There are restaurants serving virtually every national cuisine, including Dubai’s own Arabic delights.
Dubai has long held a well-deserved reputation as one of the world’s culinary capitals, with an ever-increasing influx of discerning visitors keeping the City of Gold’s chefs on their toes. But despite the caliber of its restaurants, Dubai has never had an official accreditation to separate the best from the rest – that is, however, until now. The prestigious guide has finally headed to the UAE to bestow a littering of stars in this opulent playground.
However, even with the trusted Michelin Guide now out in Dubai, you may only have time to dine at a select few restaurants in a single trip, so choosing where to make a reservation will still be tricky. Each restaurant we recommend below is not simply somewhere to eat, but a destination in its own right, with stunning décor, amazing views and unforgettable culinary experiences as standard.
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STAY by Yannick Alléno
Found in the exclusive island enclave that is One&Only The Palm, STAY by Yannick Alléno is one of just two restaurants in Dubai to hold two Michelin stars. Offering Alléno’s signature take on classic French cuisine, a meal at STAY is nothing short of an epicurean adventure, with a series of surprise tasting menus showcasing the finest ingredients. While the restaurant pushes the boundaries of fine dining, the guide particularly emphasized its praise for the chef’s ‘less is more’ approach – a style that is admittedly rare in Dubai.
Nowadays, service is becoming as important as the food itself in creating a show-stopping restaurant, and STAY appears to have got it just right; servers are knowledgeable without being pretentious, and helpful without being overbearing. The setting itself is equally as thoughtful, with a high-ceilinged dining room adorned with vibrant artworks setting the tone for a very special culinary experience to come.
Ristorante – Niko Romito
The second Dubai restaurant to be awarded two Michelin stars is Il Ristorante by Niko Romito. It sits within the impossibly luxe Bulgari Hotel. The Italian chef has long been famed for his lighter, healthier take on gourmet cuisine, with a style that goes light on fat and carbs, but heavy on flavor.
Heading the kitchen at Romito’s Dubai outpost is fellow Italian Giacomo Amicucci, who, according to the Michelin guides’ inspectors, “cooks assured, sophisticated modern Italian dishes, which are far more complex than they at first appear.” While there is an extensive à la carte offering, if you’re in Dubai the chances are you aren’t someone who does things in half measures, so go all out with the Degustazione menu.
Hakkasan
The Kasan group is no stranger to Michelin stars, with both of its London restaurants holding a star. Now, Hakkasan Dubai has proudly joined the trio. Tapping into the ever-growing trend for club-style restaurants, the space moves to the beat of a gently thumping playlist. This party atmosphere hasn’t damped the quality of the food, however, with Hakkasan serving up its distinctive brand of contemporary Chinese cuisine in the form of both an à la carte and a number of signatures tasting menus. As well as a few Hakkasan classics, there are dishes unique to the Dubai outpost, including the lychee lobster.
Al Muntaha
Sitting on the 27th floor of the iconic Burj Al Arab, Al Muntaha occupies what is easily one of the most coveted spots in all of Dubai; request a table by the floor-to-ceiling window for some of the best views in the city. Led by chef Saverio Sbaragli, the restaurant is firmly rooted in European cuisine, with classic French flavors and techniques seamlessly blending with a few Mediterranean touches. The result is a menu full of bold dishes that has secured Al Muntaha a coveted Michelin star. There’s also an impressive Champagne list for when the occasion calls for celebrating.
Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara
Capri’s Michelin-starred Ristorante L’Olivo brings a taste of Italy to the city as one of the best places to eat in Dubai. Having only moved into Burj Al Arab Jumeirah’s iconic restaurant space earlier this year, L’Olivo is still a newbie on the competitive Dubai dining scene, but guests are already being delighted by chef Andrea Miliasio’s culinary delights – and of course, the iconic aquarium setting. Drawing inspiration from both its watery surrounds and Capri’s long ocean heritage, the menu at Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara is seafood-heavy, with a focus on rich flavors and culinary craftsmanship.
Fi’lia
With successful restaurants in the US and the Bahamas, Fi’lia brought its unique brand of Italian cookery to the United Arab Emirates in 2021.
Helmed by Jordanian-Palestinian chef Sara Ekel, Fi’lia offers an authentic taste of Italian cookery. Based on the age-old concept of recipes being passed on from one generation to the next, the restaurant’s name ‘Fi’lia’ – taken from figlia, the Italian for ‘daughter’ – was born out of this intergenerational approach. A fitting title for putting a modern spin on traditional and much-loved Italian-Mediterranean dishes.
Eauzone
The atmosphere at Eauzone is casual during the day, reflecting the slow pace of the One & Only Royal Mirage and the lazy sea beyond. After sunset, however, this venue smartens up into a sleek, refined restaurant serving modern Asian cuisine. A winding walkway over the pool shows the way into the restaurant where there is a stylish bar and a glamorous, striped poolside marquee deck. We recommend a table close to the water for the ultimate Eauzone experience.
Pierchic
Set on a bedecked pier jutting out into the Arabian Gulf, Pierchic offers some of Dubai’s finest seafood and has previously been recognized as Time Out Dubai’s Best Seafood Restaurant. The pier is a romantic outpost, far removed from the noise and bustle of Dubai and offering unspoiled views of the azure Gulf. Enjoy an intimate dinner of modern European seafood dishes alfresco, and take in views of the Arabian Gulf from your over-water dining table. Before a fresh-catch dinner, sip cocktails at the stylish Pierchic Bar.
Nobu Dubai
Nobu is a safe bet on any list of the best restaurants in Dubai. It is based at the Atlantis Hotel. The iconic menu fuses cutting-edge Japanese style with Arabian influences while retaining Nobu classics such as its legendary seared black cod served with sweet miso sauce, and yellowtail topped with thin slices of jalapeño. Cooking classes are available, allowing guests to learn the secrets behind this world-famous restaurant chain, created by globally renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa to redefine Japanese cuisine.
Rhodes W1
Dubai has made a habit of adopting Michelin–starred chefs in restaurants such as Rhodes W1. Today, it pays homage to his legacy with a team of international chefs. The innovative menu of sharing dishes is exceptional and uses fresh ingredients sourced from Europe, matched by an extensive collection of modern and vintage wines. Be sure to try a Sunday visit too, when the restaurant makes the most of its English heritage with a mouth-watering roast menu. Seating in the terrace garden provides panoramic views over Dubai Marina, with interiors lush with greenery and chic yellow accents with a fresh and energetic appeal.
