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Dubai’s best restaurants 2023: Everywhere you should eat at least once

If there’s one thing we all have in common, it’s our love for food (I’m guessing that’s why you’re reading this). And you, as we do, have pretty high expectations when eating out. But with so many options to choose from in Dubai, it can be a bit overwhelming to pick just one place to dine at.

That’s where this list of the Time Out Dubai Best Restaurant Award winners swoops in.

A lot of elements need to come together to make a restaurant great. That includes an excellent menu, captivating surroundings, great service and most importantly cost justification. We’ve scoured every corner of the city to bring you the latest and greatest in food and drink. On an almost daily basis, we’ve been on the hunt to discover the best of the best in Dubai.

We’ve been there and done that. So, whether you’re in the mood for a fancy dinner, a casual lunch, or a quick bite on the go, we’ve got you covered.

Over the last year, we have been working to create your definitive guide on where to eat in Dubai. We’ve been eating our way at restaurants across the city for over 20 years. We review them independently, anonymously, and most importantly, we pay our own way. No free meals here, thank you very much. We’ve spent thousands of dirhams visiting and re-visiting the city’s great (and not-so-great) restaurants.

So save your money and redirect your focus to where it’s really worth it. At the end of the day, we know what you’re after. Because it’s what we’re after too. High-quality dishes, amazing foodie experiences and bang for your buck.

Below you’ll find Dubai’s best restaurants 2023 – but before we get to that, here’s the one, the only, the best restaurant in the city:

Time Out Dubai’s Restaurant of the Year

Ossiano (also Highly Commended for Great Service Award)

Ossiano is Time Out Dubai’s Restaurant of the Year. Located at Atlantis, The Palm, this progressive fine dining spot is one of our most highly rated restaurants in the city. Ossiano offers stunning views of The Ambassador Lagoon, where 65,000 marine animals swim peacefully with the current and offer a beautiful underwater experience for guests to enjoy while they dine.

Grégoire Berger, who is widely regarded as one of the most creative and innovative chefs in the UAE, built an award-winning degustation menu that is inspired by childhood memories and life experiences, with dishes born from real events and emotion. The Ossiano experience comprises 11 distinct courses that are thoughtfully created and visually stunning but also bursting with flavour. Berger also ensures that Ossiano only uses produce that is in season, so sustainability is front-of-mind at the aquarium-facing restaurant.

Time Out Dubai has also highlighted this venue for having one of the city’s most impressive front-of-house teams with a highly commended Great Service Award, designed to celebrate exceptional guest experiences delivered with knowledge, confidence and personality.
Licensed. Atlantis The Palm (04 426 0770).

And then, without further ado, here are Dubai’s best restaurants in 2023 by category:

REGIONAL

THEMED

GRAND PRIX

Dubai’s best restaurants: Regional

Best Asian restaurants in Dubai

WINNER
Mayabay (also Great Service Award nominee)

Dubai's best restaurants

Thai, Japanese, Chinese, oh my. There may be a lot of different Asian influences going on down at Jumeirah Al Naseem’s Mayabay, yet head chef Shane Mac Neill nails each dish every single time. Come on, where else can you get a slap-up three-course Thai meal with a side of sushi while your mate digs into a steaming tower of dumplings that can really fog up your glasses? The fact that you can choose your dishes from a menu designed as a glorious coffee table book only adds to the appeal.

Time Out Dubai has also highlighted this venue for having one of the city’s most impressive front-of-house teams with a Great Service Award nomination designed to celebrate exceptional guest experiences delivered with knowledge, confidence and personality.
Licensed. Jumeirah Al Naseem, mayabayrestaurant.com (04 275 2500).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Jun’s (also Highly Commended for Great Service Award)

Time out dubai restaurant awards

One of Downtown Dubai’s newest foodie destinations, Jun’s packs a restaurant, mixed drinks bar and terrace into one pared-back space, serving up what has been dubbed as progressive cuisine influenced by American-Asian flavours. Headed up by chef Kelvin Cheung, who has created a menu crafted using ingredients from his local farm and inspired by his Chinese heritage. With a blend of North American upbringing and French training, the restaurant’s simple setting lets the food do all the talking. As to be expected, its Burj Khalifa views are sublime.

Time Out Dubai has also highlighted this venue for having one of the city’s most impressive front-of-house teams with a highly commended Great Service Award, designed to celebrate exceptional guest experiences delivered with knowledge, confidence and personality.
Licensed. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, junsdubai.com (04 457 6035).

