Arab cuisine is based on a centuries-old tradition of slow, stove top cooking and it’s well worth visiting Dubai’s restaurants to discover its flavours, aromas and textures. Get your taste buds ready and treat yourself by sampling Dubai’s emblematic dishes while learning more about the identity of the Arab emirate’s capital.
Some say that you don’t know a city until you try its traditional dishes. So make sure you order a khuzi, a roasted lamb or goat and rice dish that is considered to be the national dish of the Arab Emirates. You should also try samosas, a type of fried pastry stuffed with minced meat, potatoes or vegetables, and margoogat, a chicken and vegetable stew – you’ll love trying Dubai’s typical food!
The city has many different kinds of restaurants, particularly in the areas most popular with tourists, so you can easily choose one based on your budget, tastes and favourite type. Dubai is all set to regale visitors with spectacular cooking, often from on high. We can help by recommending restaurants where you’re bound to have a great experience:
- Restaurantes de los hoteles Barceló
- Los restaurantes más exclusivos de Dubái
- Restaurantes donde comer bien y más barato
- Restaurante Carmen del Hotel Barceló Dubái
Barceló hotels’ restaurants
If you’d like to feel at home, try the emirates’ delicious food at a restaurant in a Barceló hotel.
Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel. This magnificent five-star hotel in exclusive Palm Jumeirah has outstanding dining options that bring together the best of tradition and innovation. Choose between award-winning Khyber restaurant and its authentic Indian cooking, and iconic Dukes Bar.
Occidental Al Jaddaf. This modern, four-star hotel near Dubai Creek with easy access to Dubai Downtown has varied and meticulous cooking with an emphasis on Mediterranean and Oriental flavours. The Occidental Al Jaddaf has three spaces: Carmen, which has the best of Spanish cooking; Beit Beiruty, a Lebanese restaurant that always delights; and Souk, which has a wide menu. And in the Stage Lounge & Pool, on the first floor of the hotel, you can enjoy casual dishes and special drinks with views of the Burj Khalifa skyline.
Occidental Dubai Production City. This central, four-star hotel has two restaurants, a sports bar, sky lounge with pool and a coffee shop with an impressively wide range of food, including traditional Mediterranean and Spanish food and a menu that includes the emirate’s typical dishes.
The most exclusive restaurants in Dubai
Dubai symbolises sophisticated luxury and unchecked prosperity, so it comes as no surprise to learn that the city is packed with exclusive and haute cuisine restaurants. If you get the chance, treat yourself to some of the finest cooking in the world. If you head to Dinner in the Sky, you can even dine suspended in the air on its platform in the skies. Below you’ll find our recommendations for the best restaurants in Dubai:
Al Mahara. This ultra-luxury restaurant is on the ground floor of the Burj Al Arab Hotel and is the perfect place for sampling the best and widest selection of fish and seafood dishes – it’s said to be the best restaurant in Dubai. The tasting menu consists of four dishes for €168 and if you like fish, you’ll be in heaven, because the restaurant is surrounded by an aquarium full of exotic species. Al Mahara was previously run by chef Nathan Outlaw but now Kim Joinié-Maurin is in charge. After your meal, head to the lobby to take some snaps by the fountains in the luxury Burj Al Arab Hotel.
At.mosphere. This haute cuisine restaurant is in the emblematic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. It’s on the 22nd floor and has breath-taking views – but it’s not suitable for vertigo-sufferers. Dishes are European in style and use the highest quality produce, while a violinist usually entertains diners. Ascend to the Burj Khalifa viewpoint on the 148th floor afterwards.
La Petite Maison. Located in Gate Village, in Dubai’s Financial District, this sophisticated restaurant serves French Provençal dishes and is much-loved by locals and visitors alike. It opened in 2010, nestled between famous art galleries and luxury stores, and has become one of the most sought-after places in the city. It also has branches in London, Istanbul and Miami.
Pierchic. This exclusive restaurant is perfect for enjoying a wonderful dinner in a lovely setting. It’s one of the cosiest and romantic restaurants in Dubai, ideal if you’re travelling with your partner. Set by the sea, it has beautiful, relaxing views and is one of the best fish and seafood restaurants in the city.
Gaia Dubai. Located at 4, Gate Village, this exclusive restaurant specialises in Greek and Mediterranean cooking. It has a highly romantic atmosphere and serves top quality fish and seafood, making it a great option in Dubai for enjoying an unforgettable meal. The service is excellent – make sure you try the oysters and a cocktail!
Good, reasonably-priced restaurants
You can also eat well in Dubai with a smaller budget at reasonably-priced restaurants that offer a great experience in attractive settings. Here are some recommendations:
Paul Bakery & Restaurant. Located on Floor G of Dubai Mall, this casual restaurant serves French dishes. The brand was created in 1889 near Lille by Charlemagne Mayot and has great options at lower prices: soups, salmon pizza, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and a vegan menu.
Arabian Tea House. Here you’ll find a huge variety of teas (over 150!) and a delicious selection of sandwiches, cakes, salads and desserts that can be enjoyed in a pretty, leafy patio. This café is worth visiting for its great atmosphere alone; it’s located in the historic centre in Bastakiya.
Operation Falafel. This restaurant also has branches in London and New York and offers casual and tasty Lebanese dishes; it’s famous for its delicious falafels. In fact, there are several branches of this restaurant chain across Dubai.
Carmen del Hotel Barceló Dubai
If you don’t want any surprises, we wholeheartedly recommend heading to Carmen in Grupo Barceló’s new hotel in Dubai: the Occidental Al Jaddaf. Located near Dubai Creek Tower, this restaurant serves the best of Spanish cooking with hints of Arab cuisine. The same hotel is also home to Lebanese restaurant Beit Beiruty and Souk, which fuses local food from the emirate with Indian and South-East Asian flavours. And if you fancy a dip, try the Stage Lounge & Pool where you can enjoy casual snacks as you admire the city’s skyline.
