Earlier this week I was asked by a friend for restaurant recommendations for visitors she had over from Scotland. This is not the first time that I've been asked this and when I'm put on the spot it can be difficult to come up with suggestions off the top of my head. So solve this problem I decided to come up with this detailed list of what I think are the best places to eat in Dubai. Bon appetite!
Pricing Guide £ (budget), ££ (mid-range), £££ (expensive)
Best Restaurants in Downtown Dubai
The Meat Co
Meal Type: Dinner | Cuisine: Steakhouse | Cost: £££ | Location: Souk Al Bahar
Highlights: Char-grilled Chicken Breast with Creamy Mash and Broccoli with Chilli & Garlic
The Cheesecake Factory
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Mixed | Cost: ££ | Location: Dubai Mall
Highlights: Complimentary bread, Chicken Chipotle Pasta and Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake
Nezeaussi
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Bar Food & Steakhouse | Cost: ££ | Location: Manzil Hotel
Highlights: Tuesday's Ladies Night - Spend AED 50+ on drinks and get main course for free (T&Cs apply)
California Pizza Kitchen
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Italian | Cost: ££ | Location: Dubai Mail
Highlights: Margaritas Pizza
Caribou
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Cafe Snacks | Cost: £ | Location: Dubai Mail
Highlights: Hot Coffees and Chicken & Cheese Panini's
Fortnum & Mason
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Cafe Snacks | Cost: £££ | Location: Dubai Mail
Highlights: Afternoon Tea
International House of Pancakes (IHOP)
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: American | Cost: ££ | Location: The Walk
Highlights: Original French Toast and Chicken Enchiladas
Best Restaurants in Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
The Cheesecake Factory
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Mixed | Cost: ££ | Location: The Beach
Highlights: Complimentary bread, Chicken Chipotle Pasta and Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake
PF Chang's
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Asian | Cost: ££ | Location: The Beach
Highlights: Vegetarian Spring Rolls
Big Chefs
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Mixed | Cost: ££ | Location: The Beach
Highlights: Rosehip Ice Tea
Eggspectation
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Mixed | Cost: ££ | Location: The Beach
Highlights: Massive breakfast selection
Carluccio's
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Italian | Cost: ££ | Location: The Walk
Highlights: Spaghetti & Meatballs and Rosemary Potatoes
Caribou
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Cafe Snacks | Cost: £ | Location: Dubai Mail
Highlights: Hot Coffees and Chicken & Cheese Panini's
International House of Pancakes (IHOP)
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: American | Cost: ££ | Location: The Walk
Highlights: Original French Toast and Chicken Enchiladas
The Butcher Shop & Grill
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Steakhouse | Cost: ££ | Location: The Walk
Highlights: Chicken Espetada with Garlic Potatoes
Best Restaurants in Dubai Marina
Shakespeare and Co
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Cafe Snacks | Cost: ££ | Location: Dubai Marina Mall
Highlights: Chicken Sandwiches
Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK)
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner Cuisine: Burgers Cost: ££ Location: Dubai Marina Mall
Highlights: Blue Cheese Burger, Sweet Potato Fries and they deliver!
Carluccio's
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Italian | Cost: ££ | Location: The Walk
Highlights: Spaghetti & Meatballs and Rosemary Potatoes
Nell Gwynne
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: British Pub Food | Cost: £ | Location: Marina Byblos Hotel
Highlights: Cheese Toasties and Chips, Pork sausages available
25°55° Café Bistro
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Mixed | Cost: ££ | Location: Dubai Marina Yacht Club
Highlights: All day breakfast uniquely served in a frying pan (includes pork sausages)
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Meal Type: Dinner | Cuisine: Steakhouse | Cost: £££ | Location: The Address Dubai Marina Hotel
Highlights: Wednesday Ladies Night – 4 x free glasses of red/wine wine and 50% off food
Best Restaurants on Palm Jumeirah
Bidi Bondi
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Pub Food | Cost: £ | Location: Clubhouse Al Manhal, 3 & 4 Shore Line Apartments
Highlights: Weekend Offer - 4 drinks and meal for only 150 Dhs (T&Cs apply)
Best Restaurants in and around Sheikh Zayed Road
Tribes
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: African Steakhouse | Cost: ££ | Location: Mall of the Emirates
Highlights: Complimentary bread and North African Chicken Burger
The Butcher Shop & Grill
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Steakhouse | Cost: ££ | Location: Mall of the Emirates
Highlights: Chicken Espetada with Garlic Potatoes
PF Chang's
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Asian | Cost: ££ | Location: Mall of the Emirates
Highlights: Vegetarian Spring Rolls
Tamanya Terrace
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Bar Food | Cost: ££ | Location: Radisson Blu, Media City
Highlights: Roof Top Views
ICON Bar & Lounge
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Bar Food | Cost: ££ | Location: Radisson Blu, Media City
Highlights: Open during the month of Ramadan
Lounge Café Italiano
Meal Type: Lunch & Early Dinner | Cuisine: Italian/Mediteratian | Cost: £ | Location: Arenco Tower, Media City
