Dubai may not be as renowned as Singapore for its gastronomical delights – but does it surprise you that there’s no shortage of excellent dining options here? This is a world-class destination, after all! If you’re spending some time in Dubai, you have to make it to at least one of these restaurants; ideally, all of them!
At Ristorante L’ Olivo at Al Mahara, in the Burj Al-Arab, Dubai’s swankiest hotel, star chef Andrea Migliaccio – awarded two Michelin stars – carries you in a make-believe submarine ride to a restaurant with wall-high aquariums that make it appear like it’s underwater. The theme – as one might expect – is seafood, and the top-rated chef is constantly coming up with great dishes, making this one of the best places to eat in Dubai.
Al Hadheerah is the restaurant of the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, set out away from the city in the midst of the sand dunes. This restaurant has fourteen live cooking stations, where skilled chefs prepare authentic Arabian food, while guests are serenaded with live entertainment. If you’re looking for local flavors, look no further! For an extra helping of culture, the Emirati Heritage Museum is nearby.
If you like Asian fusion, you’ll adore Zheng He’s, where traditional Chinese flavors blend with modern Western presentation. The food is authentic – some of the best Chinese food you’ll find outside of China – and the ambience is spectacular, with mellow-lit tables out on the dock, overlooking the splendid Jumeirah Mina A’Salam hotel. For any true foodie, this is a must-stop – and for anyone who just likes Chinese!
Fancy Japanese food? You can find it in Dubai, at the Atlantis Hotel’s star restaurant, Nobu – a chain created by globally renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Here you’ll get the best and most modern take on Japanese, blended with the Arabian influence that makes food in Dubai so special. Try seared black cod served with sweet miso sauce, or yellowtail topped with jalapeño. And if you want to learn the restaurant’s secrets, sign up for one of their cooking classes!
At Choix Patisserie and Restaurant, three-Michelin-star-rated French chef Pierre Gagnaire takes creative cuisine to its limit. Located at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, this restaurant is famous in the city – and beyond – especially with its high tea. Enjoy European and British flavors like the fish of the day, beef rib eye, or mushroom tortellini.