Dubai is not short on good restaurants. The challenge is deciding where to book. AD’s guide to the most beautiful restaurants in Dubai has you covered.
One week, everyone is talking about a glamorous new opening; the next, you're rediscovering a longstanding favourite you'd somehow forgotten about. Fortunately, the city's dining scene is as visually ambitious as it is culinary, with restaurants that range from sky-high destinations and beachfront hideaways to secret dining rooms that are worth visiting for the interiors alone. Whether you're planning a special occasion or simply looking for somewhere beautiful to spend an evening, these are the restaurants we keep coming back to.
AD’s Guide to the Most Beautiful Restaurants in Dubai
From a hotspot inspired by myth and symbolism, to one that will take you on a visual journey through the world's most iconic streets, these are Dubai's chicest restaurants
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Nobu One Za’abeel
Nobu One Za’abeel brings the brand’s Japanese-Peruvian cuisine to The Link — the suspended sky concourse connecting the twin towers of One Za’abeel — in what is both a restaurant and a late-night lounge. All Nobu restaurants feel like a vibe, but this is the first specifically designed to transition into a DJ-led destination after dinner. Prepare to bring your very best outfits as this is a rollicking addition to Dubai’s late-night scene.
Interiors by Rockwell Group scale up Nobu’s familiar material palette. It’s a globally comforting mix of dark timber, bronze, leather and marble, all cleverly executed to reflect the building’s criss-cross façade. A continuous ceiling installation, developed with LASVIT, runs the length of the space, using bent metal and translucent resin to diffuse light and visually connect arrival, dining and private rooms. It’s a show-stopping moment, and gives the space a wow factor that allows the interiors to compete with the epic views.
The menu centres on Nobu signatures like black cod miso, yellowtail jalapeño, sushi and wagyu (the greatest hits), and the new dishes created for this location are vibrant additions, especially the Mediterranean seabass with tomato dashi ponzu. Still, between friends, with The Link’s panoramic setting and the extended-hours bar, dinner is really just the opening act for an epic evening. @nobuonezaabeel
FZN
FZN at Atlantis, The Palm brings Swedish chef Björn Frantzén’s globally acclaimed approach to Dubai, combining Scandinavian warmth with crisp Japanese flavours. Earning three MICHELIN Stars mere months after opening in late 2024, Frantzén arrived in the city with a serious pedigree, having already achieved three Michelin stars at both Restaurant Frantzén in Stockholm and Zén in Singapore.
The experience begins away from the bustle of Atlantis, as you move through a glowing corridor of ferments and pickles into a Svenskt Tenn-style living room, where intricate canapés set the tone for the evening. From there, you descend to the restaurant, a calm, finely composed dining room centred around a low-countered open kitchen, giving every table a clear view of the chefs at work as flames leap and dishes are assembled with near-theatrical precision. European in structure but charged with Japanese accents, the tasting menu moves through duck with kampot pepper and wasabi, monkfish with saffron beurre blanc and ikura, chawanmushi with smoked beef broth, and Frantzén’s signature onion and liquorice velouté. Desserts continue the same cross-cultural rhythm, before guests return to the living room for petit-fours and a final nightcap. Joyful and deeply assured, FZN is one of Dubai’s defining culinary experiences. @restaurantfzn
Jodhpur Bar & Kitchen
Set on the ground floor of Hyatt Place Dubai Jumeirah, Jodhpur Bar & Kitchen is a knockout, all gilt and gaiety. Ornate tin-pressed ceilings, wood and stone marquetry and an abundance of navy blue are all offset by deeply moody lighting and a sense of wonder. With the spirit of Rajasthan’s Blue City throughout, it’s a clever reimagining for this location. The heritage nods are kitsch without feeling overwhelming; this is royal Indian grandeur with a contemporary sense of polish.
Under the watchful eye of slightly forbidding portraits of past royalty, the menu draws on the bold flavours of Rajasthan’s royal kitchens, alongside refined takes on regional street food and kebabs. We enjoyed Marwari signatures such as Daal Baati Churma and Gulab Jamun ki Sabzi. Traditional breads, rice and sides add to the feeling of abundance, while desserts are presented with some bold theatrics. This isn’t your usual local Indian restaurant. Come prepared for a long, atmospheric evening. @jodhpurdxb
Ossiano
Ossiano remains one of Dubai’s most recognisable dining rooms: set against the floor-to-ceiling aquarium at Atlantis The Palm, its deep blue lighting and reflective surfaces create a calm, immersive backdrop that keeps the focus firmly on the table. The space hasn’t lost its sense of occasion, but it feels more assured than the previous theatrical approach.
