Over the past few decades, Dubai has quickly become one of the most exciting tourist destinations globally. Summers in Dubai are notoriously hot, with the average temperature being 106 degrees, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find great outdoor dining in Dubai.
Here is a list of the top 9 best outdoor restaurants in Dubai.
1. Tribes Carnivore
When I think of vacationing in Dubai, I can’t help but think of upscale hotels, skyscrapers, and luxurious decor. One thing that is unique to Dubai is the Dubai Mall. Dubai Mall is one of the largest in the world and a big part of what makes Downtown Dubai so mesmerizing.
You will not find better views of the mall’s fountains than from Tribes Carnivore. Tribes Carnivore is all about an energetic, laid-back atmosphere focusing on African cuisine and design.
Located on the second level of the mall, the patio at Tribes Carnivore offers stunning views of the fountains and warm and inviting service. As good as the scenery is here, the food and drinks are equally popular. When I think of Tribes Carnivore, I think of the steaks, and they are undoubtedly the most popular thing on the menu.
Tribes Carnivore is thought of by many as having some of the best steaks you will find in Dubai. Grab a table after dark to see the light show and enjoy one of several delicious choices for a steak at this classic Dubai restaurant.
- Tribes Carnivore is located at:
Level 2, Star Atrium, The Dubai Mall – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Open 11:30 am to 12:00 am 7 days a week
- +971 4 226 4974
2. Social House
Also located in the Dubai Mall since 2010 is Social House. This standby Dubai Mall restaurant dishes up breakfast, lunch, and dinner both indoors and outdoors and boasts a fabulous view of the Dubai fountains.
When I think of buildings in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa immediately comes to mind. Dubai has some of the most impressive skyscrapers globally, and Burj Khalifa is easily one of the most unique. Social House offers an up-close glimpse of the tallest building in the world, so you’ll definitely enjoy the views here.
Both daytime and nighttime at Social House offer jaw-dropping views here, but I think the best time to come to Social House is at night. To see the tallest building in the world fully lit up is exceptional. The bar is beautiful and serves up excellent cocktails, and they come paired with the superb light show at the Burj Khalifa.
The light show is something that cannot be missed. Order the Nasi Goreng any time of day, a delicious Indonesian-style fried rice served with an egg on top. Many think Social House is one of the best places to try Nasi Goreng in Dubai. Make sure to try it yourself so you can decide if it’s your favorite, too.
- Social House is located at:
101 Dubai – Al Ain Rd Between The Dubai Fountain and Star Atrium, Dubai United Arab Emirates
- Hours of operation are 9:00 am to 12:00 am Monday through Thursday, and 9:00 am to 1:00 am Friday through Sunday.
- +971 4 339 8640
3. Al Mandaloun
One of my favorite cuisines is Lebanese food, and look no further than Al Mandaloun for one of the best Lebanese restaurants in all of Dubai. Al Mandaloun started in Deira nearly 40 years ago and has been its current location in Dubai since 2005. The food is authentic Lebanese with an attention to quality and cooking that you won’t find at many other places.
You can choose to eat inside or out, but I would suggest outside here, of course! You will be dining on a beautiful outdoor second-story terrace overlooking the Dubai financial district.
What better way to unwind after business meetings than with delicious Lebanese food? Al Mandaloun is open for all three meal periods and is delightful and charming no matter what time you go, but I personally love an excellent Lebanese breakfast outdoors.
- Al Mandaloun is located at:
Dubai International Financial Center, Building 3, Level 2, Dubai
- Hours of outdoor dining are 8:00 am till 12:00 am 7 days a week.
- 04 363 7474
4. Level 43: Sky Lounge
I don’t know about you, but not much is more exciting than eating sushi from a rooftop 40 stories high under city lights. Sushi with a view is the ultimate experience at Level 43 Sky Lounge, and the views from this restaurant and lounge are indeed breathtaking.
This Sheraton hotel lounge sits over 40 stories high above Sheikh Zayed, the longest road in the United Arab Emirates. You have an up-close view of the many skyscrapers surrounding the hotel and the brilliant lights that illuminate the buildings and streets.
This restaurant isn’t just about the views. The sushi here is excellent, and the service is energetic, attentive, and considered by many people to be top-notch. They also have music playing all evening to give you the best experience.
You will often find a DJ playing at Level 43 Sky Lounge late at night to make an evening you won’t forget. Impress your friends, family, or date with an unbelievable birds-eye view of Sheikh Zayed Road and the looming skyscrapers while enjoying some of the best sushi in town and great cocktails from Level 43 Sky Lounge.
- Level 43 Lounge is located at:
Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, P.O. Box 116162, Dubai 116162
- Hours of operation are 2:00 pm to 2:00 am 7 days a week
- +971 56 414 2213
5. Sunken Garden
When I think of the best service at hotel restaurants and bars, the Ritz Carlton immediately comes to mind, and the Sunken Garden at the Ritz Carlton Dubai International Financial Center is no exception. The ambiance here is incredible. Palms surround you in this luxury hideaway in the heart of the DIFC. If you’re looking for a relaxing restaurant with a beachy vibe and good cocktails, this is the place for you.
