Dining
DINING OVERVIEW
With Dubai's diverse population, it's not surprising that the city has a wide range of dining options, covering everything from Thai to Tunisian. A good number of the best-quality restaurants are in hotels, but they are expensive, so be prepared to break the bank. There are also quite a few good mom-and-pop places, particularly Indian and Pakistani joints.
Traditional Emirati cooking consists primarily of dates, fresh and dried fish, and both camel meat and milk—not terribly appealing to most Westerners. (Be sure to try Dubai's fresh dates, though—they're soft, succulent and delicious.) Outside of Emirati homes, it's difficult to get a taste of local cuisine, although some restaurants do have a few traditional dishes.
Most Arabic restaurants draw on Lebanese cuisine instead, with grilled meats and meze (appetizer-sized small portions of salads, meats and dips). There are also literally hundreds of stands around the city that serve shawarma (pita-style flatbread filled with shaved lamb or chicken roasted on a spit), hummus, salad and pickles. They're good for a quick, inexpensive snack.
Dinner is usually a late affair: Tables start to fill up around 9 pm. Friday brunch is an institution in Dubai, and competition is fierce among the providers of all-you-can-eat (and drink) buffets, many with alcohol included. Some restaurants even throw in entertainment for children. In cooler weather, alfresco dining is popular, whether on a terrace, a rooftop or at the beach.
Expect to pay the following for a dinner for one, excluding drinks, tax and tip: $ = less than 50 AED; $$ = 50 AED-200 AED; $$$ = 201 AED-300 AED; $$$$ = more than 300 AED.
LOCAL & REGIONAL
Address
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-363-6568
http://www.alarrab.net
Category Local & Regional
Al Arrab
Conveniently located in the Persian Court of the Ibn Batutta Mall, this Arabian restaurant is a great place to wind down after a day of shopping. Try the Al Arrab grill for a variety of grilled and skewered meats for sampling and sharing. The thyme chicken tikka is also excellent. Most portions are big enough to share. $$. Most major credit cards. Phone 04-363-6568. http://www.alarrab.net.
Address
Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-888-3444
Category Local & Regional
Ewaan
An excellent Arabian restaurant with lovely ambience and decor set at The Palace Downtown Dubai hotel. Food is buffet-style, allowing you to sample everything on offer. After 9 pm there is usually belly dancing and an oud player. $$$. Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard (in The Palace Downtown Dubai), Dubai. Phone 04-888-3444.
Address
19th Street
Dubai, United Arab Emirates 32733
Phone 04-336-6000
http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/en/middle-east/uae/dubai/hotel-dubai-bur/restaurants/restaurants/fakhreldine-restaurant
Category Local & Regional
Fakhreldine
Exquisite and authentic Lebanese food served in stunning surroundings with live music, shisha pipes and belly dancers. Grilled meats and fish, hot and cold meze, and Lebanese desserts. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 19th Street (Moevenpick Hotel Bur Dubai, Umm Hurair 2, behind Eppco headquarters), Dubai. Phone 04-336-6000. http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/en/middle-east/uae/dubai/hotel-dubai-bur/restaurants/restaurants/fakhreldine-restaurant.
Address
Marina Tower, Dubai Marina
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-447-5449
http://www.piccolomondobaydubai.com
Category Local & Regional
Piccolo Mondo Bay
Flanked by skyscrapers, this patio-resto deservedly has a great shisha lounge and serves a fusion of Arabian and international cuisine. It's an ideal spot for fussy eaters who might not want to devote themselves entirely to Arabic food. A nice selection of Italian and Thai is on the menu. Daily from 9 am. Marina Tower, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Phone 04-447-5449. http://www.piccolomondobaydubai.com.
Address
Baniyas Street
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-222-7171
Category Local & Regional
Shabestan
Shabestan offers a gourmet taste of Persia. The fresh-baked bread is worth the trip alone, and the aromatic grills and authentic decor round things off to perfection. Slow-cooked lamb with rice is a house specialty. Live music entertains. Daily for lunch and dinner. $$$. Most major credit cards. Baniyas Street (in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek), Dubai. Phone 04-222-7171.
