If you’re in Dubai for a vacation, you’re probably wondering where to have the most memorable culinary experience. Dubai has an abundance of restaurants, offering a range of experiences from casual to fine dining, simple to sophisticated, and with views like a waterfront, skyline, and desert vistas. As such, there’s no shortage of dining options to explore and enjoy in this city.
In this article, I have provided a list of the top-rated restaurants in the city that provide diners with a view while they indulge their palates. While these are top-rated restaurants, the list is classified according to cuisine, so you can choose a place based on the type of food you are craving.
1. At.mosphere: French & European Cuisine
If you’re looking to go big or go home, this restaurant is perfect for you! The At.mosphere stands on top of the 122nd level of the Burj Khalifa – the tallest tower in the world. This restaurant offers a breathtaking view of the Dubai skyline, the Arabian Gulf, and the entire city.
Aside from the world-class dining experience, with delectable choices from French and European cuisine, you also get to feast your eyes on a stunning panoramic view of the city and, of course, bragging rights of having had a meal in the world’s highest restaurant (422 meters or 1,385 feet off the ground to be exact).
This restaurant is open from 7:30 AM to 1:30 AM, and serves lunch and dinner to its guests. At.mosphere also offers late-night dining and drinks, sometimes coupled with live music. They also have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to cater to different demographics.
The only catch is you’ll need to make a reservation before arriving there, especially if you’d like to avail their private dining services. But if you’re not able to get a reservation, don’t worry about it. We’re still at the top of the list and there are other restaurants in the city that are as uniquely impressive.
2. Babiole: Mediterranean Cuisine
Situated atop Hilton Dubai, the Babiole offers you an exotic culinary as well as cultural experience. This restaurant serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine that includes:
- Fresh oysters
- Truffle pizza
- Kobe beef
- Glazed black cod
The range of breathtaking views they offer is almost as vast as their menu. From the Babiole you can see the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Business Bay, Sheikh Zayed Road, and the majestic Burj Al Arab. Aside from these city favorites, this venue is perfect for viewing spectacular sunsets on the Dubai skyline.
The Babiole opens at midday and continues serving late into the night, so you can choose between visiting for lunch or dinner. Their exclusive new lounge with Moroccan-styled decor, called mamounia, offers you a luxury experience you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
3. Basanti & Co.: Indian Cuisine
If you’re looking for a romantic or luxury dining experience that serves up a delicious menu, Basanti & Co. might just be the right place for you. It’s also the ideal restaurant for large groups looking to enjoy a meal together.
Basanti & Co. is known for its exotic Indian cuisine with a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options. They are popular for their:
- Murgh Malai
- Achari Paneer
- Tandoori Mushrooms
- Lamb Rack
- Coconut Rice
- Chole Bhature
In addition to their highly-rated menu, they also boast commendable staff service and incredible views of the city. Most importantly, they serve authentic dishes steeped in the flavors of India, so you can treat yourself to a unique and exhilarating experience.
Their restaurant is situated in Bluewaters Island and offers a waterfront view that makes for a relaxing dining experience. Did I mention they also have a full bar?
4. Benjarong: Thai Cuisine
If you’re in the mood for some Thai, look no further than Benjarong Dubai, which cooks up a harmony of flavors worthy of a god’s palate. If you like your food with some flair, then you’re going to love Benjarong’s mouth-watering menu.
And if you enjoy a pristine ambience while dining out, this restaurant is the perfect space to get cozy. The vibrant display you’ll find in its interiors is matched only by the colorful detail of its authentic Thai dishes.
The walls are draped with a fusion of European motifs spiced with Thai elements that resonate from floor to ceiling. If you can peel your eyes away long enough from the exotic decor, you can also catch an equally impressive view of the Burj Khalifa and the glittering Dubai skyline outside.
The Benjarong Restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and perhaps the only downside to this place is that they don’t serve alcohol. However, with all the tasty dishes on their menu, it’s best that you reserve that stomach space for food!
Guests are also expected to comply with a particular dress code – smart casuals. Shorts, flip flops, and other extra-casual wear is strictly prohibited.
5. Asado Steakhouse: Argentine Cuisine
Asado Steakhouse is an Argentinian restaurant that serves up a unique cuisine that properly encapsulates the culture of its country. If not for a view of the Burj Khalifa and the dazzling Dubai Fountain, it’s easy to forget that you’re dining in Dubai as the flavors transport you to another world. One of Argentinian food, drink, and culture.
Asado specializes in steaks and other grilled meats that stay true to their Argentine heritage. This heritage is on full display at the restaurant space, from its brick walls to a warm color palette that is reminiscent of a rustic Argentine farmhouse.
The traditional cooking methods of parrilla – an open grill that perfectly cooks the steak – adds to the authenticity of this fine outdoor dining experience.
If you ever decide to dine at Asado, keep in mind that the dress code is smart casual. Additionally, valet parking is available and cashless payment options are accepted.
6. Prime68 Steakhouse: American Cuisine
This restaurant is for all the American friends who find themselves with a longing for steak when in Dubai, because it tends to happen to the best of us.
Prime68 Steakhouse serves up a premium American-style steakhouse menu that will make you nostalgic for home. Prime68 sources quality ingredients from suppliers with artisan produce and the finest heritage bred beef.