It’s a refined setting for one of the city’s most ambitious tasting menus, which has recently been reworked by Chef Remy Marquignon, a Paris-born chef whose 15-year career spans eight Michelin-starred kitchens in Paris and Dubai. His direction keeps Ossiano’s seafood identity intact while bringing a more technical, produce-driven lens. Classic French foundations are paired with contemporary culinary techniques to heighten flavour and texture, with dishes structured around clarity and balance rather than ornament. The intent is precision: ingredients at peak season, handled with minimal excess.
Highlights follow that philosophy closely. Chawanmushi king crab; silky langoustine contrasting with crispy parmesan; John Dory’s clean flavour smartly highlighted by shiso tempura and sea geranium infusion. The progression feels composed and memorable without excess flourish, and it’s the small touches that bring the sense of magic, such as the hand-turned shavings of grapefruit granita taking place tableside. The wine cellar is as impressive as ever, with an inspiring breadth of terroirs and styles presented during the meal. In a room long known for spectacle, Ossiano’s new chapter leans into control and craft. @ossianodubai
Sakhalin Dubai
Set at J1, Sakhalin Dubai brings the White Rabbit Family’s celebrated seafood concept to the city, led by restaurateur Boris Zarkov and chef Vladimir Mukhin. Named after Russia’s largest island, between the Okhotsk and Japan Seas, the restaurant has a MediterrAsian menu (see what they did there), with subtle Russian influences running through it. The result is polished: a seafood-led restaurant with an ice market, raw bar, open kitchen, cocktail bar and beachside terrace, all designed to feel as much like a sunset destination as a fine-dining address.
The design, by Irina Glik of Geometry Design, is where Sakhalin really has fun. Its signature roof takes inspiration from Glik’s love of the disco ball, creating a shimmering, scaled canopy that throws dappled light across the white façade like confetti. It is a genuine moment, in a city that superserves moments. In less careful hands, that much sparkle could drift into kitsch, but here it is cleverly tempered by the restaurant’s interiors, which are clean and restrained, with the theatre coming from the seafood displays and the slow drama of the sunset outside. We’re obsessed with the small details, such as the archaeological shell basins in the washrooms. Get ready for a party. @sakhalin.dubai
Tattu
Plotted amongst the Marina skyline, crowning Ciel Dubai Marina – the world’s tallest hotel – Tattu Dubai stakes its claim as a design-led, sky-high destination. A multi-level spectacle, where interiors, storytelling, and panoramic views combine to create an unforgettable experience. Designed by Studio WYZE, each floor of the restaurant, bar, pool, and sky lounge draws inspiration from myth: the dragon, the carp, and the phoenix, offering distinct atmospheres that unfold as guests move through the space.
Arrival is marked by a triple-height atrium and Tattu’s signature cherry blossom tree, setting the tone for a journey of layered textures and dramatic contrasts. On Level 74, the Restaurant & Bar blends opulent materials – charred Japanese cedar, amethyst glass, veined marble – with sculptural detailing (think life-sized black and white dragons floating above you), while floor-to-ceiling windows frame Dubai Marina and The Palm. Mood lighting punctuates the space, giving every table and corner a sense of theatre and intimacy.
The menu celebrates the evolution of contemporary Chinese and Japanese cuisine, from refined à la carte plates to set menus (which amount to a feast). Signature dishes showcase precise technique and bold flavour combinations, complementing the restaurant’s visual drama and enhancing the multi-sensory experience.
The rooftop Sky Lounge & Terrace celebrates the phoenix, transforming from a luminous cocktail lounge by day to a high-energy nightclub after dark, with a backlit pink onyx bar and a fully air-conditioned open-air terrace that wraps around 360° views, combining soaring architecture, reflective surfaces, and dramatic lighting.
“Every floor tells a story,” says Studio WYZE’s Christina Arbenz. “From the dragons to the carp to the phoenix, the design is all about movement, energy, and atmosphere.” Tattu Dubai proves to be a one-stop shop for dining, lounging, and social experiences. @tattudubai
Villa Coconut
Villa Coconut has landed in DIFC, straight from El Gouna, bringing all the sun-soaked energy and Mediterranean charm you didn’t know Dubai needed. It is equal parts stylish escape and unapologetic good-time hub, where Mediterranean dishes arrive like little bites of happiness, music hits just the right note, and the nights somehow stretch longer than your Zoom meetings.