Shanghai Me

Dubai tourism

With its tropical terrace on which you can while away the hours, impeccable service, red velvet and soft lighting that evokes the Shanghai of yesteryear, there’s a good reason why Shanghai ME has firmly established itself as a chic and trendy spot for Asian food in Dubai. Its lengthy ‘dim sum library’ is legendary for good reason, ranging from chicken & truffle soy rolls and wild mushroom dumplings to Wagyu beef Cheung noodle rolls. Just try not to get carried away (easier said than done), as it can easily add up to those DIFC club prices. That said, it’s a club where everyone has a good time.
Licensed. Gate Village 11, DIFC, shanghaime-restaurant.com (04 564 0505).

For the top ten best Asian restaurants in Dubai click here.

Best Chinese restaurants in Dubai

WINNER
Hutong (also Great Service Award nominee)

You can expect big things when dining in this Dubai outpost. Serving up dishes from the north of China with a ‘trust me’ tasting menu that changes on the reg, the food comes out in immaculate courses that layer on the spice. It’s easily one of the best Chinese restaurants to eat at in Dubai.

Time Out Dubai has also highlighted this venue for having one of the city’s most impressive front-of-house teams with a Great Service Award nomination, designed to celebrate exceptional guest experiences delivered with knowledge, confidence and personality.
Licensed. Gate Building 6, DIFC, hutong-dubai.com (04 220 0868).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Long Teng Seafood Restaurant

Maybe it’s because of its careful crafting and fantastic flavours, or maybe it’s because of its more affordable prices, but a meal at Long Teng Seafood Restaurant is always a delight. Revolving around a huge aquarium and seafood display where you can pick your preferred catch (there’s nowhere better for Chinese fish), a dedicated kitchen for duck and a sprawling terrace with views across Business Bay and beyond, we suggest going with the chefs’ suggestion – they more than know their stuff.
Unlicensed. U-bora Towers, Business Bay, longtengseafood.co (04 241 1666).

Tàn Chá

Tàn Chá – which translates as ‘to explore’ in Mandarin – may have only opened its doors in the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai last year, but it has quickly become a must-visit restaurant for Chinese food in Dubai. This lively moodily-lit venue also has a cool, clubby atmosphere about it that makes it a great spot for a Saturday night, while its menu comprises plenty of fan favourites including wasabi prawns, soft shell crab, and a rather extra Peking duck which we suggest enjoying out on the terrace.
Licensed. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, tanchadubai.com (056 681 8881).

For the top ten best Chinese restaurants in Dubai click here.

Best European restaurants in Dubai

WINNER
Twiggy by La Cantine

Be it a daytime escape or a night-time knees-up, Twiggy by La Cantine is a must-visit European restaurant for any Dubai dweller, especially if you have guests in town. As much about the food as it is about aesthetics, its golden sands, picturesque infinity pool and a menu of fresh Mediterranean fare are ripe for the ‘gram. We suggest arriving early and making yourself comfy in a plush corner lounger before filling up on everything from fresh seafood and sushi to grills and salads.
Licensed. Park Hyatt Dubai, Dubai Creek Club St, twiggy.ae (04 602 1105).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

carine

Charming, romantic and aesthetically pleasing are just a few of the words we’d used to define carine – chef Izu Ani’s popular French eatery down at Emirates Golf Club. Named after his wife, the décor is all white-washed walls and pretty tiled floors, while we love how the sizeable menu of Mediterranean favourites, it’s shareable without this being a pre-defined sharing plates restaurant. Come for breakfast, lunch, or (and) dinner.
Licensed. Emirates Golf Club, Sheikh Zayed Road, dubaigolf.com (04 417 9885).

SAL

Befitting its exclusive Burj al Arab location, you might need to break the bank for a meal at SAL, but for a special occasion, there’s no finer European restaurant in Dubai. Bridging the gap between lavish lunch and pool day, this interior lover’s dream is all white and sandy hues, rope detailing and pops of nautical colour, while the chic beachside restaurant overlooking the Arabian Gulf serves up southern Mediterranean specialities in a super luxe setting. Ooh, la la.
Licensed. Burj Al Arab, jumeirah.com/en/dine/dubai/burj-al-arab-sal (800 323232).

For the top ten best European restaurants in Dubai click here.

