Dubai, a city synonymous with superlatives, has rapidly ascended the ranks to become a global culinary epicentre. Its dazzling skyline is matched only by the brilliance of its dining scene, a vibrant tapestry woven from international celebrity chefs, innovative homegrown concepts, and a rich tapestry of global cuisines. From sky-high dining rooms offering breathtaking panoramas to immersive underwater experiences and authentic Emirati kitchens, Dubai’s restaurants promise more than just a meal; they offer a journey. As of 2025, the city’s culinary landscape is more dynamic than ever, studded with Michelin stars and lauded by gourmands worldwide. Join us as we explore ten of the brightest stars in Dubai’s gastronomic firmament, establishments that define the pinnacle of dining in this extraordinary metropolis.
1. Trèsind Studio: The Vanguard of Indian Gastronomy
(Cuisine: Innovative Indian, Three Michelin Stars)
Location: Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah (or its latest 2025 location if moved)
Trèsind Studio is not merely a restaurant; it’s a culinary theatre where Chef Himanshu Saini orchestrates an avant-garde exploration of Indian cuisine. Holding the distinction of being the first Indian restaurant in the world to receive three Michelin stars (as per 2025 announcements), Trèsind Studio offers an intimate, chef’s table experience for a limited number of guests. The focus is on multi-course tasting menus that deconstruct and reimagine traditional Indian flavours with modernist techniques and artistic presentation.
The Experience: Dining here is an immersive journey. Each dish tells a story, drawing inspiration from different regions of India, yet presented with a global sensibility. Expect playful anachronisms, unexpected textures, and flavour combinations that challenge and delight. Signature dishes often evolve with the seasons, but past highlights have included reinterpretations of street food classics, complex curries presented with sculptural elegance, and desserts that are both whimsical and technically brilliant. The service is impeccable, with chefs often presenting and explaining dishes themselves, adding a personal touch to the sophisticated proceedings. The ambiance is minimalist and focused, ensuring the food remains the star of the show. It’s a place for serious food enthusiasts looking for an unparalleled Indian fine-dining experience that pushes boundaries and redefines perceptions.
Why it’s Special: World-first three Michelin stars for an Indian restaurant, hyper-creative tasting menus, intimate chef-led experience.
2. Ossiano: An Ethereal Underwater Symphony
(Cuisine: Progressive Seafood, One Michelin Star)
Location: Atlantis, The Palm
Dining at Ossiano is an experience that transcends the ordinary, transporting guests to an ethereal underwater world. Located within the iconic Atlantis, The Palm, this one-Michelin-starred restaurant offers panoramic views of the Ambassador Lagoon, an 11-million-litre aquarium teeming with sharks, rays, and myriad colourful fish. Chef Grégoire Berger, a visionary in the culinary world, crafts progressive seafood menus that are as breathtaking as the surroundings.
The Experience: The tasting menus at Ossiano are odes to the ocean’s bounty, emphasizing sustainability and the finest seasonal ingredients. Dishes are often inspired by Berger’s global travels and childhood memories, resulting in creations that are both deeply personal and universally appealing. Expect exquisite plating where ingredients mimic marine flora and fauna, and flavour profiles that are complex, delicate, and surprising. Signature experiences often include multiple courses that flow like a narrative, each building on the last. The ambiance is undeniably romantic and awe-inspiring, with the gentle sway of aquatic life providing a mesmerizing backdrop. Service is polished and attentive, guiding guests through the culinary voyage with expertise. The wine list is extensive, with expert sommeliers on hand to recommend pairings that elevate the meal.
Why it’s Special: Unforgettable underwater setting, Michelin-starred progressive seafood by a world-class chef, deeply immersive and romantic atmosphere.
3. At.mosphere: Dining Among the Clouds
(Cuisine: Modern European/French, Michelin Selected)
Location: Burj Khalifa, 122nd Floor
Perched on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, At.mosphere offers an unparalleled dining experience with views that are, quite literally, top of the world. This restaurant and lounge provides a sophisticated setting to enjoy modern European cuisine with a strong French influence, all while gazing out over the sprawling Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf.
The Experience: Whether for breakfast, high tea, or a lavish dinner, At.mosphere impresses with its elegant Art Deco-inspired interiors and, of course, the jaw-dropping vistas. The culinary offerings focus on luxurious ingredients, expertly prepared. Expect dishes like premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood, foie gras, and exquisitely crafted desserts. The menu, often led by a chef with Michelin-starred experience, balances classic techniques with contemporary flair. The lounge area offers a slightly more relaxed vibe, perfect for cocktails and lighter bites, especially popular during sunset. Service is as polished as one would expect from such a landmark venue. Booking well in advance is essential, particularly for window tables. There’s often a minimum spend, reflecting the exclusivity of the location.
Why it’s Special: Highest restaurant in the world (from ground level), breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai, luxurious ingredients, and sophisticated modern European cuisine.
