The Bur Dubai district is a foody paradise – you can choose between the ultra-cool La Piscina with its trendy poolside cuisine, decadent cocktails, sunset DJ vibes, or dine on a Michelin stared Persian feast at Enigma.
Here’s my list of the ten best Bur Dubai restaurants based on experience and honest customer reviews. So, have a sneak peek at my favorites!
1. Purani Dilli: Award-Winning North Indian Cuisine
Let’s face it; nothing beats the satisfaction of enjoying the intense aromatic taste sensation of a hearty curry; it’s life-affirming stuff!
The Purani Dilli offers a plethora of authentic North Indian dishes with exemplary attentive service and a great ambiance. So it is no wonder that this hidden gem won a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award.
Their incredibly comprehensive menu includes a wide variety of delicious Indian gastronomical delights ranging from vegetarian dishes like “Paneer Khubani Bharwan Tikka” and traditional curries including “Butter Chicken Khass” to traditional Dilli Gosht Biryani.
The menu also caters to those with a sweet tooth with traditional desserts like “Phirni Shahjahani,” including a Dessert Sampler with a little bit of everything to end your meal with panache.
- Reservations: +971 50 211 6816
- Email: dtn.restaurants@marriott.com
- Website: https://www.puranidillidubai.com/downtown
- Address: Mankhool, Street 4C, Bur Dubai, Dubai Ground Floor/ lobby level
- Opening Hours: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM
2. La Piscina: A Dubai Bucket List Destination
The Instagram-worthy poolside La Piscina is situated amidst the lush tropical palm trees of the elegant Palazzo Versace, which features spectacular waterfront views and a great vibe.
La Piscine is one of those rare places where you can enjoy a dip in a sparkling pool, a delicious lunch, and listen to great tunes sipping a decadent cocktail while the sun goes down; what’s more, to love!
La Piscina’s menu features many nutritious meals perfect for lazy poolside afternoons ranging from sushi refreshing chilled soups to sumptuous Mediterranean platters that are a feast for the eye.
Or enjoy one of their divine cocktails like the “Drama,” “Volcano,” or the famous “Spice Me Up” signature drinks, enjoying the DJ’s sunset tunes.
La Piscina is also known for hosting fun events like ‘XOXO’ Fridays, where you can enjoy a romantic seafood dinner with live music and dancers.
Contact Details
- Reservations: +971 58 226 6443
- Email: info@palazzoversace.ae
- Website: https://www.palazzoversace.ae/restaurants-and-bars/la-piscina
- Address: Jaddaf Waterfront, Al Jaddaf Palazzo Versace
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
3. Enigma: A Taste Of Persia
Enigma is foodie heaven with its playful, innovative dishes that love to push boundaries with Middle Eastern artistic flair. No wonder it won a prestigious dining award!
It is one of the few places in Dubai where you can immerse your senses in the exotic “Taste of Persia,” masterfully crafted under the stewardship of Michelin star Chef Mansour Memarian, with a team of world-class chefs who share his visionary zeal.
Diners can choose between indoor seating that is perfect for a date night with its ambient twinkling lights or outdoor seating that features spectacular views of the sparkling pool, including the glistening Dubai Cove.
Contact Details
- Reservations: +971 4 556 8830
- Email: enigma@palazzoversace.ae
- · Website: https://www.palazzoversace.ae/restaurants-and-bars/enigma
- Address: Palazzo Versace
- Business Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
4. Doors Freestyle Grill: Slick & Sophisticated
With its sophisticated gold and moody black interiors, the Doors Freestyle Grill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Al Seef Dubai Creek; it is a chic restaurant for discerning diners in a stylish, ambient setting.
While the authentic Turkish-inspired menu, with a modern twist, caters to steak and seafood lovers with gourmet meals expertly prepared on free-style grills, there are several great vegetarian dishes.
This theatrical restaurant starts “the show” when a gold trolley is moved to your table, topped with a massive piece of beef expertly seared to perfection by the highly proficient server. The result is a smoky yet spicy divine starter that has you craving for more.
Then it’s time for Chef Kemal Çéylan’s unbelievably succulent Beef Butterfall Steak, which comprises tenderloin slices smothered with an orange-butter sauce, seared to gastronomic perfection.
