The Best Restaurants in Dubai

Dubai’s fine dining scene is as dazzling as its skyline – bold, ambitious, and designed to impress. The city has become a stage for world-class chefs, concept-driven gastronomy, and dining rooms that double as destinations in their own right. For the well-travelled gourmand, Dubai’s restaurants offer more than just a meal – they deliver theatre, artistry, and experiences to match the city’s glamorous reputation.

This curated guide to the best Dubai restaurants showcases the very finest: acclaimed Michelin-starred kitchens, modern icons, and beachfront institutions that have become part of the city’s social fabric. From sky-high tasting menus to Mediterranean feasts by the water, these restaurants are where Dubai’s most discerning diners gather.

SHIMMERS

Perched directly on the sands of Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Shimmers delivers the quintessential Dubai beachside dining experience. Whitewashed furnishings, relaxed seating, and views of the Burj Al Arab create a postcard-perfect setting. By day, it feels breezy and casual; by night, it transforms into a chic destination under the stars.

The menu is Greek-inspired, with mezze, fresh seafood, and light Mediterranean plates ideal for sharing. Shimmers is the ultimate spot for a leisurely lunch by the sea or a romantic dinner with toes in the sand. Time your visit to coincide with sunset for the most memorable experience.

COU COU

Perched atop The View at The Palm, Cou Cou is equal parts restaurant and spectacle. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a wraparound terrace place the glittering Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and city skyline on full display. Its chic, modern interiors balance sleek furniture with playful pops of colour, setting the tone for evenings that stretch from dinner into late-night revelry.

The Mediterranean-led menu is perfect for sharing, with standout seafood platters and creative cocktails that match the panoramic views. Arrive at sunset to watch the city transform beneath you, then stay for the DJ-led atmosphere that makes Cou Cou as much about the energy as the food. It’s an experience best enjoyed with friends who favour glamour with a touch of drama.

THE CULLINAN

Located in the heart of DIFC, The Cullinan redefines contemporary fine dining with its striking design and modern approach to global cuisine. Inspired by the world’s largest diamond, the interiors sparkle with refined detail, from marble surfaces to dramatic lighting. The restaurant has quickly become a go-to for Dubai’s business elite and stylish residents alike.

Highlights include Japanese-inspired seafood dishes and expertly grilled meats, complemented by a wine list that rivals any in the city. With a terrace that overlooks DIFC’s iconic skyline, The Cullinan is ideal for power dinners or celebratory evenings. Secure an outdoor table in cooler months for the full effect.

ESTIATORIO MILOS

One of the world’s most celebrated Greek restaurants, Estiatorio Milos brings its minimalist elegance to Atlantis The Royal. Sleek white interiors echo the beauty of the Aegean, with displays of market-fresh fish greeting diners upon arrival. The atmosphere is chic yet understated — a refreshing escape from Dubai’s often maximalist dining scene.

Signature dishes include the Milos special — paper-thin zucchini and aubergine crisps with tzatziki — and whole fish grilled to perfection. Best enjoyed at lunch with natural light streaming in or at dinner before a walk through Atlantis’ glamorous corridors, Milos suits refined palates and those who favour purity of flavour.

IL BORRO TUSCAN BISTRO

Set within Jumeirah Al Naseem, Il Borro is a Dubai favourite that blends Tuscan authenticity with modern elegance. Originating from the Ferragamo family estate in Tuscany, the restaurant reflects its heritage with rustic-chic interiors, warm lighting, and a relaxed yet sophisticated ambience. The terrace, overlooking the turtle lagoon, is among Dubai’s most atmospheric dining spots.

The menu celebrates organic produce and traditional recipes — highlights include handmade pastas, Florentine-style steaks, and a carefully curated Italian wine list. Perfect for romantic dinners or family gatherings, Il Borro feels transportive, offering a genuine slice of Tuscany in the heart of Dubai.

IL RISTORANTE – NIKO ROMITO

Housed within the Bulgari Resort Dubai, Il Ristorante by Niko Romito carries two Michelin stars and epitomises modern Italian refinement. The design is sleek and understated, with Bulgari’s unmistakable aesthetic evident in every detail. Floor-to-ceiling windows open to views of the marina, giving the space an exclusive yacht-club feel.

Expect precision-driven Italian cuisine where every dish is a study in balance and flavour. Standouts include the spaghetti e pomodoro and delicate seafood crudos. Best for those who appreciate subtlety and restraint, Il Ristorante is the pinnacle of understated sophistication in Dubai’s dining landscape.

ILLIĀNA

Nestled on Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Illiana brings a fresh perspective to Middle Eastern-inspired fine dining. The interiors are airy and contemporary, accented with artisanal details that nod to regional heritage. Its location by the marina ensures a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere, ideal for long, leisurely evenings.

The menu combines Levantine flavours with modern techniques, offering refined takes on classics such as lamb shoulder with spices and innovative mezze spreads. Illiana is particularly suited for groups who want to share and explore, making it as social as it is gastronomic. Reserve a terrace table for views over the water.

MAYABAY

Direct from Monaco, Mayabay at Jumeirah Al Naseem brings a glamorous Pan-Asian concept to Dubai. Its interiors are moody and sensual, defined by dark woods, glowing lanterns, and luxurious textures. The crowd is stylish, international, and very much in step with the brand’s Côte d’Azur origins.

The menu spans Japanese and Thai influences, with sushi, dim sum, and signature curries that pair beautifully with Mayabay’s inventive cocktails. Ideal for evenings when atmosphere is as important as cuisine, it’s a place to dress up, dine late, and linger long after dessert.

NAMMOS DUBAI

Originating from Mykonos, Nammos has established itself as Dubai’s ultimate beachfront dining and day-to-night lifestyle destination. Set at the Four Seasons Jumeirah, it blends Mediterranean ease with Dubai’s penchant for glamour. Think crisp linens, blue-and-white accents, and the soundtrack of the sea.

Dine on fresh seafood, grilled meats, and light Mediterranean fare before shifting seamlessly into the beach club’s vibrant scene. Nammos is best for long, sun-soaked afternoons that turn into lively evenings — perfect for yacht owners, jet-setters, and those who thrive on the city’s social energy.

THE MAINE OYSTER BAR & GRILL

The Maine has become a Dubai institution, loved for its stylish brasserie vibe and effortless mix of elegance and conviviality. Located at JBR, its interiors combine dark woods, vintage accents, and a raw bar that sets the tone for its seafood-driven menu. It attracts a mix of cosmopolitan locals and well-heeled travellers.

From oysters and lobster rolls to hearty steaks, the menu is both indulgent and approachable. The Maine is particularly lively at weekend brunches, where the energy is high and the Champagne flows freely. It’s best suited to those who enjoy dining with a social edge.

TRÉSIND STUDIO

Widely regarded as one of Dubai’s most innovative restaurants, Trèsind Studio offers an intimate tasting-menu experience that redefines Indian cuisine. With only a handful of tables, it feels more like a private dining performance than a restaurant. Chef Himanshu Saini’s artistry has earned the restaurant two Michelin stars and a place among the world’s top dining destinations.

Expect a multi-course journey that blends storytelling with flavour, where each dish is presented with precision and flair. Reservations are essential, often months in advance. Trèsind Studio is best for culinary explorers and those seeking a truly one-of-a-kind evening.