Best French restaurants in Dubai

WINNER
LPM Restaurant & Bar

LPM Restaurant & Bar is one of the ultimate IYKYK French restaurants in Dubai. Whether you’re an upscale city slicker looking to secure your next deal, on a romantic date night or birthday celebration with friends, dishes inspired by the Côte d’Azur and the Ligurian coastline, are crafted from only the highest quality and freshest of ingredients. Whether you’re swinging by for lunch or dinner, be sure to book ahead – this Dubai institution is permanently packed.
Licensed. Gate Village 8, DIFC, lpmrestaurants.com/dubai (04 439 0505).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Couqley French Brasserie

A charming, snail-serving classic establishment and a new addition to the Downtown Dubai dining scene, Couqley French Brasserie is packed to the rafters every night with city dwellers on their weekly date nights. A place that feels like home with the added bonus of snappy service and hearty yet reasonably-priced bourgeois food, its interiors are just as welcoming with the likes of rich reds, brick walls and vine leaves. Do as the French do and opt for its perfectly cooked steak frites serve with the signature Couqley sauce.
Licensed. Pullman Dubai Downtown, couqley.ae (04 514 9339).

La Cantine du Faubourg

From its trendy lounge that’s consistently buzzing to its eclectically designed dining room courtesy of Kokian, La Cantine du Faubourg has ‘being chic’ down to a fine art. A beautiful, buzzing French restaurant in Dubai designed for beautiful people to eat beautiful food and drink beautiful grape. You’ll want to dress up for an evening at La Cantine. And don’t expect to call an Uber before 3am.
Licensed. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, lacantine.ae (04 352 7105).

For the top ten best French restaurants in Dubai click here.

Best Greek restaurants in Dubai

WINNER
Mythos Kouzina & Grill

You’ll likely smell the aromas of freshly cooked meats wafting down the corridors of the Armada Avenue Hotel before you step inside Mythos with your tummy rumbling in anticipation. Modelled on an intimate Greek restaurant with white-stone walls and cave-like ceilings, it’s home to both a gorgeous dining room and an al fresco terrace perfect for the winter months. Expect traditional Greek dishes like gyros and salads with cheese imported directly from the Naxos Islands. 
Licensed. Armada BlueBay Hotel, Cluster P, JLT, mythoskouzina.com (04 399 816).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

GAIA

GAIA is one of Dubai’s best-loved Greek restaurants. Named after the Greek goddess of earth, it’s the baby of chef Izu Ani and his talented chef de cuisine Orestis Kotefas, who together have devised a painstakingly good menu of meats, pasta and fresh seafood plucked straight from the restaurant’s fish market. Don’t fret – chefs recommend the appropriate cooking technique for your chosen catch, so you’re in good hands. This is a spot that’s definitely on the fancy side, so save it for a special occasion or dinner where everyone is comfortable spending a bit of money.
Licensed. Gate Village 4, DIFC, gaia.com (04 241 4242).

Kyma Beach

Part Grecian-inspired beach club, part fine dining restaurant, you get the best of both worlds at Kyma Beach down on Palm Jumeirah. Translating to wave in Greek, it’s from the team behind the likes of La Cantine du Faubourg, Mimi Kakushi and Twiggy, and serves up tasty Greek dishes including seafood, grilled meats, and wraps served beachside. Holiday vibes at their finest, this is as close as you’ll get to Mykonos without jumping on a plane.
Licensed. Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, kymabeach.ae (04 666 5999).

For the top ten best Greek restaurants in Dubai click here.

Best Indian restaurants in Dubai

WINNER
Trèsind

Tresind dubai

When fine-dining Indian restaurant Trèsind uprooted from its Voco Dubai Hotel location to the One&Only Royal Mirage at the end of last year, Marina dwellers breathed a sigh of relief. “No longer do we have to schlep it up Sheikh Zayed Road to sample Dubai’s best Indian food,” they cried. Headed up by chef Himanshu Siani, who has been at the helm of the restaurant since 2014, dishes come served alongside plenty of dry ice, foams, gels and other theatrics. Definitely one for the Dubai foodie bucket list.
Licensed. One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina, oneandonlyresorts.com/royal-mirage/dining/tresind (056 420 9754).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Armani/Amal

Glamour meets fashion meets superior Indian cuisine at Armani/Amal – one of Dubai’s longest-standing Indian fine-dining restaurants. Sitting pretty on the third floor of Burj Khalifa, it is a moody, sophisticated space complete with innovative dishes, brilliant service and prime views of the Dubai Fountain from its expansive terrace. These high levels of culinary refinement come at a price, so keep it in mind for a special occasion.
Licensed. Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa, armanihoteldubai.com (04 888 3888).

