Food & Drink
The best celebrity chef restaurants in Dubai
Thu, May 18, 2023
Savour award-winning cuisines at these fine dining venues in the city.
Savour award-winning cuisines at these fine dining venues in the city.
Gordon Ramsay
The enigmatic British chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay needs little introduction, thanks to a career involving Michelin stars, successful television shows and award-winning dining concepts. Some of Ramsay’s international favourites have found memorable addresses in Dubai, so enjoy classic British fare at Bread Street Kitchen at Atlantis, The Palm.
Nobu Matsuhisa
Down-to-earth Japanese food icon Nobu Matsuhisa is a major source of inspiration for discerning clientele across the globe. In 2008, he opened his celebrity-favourite hotspot, Nobu, at Dubai's Atlantis, The Palm, sparking the trend of modern Japanese dining concepts. At this buzzing restaurant, he artfully blends traditional and contemporary cuisine, with a touch of Arabian indulgence.
Massimo Bottura
Inspired by his hometown of Modena – known for sublime food, art and supercars – Massimo Bottura's experimental take on Italian cuisine helped make Osteria Francescana one of the best restaurants in the world. Dubai is home to one of his newer gems, Torno Subito, a chic yet casual 1960s-style eatery where you can enjoy playful Italian delicacies by the water. Expect crowd-pleasing dishes, including the trademark cacio e pepe and tagliatelle ragu.
Mauro Colagreco
Forging his own path based on the techniques and teachings of his distinguished French mentors, Mauro Colagreco is a culinary force to be reckoned with. He blends his Argentinian heritage with the Italian ancestry of his teams to create dishes that strike a resounding chord. He helped create magic at France's three-Michelin starred Mirazur – named the World's Best Restaurant in 2019 – and now he's the talent behind the supremely sophisticated fare at Celebrities and The Beach Bar & Grill at One&Only Royal Mirage.
Akira Back
With over 20 years in the game, Akira Back's style embraces his zest for adventure. He's a prolific restaurateur with a global presence. Dubai is on that star-studded list of notable eateries too, with the eponymous Akira Back at W Dubai – The Palm featuring bold Japanese cuisine with Korean and international influence.
Gary Rhodes
Pierre Gagnaire
Pierre Gagnaire's fearless approach to cuisine makes him a trailblazer in the global fusion movement. The French cuisinier with Michelin-starred restaurants delights by playing with his food, matching diverse flavours for rich and memorable dishes. His penchant for the eccentric is also apparent at his Dubai-based restaurant and lounge, Pierre's TT at Dubai Festival City. Playful and young in its surroundings, the menu is diverse enough to satisfy global gourmands.
Alvin Leung
With Michelin stars awarded to his London and Hong Kong restaurants, chef Alvin Leung is now thrilling Dubai diners with signature Asian plates at Demon Duck at Caesars Palace. Located on Bluewaters Island, the eatery takes diners on a journey through the Far East, with fresh takes on Cantonese, Malaysian and Korean classics. Opt for the Duck Journey to sample the best highlights, including whole slow-roasted Peking duck served with citrus calamansi baos.
Vineet Bhatia
One of the most celebrated chefs in the world, Vineet Bhatia is renowned for elevating classic Indian cuisine to new gastronomic heights. Imaginative and experimental, Bhatia's take on food gives fusion a new meaning. Get a taste of his genius at Indego by Vineet, located in Grosvenor House, or head to Indya by Vineet at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa for progressive Indian fare.
Yannick Alléno
The hotels on Palm Jumeirah draw crowds not just because of their location, but also for the culinary star power on show. Take for instance legendary chef Yannick Alléno, whose contemporary take on traditional French cuisine has been attracting foodies at One&Only The Palm since 2010. From the glamorous design to the impeccable plating, prepare to enjoy a sophisticated dining experience.
José Avillez
Joël Robuchon
Nusret Gökçe
'Salt Bae', aka Nusret Gökçe, rose to fame on social media thanks to viral videos and memes of him slicing meat and sprinkling salt with flair. Since then, he’s served up more delicious surprises at restaurants around the world, including Dubai. The Nusr-Et Steakhouse at Restaurant Village in Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach features the very best cuts, warm service and, if you’re lucky, Salt Bae himself will be there to season your steak with his signature flourish.
Daniel Boulud
A name synonymous with soulful French cuisine, chef Daniel Boulud has built an international culinary empire. At Brasserie Boulud in Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, diners can discover a ‘gastronomie Francaise’ experience with a touch of Middle Eastern influence. The slow-cooked lamb, pan-seared calamari and housemade burger are all incredible, while the seasonal specials also delight.
Burak Özdemir
An Insta-famous chef that needs little introduction, Burak Özdemir has generated quite a buzz thanks to his super-fast skills and jumbo creations. Bringing his reel magic to CZNBurak in Dubai, everyone can now get a taste of the action. Located on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, the restaurant pulls out all the stops with extravagant plates accompanied by rhythmic drums and flaming salt, no less. You'll also want to visit CZN Burak Burger at Dubai Mall.
Dario Cecchini
Heston Blumenthal
Costas Spiliadis
Chef Costas Spiliadis was born in the Greek town of Olympia and opened the first Estiatorio Milos restaurant in Montreal in 1979. The culinary genius has now brought his simple yet sumptuous dishes to Atlantis The Royal Dubai, where you can discover the gastronomic wonders of Greece. Fresh seafood is a speciality here, whether it's wild oysters or delicate ceviche, all served with uncomplicated touches such as a pinch of Aegean rock salt or a dash of olive oil.
José Andrés
The creative mind behind the menu of Atlantis The Royal Dubai's Spanish dining spot Jaleo is José Andrés. He's a Michelin-recognised chef who was twice named one of Time magazine's '100 most influential people'. Come here to sample signature tapas, hearty paellas, delicious cheeses and more – designed to be shared and reminiscent of the award-winning culinary innovator's childhood. The restaurant's name comes from the Spanish word for 'revelry', so expect a lively experience as well as superb cuisine.
Gastón Acurio
Jason Atherton
- Grosvenor House Dubai, Tower 2, Al Emreef St - Dubai Marina - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Jamie Oliver
English restaurateur and television star Jamie Oliver's popular Italian spot in Dubai Mall focuses on quality ingredients to ensure the simplest of plates is delicious. Inspired by the cooking he learnt under his mentor Gennaro Coltado, as well as via his travels through the country, he stays true to tried-and-tested recipes. Think perfectly-prepared pizzas from a wood-fired oven, freshly-made pasta with generous toppings and much more to savour in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Vladimir Mukhin
Kunal Kapur
Athanasios Kargatzidis
After the success of his Baron’s pop-up eatery at Expo 2020 Dubai, Athanasios Kargatzidis, popularly known as chef Tommy, is now serving up Hellenic hits at Time Out Market with his new concept 'à la grecque'. Pop over to try his authentic Greek recipes created using classic ingredients like olive oil, lemons and herbs. Take a bite out of a souvlaki wrap or dig into a moussaka casserole and be transported to the streets of Athens while sitting in the heart of Dubai.
Simon Rimmer
Self-taught celebrity chef Simon Rimmer helms an effortlessly chic hangout spot at Dubai's Pier 7, a buzzing seven-storey dining destination. The Scene specialises in British and European fare along with family fun – the little ones will love the live performances, arts and crafts and more during brunch. Expect plenty of sharing classics on the picnic-inspired weekend menu or head over for Curry Club Thursdays and Fish and Chips Fridays.