Highlights: Chicken Sandwiches and Chicken with Mashed Potato
Best Restaurants in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim
Salt
Meal Type: Lunch | Cuisine: Fast Food | Cost: £ | Location: Kite Beach
Highlights: Beach-side location
Latitude
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: International | Cost: ££ | Location: Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Highlights: Friday Brunch and Views of Burj Al Arab
Dhow & Anchor
Meal Type: Dinner | Cuisine: International | Cost: £££ | Location: Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Highlights: Views of Burj Al Arab
Beachcombers
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: International | Cost: ££ | Location: Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Highlights: Friday Brunch and Views of Burj Al Arab
360°
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: International | Cost: £££ | Location: Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Highlights: Views of Burj Al Arab
Uptown Bar
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: International | Cost: ££ | Location: Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Highlights: Views of Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah
The Meat Co
Meal Type: Dinner | Cuisine: Steakhouse | Cost: £££ | Location: Souk Al Bahar
Highlights: Char-grilled Chicken Breast with Creamy Mash and Broccoli with Chilli & Garlic
Bahri Bar
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Bar Food | Cost: ££ | Location: Mina A' Salam, Madinat Jumeirah
Highlights: Views of Burj Al Arab and Cocktails
The Agency
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Bar Food | Cost: ££ | Location: Madinat Jumeirah
Highlights: Views of Madinat
Toscana
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Italian | Cost: ££ | Location: Madinat Jumeirah
Highlights: Quattro Formaggi Pizza, Lasagne, Views of Madinat and Burj Al Arab
Arboretum
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: International Buffet | Cost: ££ | Location: Al Qasar, Madinat Jumeirah
Highlights: Friday Brunch and Sea Views
As you can see from this comprehensive list of restaurants in Dubai there is no shortage of restaurants to choose. This list will be a 'work in progress' as I discover new restaurants to try.
You can keep up-to-date with my restaurant recommendations and my Dubai adventures by following subscribing to this blog below and following me on Twitter and Facebook.
Pricing Guide £ (budget), ££ (mid-range), £££ (expensive)
Best Restaurants in Downtown Dubai
The Meat Co
Meal Type: Dinner | Cuisine: Steakhouse | Cost: £££ | Location: Souk Al Bahar
Highlights: Char-grilled Chicken Breast with Creamy Mash and Broccoli with Chilli & Garlic
The Cheesecake Factory
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Mixed | Cost: ££ | Location: Dubai Mall
Highlights: Complimentary bread, Chicken Chipotle Pasta and Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake
Nezeaussi
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Bar Food & Steakhouse | Cost: ££ | Location: Manzil Hotel
Highlights: Tuesday's Ladies Night - Spend AED 50+ on drinks and get main course for free (T&Cs apply)
California Pizza Kitchen
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Italian | Cost: ££ | Location: Dubai Mail
Highlights: Margaritas Pizza
Caribou
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Cafe Snacks | Cost: £ | Location: Dubai Mail
Highlights: Hot Coffees and Chicken & Cheese Panini's
Fortnum & Mason
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Cafe Snacks | Cost: £££ | Location: Dubai Mail
Highlights: Afternoon Tea
International House of Pancakes (IHOP)
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: American | Cost: ££ | Location: The Walk
Highlights: Original French Toast and Chicken Enchiladas
Best Restaurants in Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
The Cheesecake Factory
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Mixed | Cost: ££ | Location: The Beach
Highlights: Complimentary bread, Chicken Chipotle Pasta and Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake
PF Chang's
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Asian | Cost: ££ | Location: The Beach
Highlights: Vegetarian Spring Rolls
Big Chefs
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Mixed | Cost: ££ | Location: The Beach
Highlights: Rosehip Ice Tea
Eggspectation
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Mixed | Cost: ££ | Location: The Beach
Highlights: Massive breakfast selection
Carluccio's
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Italian | Cost: ££ | Location: The Walk
Highlights: Spaghetti & Meatballs and Rosemary Potatoes
Caribou
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Cafe Snacks | Cost: £ | Location: Dubai Mail
Highlights: Hot Coffees and Chicken & Cheese Panini's
International House of Pancakes (IHOP)
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: American | Cost: ££ | Location: The Walk
Highlights: Original French Toast and Chicken Enchiladas
The Butcher Shop & Grill
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Steakhouse | Cost: ££ | Location: The Walk
Highlights: Chicken Espetada with Garlic Potatoes
Best Restaurants in Dubai Marina
Shakespeare and Co
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Cafe Snacks | Cost: ££ | Location: Dubai Marina Mall
Highlights: Chicken Sandwiches
Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK)
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner Cuisine: Burgers Cost: ££ Location: Dubai Marina Mall
Highlights: Blue Cheese Burger, Sweet Potato Fries and they deliver!