4. Zuma: The Epitome of Contemporary Japanese Chic
(Cuisine: Contemporary Japanese, Michelin Selected)
Location: Gate Village, DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)
A titan in Dubai’s dining scene for years, Zuma remains a perennial favorite for its consistently excellent contemporary Japanese cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and chic clientele. Located in the heart of DIFC, this globally acclaimed restaurant draws inspiration from the informal Japanese dining style of Izakaya, but elevates it to a sophisticated, world-class experience.
The Experience: Zuma’s expansive, bi-level space features a main dining area, a sushi and robata counter, and a dynamic lounge and bar. The design is modern and stylish, incorporating natural wood and stone elements. The menu is extensive, designed for sharing, and showcases exceptional quality. Signature dishes that have achieved legendary status include the miso-marinated black cod, spicy beef tenderloin with sesame, and an array of impeccably fresh sushi and sashimi. The robata grill offers perfectly charred meats, seafood, and vegetables. The ambiance is always buzzing, particularly in the evenings and during its popular weekend brunches. The lounge is a hotspot for pre-dinner cocktails or late-night drinks, with skilled mixologists crafting inventive concoctions. Service is sharp, efficient, and knowledgeable.
Why it’s Special: Consistently outstanding contemporary Japanese cuisine, vibrant and energetic atmosphere, iconic signature dishes, and a see-and-be-seen hotspot in DIFC.
5. Orfali Bros Bistro: A Symphony of Flavours and Brotherhood
(Cuisine: Mediterranean-Middle Eastern Fusion, Michelin Bib Gourmand)
Location: Wasl 51, Jumeirah
Orfali Bros Bistro is a culinary gem born from the passion and creativity of three Syrian brothers – Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar Orfali. This Jumeirah-based eatery has quickly garnered critical acclaim, including a Michelin Bib Gourmand, for its innovative “Bistronomy Gastronomy” approach. It’s a place where Levantine roots meet global influences, resulting in dishes that are both familiar and thrillingly new.
The Experience: The philosophy here is “fusion is confusion,” but their interpretation is anything but. Instead, they focus on taste, texture, and top-quality ingredients, presenting a menu that is a testament to their heritage and culinary journey. The ambiance is modern, bright, and welcoming, with an open kitchen that allows diners to witness the chefs’ artistry. Dishes are often playful and inventive, like the “Umami Éclair” or the “Corn Bomb.” The menu is divided into sections like “For One,” “Cold,” “Hot,” and “Pizza No Pizza (Pide),” encouraging sharing and exploration. Desserts, crafted by pastry chef Omar, are a particular highlight and should not be missed. The brothers are often present, adding a personal touch and palpable passion to the dining experience.
Why it’s Special: Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition, unique and creative cuisine by three talented brothers, focus on exceptional ingredients and flavor, vibrant and unpretentious atmosphere.
6. Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe: A Taste of Old Dubai
(Cuisine: Authentic Emirati, Michelin Selected)
Location: Various locations, including Dubai Festival City Mall
For an authentic taste of the UAE’s rich culinary heritage, Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe is an essential destination. Designed to transport diners back to Dubai in the 1960s, before the oil boom transformed the city, Al Fanar offers a nostalgic and immersive Emirati dining experience. It’s a celebration of traditional recipes, local ingredients, and the warm hospitality for which the region is known.
The Experience: The decor at Al Fanar meticulously recreates the ambiance of an old Emirati merchant’s house, complete with wind towers, traditional courtyards, and vintage artifacts. The menu is a comprehensive journey through Emirati cuisine, featuring dishes that have been passed down through generations. Expect hearty stews like Machboos (rice cooked with meat or fish and aromatic spices), Harees (slow-cooked wheat with meat), and grilled meats and seafood. Freshly baked breads like Khameer and Chebab (Emirati pancakes) are a must-try, often served with local honey and cheese. For dessert, Luqaimat (sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup) are an iconic treat. The experience is culturally enriching, offering insights into the nation’s history and culinary traditions.
Why it’s Special: Authentic Emirati cuisine in a nostalgic 1960s Dubai setting, culturally immersive experience, traditional recipes and warm hospitality. Michelin Selected.
7. L’Olivo at Al Mahara: Italian Elegance Beneath the Waves
(Cuisine: Italian Seafood, Michelin Recommended)
Location: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Housed within the sail-shaped icon that is the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, L’Olivo at Al Mahara offers an exceptional Italian seafood dining experience with a spectacular twist. While its predecessor, Al Mahara, was famed for its floor-to-ceiling aquarium, L’Olivo brings the culinary artistry of Chef Andrea Migliaccio’s two Michelin-starred L’Olivo in Capri to Dubai. The magnificent aquarium still forms the centerpiece, creating a captivating underwater ambiance.
The Experience: Descending into the restaurant feels like entering a marine sanctuary. The golden-arched entrance leads to a dining room where tables are arranged around the stunning central aquarium, offering mesmerizing views of marine life. The menu is a celebration of Italian coastal cuisine, with a strong emphasis on the freshest seafood, prepared with Chef Migliaccio’s signature elegance and innovation. Dishes might include refined crudos, artisanal pastas with delicate seafood sauces, and expertly cooked whole fish. The presentation is as exquisite as the flavors. The service is, as expected in the Burj Al Arab, supremely polished and attentive, catering to every whim. It’s a venue for special occasions, promising an unforgettable blend of culinary excellence and visual wonder.
