Dubai being one of the most diverse, vibrant, and delicious destinations on earth and when it comes to food, Dubai is almost too exotic to imagine. There are restaurants serving virtually every national cuisine from around the world, including many specializing in Dubai’s own Arabic delights. As it imports chefs or restaurant chains that have previously been recognized elsewhere by this prestigious publication. Each restaurant featured here is not simply somewhere to eat, but a destination for stunning décor, amazing views and unforgettable culinary experiences. Here’s a pick of the 10 best Dubai restaurants you must not miss to explore taste buds.
A popular chain from India, with innovation at the heart of the organization, Farzi Café came up with a branch in Dubai. The use of muted gold enhanced by the ample light gives the décor a star-studded feel. The upside-down pots hanging from the ceiling and the original back-lit wall add to the appeal. Instead of the usual menu, with an interesting spin on Indian dishes, this outlet got its own unique menu, with local dishes getting a Farzi twist. The 'Shawarma Biryani' is one such dish on the menu, but the one to try is the 'Daal Chaawal', served as Arancini, topped with chutney, pickle and mini-poppadums, giving this humble dish an oomph factor. The 'Tempura Fried Prawns', with the 'Lemon Chilli Foam' is an amalgamation of textures, creamy yet crispy, with the lemon chilli foam vanishing as it hit the tongue leaving behind a pleasant flavour. Lastly, try the deconstructed 'Shephard’s Pie', which had juicy cubes of beef with a side of creamy mash potatoes.
Dining at Carnival is a gastronomic fiesta that pushes the boundaries of fine dining to transcend into a nostalgic culinary experience which revokes childhood memories and takes you back to your days of yore. Quirky presentations, cheerful décor and vibrant food make Carnival a perfect place for Modern Indian food. If you want to forget about the work pressure and enjoy for some time, this is the right haunt for you. The restaurant also offers an a la carte menu, but if you want to have the ultimate experience, I would suggest you try the 15-course meal. Food is beautifully and creatively presented, and the menu has a decadent variety of dishes, some of which include ‘Dal Phulka’, ‘Vada Pav Service’, ‘Pumpkin and Chedda Dabeli’, ‘Mutton Dressed as Lamb’ and ‘Carta Farta’. Pair your food with drinks such as ‘3-wood Smoked Barrel’, ‘Creme de Cassis’ and ‘The Boiling Skull’.
Showcasing a delectable menu featuring the most popular seafood items from around the globe, Crab Market offers a unique experience combining delightful dining options complemented by a trendy ambiance in a nautical setting. With seafood specialities at the heart of its concept, guests can enjoy an array of fresh seafood items, cooked to perfection. It doesn’t end there! This seafood restaurant offers crab in all forms, cooked exactly to customer preferences and served alongside a selection of exquisite sauces. Crab Market draws inspiration from fish markets around the world, and the restaurant features an ice market and large tanks where diners can pick their catch, including crabs and fresh fish. The cocktail list is intriguing classics with a twist, the ‘Old Fashioned with a Japanese single malt’. The ‘Oysters Rockefeller’, ‘Spaghetti Alle Vongole’ are amazing appetizers. For the main course ‘choose your crab and sauce’ section. End your meal with the ‘Sheep’s Milk Mousse’ served with blueberry ice-cream.
This popular and vibrant looking Indian restaurant is situated on the fourth floor of Taj Dubai, offering a view of the stunning Burj Khalifa. The traditional yet modern looking artwork on the wall and a spacious colourful set up makes it a great place to dine with friends and family. Interestingly, the menu speaks two different languages to explain every dish. ‘Basil Chicken Tikka’, ‘Chunky Bhatti Prawns’ and ‘Malai Broccoli’ are great appetizers. For mains, one can opt for ‘Goshht Pasliyan’, ‘Saag Meat’ and ‘Butter Chicken’ accompanied with Indian Breads. The ‘Matka Phirni’ is a great dessert to end your meal with.
The Dunes Café in Shangri-La Hotel is the in-house all-day dining restaurant. The double height area endowed with strokes of gold has a very royal feel to it. The patterned flooring adds to the décor of this place. Whether you choose to dine from the sumptuous buffet or go a la carte, Dunes Café offers a wide selection of mouth-watering dishes, prepared at live cooking stations by world-class chefs. Do try the ‘Continental Burgers’ and ‘Wraps’, as they are made well and are absolutely delicious. If you get a chance do not miss the morning buffet. The eggs and the pastries are to die for. The live counters are not to be missed during brunch. They serve dishes such as ‘Smoked Salmon’, ‘Capers’, ‘Oysters’, ‘Roasted Pumpkin and Rocket Salad’, ‘Peking Duck’, ‘Lemongrass Drumsticks’ and ‘Roast Beef’.