The design plays with contrast. Outside, it looks mysterious and solid, like it might judge your choice of corporate attire. Inside, it is warm, soft and inviting. A circular bar sits central, clad in metallic brown tiles and dotted with little velvet stools like fresh coconuts fallen from the tree.
Mohamed Fares, the chief designer behind the concept, explains the idea: “The coconut is of a paradoxical nature. Its rough, impenetrable shell protects the delicate flesh and water, yet it is this very centre offering life and sustenance. Seemingly, these characteristics are reflected in our concept, where the façade represents solidity and mystery, while the transition to the interior reveals the sweetness and the softness within.”
Rooms are curved, never angular, ceilings drastically shift from high to low, and intimacy is always within reach. A night at Villa Coconut could be dinner, cocktails or a cosy read with your favourite book, it's that soothing. Villa Coconut brings El Gouna’s playful soul to Dubai, a place where mischief can run riot, where tables are kept casual and where the only thing stiffer than the shell is your cocktail menu. @villacoconutdubai
Sexy Fish
Sexy Fish Dubai is a study in theatrical excess done right. Designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, with artworks by Damien Hirst, the restaurant’s interiors blur the line between dining room and immersive installation. On arrival, guests are greeted by a glowing aquatic palette and a monumental octopus sculpture, setting the stage for an experience rooted in marine surrealism and mid-century glamour.
Inside, coral-toned pillars and iridescent mosaic floors set a surreal stage, layered with sculptural details ranging from oversized sea creatures to siren figures. Among the most photographed (read Instagrammable) features are the otherworldly powder rooms complete with a carved octopus and shell-shaped onyx sinks, making them the perfect selfie spot and a playful nod to the aquatic theme. At the centre, the bar doubles as both anchor and artwork, crowned with a canopy of glowing, golden fish-shaped lights that seem to be in motion. Throughout, lighting choreographs the mood – shifting from soft glows to dramatic shadows to heighten the sense of fantasy.
The atmosphere extends into Sekushi, Sexy Fish’s private members’ space. Conceived as a world within a world, its design prioritises intimacy, transformation, and mood. From velvet textures to a private DJ booth, every detail reinforces its identity as a space for connection, curation and performance. Together, these spaces form an immersive environment where art, design and dining converge – maximalist, sensorial and entirely transportive. @sexyfishdxb
The Cullinan
With a stamp of approval from HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum himself, The Cullinan at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is a high-end steakhouse with serious visual drama. Serving up prime cuts in a setting that oozes Art Deco glamour – inside, smooth white and grey marble meets monochrome tiles, mirrored ceilings, and glints of gold. The expansive dining room is cleverly zoned to feel both grand and intimate, with a sweeping alfresco terrace on the other side, perfectly angled for head-on views of the Burj Al Arab.
Rich in materiality and mood, the space combines hand-painted murals, embroidered detailing and textured finishes to create a setting that feels both luxurious and grounded in place. Case in point: At the heart of the restaurant, a gold-gilded mural (by de Gournay) stretches across the bar wall – its radiant sun, sweeping waves and wind motifs quietly evoking the nearby coastline. In the women’s restroom, velvet panels and hand-embroidered fish bring softness and depth, while the men’s features hand-painted palms and warm brass details, offering a more classic counterpoint. Just beyond, a sculptural wall anchors the room, it’s finished in raffia, gold leaf and fine embroidery, and draws inspiration from traditional Emirati craft, referencing coral, pearls and palm trees in its motif. @thecullinan.dubai
Alba
A refined Asian restaurant, Alba is located at Dubai Opera Plaza, offering a calm, design-forward escape in the centre of the city. Designed by the award-winning South Africa-based architect Tristan Du Plessis, the interiors reflect a careful balance of texture and tone – stone surfaces, soft lighting, and warm timber are layered with subtle nods to East Asian minimalism.
