From Michelin-starred dining to hidden local gems across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and beyond
Last Updated: November 2025
Read time: 90 seconds | Full guide below: 12 minutes
Dubai's fine dining scene rivals London, Paris, and New York. With multiple Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity chef establishments, you'll find culinary excellence at every turn.
⭐ Michelin Recognition | Price: AED 800-1,500 per person
British culinary legend Heston Blumenthal's Dubai outpost showcases historic British recipes reimagined with modern techniques. Signature dishes include Meat Fruit (mandarin-shaped chicken liver parfait) and Tipsy Cake (spit-roast pineapple with brioche).
Insider tips: Book 3-4 weeks ahead. Request window seating for Palm views. Tasting menu offers best value. Dress code: Smart elegant.
Best for: Special occasions, food enthusiasts, tasting menu experiences
Location: Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah | Open dinner only
Michelin Star | Price: AED 600-1,000 per person
This globally acclaimed modern Cantonese restaurant brings sophisticated Asian flavors to Dubai. Dark, moody interiors set the stage for exquisite dim sum, Peking duck, and signature cocktails.
Highlights: Dim sum platters, Chilean sea bass with honey, sake selection, theatrical presentation
Insider tips: Lunch is 30-40% cheaper than dinner with same quality. Book window tables 2 weeks ahead. Try the signature Hakka cocktail.
Best for: Date nights, business dinners, Asian cuisine lovers
⭐⭐ Two Michelin Stars | Price: AED 900-1,200 per person
Contemporary Indian cuisine elevated to art form. This intimate 20-seat restaurant offers an immersive 16-course tasting menu that redefines Indian fine dining.
Experience: Interactive chef's table, molecular gastronomy techniques, wine pairings, approximately 3 hours
Insider tips: Booking required weeks in advance (often fully booked). Dietary restrictions accommodated brilliantly. Worth every dirham for food enthusiasts.
Best for: Food connoisseurs, special celebrations, unique experiences
Celebrity Chef | Price: AED 500-800 per person
Nobu Matsuhisa's signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion needs no introduction. The Dubai location delivers consistent excellence with stunning views.
Must-order dishes: Black cod miso, yellowtail jalapeño, rock shrimp tempura
Insider tips: Weekday lunch offers 40% savings. Sit at the sushi bar for entertainment and freshest selections. Reserve at least 2 weeks ahead for dinner.
Best for: Sushi lovers, Japanese fusion, impressing clients or dates
Price: AED 450-700 per person
Southern French-Mediterranean cuisine in a chic, bustling atmosphere. Famous for its simple yet perfectly executed dishes using premium ingredients.
Signature dishes: Burrata with tomatoes, truffle pasta, sea bass, lemon tart
Insider tips: Notoriously hard to book (try 2-3 weeks ahead). Ask for recommendations - menu changes seasonally. Portions are shareable. Lively atmosphere, not for quiet dinners.
Best for: Groups, Mediterranean food lovers, see-and-be-seen dining
Price: AED 500-900 per person
Contemporary Japanese izakaya-style dining with open kitchen theatrics. Consistently ranked among Dubai's best restaurants.
Highlights: Robata grill dishes, sushi and sashimi, weekend brunch (one of Dubai's best)
Insider tips: Brunch (Fridays) offers incredible value at AED 495. Happy hour (6-8 PM weekdays) = 30% off. Bar area has same menu without reservation hassles.
Best for: Japanese cuisine, weekend brunch, after-work drinks
⭐ Michelin Star | Price: AED 700-1,100 per person
Three-Michelin-star chef Niko Romito's interpretation of Italian classics with modern technique and presentation.
Experience: Tasting menus change seasonally, impeccable service, intimate setting overlooking Jumeirah Bay
Insider tips: Request terrace seating (weather permitting). Book minimum 2-3 weeks ahead. Dress code strictly enforced.
Best for: Italian fine dining, romantic occasions, luxury resort dining
Exceptional dining doesn't require a AED 1,000 bill. These restaurants offer outstanding food, atmosphere, and value.
Price: AED 80-150 per person | Cuisine: Modern Emirati
Authentic Emirati cuisine with contemporary twists. Perfect introduction to local flavors without pretension.
Must-try: Chebab (Emirati pancakes), karak chai, lamb machboos, date pudding
Locations: Box Park, City Walk, Mall of the Emirates
Price: AED 250-400 per person | Cuisine: Modern Indian
Sister restaurant to Trèsind Studio but more accessible. Creative Indian cuisine at fraction of the price.
Insider tip: Business lunch (Mon-Thu) from AED 125 is phenomenal value
Price: AED 250-450 per person | Cuisine: Thai
Royal Thai cuisine in romantic abra-accessed setting overlooking waterways. Consistently excellent for 15+ years.
Experience: Take abra (traditional boat) across waterways to reach restaurant - magical at sunset
Price: AED 50-80 per person | Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Elevated street food in hip, casual setting. Best falafel and shawarma in Dubai according to locals.