Royal China is one of Dubai’s most popular Chinese traditional restaurant. The first thing you would probably notice as you sit on the red velvet chair is the larger than life Chinese lamps hanging from the ceiling of the restaurant. Located next to the second-floor balcony of building 4 in DIFC, the restaurant offers a good view of people walking by the busy financial district. If you’re feeling festive there are also house beverage and bubbly packages available. With each menu guest can choose unlimited ‘Steamed Dumplings’, ‘Fried Dumplings’ or ‘Cheung Fun’. It’s all about delicately crafted Dim Sum in a variety of flavours, served with tangy dipping sauces and accompanied by unlimited Chinese teas such as ‘Ginseng Oolong Tea’, ‘Pu-erh’, ‘Jasmine Flower Tea’. The ‘Roast Duck’ here is mostly tender and wholesome and mildly spiced. The ‘Hong Kong Crispy Noodles’ are a tasty accompaniment with ‘Steamed Chinese Vegetables’.
The Stables bar and restaurant is located in the heart of Dubai on the Sheikh Zayed Road. The Stables is a popular and truly unique sports bar that stands out by its rustic British themed charm. The stables offers special theme nights for ladies, karaoke, Live music, Bands and live Sports screening. Opt for the ‘Chicken Satay’, ‘Spicy Edamame’, ‘Nachos with Guac and Veg spring rolls’ and ‘Dynamite Shrimps’ to start. Pair it up with a round or two of your favourite cocktails and beer pints. For the main course, you must order ‘Butter the chicken’ and ‘Sole in Caper Sauce’. Wrap it all up with the ‘Chocolate Fondant’.
This Italian casual dining restaurant draws its concepts from Venice. As the owner Pranav Kotak wanted his customers to experience a bit of Venice in Dubai. They serve authentic Vegan and Gluten free Italian cuisine without any twist or modifications. You will be served dishes like the ‘Nero Pasta’ (charcoal), ‘Flaming Pizza’, ‘Corn Cheetos’, ‘Arabo salad’ etc are all welcomed with open arms by customers here. You can also sip onto some freshly brewed coffee or scoop on to the freshest and the yummiest Gelato. Visit this restaurant in the evenings to enjoy live sports screening or just enjoy the view of the JLT lake sitting in our Gandola's placed by the lake.
An absolute treat to be if you are looking for a fun night with good food, great music and amazing drinks. It is a large spacious restaurant and has a great lively ambience to it. It serves some of the most loved Indian dishes like ‘Aloo Parantha with Curd’ - potato pancakes serve with yogurt and ‘Gunpowder Calamari’- a calamari rubbed with hot south Indian spices. Other than this their in-house pasta ‘Fettuccini Alfredo’ is a good choice. They have a fully functional bar that satiates the quintessential need of hydration and boozes. This place also has a sports bar with numerous TV sets hanging from the ceiling and organizes live music nights.
Rajdhani, located in Jumeirah Lake Towers, is a casual dining restaurant that provides a variety of fast food inspired by the capital of India and many other states. This restaurant has a funky interior design and with great many posters on the wall. Some of the must-try dishes here are ‘Jalebi Fafda’ - a Gujarati delicacy that consists of thin fried strips of gram flour served with the all-time favourite jalebis and ‘Dahi Papdi Chaat’ one of the very popular chaat recipe from north India. Dahi (curd/yogurt) and papdi (fried or baked puris) are important part of this mouth-watering chaat recipe. It is a pure Indian experience in this restaurant that you will cherish, it is a must-visit place.
Kruthika Dixit Kandpal, is an in-house creative writer for EazyDiner Pvt Ltd. She is a food enthusiast, social worker and blogger. She has contributed to the Safari India Magazine, The Statesman Newspaper, Wedding Vows Magazine, Sanchar Times and several other publications. Nothing is dearer to her than the joy of writing with her passion for food as the connection of food is not just with your tummy, but with your heart. In addition to writing a lot, Kruthika likes to eat and experiment with her cooking and gallivanting. And, if not inside the kitchen or at work, one can find her volunteering for NGO’s, exploring places, partying, travelling and shopping. She dreams of owning a restaurant one day and provide some notable contributions to the world of food.
