Put on your best dress, and bring your forks because I’m about to take you through UAE’s most celebrated restaurants. From 1 & 2 Michelin stars to MENA’s top 50 restaurants, this list brings you everything from the charming city streets of Italy to the aromatic smells of Indian spices. Each of these restaurants has its own story to tell, and today, we’re going to explore them all. Keep reading to find the finest UAE has to offer!
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1. BOCA
Awards: Michelin Green Star 2024, MENA 50 Best 2024 (#17)
In the heart of DIFC, BOCA delights with Mediterranean flavours and sustainable practices. Michelin-lauded for its creative tapas-style plates, from citrus olives to octopus carpaccio, every dish is a testament to culinary innovation. Don’t miss their acclaimed paella, especially the umami-rich black squid ink version. For more information, visit their website.
2. Brasserie Boulud
Awards: Michelin Bib Gourmand 2024, Gault&Millau 1 Toque 2023
Daniel Boulud’s first Middle Eastern venture, Brasserie Boulud at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, elevates French cuisine with a modern flair. From spiced lamb terrine to indulgent burgers, each dish reflects Boulud’s signature creativity in a sophisticated, art deco setting. For more information, visit their website.
3. Erth
Awards: 1 Michelin Stars 2023
Located at Qasr Al Hosn, Erth blends bold architecture with Emirati culinary traditions. Modern interpretations of local flavours, such as ravioli margooga and luqaimat desserts, offer a unique dining experience surrounded by polished concrete and bespoke furnishings. For more information, visit their website.
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4. Hakkasan
Awards: 1 Michelin Stars 2023
At Hakkasan, located in Emirates Palace, classic Oriental dishes like Peking duck and Chilean sea bass shine in a sultry, chic setting. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and impeccable service, Hakkasan offers a modern twist on traditional Chinese cuisine. For more information, visit their website.
5. Indya By Vineet
Awards: Michelin Bib Gourmand 2024, Gault&Millau 1 Toque 2024
Chef Vineet Bhatia’s Indya by Vineet reimagines Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist. Featuring over 70 dishes, each plate tells a personal story with fresh ingredients and innovative preparations, set against the backdrop of Le Royal Meridien’s beachfront elegance. For more information, visit their website.
6. Jun’s
Awards: MENA 50 Best 2024 (#21)
Jun’s blends North American comfort food with Asian influences in Downtown Dubai. Chef Kelvin Cheung’s innovative menu features dishes like tempura sweet potato chaat and Macau-sauce lobster, served in a stylish setting perfect for casual dining. For more information, visit their website.
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7. LOWE
Awards: Michelin Green Star 2024, MENA 50 Best 2024 (#37)
LOWE combines diverse flavours and cuisines with a commitment to sustainability, earning accolades in MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants and the Michelin Guide. Chef Kate Christou’s inventive dishes ensure a dining experience that’s both delicious and environmentally conscious. For more information, visit their website.
8. LPM Abu Dhabi
Awards: MENA 50 Best 2024 (#39)
LPM brings the charm of the French Riviera to Abu Dhabi, serving crowd-pleasing French-Mediterranean classics in a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. Since its inception in London, LPM has maintained its reputation for exceptional cuisine and hospitality. For more information, visit their website.
9. Oak Room
Awards: Best British Restaurant In Abu Dhabi By BBC Good Food Awards Middle East 2022
Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens brings British flair to Oak Room, Abu Dhabi Edition. Offering premium cuts and delectable dishes like the Oak Room meat feast, this venue pairs exceptional food with crafted cocktails and an inviting atmosphere. For more information, visit their website.
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10. Orfali Bros Bistro
Awards: MENA 50 Best 2024 (#1)
Dubai’s dining scene has been transformed by Orfali Bros Bistro, founded by Syrian-born siblings from Aleppo. Rising swiftly to the top of the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants list for two consecutive years, this bistro offers a uniquely unpretentious yet unforgettable experience since its 2021 debut. For more information, visit their website.
11. Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
Awards: Michelin Bib Gourmand 2024, MENA 50 Best 2024 (#30)
Chef Reif Othman’s casual spot in Jumeirah, Reif Japanese Kushiyaki, is renowned for its Asian street food elevated to gourmet levels. From curated tasting menus to Singaporean breakfasts, every visit promises a culinary adventure in relaxed, wood-accented interiors. For more information, visit their website.
12. Talea by Antonio Guida
Awards: 1 Michelin Stars 2023, MENA 50 Best 2024 (#48)
Talea by Antonio Guida, nestled in Emirates Palace, celebrates refined Italian classics in a sophisticated setting. With stunning interiors and a chic terrace for alfresco dining, each visit promises an authentic taste of Italy’s culinary heritage. For more information, visit their website.
13. Trèsind Studio
Awards: MENA 50 Best 2024 (#2), 2 Michelin Stars 2023
Trèsind Studio redefines Indian cuisine with a dramatic twist on The Palm Jumeirah. With only 20 seats, diners are treated to an immersive journey through meticulously curated spaces, each enhancing the culinary experience. From darkened dining rooms to sensational tasting menus, every visit promises an evening of culinary theatre. For more information, visit their website.
14. 21 Grams
Awards: Michelin Bib Gourmand 2024, MENA 50 Best 2024 (#32)
For Balkan-inspired cuisine, 21 Grams in Umm Suqeim offers a cosy bistro experience. Known for its speciality coffees and comforting dishes, this neighbourhood hotspot is perfect for relaxed gatherings and memorable dining moments. For more information, visit their website.
15. 99 Sushi Bar
Awards: 1 Michelin Stars 2023
At 99 Sushi Bar, meticulous craftsmanship meets chic dining. Imported seafood from Spain enhances each dish, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to quality and finesse. Whether indulging in traditional or contemporary Japanese dishes, the ambience and service ensure a memorable, intimate dining experience. For more information, visit their website.
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