Must-order: Falafel wrap, halloumi fries, mint lemonade
Price: AED 60-100 per person | Cuisine: Seafood
Dubai's worst-kept secret. Plastic chairs on the beach, no decor, but absolutely phenomenal fresh seafood.
How it works: Pick your fish/seafood from display, they fry it, serve with rice and salad. No reservations - expect queues.
Insider tip: Go for lunch (opens 12 PM). Cash only. Hammour fish and king prawns are standouts.
Price: AED 200-350 per person | Cuisine: Lebanese
Authentic Lebanese cuisine, consistently voted best in Dubai. Generous portions, impeccable meze selection.
Best for: Groups (sharing is key), business lunches, Lebanese food done right
Price: AED 150-250 per person | Cuisine: Latin American
Vibrant Latin flavors with outstanding cocktails. Weekend brunch is legendary.
Highlights: Ceviche, anticuchos, pisco sours, lively atmosphere
Price: AED 25-50 per person | Cuisine: Pakistani
Dubai institution since 1978. Humble settings, phenomenal curries, unbeatable prices.
Must-order: Chicken tikka, mutton karahi, garlic naan. Go late night when it's busiest.
Price: AED 40-70 per person | Cuisine: Levantine Street Food
Modern take on street food with air-conditioned comfort. Great shawarma, manakish, fresh juices.
Price: AED 30-60 per person | Cuisine: Syrian
Outstanding Syrian cuisine at incredibly reasonable prices. The kunafa and baklava are must-tries.
Price: AED 35-70 per person | Cuisine: Syrian
Authentic Syrian flavors, generous portions. The mixed grill platter feeds two easily.
Price: AED 60-100 per person | Cuisine: Cafe/Brunch
Industrial-chic cafe with outstanding brunch, specialty coffee, and all-day breakfast.
Best for: Weekend brunch, instagrammable food, coffee lovers
Abu Dhabi's dining scene is more refined and less flashy than Dubai, with emphasis on quality and sophistication.
⭐ Michelin Star | Price: AED 600-1,000 per person
Sister to Dubai location but even more opulent setting inside Emirates Palace. Same exceptional Cantonese cuisine.
Insider tip: Pre/post-dinner drinks at Emirates Palace beach bar for full experience
Price: AED 400-700 per person | Cuisine: Modern European
Stunning beachfront fine dining with focus on sustainable ingredients and open-fire cooking.
Experience: Sunset dinner on terrace overlooking Arabian Gulf is magical
Price: AED 250-450 per person | Cuisine: Italian-American
Celebrity hotspot serving classic Italian-American dishes. See-and-be-seen atmosphere.
Price: AED 200-400 per person | Cuisine: Lebanese
Elevated Lebanese cuisine with stunning Corniche views. Outstanding mezze and grills.
Insider tip: Request window seating at sunset for spectacular views
The legendary Emirates Palace hotel houses multiple dining options:
Price: AED 150-280 per person | Cuisine: International Buffet
If you're on Yas Island, this buffet offers exceptional variety and quality. Family-friendly.
Price: AED 80-150 per person | Cuisine: Traditional Emirati
Nostalgic 1960s UAE decor with authentic Emirati dishes. Educational and delicious.
Must-try: Harees, thareed, luqaimat dessert
Sharjah is a dry emirate (no alcohol), but offers outstanding dining nonetheless:
Extremely variable. Budget meals: AED 20-80. Mid-range: AED 150-300. Fine dining: AED 500-2,000+ per person. Dubai is generally 20-30% more expensive than other emirates.
No. Only licensed venues (hotels and some standalone restaurants with special licenses) can serve alcohol. Sharjah and UAQ are completely dry. Age 21+ with ID required.
Most restaurants add 10% service charge automatically. Additional tipping (5-10%) appreciated for exceptional service but not mandatory. Check your bill first to avoid double-tipping.
Fine dining: Smart elegant (no shorts/flip-flops). Hotel restaurants: Smart casual. Casual dining: Generally relaxed but respectful (cover shoulders/knees in traditional areas). Always check specific venue dress codes.
Yes! Over 90% of restaurants serve only halal meat. UAE is one of the easiest destinations for halal dining. Even international chains serve halal versions.
Absolutely. Indian restaurants have extensive vegetarian menus. Dedicated vegan restaurants exist in Dubai. Most upscale venues offer vegetarian/vegan options. Middle Eastern cuisine is naturally plant-forward (mezze, salads, etc.).
Fine dining: 2-4 weeks ahead. Popular mid-range: 1-2 weeks. Casual: Usually walk-ins fine. Peak times (Thu-Sat, 8-10 PM) book earliest. Some legendary spots (Hakkasan, La Petite Maison, Trèsind Studio) book months ahead.
Many restaurants closed during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset). Hotels and malls have screened areas for daytime dining. After sunset (Iftar), restaurants get very busy. Special Iftar buffets offered everywhere. It's actually an interesting time to visit!
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