Indya by Vineet

If Indego by Vineet is Poppy Delevingne, then Indya by Vineet is Cara – slightly funkier, equally as beautiful and with plenty of attitude to boot. All loud décor, vibrant murals and a hyper-bright colour palette prime for Instagram, it’s one of our favourite spots for Indian food in Dubai. Chefs kick things off with a playful chaat trolley, while the dishes that follow are made to share. Make sure its crisp onion-beet bhaji and tawa prawns are top of the list.
Licensed. Le Royal Méridien Dubai Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, indya-dubai.com (04 316 5550).

For the top ten best Indian restaurants in Dubai click here.

Best Italian restaurants in Dubai

WINNER
Chic Nonna

Italian restaurants are 10 a penny in Dubai, so when Chic Nonna opened its doors back in the summer of ‘22, we asked ourselves if we really needed another spot for pasta and pizza. It turns out we did. With one of the largest grape cellars in the region, DIFC’s hottest dining destination has truly stolen our hearts. This Florence import with a simple menu of all the classics is a great spot for lunch, early dinner and late-night eats, defined by white tablecloths, servers in white jackets, waistcoats and bow ties, and statement chandeliers. Just how we like our Italian restaurants.
Licensed. Gate Avenue Mall, DIFC. chicnonna.com (04 605 2000).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Il Borro Tuscan Bistro

If you can’t say no to a big ball of burrata and some linguine all’astice (that’s linguine with lobster, Tuscan olives and organic tomato sauce to me and you) then hot foot it over to Il Borro Tuscan Bistro stat. It also specialises in excellent pizzas which are generous with tomato sauce, come with an excellent blustery crust and are covered with the likes of buffalo mozzarella, porcini mushrooms and Umbrian black truffle. Mamma mia.
Licensed. Jumeirah Al Naseem, Turtle Lagoon, ilborrotuscanbistro.ae (04 275 2555).

Ristorante Loren

One of the newest Italian restaurants on our list, Loren opened its doors in Palm West Beach at the end of 2022. Prime real estate with views of the Dubai Marina skyline don’t get much better than this. And you can gaze at them adoringly while dining on the likes of pizza, pasta and if you’re feeling fancy, caviar. It’s just as chic inside too, where its stylish interiors are a throwback to the Italian Riviera in the 1960s and 1970s.
Licensed. Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, lorenristorantedubai.com (04 557 8293).

For the top ten best Italian restaurants in Dubai click here.

Best Japanese restaurants in Dubai

WINNER
Mimi Kakushi

Cool. That’s the first thing that will come to mind when you step inside Mimi Kakushi. A swanky eatery from the people behind La Cantine du Faubourg, Ninive, Lana Lusa and Twiggy by La Cantine to name a few. It is one of Dubai’s best Japanese restaurants and comes informed by Japan’s jazz age, with rich textures, hand-painted walls, beaded curtains and seriously Instagrammable stained glass windows. As for the food, you’ll be spoilt for choice with gyoza, sushi, black cod, wagyu beef and everything in between.
Licensed. Four Seasons Resort Dubai by Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Road, mimikakushi.ae (04 379 4811).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Kinoya

Feel like you’ve got no option but to get some ramen in your system? Off you trot to Kinoya. A licensed izakaya that comes split into a ramen bar, a main dining room, a private chef’s table and two tatami private dining rooms. Chef Neha Mishra’s ramen may be the star of the show, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the karaage, gyoza, robata and nigiri. It’s all excellently executed and more than worthy of its stellar reputation.
Licensed.Tower 2, The Onyx, The Greens, kinoya.ae (04 548 6776).

Zuma

We could never compile a list of the best Japanese restaurants in Dubai without mentioning Zuma. A global success story, it’s as popular with city traders out for a swish business lunch as it is for ladies who brunch, large-scale birthdays and romantic dinner dates. While the black cod is a thing of legend, you can’t go wrong with anything from the menu, which also comprises meaty treats from the expansive robata grill and exquisite sushi and sashimi dishes. Post-meal, prop yourself up at the bar for some of the best people-watching in the city.
Licensed. Gate Village 6, DIFC, zumarestaurant.com/locations/dubai (04 425 5660).

For the top ten best Japanese restaurants in Dubai click here.

