5 of the Best Places to Eat in Dubai

Dubai is now recognised as one of the world’s most exciting culinary destinations, thanks to a melting pot of cultures living side by side.

This city is truly a foodie’s paradise, with world-class restaurants around every corner.

There are over 180 nationalities living in the UAE. So, it’s no wonder that so many international chefs and ex-pats have chosen to make Dubai their home.

We’ve rounded up the best in experiential cuisine for you to enjoy in this amazing place.

These include:

• 101 Dining Lounge and Marina at One&Only The Palm
• Nobu Dubai at Atlantis
• PierChic at Madinat Jumeirah
• Buddha-Bar at the Grosvenor House Hotel
• Tasca by Jose Avillez at Mandarin Oriental Dubai

1. 101 Dining Lounge and Marina at One&Only The Palm

Al fresco dining is at its peak in Dubai at One&Only The Palm's 101 Dining Lounge and Marina with sweeping panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. Indulge in mouth-watering Michelin-star Mediterranean tapas dishes as the Dubai skyline captivates you with its iconic vistas.

There's a space for every mood here and if you choose to dine inside, you'll be treated to the funky white coral décor, celebrating the rich marine life in the surrounding blue waters.

Insider tip: Arrive in style with the dock and dine service, offering a complimentary berth to guests when arriving by private boat.

Serving heavenly seafood delights for lunch and dinner, signature dishes include langoustine paella and linguine lobster from the overflowing à la carte menu. You must also sample the divine selection of grilled seafood a la plancha, including sumptuous tiger prawns and the scallops beurre blanc.

2. Nobu Dubai at Atlantis

For the best from the Far East, you need only go to the Middle East. Nobu has come to define Asian fusion cooking across the world, and now showcases the best in contemporary Japanese-Peruvian food. It’s chic, sleek and oozes international elegance.

The formula is loved worldwide: start your evening with a cocktail and small ‘tapas’ style Japanese plates in the sake lounge, before heading to its ornate garden setting for your main course. Nobu Dubai is experiential dining at its finest.

Insider Tip: Head there on a Friday to enjoy one of Dubai’s best brunch menus. Guests can sip on Japanese sake and cocktails all day long, and sample the best sushi, sashimi and desserts in one sitting.

As with many of the best restaurants in this global hub, Nobu Dubai has its own celebrity chef cooking up a storm. We particularly recommend Nobu Matsuhisa’s award-winning black cod miso, sushi and wagyu beef tacos.

Regardless of whether or not you’re staying in the Atlantis Hotel on The Palm Jumeirah, Nobu Dubai is an absolute must.

3. PierChic at Madinat Jumeirah

A table at PierChic is the height of romance. Stroll over the boardwalk from the Madinat Jumeirah resort and you’ll reach the restaurant which is elevated on its very own pier on stilts. You’ll be fine dining as the evening sun melts into the Arabian Gulf.

The allure doesn’t stop at the breathtaking sea views. Dubai is renowned for its five-star Mediterranean seafood, and PierChic is the finest restaurant to enjoy the catch of the day. With minimalist interiors of wood and white linen, guests can relax and admire the view of the iconic Burj Al Arab.

PierChic is more than a restaurant - it’s an entire dining experience for a truly magical Arabian night.

The dress code here is smart casual, but we recommend arriving in sandals so you can take a leisurely stroll to the shore after dinner.

4. Buddha-Bar at the Grosvenor House Hotel

This is one of the most incredible culinary temples on offer in all of Dubai. With decadent décor, vibrant Asian-fusion cuisine and a resident DJ to match - Buddha-Bar at the Grosvenor House Hotel is the place to head after the sun has set.

Guests can enjoy the restaurant’s unique concept on varying levels. Start your evening the right way with elaborate cocktails at the majestic Dragon Bar, before heading to the Sodo dining room for an à la carte menu inspired by cuisine from Japan, Thailand and China.

With large chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows, the new interior will take your imagination to entirely different heights. Enjoy unrivalled 360-degree views across the Dubai Marina as you dine in style.

5. Tasca by José Avillez at Mandarin Oriental Dubai

Overlooking the metropolis of downtown Dubai, José Avillez has instilled a sense of his Portuguese heritage on his first international venture, Tasca at the Mandarin Oriental Dubai. The name, which means ‘tavern’ in Portuguese, serves authentic Atlantic flavours with a contemporary twist.

Guests can choose to dine indoors or on its al fresco terrace, which perfectly captures the essence of a Portuguese summer. Expect the freshest ingredients, Afro-Brazilian beats and views across Dubai’s shores and the impressive Burj Khalifa.

We recommend the Portuguese brunch - the first of its kind in Dubai. Each dish is wholly imaginative, featuring classic dishes from Avillez's homeland such as freshly marinated seafood and pitchers of sangria. And no meal would be complete without some delicious pastel de nata for afters, of course.

You can't experience Dubai without trying out at least one or two of the incredible restaurants that are on offer.

From chic fine dining venues, street food diners, pop-ups and food trucks that will leave you reeling - you’re bound to find exactly what your palate is craving in Dubai.

These are just some of our recommendations for unforgettable emirate eats - trust us, we could have listed another dozen! Let us know your recommendations for the best thing to eat in Dubai below.