The layout is intimate but open, drawing attention to the central red, lantern-like bar that houses the restaurant’s extensive sake collection and organic tea programme. Rich materials and sculptural detailing ground the space, while delicate murals, ceramic vases and botanical elements soften the overall mood. The menu spans Korean, Japanese, and Chinese influences interpreted through a modern European lens, with highlights like sashimi, Wagyu Bibimbap, and miso-infused desserts. @albarestdubai
Kira
From the moment you step inside Kira at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, a golden light – the kind that reminds us of fresh mornings and gorgeous sunsets – engulfs you, drawing your eye to a handmade tapestry, its threads shimmering like the Dubai sun. Envisioned by Verhaal studio as a portal to where Mediterranean and Asian cultures blend into one, intertwined carved timber panels lead to the spectacular dining room, where a butter-yellow cocoon sets the scene for high design and artisanal excellence to come together in a singular expression of creativity. Here, kintsugi, the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfections, is elevated to an art form, thanks to a handpicked selection of artisan-made objects: from handmade vessels and terracotta accents that whisper of Italy’s ancient wine cellars, to sculptural lighting pieces by Olivia Cognet and contemporary mirrors that feel like light sculptures. To tell this tale of two cultures merging, the designers sought inspiration in the silver dollar plant that graces both regions; its translucent, mother-of-pearl-like leaves that play with light and shade became the invisible muse that informed every creative decision and design gesture. The result is a restaurant that feels like sunshine. @kirarestaurant
Bar des Prés by Cyril Lignac
After Paris and London, the acclaimed chef Cyril Lignac has finally brought his lauded concept, Bar des Prés, to Dubai, and just like its Rue du Dragon and Mayfair outposts in the French and British capitals, respectively, its Dubai location is just as iconic: the 51st floor of ICD Brookfield Place in DIFC. Designed by the award-winning Spanish studio, Lázaro Rosa-Violán, Bar des Prés in Dubai stays true to its unique blend of French and Japanese influences. Decor cues from the restaurant's original Paris location – rich wooden marquetry, sinuous lines and that signature blue tone – are complemented with Asian elements via bamboo and rattan accents. The centrepiece, a sushi counter that can seat 10 guests, provides an intimate dining experience with swaths of textile inspired by Japanese craft, drawing attention to the venue's grand proportions. From its high perch, Bar des Prés adds yet another sensorial experience: Captivating views across the Dubai skyline and the Arabian sea that change with the day, making this Dubai restaurant the perfect spot for a celebratory lunch, after-work sundowners or a special get-together. @bardespres.dubai
Il Gattopardo
If you thought you couldn't go any higher in ICD Brookfield Place than Bar des Prés, think again. Rosa-Violán scooped out the top of the Foster+Partners-designed building's soaring 51st floor to create another spellbinding hotspot: Il Gattopardo, which takes its name from Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's novel on Sicilian life. Inspired by the glamour and elegance of Italy in the 1940s, the venue combines the energy of Milan and the richness of Venice, with period-appropriate art deco cues. Il Gattopardo means the leopard in Italian, and so, seductive feline prints abound. These catty details are paired with clouded glass partitions that allude to historic Milanese churches, sprawling murals, decadent textiles and burnished brass. @gattopardodubai
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Gerbou
Transforming a 1987-built structure into a refined dining destination in Nad Al Sheba, Gerbou's design seamlessly blends sustainability and craftsmanship with culture and cuisine. Brought to life by Dubai-based AD100 firm Kristina Zanic Consultants, its interiors feature natural materials, fluid forms, and warm tones accented by amber, emerald, and teal. A striking foyer sets the scene with a Ghaf tree trunk reception, a Lasvit chandelier, and a mesh installation inspired by fishing nets. The dining space is rich with local artistry, from custom tableware and a number of pieces produced in collaboration with local designers and Tashkeel; case in point, a henna-dyed chandelier by Wafa Al Falahi. Serving elevated Emirati fusion cuisine, Gerbou easily shifts from a relaxed daytime retreat to an elegant fine-dining experience that features an outdoor sunken fire pit and sculptural screens, completing this immersive experience of contemporary local hospitality. @gerbou
Dragonfly
The interior of this newly-opened Asian restaurant at The Lana Promenade by Dorchester Collection is a masterclass in balancing tradition with a touch of drama. Designed by Yodezeen, the multi-award-winning architecture and design studio, the entrance sets the tone with kokeshi dolls, a subtle homage to Japanese heritage. Leading into a moody space with bamboo shoots lining the walls. The centrepiece – a striking red glass 360-degree bar with a colossal dragonfly hovering over it – immediately holds your attention, its nine-metre wingspan an emblem of bold design.
