Dubai brings the best of the world’s cuisines together to create inspirational dining experiences. We bring you our pick of Dubai’s best dining – for six unforgettable nights IN Dubai.
At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa
Best for: Impressive views
On the one-hundred-and-twenty-second floor of Dubai’s most impressive building, you can enjoy incredible cityscape and Gulf of Arabia views as you dine. At.mosphere, the restaurant at Burj Khalifa, is the highest restaurant in the world. Here, you’re dining 442m above ground.
Come for a pre-dinner cocktail as the sun goes down and you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the desert sunset. And yet the culinary delights manage to surpass the visual treats.
In the evening, At.mosphere’s fine-dining dinner menu features the best of European cuisine made with top-quality ingredients – we love the foie gras, oysters and Wagyu tenderloins.
Al Mahara, Burj Al Arab
Best for: “only in Dubai” decor
Perhaps Dubai’s second most recognisable building, the sail-shaped architecture of Burj Al Arab on the shores of the Arabian Gulf is a billowing nod to the region’s seafaring heritage.
This luxurious hotel invites guests to celebrate this heritage at its Al Mahara restaurant. Reached by a theatrical “submarine” voyage, the underwater aquarium restaurant creates an opulent backdrop to the fresh seafood dishes of award-winning, Michelin-starred Cornish chef Nathan Outlaw.
We think the hotel luxury and dramatic décor make for an unforgettable dining experience as you feast on lobster risotto and Eton Mess.
Nusr-Et, Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach
Best for: Carnivores
The Dubai outpost of Turkish butcher and Internet sensation Nusret Gökçe, a.k.a. Salt Bae, is to be found at the Four Seasons Resort at Jumeirah Beach. Your unforgettable evening begins with an impressive approach via the hotel’s palm-lined drive. Inside, the hotel’s equally impressive walls of marble tell you this is Dubai when it means business.
By contrast, the charm of Nusr-Et and its meat-heavy menu is a welcome balm to the palatial surroundings. The restaurant can be found in the hotel’s “restaurant village” along with two other outstanding eateries – the award-winning Peruvian restaurant Coya, and Scalini Dubai. But we love Nusr-Et for its laid-back atmosphere.
With starters of beef carpaccio and smoked rib-eye followed by steaks, ribs and even a meat “spaghetti”, Nusr-Et is a joyful and fun night out – if you’re a meat lover!
Dubai Mall fountain musical display
Best for: Dubai’s must-see show
The fountains outside Dubai Mall are famous for their colourful, light-infused sequences to music – like clockwork, they treat visitors to the largest choreographed fountain display in the world. The spectacle is a must-see for visitors new to Dubai.
Book at table at the romantic Thiptara Thai restaurant at The Palace Hotel to enjoy the display at its evening best: over dinner. From the terraces of this luxury hotel, you have a birds’ eye view of the fountain display, with the lights of Burj Khalifa twinkling above.
We recommend you book a table by the palm tree-lined pool for the best of the fountain spectacular. From here, you can relax and enjoy Thiptara’s exceptional, Bangkok-inspired seafood, Thai favourites and a delicious wine list.
La Cantine du Faubourg, Emirates Towers
Best for: Classy French cuisine
Top-notch European fine dining is not in short supply in Dubai. But for a more casual approach – and some of the best French food in the city – try La Cantine du Faubourg.
With restaurants in Paris, Dubai, Ibiza and London, this boutique Gallic enterprise was created by husband and wife team Pierre Pirajean and Helena Paraboschi. Artists and sculptors themselves, they showcase the work of leading contemporary artists through their restaurants.
We like to head to the terrace to enjoy a chic cocktail. Don’t skimp on the blinis with caviar, then revel in favourites such as escargots gratinés, mussels, or classic beef tartare as well as the obligatory Wagyu sliders.
Zuma, DIFC
Best for: Top-notch Japanese food
A star at the top of Dubai’s dining scene year after year, Zuma is the best Japanese restaurant in the city.
Chef Rainer Becker launched the original Zuma in London’s Knightsbridge in 2002 and his Dubai satellite is a worthy addition to the fold. So worthy, in fact, that you’ll need to plan ahead to dine here – booking can often be required weeks in advance.
We particularly love the saki lounge. You might not have the views of Burj Khalifa or Burj Al Arab here, but Zuma’s sophisticated interiors will hold your eye and the food is sheer delight. Feast on black cod wrapped in hoba leaves, roasted lobster with shiso ponzu butter or braised wagyu beef cheeks yuzu and enjoy the cool, clubby atmosphere.
