The Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) is a must-see on your trip to Dubai. Along with being the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, DIFC is home to world-renowned art galleries, beautiful architecture, and terrific dining.
But where are the best places to eat at DIFC?
1. Mint Leaf of London Dubai
Mint Leaf of London Dubai is one of the premier Indian fine dining locations in Dubai. They offer both spicy and non-spicy versions of authentic Indian dishes with a modern twist.
In the mood for a nice cocktail? Mint Leaf of London Dubai is also recognized as one of the best cocktail bars in Dubai, so you can enjoy an excellent selection of drinks during your DIFC visit.
Located on the 15th floor of the South Tower of the Emirates Towers, Mint Leaf of London Dubai offers breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline, including an uninterrupted view of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper.
Mint Leaf is open daily from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM. To make a reservation, you can do so through their website or by calling the number they provide.
2. Carnival de Trèsind
A celebration of modern Indian cuisine, Carnival de Trèsind is considered one of the best Indian restaurants in DIFC.
Their menu changes every few months, called “Seasons.” Each Season has a different theme. For example, the menu of Season 9 had the theme of Nouvelle Indian. Previous Season themes include Asian, Books, Colonial Indian, and La La Land.
Carnival de Trèsind is an offshoot of Passion F&B, aiming to bring revered Indian cuisine and hospitality to the global stage. It’s located in the Burj Daman skyscraper, also known as the Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Finance Centre.
This restaurant is open Monday through Sunday from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM. If you’re interested in making a reservation, go to their website or give them a call.
3. LPM Restaurant & Bar
LPM (La Petite Maison) Restaurant & Bar is an upscale French restaurant nestled between gorgeous art galleries and high-end shopping. LPM in Dubai is one of the most highly ranked restaurants in the region and is currently number 8 of Middle East North Africa’s (MENA) best restaurants.
Nicknamed “La Grande Maison,” LPM Restaurant & Bar in Dubai is located in Gate Village 8. It has large windows and high ceilings which provide fantastic views. In addition to being a beautiful location, LPM also provides excellent food. While LPM is a French establishment, they emphasize key elements in Niçoise food such as olive oil and tomatoes.
You can make a reservation by going to their website or calling the number listed on their site.
4. BOCA
With a strong commitment to sustainability and local sourcing, BOCA is influenced by Mediterranean cuisines, most prominently Spanish.
Despite being in the desert, BOCA aims to show that the UAE has a wide variety of habitats, from farmlands to mountains to oceans. They source all of their food from local farms and fishers. If you’re interested in checking out this restaurant, it’s located in the heart of DIFC in Gate Village 6.
You can make a reservation directly from their Tripadvisor page or over the phone.
5. Flair 5
Flair 5 is one of the best places to grab a meal and enjoy a fruity cocktail after a long day exploring DIFC.
Flair 5 is located on the podium level of the Ritz-Carlton at DIFC. Nicknamed Dubai’s “urban jungle,” this restaurant offers a beautiful alcove garden and fine dining. Trust the mixologists to make you a floral-inspired cocktail with a DJ to set the mood.
Here are the current hours for Flair 5:
- Sunday to Friday: 5:00 PM – 4:00 AM
- Saturday Brunch: 1:00 PM – 4:30 AM
- Saturday Dinner: 9:00 PM – 4:00 AM
To make a reservation, check out their website, give them a call, or email them at the listed address.
6. Bombay Borough
Indian through and through, Bombay Borough is modern Indian food at its best. With flavors from all around India, you’ll experience outstanding Indian cuisine in all its forms.
Bombay Borough is owned by Charcoal Concepts, one of India’s largest hospitality and food services companies. They believe that food tastes better when eaten with good friends.
Situated next to Sotheby’s at Gate Village 3, Bombay Borough is located on two floors. It has different areas for various moods, offering spaces to hang out with friends, drink at the bar, or enjoy a meal with family.
Here are the hours of Bombay Borough:
- Saturday through Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- Thursday through Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 AM
To make a reservation, go to their website or reserve a table over the phone.
7. Hutong
In the mood for delicious all-you-can-eat dim sum? Hutong is the place to go. Located in the DIFC, Hutong is perfect for grabbing a bite of Northern Chinese cuisine, serving everything from dim sum to barbeque to divine cocktails.
Pace yourself when you eat here; the food is so good that you’ll just want to devour it in one bite. The Peking duck is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. Some dishes may be spicy, but there is food for everyone. Hutong offers a mix of both vegetarian options and meat-based dishes.
They are open Monday to Sunday and provide different hours for lunch and brunch, dinner, and the bar. Here are Hutong’s current hours:
- Lunch: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
- Brunch: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
- Dinner: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Bar: 6:30 PM – 2:00 AM
Check out their website to find contact information or make reservations.
8. Roberto’s Restaurant & Lounge
Roberto’s Restaurant & Lounge is a multi-year award-winning restaurant that aims to serve the best Italian food in the area. With an authentic mix of both traditional and contemporary dishes, Roberto’s is an excellent place to grab a bite to eat.
Roberto’s bases its menu on Roman, Venetian, and Milanese influences. This combination brings a unique interpretation of Italian food to the table, making it one of the most unique restaurants in the DIFC.
The restaurant is in DIFC’s Gate Village Building 1 and has a beautiful view of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, and will provide you with a truly cosmopolitan experience.