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Granite-based columns and counters ground the space, while Italian wood veneers and temple-inspired carvings weave in cultural depth. Japanese-inspired vases and rattan screens complete the tableau – creating a space where old-world craftsmanship meets contemporary spectacle. P.S. Their Black Cod with miso butter is highly recommended! @dragonfly.dxb
At.mosphere
Suspended high above Dubai on Level 122 of the iconic Burj Khalifa, its revamped interior (a far cry from what it initially looked like) is a masterful nod to the glamour of the Art Deco era, reimagined with a modern, kaleidoscopic twist. The palette is unapologetically bold – think deep burgundies, midnight blues, and gilded accents – while textures like marble, mosaics, and mirrors add well-deserved opulence.
As one would expect, the highest restaurant in the world brims with personality. A grand spiral staircase unfurls, leading guests to a world of indulgence. The experience begins at the glittering reception that sets the tone.
Across the way, the cigar lounge embraces a verdant aesthetic with mirrored ceilings and theatrical lighting. The fine dining area, by contrast, exudes refined elegance: soft lighting, crisp table linens, and floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views of the city below and the Arabian Gulf.
Chef Yannis Sgard’s newly launched menu is as thoughtful as the interiors. Starters like the Royal Dorade with Caviar set the stage for mains that celebrate culinary artistry – think melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu Beef, delicately roasted Langoustine and steamed Sea Bass with Seaweed and Leeks. Desserts featuring exotic flavours such as coconut and passionfruit end the experience on a high note. At.mosphere isn’t just dining; it’s escapism, served with a side of breathtaking views. @atmospheredubai
Ofelia at The Arts Club Dubai
The newest hotspot in town takes pole position on AD's guide to the most beautiful restaurants in Dubai. Ofelia at The Arts Club Dubai can only be described as one thing: a maximalist haven, and gloriously so. Following in the footsteps of its sister club in London, Ofelia is a reimagination of the former third-floor restaurant Alveare, now transformed to evoke the warmth of an opulent private home – luxurious yet intimate – layered with ample furniture, art and fabrics (think animal prints, floral fabrics and gilded accents) from all over the world.
Inspired by the painting of John Millais, one of the London club’s most renowned founding members, The Arts Club Dubai’s directors invited Italian architect and designer Giuseppe Porcelli to envision Ofelia's Dubai outpost. His intervention came with an eclectic eye of someone who appreciates the luxury of old-world charm with plenty of pizzazz; from exquisite antiques and vibrant rugs to chinoiserie elements and rich tapestries, each piece brings an air of timeless modern classicism to the club’s already eclectic interior, created by the sought-after Milanese duo Dimorestudio.
Gigi Dubai
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Gigi Dubai is amongst the top 3 most beautiful new restaurants in Dubai. Scratch that: Gigi Dubai is the most beautiful restaurant in Dubai right now and that's a fact. Designed by the Paris-based Franco-Mexican architect Hugo Toro, the globally-loved Italian concept's Middle Eastern address (it's located at J1 Beach) is a gold-hued homage to the ‘La Vita Alla Grande!’ philosophy, where Italian charm, sophistication and zest for life come together in a glorious celebration. Like all other Gigi outposts, Toro imagined the Dubai venue as an extension of the glamorous fictional character's private residence. Guests can waft from the 120-seater restaurant onto the terraces and expansive garden that can host 240 people. Plus, there is a Bellini Bar and a swimming pool dotted with plush sunbeds and cabanas. Think of Gigi Dubai as the city's most dazzling beachside restaurant and lounge rolled into one – and it will still exceeded your expectations. @gigi_beach_dubai
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The Ishigaki Wine Room by Zuma
Dining institution Zuma – known for its chic Japanese dining concept – has opened its newest private dining room in Dubai, the Ishigaki Wine Room. Paying homage to traditional Japanese stone quarry oenological vaults (the name ‘Ishigaki’ means ‘stone wall’), the room is a blend of natural elements such as tactile Thai rock and wood, with modern glass and steel, creating an aura of warm sophistication with the cosy atmosphere of an intimate wine cellar - making it a perfect candidate for AD's list of the most beautiful restaurants in Dubai. A haven for wine enthusiasts and discerning diners, the private dining room has over 700 wine labels and 65 sakes on offer, selected over 17 years, alongside a five-course customisable menu. @zumadubai – Aidan Imanova
Jamavar Dubai
Situated in the heart of the Opera District, Jamavar Dubai brings Michelin-starred Indian dining to Downtown Dubai – its third international venue. The restaurant’s overall design draws inspiration from the grandeur of the Viceroy’s New Delhi residence, offset with flourishes and patterns reminiscent of traditional Jamavar shawls. The entrance opens up to a chic boutique cocktail bar, set against a captivating backdrop of a mirror mural depicting the Indian Tree of Life, rainforest green marble, and cast print block tiles.
