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Food & Drink
Quintessential Dubai dining experiences
Thu, July 20, 2023
Discover once-in-a-lifetime treats at the best dining places in Dubai.
Discover once-in-a-lifetime treats at the best dining places in Dubai.
Record-breaking views at At.mosphere
This sky-high favourite, considered one of the best places to dine in Dubai, is perched atop the 122nd floor of the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, so you can combine a tour of the building with a meal. Serving up an elegant afternoon tea and exceptional dishes, this luxury restaurant is known to attract tourists and residents alike for its contemporary gourmet menus and unrivalled views of the city and beyond. If you're looking to go even higher, make a reservation at The Lounge, Burj Khalifa – officially the world’s highest lounge at 585 metres.
Seaside meals to savour at SAL
Wouldn't it be nice to dine at the beach? The city's shorelines are home to an array of restaurants, cafes and food trucks that each serve up something special. For an unforgettable meal under the stars, book a table at SAL, housed in the terrace extension of the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel. The restaurant serves up Mediterranean cuisine in style, and if you find it hard to choose from the menu, order the seafood signatures.
Dine underwater at Ossiano
Renowned as one of the best fine dining places in Dubai, Ossiano at Atlantis, The Palm presents an underwater-themed setting that always inspires. Head over to enjoy dinner with a difference thanks to tasting menus that feature fine Mediterranean flavours from the land and sea. The best part? You’ll be dining in great company, as sharks and shoals of colourful fish glide right past your table thanks to the restaurant’s giant aquarium walls.
Emirati feasts at Arabian Tea House
Tucked away in the alleys of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Arabian Tea House is where sepia-toned Arabic heritage meets an idyllic Mykonos vibe. Feast on an eclectic selection of tasty fare, including authentic Emirati dishes such as the rice-based chicken deyay, fish machboos and spiced meat grills. Relax in the leafy courtyard of the wind tower-style building, amid billowing white canopies and white wicker furniture, and experience traditional dining in Dubai.
Hipster café vibes at Tom & Serg
On-trend menu with fresh ingredients? Check. Speciality coffees? Check. Achingly cool crowd? Check. Find all that and more at Tom & Serg. Located in the industrial Al Quoz district, this is one of Dubai's first on-trend cafés and makes the art of coffee a real revelation. Relish a wholesome breakfast bowl or bite into a delectable burger, so you can soak up the family-friendly atmosphere while you're dining in Dubai. While you're in the neighbourhood, explore the nearby contemporary arts district, Alserkal Avenue.
Have it all at Pier 7
This dining destination in Dubai Marina offers incomparable views, with seven restaurants to choose from across seven floors. Tuck into hearty menus featuring international specialities, with plenty of local and regional inflections. From flavourful sushi at Asia Asia to Latin American surprises at Mama Zonia, you can't go wrong. Remember to book a terrace table to take in the picture-perfect tableau of luxury yachts parked on glistening waters, towering skyscrapers and vibrant waterfront promenade.
Authentic flavours at TOMO
This city is home to a world of flavours, as restaurants serve up authentic dishes from homelands near and far. Fans of Japanese cuisine, for example, won't be disappointed with an incredible range to choose from across Dubai, though TOMO remains a firm favourite with locals. Cherish a traditional welcome and panoramas of Dubai’s skyline from the aptly-named TOMO Views lounge before taking a seat at low-seating tatami tables for a memorable meal from the land of the rising sun. Don't forget to order the fatty tuna sashimi, a speciality here.
Desert dining at Sonara Camp
Swap the city for the serene and enjoy a meal on the sands of Dubai’s desert. Sonara Camp is an unforgettable restaurant, and one of the best fine dining places in Dubai, with a menu of regional and international classics, including special options for vegan and vegetarian diners served up from the open-air kitchen. The already magical desert setting is enhanced with chic ambient lighting and slick service, creating a sense of occasion. Afterwards guests can enjoy an array of activities and live entertainment – you won't be disappointed.
Pierchic
Located along its own private pier jutting over the Arabian Gulf, Pierchic is hard to miss. A multi-award-winning Italian restaurant, it offers serene views over the water and mellow lighting – ideal for a romantic meal. Explore the extensive menu, featuring fresh seafood and classic dishes – or put your trust in Pierchic's head chef, Beatrice Segoni, and enjoy her six-course "blind" tasting menu, as she takes you on a journey through her native Italy.
Moonrise
Set at the summit of luxurious apartment complex Eden House, the 12-seater Moonrise appeals to the serious foodie. Serving a set multi-course degustation menu, with no exceptions or tweaks to the order of service, chef Soleman Haddad heads up a young, dynamic team whose passion shows on the plate and is the reason behind their Michelin star.
Guests perch on stools set in a row, so everyone gets prime positioning and can see the intricate plating being done across the counter once service starts. A feast for all the senses, the restaurant itself is a sleek glass box with views of the city on all sides.
The Pods
This unique experience on Bluewaters Island provides private dining in spherical pods. Transparent cocoons not only ensure you are exclusively in chosen company, but protect you from the elements while letting you sit 'outdoors'. A botanical-themed decor adds to the vibe. Pan Asian cuisine is on the menu, with everything from sushi to dim sum, soups and mains on offer. From comforting Malaysian beef rendang and Burmese khow suey noodle soup to more decadent truffle lobster, there are a wide variety of plates to suit every palate.
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