, and seasonal fruits
Food Markets
Waterfront Market Deira
The largest seafood, meat, fruit, and vegetable market in Dubai where chefs and residents shop daily
Spice Souk
Traditional open-air market selling frankincense, saffron, dried herbs, and exotic spices
Ripe Food & Craft Market
A weekend farmers market with organic produce, homemade food stalls, and artisan products
Dining Etiquette & Tips
Navigate the local food scene like a pro.
Alcohol is only served in licensed hotel restaurants and clubs — budget restaurants are generally alcohol-free
Dubai Friday brunch (noon-4 PM) is a local institution — most hotels offer all-inclusive food and drinks packages from $80
Lunch specials at top restaurants can be 40-50% cheaper than dinner menus
Tipping 10-15% is customary at sit-down restaurants, though service charge is sometimes included
Ramadan significantly changes dining hours — restaurants outside hotels are closed during the day
Dietary Information
{'vegetarian': 'Vegetarian options are widely available, especially in Indian restaurants. More plant-based cafés opening each year.', 'halal': 'The overwhelming majority of restaurants in Dubai serve halal meat. Non-halal pork products are only available in certain supermarkets and hotel restaurants.', 'gluten_free': 'Growing number of gluten-free cafés and menu options, especially in Jumeirah and Downtown. Ask staff about allergens.'}
Food Budget Guide
What to expect at different price points.
Taste the Best of Dubai
Get our complete food guide with 100+ restaurant recommendations, local recipes, and foodie walking routes.
Download Food Guide