The bar leads into the 80-seater dining hall, adorned with silver leaf mirror panelling and hand-gilded lincrusta wallpaper, all enhanced by opulent crystal chandeliers. The Lutyens-inspired décor, softened by luxurious fabrics, creates a warm and welcoming ambience. Two large works by Indian contemporary artist Jayasri Burman – who hand-painted the wedding lehenga worn by Radhika Ambani – and mother-of-pearl pieces bring a refined opulence to this lavish dining experience. The stately dining room is complemented by an outdoor terrace that offers a serene, intimate escape. The menu on offer blends royal Northern Indian dishes with Southern coastal delicacies, such as Andhra Lamb Uttapam and Hyderabadi Pathar Gosht. Exclusive to Dubai, the Viceroy’s caviar selection adds a refined touch, merging opulence with India’s rich culinary traditions. @jamavardubai
Sushisamba Dubai
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Perched on the 51st floor of the St. Regis Hotel in Palm Jumeirah, Sushisamba Dubai takes aesthetic dining to new heights – literally and figuratively. Its 360-degree views are complemented by an interior that blends Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian influences into a harmonious whole. The restaurant’s design balances natural wood elements in the bar and lounge area with dramatic touches in the main dining space, including vibrant textiles and an eye-catching 3D-printed bamboo ceiling. Lush greenery, an oval marble bar, and an open kitchen with a sushi counter and robata grill create a dynamic, visually engaging atmosphere.
Leña Dubai
AD100 designers Oscar Engroba and Ala Zreigat (Astet Studio) bring the award-winning Marbella steakhouse concept, Leña, to Dubai with an enigmatic concept born from fire. Within a moody, predominantly black space – with charred wood accents, inspired by the ancient Shou Sugi Ban technique, a Japanese method of fire-proofing timber by torching it – and flashes of golden embers (courtesy of hammered brass panels, swirling ceilings with amber back-lighting and metal-toned upholstery) zero in on the very primitive concept of cooking over coal.
Located on the rooftop St. Regis Garden in Palm Jumeirah, the sinuous ceiling of Leña Dubai – resembling the rings of a cut tree trunk – becomes a larger-than-life sculpture that encompasses the entire restaurant. In addition to the main dining area, Leña Dubai also features a 14-seater Omakase experience, the Smoked Room, where guests can experience a 15-dish tasting menu where smoke is the guiding theme. @lenadubai.dg
Row on 45
Helmed by the acclaimed British chef, Jason Atherton, Row on 45 was recently awarded 2 Michelin stars for its ambitious multi-course tasting experience – curated for twenty-two diners a night – but its interiors are just award-worthy. Taking place across three spaces, the evening begins in a cocktail lounge, its Vivienne Westwood-does-British-manor-house interior contrasting with an expansive view of Dubai’s Palm. The dining room is smartly configured towards the open kitchen, a mesmerisingly serene space of brass, gold and wood. The night ends on a high note in the library, where the copper-mirrored ceiling reflects a joyous petit-four cart; it is a perfect way to end this majestic restaurant experience.
StreetXO
Blurring the lines between fantasy and reality, Street XO Dubai, Chef David Muñoz's groundbreaking venture at One Za’abeel transforms dining into a whimsical journey through urban culture. The restaurant, brought to life by LW Design, pulses with the vibrant energy of global streets: this structured elegance mixed with dynamic chaos. From the container-inspired entrance to a graffiti-laden tunnel and a bustling kitchen-turned-theatre, every detail ignites the senses – a true culinary and artistic spectacle.
Bellini Café
Bringing Italian charm to Dubai's Jumeirah 2 community, Bellini Café (exclusive to Mr. C Hotels & Residences) is masterminded by Ignazio and Maggio of the Cipriani family. This culinary haven is all about understated luxe: Italian terrazzo floors intertwine with sleek wood panelling, brushed golden metals and pastel hues. Bellini Café welcomes guests with a tantalising array of offerings, ranging from time-honoured traditional recipes to indulgent desserts and artisanal gelato.
Bisou
Located at the heart of the city's Downtown district at the Dubai Opera Plaza, Bisou seamlessly intertwines the artistry of French cuisine with the warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality. Stepping into this unique space, guests are instantly wowed by the vision of AD100 designer Tristan Du Plessis: All the hallmarks of a classic Parisian restaurant (think cafe-style chairs, checkered black-and-white and ornate panelling) create an air of vintage chic, enveloping diners in a timelessly elegant ambience. Spread across two floors, the restaurant offers a variety of seating options, including al fresco areas boasting breathtaking views.
