Dubai has become the destination of choice for many seeking a dream escape, and with good reason. With a plethora of stunning buildings, exclusive restaurants and great weather, it’s no surprise that when people think of travelling to have a good time, Dubai is usually top of mind.
The food is also pretty great, unsurprisingly, and here are some of the best places to eat when you inevitably visit Dubai
1. La Petite Maison
La Petite Maison is a beautifully-decorated restaurant in the heart of Dubai, where you can enjoy the best Mediterranean cuisine money can buy. This restaurant is spacious and scenic, so it’s the perfect place to have business meetings or heartfelt conversations with a group of friends. The menu takes a lot of inspiration from the South of France, and the food is definitely worth your while.
2. Nobu
Nobu is the most popular and recognisable Japanese restaurant chain in the world, and the one in Dubai is just as exquisite as all the others. Since it’s a Japanese restaurant in Dubai, you get the best of Japanese cuisine wonderfully blended with Arabian influences to create an incredible menu. It’s not just the food that’s amazing at Nobu; the beautiful surroundings will have you jumping at every chance to take a picture.
3. Ravi Restaurant
If you’re looking for authentic Pakistani food at affordable prices, look no further than Ravi Restaurant, located in Al Karama. Ravi is a popular spot that’s full of fresh and delicious Pakistani food. It can get rowdy and chaotic there at times, but I assure you that the hassle will be worth it — you’ll forget all about it after the first bite. Go to Ravi and enjoy the best lamb chops money can buy.
4. Raju Omlet
As the name implies, this restaurant is centred around eggs and has its origins in India. The restaurant is full of egg-themed pieces, vintage photographs and art straight out of India. You can expect a plethora of egg-based dishes, from omelettes to egg noodles, that you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Be prepared to enjoy egg-tastic cuisine when you visit Raju Omlet.
5. Wild and the Moon
If meat isn’t for you and you’re committed to a life without it, I suggest you head over to Wild and the Moon when you're in Dubai — it’s one of their first local vegan restaurants. The menu is one of the healthiest you’ll find anywhere in Dubai; all ingredients used to cook here are organic and ethically sourced. Even the desserts are devoid of refined sugar and processed enzymes. Everything at this restaurant is 100% environmentally friendly.
6. Al-Baik
You won’t find a fast-food restaurant chain in the Middle East more popular than Al-Baik. It’s a Saudi Arabian chain that finally arrived in Dubai in 2021, to the delight of the locals. Al-Baik is renowned for its crispy and juicy fried chicken that is probably only rivalled by KFC; and just like KFC, they also have a secret recipe that’s only available to the founders. You might not be spoiled for choice at Al-Baik, but their chicken alone is sure to make you come back for more.
7. Pierchic
Pierchic is an award-winning Italian restaurant situated on a private pier in Dubai. This restaurant is quite simply built for romance. You get to take in exquisite views of the Arabian Gulf while enjoying the most delicious European seafood dishes. It’s far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Dubai. Go to Pierchic with the person you love and take everything in.
8. Fi’lia
Despite being relatively new, as this Italian restaurant came to Dubai in 2021, it has quickly become one of the most popular restaurants in the region. This restaurant offers a fantastic array of authentic Italian cuisine that you can appreciate while enjoying stunning views of the city; the restaurant is on the 70th floor of SLS Dubai. A major contributor to the increasing popularity of Fi’lia is that it’s the region’s first female-led restaurant, and that has captivated a lot of people. Fi’lia should definitely be on your list if you’re planning a trip to Dubai.
9. Saravana Bhavan
Saravana Bhavan is probably the best place to get vegetarian Indian food in the world; at least, that’s what they claim. One thing that’s for sure is you won’t get South Indian cuisine anywhere in Dubai like at Saravana Bhavan; everything there is budget-friendly, so there's no need to worry about overspending. Enjoy dishes like medu vada and dosas that make you feel like you’re in the heart of India.
10. Al Hadheerah
In the middle of Dubai’s desert dunes, at the famous Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, you can enjoy a beautiful dining experience under the glistening night sky at the AlHadheerah restaurant. This restaurant has live cooking stations that provide authentic middle eastern cuisine and an overall immersive experience; it’s truly a place like no other as you enjoy amazing food and beauty in equal parts.