Roberto’s is open daily from 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM. To make a reservation, I recommend visiting their website to find all the necessary contact information.
9. Zuma
With authentic yet contemporary Japanese cuisine, Zuma is a favorite restaurant for many DIFC visitors.
Zuma is one of 18 locations worldwide. The location at DIFC offers a menu of meals meant to be shared with the table, also known as izakaya style.
Located in Gate Village 6, the restaurant has seven separate areas to eat, from private dining to a sushi bar to a lounge area to a terrace.
Lunch hours at Zuma are:
- Mondays to Fridays from 12 PM – 3:30 PM
- Saturdays from 1:30 PM – 4 PM and brunch from 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
- Sundays from 12 PM – 4 PM
Dinner hours are:
- Sundays through Wednesdays from 7 PM – 12 AM
- Thursdays through Saturdays from 7 PM – 1 AM
The Bar is also open Mondays through Sundays from 12 PM to 2 am.
To make a reservation, go to their website or give them a call.
10. Buffalo Wings & Rings
Feel like going to a good old-fashioned sports bar? Buffalo Wings & Rings has got you covered. With great wings, burgers, and even tex-mex, Buffalo Wings & Rings will make every American tourist feel at home.
Their mission emphasizes comfort and happiness, and with the fun atmosphere that comes from a sports bar, they succeed with flying colors. With both vegetarian and certified halal options on their menu, Buffalo Wings & Rings is a place for anyone to grab a good meal.
Located on Level C at the Liberty House in DIFC, Buffalo Wings & Rings is a mere mile (1.6 kilometers) from the Dubai Fountain. They are open daily from 12 PM to 3 am.
To make a reservation, visit their website or call them at the number listed on their site.
11. Café Belge
Another restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton, Café Belge is a great option for Belgian food and hospitality. You’ll be transported back to 1920s Brussels when you step inside, with a pleasing blend of Art Deco design mixed with traditional Belgian cuisine.
Great for informal meetings or brunch with the family, Café Belge is stocked with fresh seafood, the finest ingredients, and some of Belgium’s finest beers.
Café Belge has special events, such as:
- Weekly Ladies Night
- Bubbles and Oysters during January
- Weekly Secret Brunches
The restaurant is open Sundays through Thursdays from 12 PM to 1 AM, and Saturdays from 1 PM to 1 AM.
To make a reservation, visit their website, call them, or send them an email. All contact information can be found on their site.
12. Gazebo Restaurant
Gazebo Restaurant offers excellent Indian cuisine.
This establishment uses a cooking technique called “Dum Pukht,” in which food is cooked on low heat to trap the flavors in the food. Gazebo Restaurant serves traditional northern Indian foods, with some recipes 200 years old.
Gazebo Restaurant is a great lunch place with large, cushioned seats and excellent lighting. It has both vegetarian and meat food options. The restaurant is at the Marble Walk at Gate Building 5, not able to be seen from the road. Gazebo Restaurant is open daily from 10 AM to 11 PM.
For reservations, visit their website or give them a call.
13. GAIA
Named after the Greek Goddess of the Earth, GAIA aims to show visitors to DIFC the core elements of Grecian culture with modern food inspired by traditional Greek and Mediterranean influences.
Formed by the collaboration between Evgeny Kuzin and Chef Izu Ani, dining at GAIA creates a journey of discovery with each visit, thanks to the warm hospitality and service at the restaurant.
GAIA is located at Gate Village 4 and is open daily from 12 PM to 3:30 PM for lunch and from 7 PM to 11 PM for dinner.
To make a reservation, visit their website and give them a call or send them an email.
14. Avli by Tashas
Avli by Tashas is a Greek-inspired restaurant that demonstrates the resilience of Athenian culture with authentic dishes made from many ingredients directly sourced from Greece.
With a great atmosphere and live music, Avli by Tashas aims to remind you of the rustic courtyards in the Mediterranean. Each dish served is created with heart to emphasize the sophistication and comfort of Greece.
The restaurant has food for everyone, with specials including:
- Authentic salads
- Vegan delicacies
- Seafood
- Slow-cooked meats
Avli by tashas is located in Unit C01 in Gate Village Building 9.
Here are the current hours of operation:
- Daily lunch hours are from 12 PM to 4 PM
- Dinner hours Sundays through Wednesdays are from 7 PM to 1 AM and from Thursdays through Saturdays from 7 PM to 2 AM
To make a reservation, call them or email them at info@avlibytashas.com.
15. Shanghai Me
Shanghai Me is inspired by the culinary traditions of East Asia. It shows the region’s rich history in their cuisine, with a playful and contemporary twist. Shanghai Me highlights signature dishes from Asia, including favorites such as:
- Dim Sum
- Bao
- Szechuan style prawns
- Cantonese roast duck
- Sushi and sashimi
Shanghai Me was designed by renowned architect Michele Bonan, who created a restaurant that emphasizes the glamor and depth of Shanghai’s history. From bamboo to banana trees, Shanghai Me transports you to the prohibited parties of the Golden Age. At the same time, the cuisine demonstrates a taste of Asian tradition.
The restaurant is in Gate Village Building 11 and is open daily from 12 PM to 4 PM for lunch, and 6 PM to 12 AM for dinner. The terrace is open daily from 12 PM to 2 AM.
To make a reservation, go to their website, call them at the listed number, or email them at reservation@shanghaime-restaurant.com.