VEGETARIAN
Address
Kuwait Street, Al Mankhool
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-359-8444
http://www.kamat.ae
Category Vegetarian
Kamat
For the best bargain in town, try an unlimited vegetarian thali for just 20 AED at lunchtime. You get three types of vegetables plus chana, dhal, rasam, rice, puri, papad, yogurt and a mango khulfi for dessert. There's also a Chinese menu available. Saturday-Thursday for lunch and dinner, Friday for lunch only. $. Most major credit cards. Kuwait Street, Al Mankhool (after Choithram's), Bur Dubai, Dubai. Phone 04-359-8444. http://www.kamat.ae.
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
Address
Jumeirah Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-366-6730
http://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/madinat-jumeirah/activities/the-friday-brunch-at-al-qasr
Category Breakfast & Brunch
Al Qasr
This is simply the most decadent and opulent brunch in Dubai, with champagne cocktails upon arrival and free-flowing bubbles, cocktails and other drinks throughout. The food ranges from seafood to Spanish, from Middle Eastern to Japanese, from sumptuous desserts to nibbles, and even a chocolate fountain and help-yourself candy bar for the younger guests. Friday for brunch. $$$$. Jumeirah Road (Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah), Dubai. Phone 04-366-6730. http://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/madinat-jumeirah/activities/the-friday-brunch-at-al-qasr.
Address
Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-346-6886
http://www.jonesthegrocer.com
Category Breakfast & Brunch
Jones the Grocer
The food is superb at this delicatessen-cum-cafe, so much so that the chefs give regular cooking classes. Everyday favorites such as breakfast, burgers, fish-and-chips, and sandwiches are given the special touch. And you can get some trendy kitchen utensils and ingredients while you're there. $$. Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Phone 04-346-6886. http://www.jonesthegrocer.com.
Address
Garhoud
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-283-0224
http://www.morecafe.co
Category Breakfast & Brunch
More Cafe
With five locations spread across the city, this is a supertrendy eatery decorated with exhibitions of local art. At breakfast, it serves three major options: the full English breakfast (albeit without pork); an Arabic spread of labneh, hummus, olives and fruit with pita bread; and thick Dutch pancakes drizzled in honey and topped with strawberries. All are accompanied by strong coffee and freshly squeezed fruit juices. The original Garhoud location has been joined by a second, on Sheikh Zayed Road, beside Al Murooj Rotana (phone 04-343-3779). Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. Garhoud (behind the Welcare Hospital and the Lifco Supermarket), Dubai. Phone 04-283-0224. http://www.morecafe.co.
Address
Airport Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-282-4040
http://www.yalumba-dubai.com
Category Breakfast & Brunch
Yalumba
The regular menu is Australian, but for Friday brunch, Yalumba's cuisine goes international, with excellent results. It's a Bollinger brunch with champagne—you're greeted with a fluteful at the door and a high-class buffet of fresh Indian, Japanese, Lebanese and Thai food, followed by plenty of fine cheeses and exotic desserts. The live music can be irritatingly intrusive at times, but the rest of the experience can't be faulted. Daily for lunch and dinner, Friday only for brunch. $$$. Most major credit cards. Airport Road (in Le Meridien Dubai), Dubai. Phone 04-282-4040. http://www.yalumba-dubai.com.
CAFES & TEAROOMS
Address
Al Fahidi District, Bur Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-353-5071
http://www.arabianteahouse.co
Category Cafes & Tearooms
Arabian Tea House Cafe
Previously Basta Art Cafe. In winter, the cafe, housed in one of the city's oldest buildings, is among the finest places for a chilled nibble. Inside, there's a small gallery and shop selling local arts and crafts, and outside there's a delightful courtyard with a small aviary and an enormous central tree. Sit under the shade of stretches of fabric and order a lime-and-mint juice with a pita wrap or an enormous, highly recommended and wholesome souk salad, crammed with chicken, couscous, corn and cashews. Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $. Most major credit cards. Al Fahidi District, Bur Dubai, Dubai. Phone 04-353-5071. http://www.arabianteahouse.co.
Address
Jumeirah Beach Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-349-8498
http://www.thelimetreecafe.com
Category Cafes & Tearooms
Lime Tree Cafe
Simple dishes done extremely well. Every day there are fresh salads, tarts, quiches, muffins and cakes. The menu is constantly changing, and everything is made fresh on the premises. Portions are generous, there's excellent cheesecake and carrot cake, and it serves the best cappuccino in Dubai. The cafe is in a villa, with outdoor settings in the garden and on the terrace. Dogs are welcome outdoors. Daily for breakfast, lunch and early dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. Jumeirah Beach Road (opposite Palm Strip shopping mall), Jumeirah, Dubai. Phone 04-349-8498. http://www.thelimetreecafe.com.