Maison de la Plage
Dubai's favourite chef, Izu Ani, of Gaia and Carine fame, has opened a beach club in Dubai – and it feels straight out of the French Riviera. Located on Palm West Beach, it's a pastel-perfect confection brimming with beautifully decorated cabanas, a beachfront lined with stylishly upholstered sun loungers and on-trend rattan furniture lending an air of easy elegance. It even features a ‘market’ section – inspired by a farmer's market in France where Ani met his wife – and here, you can design your own dish from the ingredients on display. @maisondelaplage
Flamingo Room by tashas
Playful, yet elegant and glamorous, Flamingo Room by tashas is an enduring icon on Dubai's world-class restaurant scene. Overlooking Jumeirah Al Naseem‘s Turtle Lagoon, its putty pink interior – with luxurious marble, brass and turquoise details, and a breathtaking floral light installation that takes up the entire ceiling – is the work of AD100 studio, Verhaal, that's known for richly layered design schemes often featuring bespoke commissions from artisans in its native South Africa.
Jara
An amber-hued light installation designed to mimic the hot coals used to grill meats and fish in the Basque Country greets guests as they enter Jara, the acclaimed chef Martín Berasategui's first restaurant in Dubai. Located on the 18th floor of The Lana, the Dorchester Collection's debut hotel in the region, its interiors feature a dramatic palette of striking forest greens, deep browns, eye-catching golden accents and fiery reds, with colourful flower arrangements suspended from the ceiling. The unique indoor Asado fire pit acts as a focal point connecting the dining area with the Jara Bar.
The Citronelle Club
Located inside SO/Uptown Dubai, a new design-led hotel in the city, The Citronelle Club is making a mark with its refreshing mix of Asian and French cuisine, but its moody, seductive interior that keeps guests enthralled. A modern take on art deco glam – think jewel-toned furniture and walls panelled in rows upon rows of golden mirrors that create the most hypnotic kaleidoscope – this restaurant is that mythical cocoon in which everyone and everything looks gorgeous.
Chic Nonna
A contemporary Italian restaurant with a vintage twist, Chic Nonna is brimming with that comforting sense of familiarity, joy and easy elegance that you will find at the most exclusive restaurants in Milan. But fret not, this establishment is in DIFC, and its hand-picked selection of furniture and home accessories will make the most avid design lovers feel at home.
Uchi
The best-kept secret in Dubai's gastronomic scene, Uchi is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it wonder tucked away in DIFC. This Japanese fusion destination is a perfect balance of two halves: a dark, wood-clad lounge and a sunny terrace, both just as beautifully detailed as the other. By Dubai standards, Uchi is compact, but it certainly makes up for it in style.
The Nurseries and Potting Shed by The Guild
ICD Brookfield Place's best-kept secret is a dynamic new hotspot, The Guild; a multi-layered venue that promises to be what has eluded DIFC so far – a chic lifestyle destination that seamlessly transforms from day to night. It is the brainchild of the Melbourne-born, Dubai-based restaurateur, Tom Arnel, who invited the London-based architect David Archer (of celebrity haunt Chiltern Firehouse fame) to craft the ultimate hideaway in the heart of Dubai's buzzing financial district.
Slated to be unveiled in phases (or acts, to borrow Arnel's turn of phrase), The Nurseries and Potting Shed are chic introductions to The Guild's offering, which will eventually include a seafood restaurant and late-night cocktail bar.
A daytime pastry boutique, The Nurseries is the perfect spot to laze away the day, whilst its glamorous counterpart, a sunken lounge named Potting Shed, is anointed with canopies of lush foliage, rich red velvet armchairs and moody lighting – a chic oasis where guests can sit back and sip aperitivo.
La Niña
Designed by the award-winning Dubai-based design firm Creative Clinic, La Niña is a bold addition to Dubai’s dazzling fine dining options. A modern Iberian-Latino restaurant brought to life by the passion and expertise of a team of award-winning chefs. Located inside ICD Brookfield Place in DIFC, it offers diners an exquisite combination of bold flavours and daring spices displayed in a sophisticated yet rich atmosphere that pays homage to the Latin and Iberian cultures.
