37 Best Restaurants in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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We’ve compiled the best of the best in Dubai - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Bait Alqadeem
Coya
Recommended Fodor's Video
Enigma
Khan Murjan
Ruya
Abshar
Al Hadheera
Al Hallab
Al Ustad Special Kebab
Aroos Damascus
Bateaux Dubai
Bayt al Wakeel
Biryani Pot
Boardwalk
For a long alfresco lunch in Dubai's cooler months, this location is hard to beat. Tables sit on a large wooden deck over the Dubai creek, with views across to Festival City and the high-rise towers of Downtown Dubai. It's a popular stop-off for golfers between rounds, families on weekends, and friends gathering for sundowners on Thursday nights. The menu isn't too adventurous—a selection of pizzas, salads and grills—but you can enjoy a beer or glass of wine with whatever you choose. Service is relaxed, but it suits the mood as you settle into the creekside atmosphere.
Bussola
Café Ceramique
This has been a favorite of expat families for many years. Not only is there a large terrace with Arabian gulf glimpses, but the kids (or young at heart) can decorate ceramics while they wait for their food. Service is friendly and varies in efficiency. The menu contains a long list of café basics, including salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, pasta, and some larger mains, and there's a kids menu, too (nuggets, hot dogs, and the like.)
Do note, in busy times, it can take up to 10 days to have your artwork fired after decorating it. If you are only in town briefly, make sure you check before you start.
Calicut Paragon
Elia
Farzi Cafe
Fumé
Irish Village
This truly is a Dubai institution—a veritable dinosaur in Dubai years, founded when everyone who was anyone lived on the airport side of the creek were members of the neighboring Aviation Club. This sprawling pub with beer garden (complete with massive duck pond) has survived all the ups, downs, openings, and closings of this constantly moving city. The reason? It's just a great pub. Food is simple (fish-and-chips, pies, shrimp cocktails straight out of the 1980s), and atmosphere is full of the proverbial "craic," with decor shipped directly from the Emerald Isle, live music most nights and sports at full blast on the telly. Drinks are reasonably priced (for Dubai), and the service is notoriously nonchalant, but considering the size of the crowds at some times, it's understandable. Look out for the fabulous line-ups of old rockers—you'll likely be surprised by the caliber.
Lime Tree Cafe
The Lime Tree Cafe was probably the first modern Western café to open in Dubai (2001), and although its popularity paved the way for many other similar establishments, many retain this as a favorite. Pop in for free-trade organic coffee and tea, and order superfluous salads, cakes, and other items by sight at the counter. Service is efficient and easy; its a great place for a quick, no-fuss bite, or to grab some home-made treats to take with you. No alcohol served.
Marina Social
Milkcow
Pierchic
Resting on a wooden pier on the Arabian Gulf, with views over two of Dubai's most stunning resorts and skyline, Pierchic is one of the most romantic settings in the emirate. The contemporary decor is breezy and casual while still oozing wealth and class, and glass walls allow diners to sit in air-conditioned comfort while enjoying views of the iconic Burj Al-Arab. In season it is possible to sit on the deck and catch the breeze coming off the sea, or perch on a stool in one of their pier-side pods for a quick champagne before dinner. The menu is modern British with a strong seafood element, and is partnered by one of the Emirate's most prestigious (and expensive) wine lists. This is definitely one for a special occasion.