Address
Jumeirah Beach Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-339-8036
http://www.thedubaimall.com/en/Dine/dining_restaurants/paul-bakery-and-restaurant.aspx
Category Cafes & Tearooms
Paul Bakery and Restaurant
This French franchise is known for its outstanding baked goods: wonderful hot quiches, cakes, pastries and sandwiches made with fresh-from-the-oven rolls. Check out the outstanding olive bread, deliciously light and fluffy. The gourmet salads, omelettes and fresh juices are also highlights. Daily 10 am-midnight. $$. Most major credit cards. Jumeirah Beach Road (Mercato Mall), Dubai. Phone 04-339-8036. http://www.thedubaimall.com/en/Dine/dining_restaurants/paul-bakery-and-restaurant.aspx.
COFFEEHOUSES
Address
Mall of the Emirates, Barsha
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-341-0591
http://www.altayer.com/CompanyDetail.aspx?bid=123&coid=19
Category Coffeehouses
Emporio Armani Cafe
If you've spent the day splurging on designer fashion, this is surely the place to relax afterward. Modern, chic furnishings and low lighting, complete with stylish and suitably expensive Italian-style coffee and food. It's easy to forget that this is actually in a shopping mall. Daily 11 am-11:30 pm. $$$. Most major credit cards. Mall of the Emirates, Barsha, Dubai. Phone 04-341-0591. http://www.altayer.com/CompanyDetail.aspx?bid=123&coid=19.
Address
Jumeirah Beach Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 06-556-0425
http://www.gerardcafe.com
Category Coffeehouses
Gerard Cafe
One of the first coffeehouses to open in Dubai, Gerard Cafe is popular with all nationalities. The courtyard-style cafe serves coffee, croissants, cakes and sandwiches. People sit for hours just reading newspapers or chatting (with companions or on cell phones). You can sit outdoors under the trees or inside in hotter weather. Daily 7 am-midnight. $. Most major credit cards. Jumeirah Beach Road (in Magrudy's Shopping Mall), Jumeirah, Dubai. Phone 06-556-0425. http://www.gerardcafe.com.
CONTINENTAL
Address
Jumeirah Beach Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-399-9999
http://royalmirage.oneandonlyresorts.com/cuisine/thepalace/beachbargrill.aspx
Category Continental
Beach Bar and Grill
Don't be misled by its casual name: This is one of the most romantic places to dine in Dubai, with a picture-perfect postcard setting. The restaurant's wooden decking nestles right by the water's edge on the beach, and you dine among palm trees and greenery. The international menu has some Arabic appetizers, but focuses mainly on European staples. A variety of steaks and seafood is grilled to perfection at reasonable prices. Daily for lunch and dinner. Smart casual dress is preferred for dinner. $$$$. Most major credit cards. Jumeirah Beach Road (in One&Only The Palace at Royal Mirage), Bur Dubai, Dubai. Phone 04-399-9999. http://royalmirage.oneandonlyresorts.com/cuisine/thepalace/beachbargrill.aspx.
Address
Al Garhoud Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-295-6000
Category Continental
Boardwalk
The international dishes are wholesome and delicious, but what people really go for are the great views and the comfortable atmosphere. It's probably the best place to eat in Dubai during the cooler months—tables are set up outside on three decks over Dubai Creek. It also serves a great breakfast. During the hot summer months, you can opt to eat indoors or simply stop by for a drink at the bar. This is a busy restaurant year-round, so expect to wait for a table. Daily for lunch and dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. Al Garhoud Road (Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club; opposite Deira City Centre), Dubai. Phone 04-295-6000.
Address
The Ritz-Carlton, Al Sufouh
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-318-6150
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Dubai/Dining
Category Continental
La Baie Lounge
The decor of this luxe lounge with its SoCal touches and sumptuous interiors makes it a fabulous spot to enjoy good eats. The menu is an international fusion and could include quesadillas, hamburgers to upscale chi-chi dining on Scottish salmon or Australian lamb chops. Daily for lunch and dinner. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. The Ritz-Carlton, Al Sufouh, Dubai. Phone 04-318-6150. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Dubai/Dining.