A maritime-inspired atmosphere prevails as guests are immersed in an epicurean journey from the far corners of the world. A monumental wall clad in traditional hand-painted tiles from Portugal – azulejo – tells the story of adventurous sailors braving the sea. Luxurious fabrics, gorgeous hardwood floors and dramatic chandeliers set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
Bungalo34
Reminiscent of a beach house by the Mediterranean Riviera, Bungalo34 on Dubai's Pearl Jumeirah Island, is a sophisticated yet playful haven. Conceived by one of Dubai’s most well-known restaurateurs, Natasha Sideris (of Flamingo Room, Avli and Tasha's fame) and designed by Verhaal Studio, it exudes the glamour of a bygone era.
Paying homage to Greek coastal regions, the chic yet relaxed interiors are dressed with handpicked decorative items, coral-inspired textured tiles, playful artworks sourced from XVA gallery and stunning seafood-themed tableware. Outside, cheerful parasols and the azure water transport us to a Mediterranean holiday.
Krasota
Set inside The Address Downtown Hotel, Krasota combines haute cuisine with digital arts to offer an immersive dining experience. Its focal point, The Imaginary Art Show, is a spectacular, innovative AI-powered concept that features the paintings of eight world-renowned contemporary artists from the late 19th and early 20th century. Chef Vladimir Mukhin, who has created a set menu of eight courses, curates the show, each dedicated to a particular masterpiece.
Helmed by the team behind Moscow’s famous White Rabbit restaurant, Krasota sets a new standard for innovation in the hospitality industry with its gastronomical theatre: an auditorium setting with a large circular table that can accommodate 20 diners, where pixel-perfect 3D multimedia performances are projected across the curved walls and the table, immaculately synchronised with each course.
Josette
If you are looking for a Dubai restaurant that seems straight out of a Wes Anderson movie, look no further than Josette. Located on the ground floor of CD Brookfield Place, its emerald green exterior reveals a picture-perfect composition of pastel pink, golden ochre, pistachio green and dazzling crystals.
This playful concept was envisioned by London-based designer Luke Edward Hall, whose whimsical sketches have adorned all manner of surfaces – from textiles to ceramics, and now, the sorbet-hued walls of Josette. Drawing inspiration from a plethora of French tastemakers (think Jean Cocteau, Josette Day, Francis Weisweiller and Yves Saint Laurent), the design takes cues from baroque architecture and the romantic glamour of Paris in the 1920s.
Ristorante Loren
Ristorante Loren, the Italian Riviera-inspired rooftop destination in West Palm Beach, offers impeccable views overlooking the Dubai Marina skyline. Designed by one of South Africa’s most awarded interior architects, Tristan Du Plessis, it gets its name from the iconic actress, Sophia Loren.
Loren's interiors are a stylish throwback to the 1960’s and 70’s Italian coastal lifestyle. Transporting diners to a vividly grand and deliciously chic world by the Amalfi Coast – think crisp whites and beautifully veined Italian marble, palm frond fans and floor-to-ceiling folding doors. A celebration of Italy that offers an exceptional dining experience, Loren evokes a desire for La Bella Vita.
Mott32
Perched on the 73rd floor of the Address Beach Resort, JBR, Mott 32 Dubai promises an imaginative take on contemporary Cantonese cuisine. And it is its opulent interior design that marries Chinese and Arabic design elements by Joyce Wang Studio that makes it memorable.
Taking inspiration from Arabian courtyard houses and keeping with the industrial style design typology of Mott 32, the restaurant is split into a series of different areas, each with an individual identity. From the softly lit vaulted ceiling that incorporates reflective tiles to emulate a sunset on sand dunes and the hand-painted feature wall by Fromental imitating date palms that dot the Arabian Peninsula, to a collection of authentic Chinese porcelain, the design successfully blends the restaurant’s deep roots in Hong Kong with opulence that is characteristic of Dubai. The perfect spot to round up our list of the most beautiful restaurants in Dubai.
Tamoka
Led by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Ze Sergio Hernandez Ruiz, Tamoka offers a refined multi-cuisine experience across Latin America and the Caribbean. Located at the Ritz-Carlton, JBR, the restaurant’s rustic charm is accentuated by wooden furnishings, vast greenery, a grand central tree adorned with ornaments and soft lighting as continuous odes to its continental roots. Drawing inspiration from the legendary journeys of the sea and migration, the space blends antique wood and woven textures seamlessly. Situated by the Arabian Gulf, Tamoka is just short steps away from its lush beach bar, Caña. @tamokadubai – Fatma Hassan