Carluccio's
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Italian | Cost: ££ | Location: The Walk
Highlights: Spaghetti & Meatballs and Rosemary Potatoes
Nell Gwynne
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: British Pub Food | Cost: £ | Location: Marina Byblos Hotel
Highlights: Cheese Toasties and Chips, Pork sausages available
25°55° Café Bistro
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: Mixed | Cost: ££ | Location: Dubai Marina Yacht Club
Highlights: All day breakfast uniquely served in a frying pan (includes pork sausages)
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Meal Type: Dinner | Cuisine: Steakhouse | Cost: £££ | Location: The Address Dubai Marina Hotel
Highlights: Wednesday Ladies Night – 4 x free glasses of red/wine wine and 50% off food
Best Restaurants on Palm Jumeirah
Bidi Bondi
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Pub Food | Cost: £ | Location: Clubhouse Al Manhal, 3 & 4 Shore Line Apartments
Highlights: Weekend Offer - 4 drinks and meal for only 150 Dhs (T&Cs apply)
Best Restaurants in and around Sheikh Zayed Road
Tribes
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: African Steakhouse | Cost: ££ | Location: Mall of the Emirates
Highlights: Complimentary bread and North African Chicken Burger
The Butcher Shop & Grill
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Steakhouse | Cost: ££ | Location: Mall of the Emirates
Highlights: Chicken Espetada with Garlic Potatoes
PF Chang's
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Asian | Cost: ££ | Location: Mall of the Emirates
Highlights: Vegetarian Spring Rolls
Tamanya Terrace
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Bar Food | Cost: ££ | Location: Radisson Blu, Media City
Highlights: Roof Top Views
ICON Bar & Lounge
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Bar Food | Cost: ££ | Location: Radisson Blu, Media City
Highlights: Open during the month of Ramadan
Lounge Café Italiano
Meal Type: Lunch & Early Dinner | Cuisine: Italian/Mediteratian | Cost: £ | Location: Arenco Tower, Media City
Highlights: Chicken Sandwiches and Chicken with Mashed Potato
Best Restaurants in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim
Salt
Meal Type: Lunch | Cuisine: Fast Food | Cost: £ | Location: Kite Beach
Highlights: Beach-side location
Latitude
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: International | Cost: ££ | Location: Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Highlights: Friday Brunch and Views of Burj Al Arab
Dhow & Anchor
Meal Type: Dinner | Cuisine: International | Cost: £££ | Location: Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Highlights: Views of Burj Al Arab
Beachcombers
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: International | Cost: ££ | Location: Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Highlights: Friday Brunch and Views of Burj Al Arab
360°
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: International | Cost: £££ | Location: Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Highlights: Views of Burj Al Arab
Uptown Bar
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: International | Cost: ££ | Location: Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Highlights: Views of Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah
The Meat Co
Meal Type: Dinner | Cuisine: Steakhouse | Cost: £££ | Location: Souk Al Bahar
Highlights: Char-grilled Chicken Breast with Creamy Mash and Broccoli with Chilli & Garlic
Bahri Bar
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Bar Food | Cost: ££ | Location: Mina A' Salam, Madinat Jumeirah
Highlights: Views of Burj Al Arab and Cocktails
The Agency
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Bar Food | Cost: ££ | Location: Madinat Jumeirah
Highlights: Views of Madinat
Toscana
Meal Type: Lunch & Dinner | Cuisine: Italian | Cost: ££ | Location: Madinat Jumeirah
Highlights: Quattro Formaggi Pizza, Lasagne, Views of Madinat and Burj Al Arab
Arboretum
Meal Type: All | Cuisine: International Buffet | Cost: ££ | Location: Al Qasar, Madinat Jumeirah
Highlights: Friday Brunch and Sea Views
As you can see from this comprehensive list of restaurants in Dubai there is no shortage of restaurants to choose. This list will be a 'work in progress' as I discover new restaurants to try.
You can keep up-to-date with my restaurant recommendations and my Dubai adventures by following subscribing to this blog below and following me on Twitter and Facebook.
