In an emirate brimming with culinary delights at every turn, it’s only natural to find yourself overwhelmed and spoilt for choice when looking for “where next”. Team myconcierge decided to simplify things for you and so we scoured Dubai (north, south, east and west) and ate our way around to bring you the 12 best restaurants that’ll make you want to drop everything and march in with forks at the ready.
1. Pierchic, Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah
Average cost for two: AED600
Top contender for best restaurant in Dubai, best romantic restaurant and best seafood restaurant, Pierchic tops our list too. Sitting on the edge of a pier in the middle of the Arabian Gulf, this cosy outpost offers unspoilt views of the water that can’t be matched anywhere in the city. Whether you’re in for Friday brunch or a romantic dinner for two, you can toast to an incredibly unique dining experience with classic Mediterranean seafood favourites including oysters, lobster, scallops and sashimi.
2. Coya, Jumeirah
Average cost for two: AED600
It’s only been a year since this South American fiesta danced its way to Dubai but oh how it’s danced its way into every gourmand’s heart! Latin American food fan or not, it’s safe to say Coya’s signature dishes, especially the ceviche, lobster chunks sitting on an explosion of flavour and wild mushrooms on skewers, are probably the best you will ever set your taste buds on.
3. Al Mahara, Burj Al Arab
Average cost for two: AED1300
Chef Nathan Outlaw is the newest member to join Dubai’s Michelin-starred celebrity chef scene. While Al Mahara at the Burj Al Arab has always been the crème de la crème of restaurants in the city, the culinary genius only raises that already sky high bar higher. Be sure to check out his fanciful creations, all of which are themed on the treasures of the ocean, including scallops, king crab, yellowfin tuna, oysters and sturgeon. And sea life that doesn’t make it onto the plate may well make it into the restaurant’s floor to ceiling aquarium.
4. Zuma, DIFC
Average cost for two: AED800
Now here’s one restaurant that never tires of taking home awards for its food, its service, its ever-evolving menu and of course, its overall awesomeness! For the fifth year in a row, Japanese stalwart Zuma has secured its spot at number 89 on the World’s Best Restaurants list. But if you need a little more convincing before it’s on your very own list, take a trip down to DIFC. The food here (or shall we say, edible art) will make you want to dive right in and keep you coming back for more.
5. At.mosphere, Downtown Dubai
Average cost for two: AED1200
If it’s the finer things in life you have a penchant towards, a visit to At.mosphere is a must. After all, it’s not every day that you get to experience a culinary treat at the highest restaurant in the world. Perched at an enviable pinnacle of 442 metres above the emirate, At.mosphere blends fine European cuisine and an ambience that’s hard to beat, giving you an experience beyond the ordinary.
6. The Scene, Pier 7, Dubai Marina
Average cost for two: AED250
If a phrase is all we had to describe it, we’d say “comfort food you’d want to come back to at the end of every single day”. When you want to break loose from all that fanciness surrounding Dubai’s high-end dining scene, The Scene, and its familiar atmosphere will welcome you. Sink into a wicker armchair, choose your favourite cocktail from a selection of innovative tipples and tuck into some European grub. Your evening sorted!
7. Hakkasan, DIFC
Average cost for two: AED600
When you’re craving nothing but the best crispy duck salad in town, Hakkasan should be your go-to spot. A global contender when it comes to flavours of the Far East, the restaurant serves up an unimaginably creative take on traditional Chinese classics. The venue, too, is a real winner with its impressive slick interiors and an outdoor terrace for those cooler winter months.
8. La Petite Maison, DIFC
Average cost for two: AED600
From its humble beginnings dating back two decades as a cosy little bistro in Nice, France to a fancy gourmet affair springing up across the globe, no surprises why La Petite Maison features on almost every “best restaurant” list out there. A little secret we came across on our mission is that the freezer at the restaurant is very small. Fresh produce is the focus. Here you can expect only the very best Niçoise favourites like foie gras, onion tarts, scrambled eggs with truffle, lamb cutlets and venison tartare. With tasteful modern art adorning the ivory walls and an authentic French ambience, La Petite Maison also grabs top spot for romantic date nights.
9. Mint Leaf of London, DIFC
Average cost for two: AED400
This is where vegetarians AND carnivores don’t leave disappointed. The decision on where to dine can get a tad tricky when meat is off the menu for at least one of your diners. Not to worry, though! Head right down to the classy Indian haunt, Mint Leaf of London! The lunch, dinner and brunch menus are packed with Indian favourites and feature a vegetarian-only counterpart. Think dal makhani, paneer tikka and exotic vegetable curries oozing with traditional flavours from the subcontinent. Meat lovers, you aren’t left behind! All-time Indian favourites like tandoori chicken, lahori boti, lamb kebabs and tikka masala are a highlight at this restaurant.
10. Pai Thai, Madinat Jumeirah
Average cost for two: AED500
Thai food lovers, rejoice. Your search ends here! And for all those of you who love a unique experience with your meal, this one’s a keeper. Step aboard an abra, cruise the tranquil waterways of Madinat Jumeirah and arrive in style. A splendid evening under the stars awaits you with decadent Thai flavours ever so worthy of praise.
11. QBara, Wafi City
Average cost for two: AED700
With interiors that are sure to make your jaw drop and flavours that will eventually overtake your appetite, QBara fits the bill for a chic evening venue serving traditional Middle Eastern fare with a twist. If you suffer from ‘food envy’, the restaurant’s sharing concept will ensure your taste buds relish the full scope of Qbara’s delightful fare.
12. Rhodes W1, Dubai Marina
Average cost for two: AED500
Reminiscent of a pleasant summer’s day by the English countryside, celebrity chef Gary Rhodes’ restaurant has a certain je ne sais quoi that charms you instantly. With a menu inspired by vintage slow cooking techniques and labour-intensive recipes, you’ll find yourself rediscovering British cuisine here.
Hungry already? Get in touch, we’ll get your reservations ready.