Why it’s Special: Iconic Burj Al Arab location, stunning floor-to-ceiling aquarium, Italian seafood cuisine from a two-Michelin-starred Capri concept, unparalleled luxury.
8. Nobu Dubai: A Global Icon of Japanese-Peruvian Fusion
(Cuisine: Japanese-Peruvian, Michelin Selected)
Location: Atlantis, The Palm
The globally renowned Nobu, from legendary Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, has a celebrated outpost in Dubai at Atlantis, The Palm. This iconic restaurant is celebrated for its innovative blend of traditional Japanese techniques with Peruvian flavors, a culinary style Chef Nobu pioneered. It’s a magnet for celebrities, food connoisseurs, and those seeking a sophisticated and trendy dining experience.
The Experience: Nobu Dubai’s ambiance is sleek and contemporary, with Japanese design influences creating an atmosphere of understated luxury. The restaurant includes a stylish dining room, a lively sushi bar, and a chic bar/lounge area. The menu is a testament to Chef Nobu’s genius, featuring signature dishes that have captivated diners worldwide. The Black Cod with Miso is a must-try, as are the Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño, and Rock Shrimp Tempura with Creamy Spicy Sauce. The sushi and sashimi are impeccably fresh and artfully presented. The extensive menu also offers creative hot dishes, salads, and tempura. The service is slick and professional, and the cocktail list features Japanese-inspired creations. It’s a place that consistently delivers on its global reputation for excellence.
Why it’s Special: World-renowned chef and brand, signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, iconic dishes, stylish and vibrant atmosphere in Atlantis, The Palm.
9. Pierchic: Romance on the Arabian Gulf
(Cuisine: Italian Seafood)
Location: Jumeirah Al Qasr
Perched on a private pier extending into the Arabian Gulf, Pierchic offers one of Dubai’s most romantic and picturesque dining experiences. With stunning views of the Burj Al Arab, the azure waters, and the city skyline, this “over-water” restaurant specializes in refined Italian seafood.
The Experience: Reaching Pierchic involves a charming ride on a golf buggy along the pier, setting the stage for a special evening. The restaurant itself is elegantly designed, with floor-to-ceiling windows maximizing the breathtaking views. The menu focuses on high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood, prepared with an Italian sensibility. Expect elegant pasta dishes, fresh oysters, delicately cooked fish, and decadent desserts. The atmosphere is serene and sophisticated, making it a popular choice for anniversaries, proposals, and intimate dinners. Sunset is a particularly magical time to dine, as the sky transforms and the city lights begin to twinkle. The service is attentive and refined, ensuring a memorable experience. While primarily known for its romantic ambiance and seafood, the quality of the Italian cuisine stands on its own.
Why it’s Special: Unrivaled romantic over-water setting with spectacular views, focus on high-quality Italian seafood, elegant and serene atmosphere.
10. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal: A Journey Through Culinary History
(Cuisine: Modern British, One Michelin Star)
Location: Atlantis The Royal
Adding another layer of culinary star power to Dubai, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, located at the ultra-luxurious Atlantis The Royal, offers a unique gastronomic journey inspired by historic British gastronomy. With one Michelin star, this restaurant brings Heston’s famed creativity and meticulous research to the forefront, reinterpreting centuries-old recipes for the modern palate.
The Experience: The restaurant’s design is sophisticated and contemporary, with subtle nods to historical elements. The open kitchen provides a glimpse into the precise culinary operations. The menu is a fascinating exploration of British culinary heritage, with dishes dating back as far as the 14th century. Each dish has a story, often explained on the menu with its year of origin. Signature items include the “Meat Fruit” (a mandarin-shaped chicken liver parfait) and “Tipsy Cake” (a spit-roasted pineapple dessert). The execution is flawless, combining historical inspiration with modern techniques and exceptional ingredients. The experience is both educational and incredibly delicious, offering a unique perspective on British food. Service is impeccable, knowledgeable, and engaging, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the meal.
Why it’s Special: Michelin-starred dining by a world-famous experimental chef, unique concept based on historical British recipes, iconic and inventive signature dishes, located in the opulent Atlantis The Royal.
A Feast for Every Palate
Dubai’s dining scene is a dazzling reflection of the city itself: ambitious, diverse, and constantly evolving. These ten restaurants represent just a fraction of the culinary excellence on offer, but they each provide an unforgettable experience that captures the spirit of Dubai’s gastronomic ambition. Whether you seek the dizzying heights of the Burj Khalifa, the serene depths of an aquarium, the avant-garde interpretations of global cuisines, or the comforting embrace of tradition, Dubai’s top tables are ready to welcome you to a feast for all senses. As the city continues to innovate and attract global talent, its reputation as a world-class dining destination is only set to soar higher.