The food here is known to be as good as the service. The kitchen focuses on locally inspired small plates that are among the best you will find. In addition to food, the Sunken Garden has a great cocktail bar and is known to have one of the best Shisha selections around.
You can choose from dozens of different flavors of Shisha, a flavored tobacco product that you smoke out of an elegant pipe. If you want to enjoy an afternoon in what feels like a true oasis in Dubai, look no further than the Sunken Garden and treat yourself to a uniquely Dubai experience.
- Sunken Garden is located at:
Ritz Carlton DIFC Dubai United Arab Emirates
- Hours of operation are 3:00 pm to 4:00 am 7 days a week
- +971 4 372 2222
6. Fish Beach Taverna
It may surprise you, but before the skyscrapers and luxury hotels, Dubai was a bustling 18th-century fishing village. It makes sense that it was a historic fishing village as Dubai sits directly next to the Persian Gulf.
There are excellent fishing opportunities to be found in the Persian Gulf, so there is still fantastic seafood to be found in Dubai. One of the best choices for outdoor dining if you are craving seafood is Fish Beach Taverna.
This restaurant is located on the waterfront in a marina, and the seafood tastes as fresh as the location would indicate. I don’t know a place where I would rather have fresh seafood than somewhere so close to the water. They are known here not only for their healthy and tasty food but also for having remarkable table service.
The wait staff caters to your every wish, making this an ideal spot for a romantic evening with your loved one. The environment is inviting with a Mediterranean aesthetic and menu, and the food is delicious. For the freshest seafood in a warm and intimate environment, Fish Beach Taverna is the one to beat.
- Fish Beach Taverna is located at:
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Hours of operation are 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm 7 days a week
- 04 511 7373
7. The Boardwalk
Located on Dubai Creek in the Hyatt hotel is The Boardwalk. This restaurant has been a popular choice for tourists and locals in Dubai for over 20 years. The views of Dubai Creek are stunning. I can not think of a better place to watch the sunset in Dubai while listening to live music and enjoying cocktails and an eclectic menu.
Popular choices for dinner include seafood, pasta, and pizza. They also host special events like cocktail evenings and brunches that will impress your friends or loved ones. The Boardwalk has one of the best waterfront patios in Dubai, and I would highly recommend seeing it for yourself for dinner or drinks.
- The Boardwalk is located at:
Dubai Creek Resort – Port Saeed – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- The hours of operation are 12:00 Noon to Midnight Monday through Friday and 11:30 to Midnight Saturday and Sunday.
- +971 4 205 4647
8. Tamoka Dubai
Located right at the Persian Gulf along the Marina walk is the fabulous Tamoka Dubai. Are you craving Latin American flavors while in Dubai? Then this is the perfect place for you to dine outdoors. The vibe here is hip, laid back, and fun, and the music will transport you away to another world.
The views of the gulf are gorgeous. The food is so authentic that you may feel like you’re actually in Latin America while you’re here, but take one look out at the beautiful Persian Gulf, and you’ll quickly realize that you are in stunning Dubai.
I love having a cocktail while watching a sunset near the beach, and this is a perfect spot to end your evening. The food here is considered by many to be some of the best Latin American food you’ll find in Dubai. One thing that makes this place stand out is its gorgeous location right on the beach. It’s a perfect spot to relax any evening of the week.
- Tamoka Dubai is located at
Al Mamsha St – Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Hours of operation are 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm, 7 days a week.
- +971 4 318 6099
9. Giardino
One thing that Dubai is known for is extravagant hotels. Dubai is home to one of the largest concentrations of 5-star hotels in one city in the entire world, with 61 in total! Only London has more 5 star hotels.
Luxury hotels are something that sets Dubai’s food scene apart because the level of attention to detail and service at these hotels is outstanding. Palazzo Versace is no exception, and their restaurant Giardino is one of the most impressive in all of Dubai.
The decor inside the restaurant is stunning, and the outdoor seating on the terrace is equally romantic and beautiful. Dine on some of the best food in Dubai daily, or come here on the weekend for the special events they host.
The Ocean Feast and Jungle Brunch are both unique and exciting options if you want to try something different at Giardino in Dubai. The Ocean Feast will give you an exceptional selection of the best shellfish around, and the Jungle Brunch will be a perfect activity for making you and your family feel like you’re being treated like royalty.
- Giardino is located at:
Palazzo Versace Dubai at Jaddaf Waterfront
- +971 4 556 8805
Hours of operation depend on the day. Giardino consistently opens at 6:30 am 7 days of the week, with dinner hours from 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm through Friday and 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Lunch is only available on Fridays from 1 pm to 5 pm.