The restaurant’s meat is imported from the best butchers across the globe. Chef Çéylan even has a farm to ensure that he only serves the finest quality products, which are evident in the exceptional taste. For instance, his succulent lamb is simply grilled yet bursts with incredible flavor!
While meat is the restaurant’s specialty, their grilled seafood, especially their gigantic prawns, drenched in a piquant garlic sauce and adorned with chic rose petals, are sensational!
Moreover, you can enjoy a delicious non-alcoholic beverage from the restaurant’s mixology cocktail bar, which resembles a fun science lab, or chat with friends in their stylish shisha lounge or VIP area.
Then end your feast with their signature Eden Garden dessert, which consists of rotund chocolate filled with divine crème brûlée and sliced fruit.
The Doors Freestyle Grill is a foodie’s paradise!
Contact Details
- Reservations: +971 4 204 9299
- Email: connect@doorsdubai.com
- Website: https://www.doorsdubai.com/en/
- Address: 8/5 – 314 Al Seef St
- Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
5. Antique Bazaar: The Royal Experience
A visit to Antique Bazaar is like stepping back into India’s royal past. It is beautifully decorated in carved wood and red upholstered chairs that make you feel regal. Performers entertain guests with the sitar, singing folk songs, and dancing. This is an experience that delights all the senses.
Antique Bazaar offers an extensive menu catering to vegetarians, seafood lovers, and meat-eaters. Their Thali lunch special is a local favorite. Their food is fresh, fragrant, and delicious. The restaurant is well known for its willingness to adjust dishes to suit special dietary needs, topping off their excellent service. The people at Antique Bazaar go out of their way to make all their guests feel special and welcome.
It is advised to book ahead before arrival. Also, note that the hours might change during Ramadan and special holidays.
- Reservations: +971 4 397 7444
- Website: https://www.antiquebazaar-dubai.com/
- Address: Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai, Khalid Bin Walid Street
- Opening Hours: 12:30 – 3:30 pm, 6pm-12 am
6. Vanitas: Award-Winning Italian Cuisine
With its elegant Italian aesthetic, Vanitas is situated at Palazzo Versace and offers gorgeous views of the Dubai Cove in a cozy setting perfect for a romantic dinner.
The restaurant has a vibe atmosphere, with great live music shows and dancers, coupled with excellent staff and a lovely terrace dining area which is beautiful at night.
The extensive Vanitas menu includes a variety of Italian classics like risotto, burrata, and outstanding tiramisus that are both delicious and beautifully presented, including an impressive cocktail menu for lazy sundowners.
Vanitas is also renowned for its tasty regional signature dishes from Tuscany, Lazio, Romano, and Sardinia, including Southern Italy. So, there’s a great chance that you might be able to enjoy a delicious meal you discovered while traveling through the heart of Italy.
So, it’s no wonder they have so many glowing reviews!
Contact Details
- Reservations: +971 4 556 8820
- Email: info@palazzoversace.ae
- Website: https://www.palazzoversace.ae/en/restaurants/vanitas.html
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanitasdubai/?hl=en
- Address: Al Jadaf
- Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
7. Sufra Restaurant: The Best Intercontinental Breakfasts!
Sufra is the perfect restaurant for anyone who enjoys a wide array of delicious breakfast dishes from around the world in a beautiful setting located in the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights hotel.
Diners are spoilt for choice as the comprehensive menu includes various breakfast Middle Eastern, Western, and Indian specialties with an elegant flair.
Sufra’s hearty signature dishes include delicious pancakes, fatayer, mezze, kebabs, salads, Turkish charcoal meat, ‘sawani,’ a mixed Iranian grill, a moreish Greek Kleftiko, including the succulent lamb Ouzi which is beautifully presented.
Although Sufra is incredibly popular and packed most of the time, they are known for their warm hospitality and outstanding service levels.
Contact Details
- Reservations: +971 45531212
- Website: https://www.hyattrestaurants.com/en/dining/uae/dubai/middle-eastern-restaurant-in-oud-metha-sufra
- Address: 20B St Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights
- Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM
8. Al Ustad Special Kabab: A Hidden Little Gem In The Heart Of Bur Dubai
While the Al Ustad Special Kabab is not a finding dining restaurant, it certainly deserves mention, especially if you can’t resist a succulent kabab in a quirky eatery that has been cherished for over 38 years.