As one review on Tripadvisor so aptly puts it, “Prime view, prime steak.” Located on the 68th floor of the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Prime68 truly offers a breathtaking view of the urban skyline.
If you’re traveling with a kid younger than eight years old, you will want to make a reservation for brunch on Saturday. Prime68 has a policy prohibiting children younger than eight years old, except during their Saturday brunch.
7. Al Sarab Rooftop Lounge: Lebanese/Middle Eastern Cuisines
If you’re looking for a place that will give you a taste of what middle-eastern dining is about, visit Al Sarab Rooftop Lounge. This restaurant offers Lebanese, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisine that’s sure to be a gastronomic treat.
If you’re looking for that authentic Arabic ambience, Al Sarab overlooks the stunning landscape of Dubai’s desert that’s sure to leave a powerful visual impression as the sun sets. The aroma of the traditional Arabic shisha adds to the charm of the venue, and few experiences can compare to the bliss of blowing hookah smoke while looking out over a desert.
However, at this restaurant table availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so you may want to make a reservation ahead of time.
A dress code is prescribed for those entering – smart casual or the national dress. If you have children, you’ll be glad to know that children between four and eleven are entitled to a 50% discount.
8. Tomo: Japanese Cuisine
This list wouldn’t be complete without a restaurant that serves authentic Japanese food, which is precisely what Tomo delivers to its satisfied customers. The authentic cuisine here is prepared by Japanese chefs who have spent years honing their skills to bring you Japan’s best dishes.
Their menu consists of traditional dishes cooked using the choicest ingredients from around the world, which varies according to the season. Their Wagyu beef in particular, is imported directly from Japan, and it doesn’t get more authentic than that.
From Tomo’s Views Bar located on the rooftop, you can feast your eyes on panoramic views of Dubai’s awe-inspiring skyline that erupts in a blaze of fiery colors during sunset.
9. Chuan: Chinese Cuisine
If your experience of Chinese cuisine has been limited to take-out, this is your chance to taste real, non-westernized Chinese food. With authenticity in every dish, your fine-dining experience at Chuan will be a significant upgrade from TV dinners with Chinese takeout.
If you ever find yourself in the mood for Chinese, and you’re tired of the usual flavors, indulge your palate at Chuan.
Their ornately-plated dishes come with a touch of modernity and you may get the impression that their food has been tweaked for a more universal appeal. However, Chuan is focused on providing authentic Chinese dishes, and none of the items on their menu are westernized. That’s right, these guys are serious about authenticity and flavor!
Chuan is surrounded by the sea on three sides and located at the tip of the Palm Jumeirah. The waterfront setting, stellar menu, and superb service are sure to make Chuan-goers feel that they are spending their money on the experience of a lifetime.
10. Sette: Italian Cuisine
Sette is a modern Italian restaurant perched on the 7th floor of the JA Beach Hotel. It offers a stunning 360-degree view of the entire resort. Sette has a menu that boasts a wide range of culinary styles from Italy and beyond, including:
- Sicilian
- Southern-Italian
- Mediterranean
- European
- Neapolitan
- Campania
- Sardinian
Although it serves alcohol ranging from beer to wine at its full bar, this is a non-smoking restaurant and is considered family-friendly.
Sette offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options for those with special diets. However, like most of the other high-end restaurants we’ve mentioned, you’ll need to make a reservation to ensure you get a table.
11. Fogueira: Brazilian Cuisine
If you haven’t tried authentic Brazilian food, here’s your chance to experience their cuisine without buying a ticket to Brazil. Fogueira serves different types of barbecue and more than sixteen cuts of meat cooked in traditional Brazilian style, which includes:
- Top sirloin
- Filet
- Traditional picanha
- Lamb
- Chicken
- Seafood
Aside from the different cuts of meat, they also offer some Brazilian delicacies that are sure to excite the adventurous diner. This assortment of dishes includes:
- Farofa
- Black beans
- Steamed rice
- Polenta
- Mashed potatoes
- Fried banana
- Freshly baked cheese bread – pao de queijo
Did we mention that Fogueira features a spectacular terrace overlooking the Dubai Marina and the Dubai Eye? There’s also a full bar so you can sip on a drink while taking in the breathtaking view.
However, this restaurant is only open for dinner and late-night dining, and you will need to make a reservation. Unfortunately for vegetarian and vegan diners, their special diet options are limited to Halal and gluten-free.
12. Señor Pico: Mexican Cuisine
If you’re looking for authentic local cuisine or a fine dining experience, like the rest of the places on this list, you may want to skip this one.
However, if you want a casual outing with some great food, Señor Pico serves up a mean Mexican cuisine and is highly rated by its diners on TripAdvisor. So if you’re in the mood for something more laid back and relaxing, you may want to give this restaurant a try.
Overlooking the beach with outdoor seating, Señor Pico is perfect for those who are in the mood for something flavorful – whether it’s their famous churros burrito or their signature margaritas. And who says you can’t have both?
This place is great for family-style outings and you can even bring your dog along! They have adequate parking and the space is even accessible by wheelchair. Señor Pico serves breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner and even offers vegetarian and vegan options.