LATE NIGHT
Address
Al Wasl Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-394-5200
Category Late Night
Al Reef
This 24-hour bakery is a favorite late-night stop-off for hungry clubbers on their way home. It serves Arabic pastries plus wonderful fresh breads topped with cheese, meat or zaatar spice, all for a pittance. Daily 24 hours. $. No credit cards. Al Wasl Road (near the post office), Dubai. Phone 04-394-5200.
Address
Near Satwa Roundabout
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-331-5353
Category Late Night
Ravi's
Mostly frequented by Asian bachelors, Ravi's is an experience worth trying at least once. Pakistani dhal and chapatis are the staples, with plenty of options for vegetarians. Great for a snack after some late-night shopping in Satwa. Open 24 hours a day. $. No credit cards. Near Satwa Roundabout (across from the Union Cooperative Building), Satwa, Dubai. Phone 04-331-5353.
SEAFOOD
Address
Jumeirah Beach Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-301-7777
http://www.burj-al-arab.com/dining
Category Seafood
Al Mahara
If you're ready for an exquisite seafood dinner, try Al Mahara. This temple to all things fishy is built around an enormous aquarium filled with startlingly attractive tropical breeds (strictly for entertainment rather than nourishment) and is reached by a "submarine" ride. Start things off with a battery of outstanding oysters before moving on to a masterful main course prepared with true flair. Exceptionally pricey and exceptionally good. Daily for lunch and dinner. $$$$. Most major credit cards. Jumeirah Beach Road (in the Burj Al Arab), Dubai. Phone 04-301-7777. http://www.burj-al-arab.com/dining.
Address
Al Sufouh Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates 73137
Phone 04-366-8888
https://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/madinat-jumeirah/restaurants--bars/pierchic
Category Seafood
Pierchic
This restaurant is perched on stilts out in the Gulf, accessible only by a long wooden boardwalk. Set in the glow of the Burj Al Arab, Pierchic offers imaginative seafood dishes with a contemporary Mediterranean slant, matched by a flawless wine list. Book a table on the terrace with your favorite person and prepare for a romantic evening. Daily noon-midnight. $$$$. Most major credit cards. Al Sufouh Road (in the Al Qasr Madinat Jumeirah Resort), Dubai. Phone 04-366-8888. https://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/madinat-jumeirah/restaurants--bars/pierchic.
STEAK HOUSES
Address
Al Qutaeyat Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-317-2222
http://www.restaurants.dubai.hyatt.com/manhattan-grill
Category Steak Houses
Manhattan Grill
Manhattan Grill is a great venue with some extras. This classy steak house serves up prime cuts as well as juicy burgers, all in a fine-dining setting and accompanied by excellent wines. Sunday-Thursday for lunch and dinner, Friday for dinner only. $$$. Al Qutaeyat Road (in the Grand Hyatt Dubai), Dubai. Phone 04-317-2222. http://www.restaurants.dubai.hyatt.com/manhattan-grill.
Address
Baniyas Street
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-222-7171
Category Steak Houses
Palm Grill
Enjoy a warm-up drink in the pretty bar area before moving into the low-lit restaurant for some serious steaks. The decor has nuances of the American Jazz Age in a trendy setting; it's a great combination of chic opulence. Open daily for dinner. $$$$. Most major credit cards. Baniyas Street (in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek), Dubai. Phone 04-222-7171.
DINNER CRUISES
Address
Al Seef Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 04-399-4994
http://www.jaresortshotels.com/Properties/BateauxDubai/TheRestaurant/Overview.aspx
Category Dinner Cruises
Bateaux Dubai
The classiest way to dine on the Creek, Bateaux Dubai offers a leisurely cruise up and down the waterfront, accompanied by exquisite European and French food cooked onboard. A talented pianist enhances the experience. Finish off your dinner with a drink on the upstairs deck. Daily 8:30 pm-11 pm. $$$$. Most major credit cards. Al Seef Road (opposite the British Embassy), Dubai. Phone 04-399-4994.
Address
Next to Sheraton Creek Hotel
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone 50-276-8111
http://www.dhowcruisedubai.com
Category Dinner Cruises
Dhow Cruise Dubai
In a dizzying lightshow of skyscrapers hugging the signature shoreline, guests enjoy a riveting evening that starts along Dubai Creek. This two-hour dinner cruise offers a Bedouin-style experience with live entertainment and a casual barbecue buffet. Next to Sheraton Creek Hotel, Dubai. Phone 50-276-8111. http://www.dhowcruisedubai.com.