Best Latin American restaurants in Dubai

WINNER
Fusion Ceviche

Are you a novice when it comes to Peruvian cuisine? Fusion Ceviche is a great place to start. Having opened its doors at the end of 2022, this JLT-based eatery is already proving itself to be one of the most popular Latin American restaurants in Dubai thanks to chef Penelope Diaz’s authentic Peruvian dishes. Its colourful décor featuring Peruvian flags, postcards and neon signs doesn’t hurt either. It’s a tiny restaurant so be sure to book ahead – the ceviches and pulpo anticuchero are not to be missed.
Unlicensed. Saba Tower, Cluster Q, JLT, instagram.com/fusioncevichedxb (050 421 4509).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Amazónico Dubai

Whether you choose to come to this DIFC hangout for a casual midweek catch-up on the pretty patio with its glistening skyline views or fancy a full-on dinner with the whole gang, Amazónico has something for everyone. A regular Time Out Dubai awards nominee, its varied eclectic menu of Latin American-inspired small plates, sushi, seafood and grills were destined to be washed down with a tasty mixed drinks selection. Still not convinced? The OTT interior, including 22 species of preserved plants, will have you sold.
Licensed. DIFC Pavilion, DIFC, restaurantamazonico.com (04 571 3999).

COYA

Perhaps the most famous of all Latin American restaurants in Dubai – and for good reason – COYA is a slick spot that mixes Peruvian cuisine with Chinese and Japanese influences. Kick your meal off with a couple of pisco mixed drinks and its world-famous guacamole before digging into the main event. While you can’t go wrong with any menu choice, the seafood here is delicious, as are the marinated skewers that come fired on a charcoal grill. A perennial party place.
Licensed. Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, coyarestaurant.com/dubai (04 316 9600).

For the top ten best Latin American restaurants in Dubai click here.

Best North American and Caribbean restaurants in Dubai

WINNER
Bull & Bear

When that hankering for a meat-heavy, unbutton-your-trousers kind of meal hits, there’s only one place to head to. One of the most luxe North American restaurants in Dubai, it’s not just the excellent cuts of steak that make this New York-style eatery great – it’s the creamy mac & cheese, steak fries and honey-roasted baby carrots too. Add to that some grown-up yet lively vibes, slick service and weekly jazz nights, and it’s easy to see why this is such a popular spot.
Licensed. Waldorf Astoria DIFC, DIFC, hilton.com (04 515 9888).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Canary Club

Stepping into JLT’s Canary Club is like stepping straight into the ‘70s. All shag pile rugs, macramé cushions, rattan furniture and a stone fireplace, this hip person’s hangout comes courtesy of Joey Ghazal – the equally hip man behind The MAINE restaurants. A fusion of Californian, Japanese and Mexican cuisines, small dishes come designed to share and are followed by bigger plates such as lamb chops and oyster mushroom pizzas. Sounds weird, tastes delicious.
Licensed. Banyan Tree Residences, JLT, canaryclub.com (04 584 5999).

Miss Lily’s

If you spend your days wondering where you can get the best Caribbean food in Dubai then let us break it down for you – it’s Miss Lily’s. Not only do chefs cook jerk chicken full of spice, sweetness and a welcome hit of smokiness, but its other classics are equally as well made. Think sweet plantains, vegan sliders, cod fritters and fried chicken coco buns served to the backdrop of the soothing sounds of Lauryn Hill, this late-night Caribbean spot has been drawing in the crowds for years.
Licensed. Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, misslilys.com/location/miss-lilys-dubai (04 356 2900).

For the top ten best North American and Caribbean restaurants in Dubai click here.

Best Lebanese restaurants in Dubai

WINNER
Café Beirut

With its old black and white portraits, traditional ceramic water fountain, huge olive tree and sounds of Fairouz in the background, Café Beirut is one of those restaurants that transports us directly to Lebanon. In fact, its Burj Khalifa views are probably the only thing that’ll remind you you’re in Dubai. Authenticity is the name of the game here, with a spread of classic Lebanese dishes prepared authentically and in tribute to Beirut and its people. Its all-day breakfasts are the perfect way to start the day, and its hearty grills are the perfect way to finish it.
Licensed. Al Murooj Complex Downtown Dubai, cafebeirutdubai.com (04 422 5211).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Al Beiruti

With three different locations across Dubai, Al Beiruti is an almost frenetically popular enterprise. If you enjoy unbeatable views of the world’s largest dancing fountains alongside your zaatar hummus, we suggest you check out its outpost on The Pointe. Known for bringing a taste of Levantine café culture and authentic Lebanese food to Dubai, this all-day dining spot is a great option for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and even boasts a perfectly-crafted shisha menu with all the classic flavours. The in-house shisha master can even tailor your shisha to your liking if you fancy.
Unlicensed. The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, albeiruti.com (04 589 2999).

