Known for its amazing hotels, unique architectural masterpieces, and vibrant trade, Dubai has recently become a significant player on the global gastronomic scene. Offering a diverse culinary experience, the city opens up endless epicurean possibilities for foodies.
Diversity is at the heart of Dubai’s restaurant culture. A walk through city areas like Al Quoz will introduce you to cuisine from all corners of the globe, from Argentinean grilling to Vietnamese street food. Gourmet restaurants prepare dishes from different countries, taking into account local charm and flavor; for example, on the menu of some of them, you can see French gastronomic classics, seasoned with a bit of Lebanese culinary traditions, and a lot of unusually harmonious things.
Dubai’s reputation as a luxury hub extends to its restaurants. There are dozens of celebrity chef establishments and Michelin-starred restaurants in the city. Celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Nobu Matsuhisa, and Vineet Bhatia have opened several establishments there. Visitors can try kaiseki, an eight-course Japanese meal, molecular gastronomy with an Arabian twist, or France’s La Cantine du Faubourg’s signature blue lobster, sourced from the Mediterranean Sea.
In addition, a special feature of Dubai is its developed cafe culture and the popularity of Mediterranean cuisine. Dishes such as shawarma, Levantine mezes, and meat platters are the hallmarks of the city and are worth trying in the cozy restaurants of Deira and Bur Dubai. Such Arabic sweets as lukaimat and rice pudding with a floral aroma deserve a separate culinary pilgrimage to these lands.
Saturday brunch is something you can’t imagine Dubai without. Among the huge variety of restaurants and cafes, you will certainly find an establishment whose cuisine you especially like: from classic buffets with an exquisite menu to more affordable options, but no less tasty. For example, for an inexpensive brunch, you can go to the Atetlier M restaurant, located on the roof of the Pier 7 complex in the Dubai Marina area with amazing views of the bay and excellent cuisine. Saturday brunch starts here at 14:00 — ideal for those who prefer to have lunch later than usual. Specialties include wagyu beef gyoza, truffle risotto, and slow-cooked salmon. Brunch at the heights, literally and figuratively, with breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa can be enjoyed at the CE LA VI restaurant. Generous portions, live music, excellent service, and a great experience are guaranteed, especially if you sit on the terrace. In the historic Al Seef district, Skafos is open for Saturday brunch, with an extensive menu including fresh mezes, delicious gyros, and other traditional Mediterranean dishes. You can go to any part of the city for brunch; all you have to do is choose the right restaurant.
If you’re planning a family meal, you have plenty of alternatives. Many restaurants in Dubai offer special children’s menus, making it easier for parents. In addition, some restaurants offer free dinners for children under a certain age, so when choosing a restaurant, we recommend considering this pleasant nuance. If you’re looking to have fun with your kids, check out the Wavehouse restaurant and entertainment complex at Atlantis, The Palm. Here you can play a game of ping-pong, try your hand at the bowling alley, and even go surfing outdoors in the wave pool. There is a soft play area for children.
You can have a delicious meal with the whole family in the cozy Asian restaurant Noodle House. There is a children’s menu with three options: noodles, katsu, and tempura. Each one is a complete meal, for example, the Katsu lunch includes Malaysian chicken skewers, chicken katsu, jasmine rice, peanut sauce, and bananas for dessert. Children can choose how to eat it: with chopsticks, hands, or a spoon. The Scene Restaurant in Dubai Marina serves English cuisine. At The Scene Dubai Marina, children under 12, as at Noodle House, can eat free from the children’s menu provided that adults order from the main course. This makes this restaurant a great place for a family lunch, especially if you are staying nearby.
Chinatown deserves special mention, which opened on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall opposite the Dubai Ice Rink. On the territory of Chinatown, every detail of the interior recreates the appearance of Chinatown, and many Chinese restaurants are offering authentic dishes — from traditional dim sum to “fiery” Sichuan cuisine. Famous establishments include the restaurant of the Chinese chain Haidilao and a branch of the famous Singaporean food court Hawker Chan. Additionally, Chinatown has a branded store for tech giant Xiaomi, an NFT gallery, retail stores, and even a spa.
To burn off those extra calories after a big meal, visitors can take a walk along Dubai’s beaches and promenades, for example, from Dubai Marina to The Palm. Or shop in dozens of indoor shopping centers and traditional markets, where you can find a variety of souvenirs next to spices and gold. Dubai’s restaurant scene embodies the essence of this metropolis: diversity, luxury, and tradition combined with world-class modernity. Dubai is a must-visit for every traveler and foodie.