Although the Al Ustad Special Kabab menu is not extensive, all their dishes are hearty Iranian soul food that must be tasted to be believed. Moreover, you get a lot of value for your money as all meals include complimentary complimentary complimentary side dishes.
Signature dishes include Khorak Bahraini marinaded in tangy dry lemon, including Joojeh Kebabs, consisting of saffron marinated chicken. Both options are served with either buttery rice adorned with pomegranates or Persian bread with a divine garlic butter sauce.
Al Ustad Special Kabab is a definite must if you visit Dubai; the authentic food and warm hospitality are exceptional. In addition, it makes you feel like a time-traveler as the restaurant’s walls are covered with their loyal customers’ photos.
While this is not a place for anyone seeking sophisticated, fine dining, it is a foodie’s paradise with a warm and hospitable owner who personally greets all his guests.
Contact Details
- Reservations: +97143971469; +97143972111; +97143971933
- Website: https://alustadspecialkabab.has.restaurant/
- Address: Ground Floor, Bahwan Plaza, Al Mussallah Road, Mankhool
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM- 01:00 AM
9. Amritsr Restaurant: Critically Acclaimed Punjabi Cuisine
If you are searching for a delectable authentic North Indian restaurant that serves some of the Punjabi dishes in Dubai – book a table at Amritsr!
The restaurant, which many reviewers describe as “a home, away from home,” is incredibly popular to such an extent that it has won a prestigious fine dining award, so reserve a seat well in advance.
However, one could be forgiven for being unable to choose a meal from Amritsar’s impressive menu; there is so much on offer!
Although, it does not matter what you choose. Amritsar’s dishes are all delicious meals, especially their Punjabi chicken curries, succulent aromatic Kababs, Birbal Kofta, Garlic Naan, Cheese Kulcha, Chole, and their tasty Chutney. Or choose a dish you can’t even pronounce – food should be an adventure.
Amritsr is also renowned for its great ambiance, making you feel like you are in the middle of a village (pind) or a “Dhaba” with its ambient lighting and cozy seats.
While receiving your order might take some time, it’s perfectly understandable as the restaurant is incredibly popular with diners and those who order takeaways. But the wait was worth it as Amritsar is one of the best Punjabi restaurants in Dubai!
Contact Details
- Reservations: +971 50 678 0096
- Email: amritsrrestaurant@gmail.com
- Website: https://amritsruae.com/menu.html
- Address: Al Attar Center
- Opening Hours: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
10. Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe: Simply Outstanding!
The Arabian Tea House, situated in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, formerly known as Al Bastakiya, is one of Dubai’s oldest and finest Emiraty restaurants.
It’s a little quiet oasis in the bustling city that will transport you back in time to the UAE’s deeply entrenched Arabic and Islamic historical roots and immerse your senses in what Emirati life was like so long ago.
This enchanting tea house features a lovingly restored village with ancient sikkas, winding shaded pathways dotted with authentic turquoise-colored benches, rainbow-hued flowers, and retro rattan chairs. It’s a perfect spot to relax with friends and escape from the day’s insentient heat.
There are 150 exotic beverages to choose from, including the likes of Galway (Arabic coffee), refreshing minty lemonade, and their signature black tea blend with fruit and herbs, which will undoubtedly quench your thirst on a hot day!
Moreover, it’s one of the few restaurants in Dubai where you enjoy authentic Emarati dishes prepared based on secret family recipes passed on through different generations.
The comprehensive menu includes signature dishes like “regag” bread, filled with cheese and egg and adorned with honey, including baked sweet treats like habitat with molasses. Other favorites include falafel, hummus, Fattoush, luqaimat, and ocean-fresh grilled fish.
What’s more, the Arabian Tea House menu features generously proportioned, reasonably priced authentic dishes, and you are sure to receive a special warm Emeratti welcome and excellent service to match.
Contact Details
- Reservations: +971 4 353 5071
- Email: BRANCH01@ARABIANTEAHOUSE.COM
- Website: https://arabianteahouse.com/
- Address: Al Fahidi Street Bur, Bastakiya, Opposite Musalla Post Office
- Opening Hours: 07:30 AM – 11:00 PM