Karam Beirut

The place to head if you get a craving for manakish in the middle of a shopping spree, Karam Beirut is a stalwart within the Lebanese community in Dubai. The food – and the prices – here are consistently good, with chefs that are experts in encapsulating the taste of a traditional Lebanese street kitchen. Be it juicy meat skewers fresh from the grill, hearty half chickens or moreish lamb kebabs, this meat-lovers paradise is one we keep returning to time and time again.
Unlicensed. Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, instagram.com/karambeirutuae (04 341 2022).

For the top ten best Lebanese restaurants in Dubai click here.

Best MENA restaurants in Dubai

WINNER
Orfali Bros Bistro

Set up by celebrity chef Mohammad Orfali and his pastry-specialist siblings Wassim and Omar, this lovingly-rustic Levantine restaurant is your best bet for an evening meal down Al Wasl Rd. On a mission to break boundaries with its creative take on Middle Eastern favourites, rotating menus are constantly changing depending on what’s in season, but there’s always local produce on the menu where possible. Add to that a lively atmosphere at any time of the week and we think someone is on to a winner.
Unlicensed. Wasl 51, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, orfalibros.com (04 259 2477).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Alaya

Do you like to be dazzled by your mezze? Then step on into Alaya. More of a Mediterranean restaurant with Middle Eastern influences, this popular DIFC restaurant pays homage to the flavours of the rich coast of the Mediterranean Sea to the vibrant street food of the Middle East. The baby of restauranteur Evgeny Kuzin and chef Izu Ani – who are also the duo behind GAIA, ShanghaiME and La Maison Ani, dishes feature fresh herbs and spices, prime meat and only the best quality seafood. What else would you expect?
Licensed. DIFC Gate Village 4, alaya-dubai.com (04 570 6289).

Bushra by Buddha-Bar

Any restaurant in Grosvenor House tends to be fantastic, but this fine dining Middle Eastern restaurant truly delivers with a celebrity chef-backed menu, stellar service and a beautiful terrace with views over Dubai Marina. Be sure to order plenty of pillowy flatbread to go with top picks such as hazelnut falafel, slow-cooked lamb shoulder and Moroccan lamb tagine. If you come for brunch, a resident DJ will get the party started once all the plates have been cleared.
Licensed. Grosvenor House Dubai Marina, www.bushra-dubai.com (04 317 6000).

For the top ten best MENA restaurants in Dubai click here.

Best Thai restaurants in Dubai

WINNER
Café Isan

Purposely designed to exude a Thai street stall vibe, Café Isan is a charming space of plastic chairs, exposed lighting and stacked crates that line the interior. In keeping with its fun setting, the food is fantastic and while it may be a cliché, the lamb really does melt in your mouth. Prices are reasonable too but given its reputation, the place gets full fast, so prepare to wait if you haven’t made a booking.
Licensed. Armada Avenue Hotel, Cluster P, JLT, www.cafeisan.co (058 5291003).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Sticky Rice

There are lots of things that make Sticky Rice in JVC stand out from its competitors. First up, it comes from an Emirati founder with a Thai mother. Secondly, it caters extremely well to vegetarians. And thirdly there are only six tables. A sure-fire bet for a no-nonsense dinner with friends, dates or a group of hungry colleagues, dishes here come fully charged and loaded with chilli, with highlights including Hainanese style chicken and rice, fresh hearty broth soup and one of the best spicy penangs in town.
Unlicensed. Sobha Daffodil, JVC, stickyrice.ae (04 580 8350).

The Thai Kitchen

If you’re looking for a hole-in-the-wall spot for some cheap and cheerful Thai dishes then you’ve come to the wrong place at The Thai Kitchen. If, however, it’s a chef with an obsession for fresh ingredients, a laidback atmosphere right by the water and both meat-heavy and vegetarian family-style sharing plates, then you’ve absolutely hit the right spot. Ask for a table outside during winter so you can really soak up the view.
Licensed. Park Hyatt Dubai, Dubai Creek, restaurants.dubai.hyatt.com/restaurants/the-thai-kitchen (04 602 1816).

For the top ten best Thai restaurants in Dubai click here.

Best Turkish restaurants in Dubai

WINNER
Sirali

Hailing directly from Turkey itself – which means it’s really good – Sirali is one of the newest spots to head for authentic Turkish food in Dubai. Known for its innovation and creative presentation, chefs take their time to marinate and sizzle their cuts – like the juicy steaks that come drizzled in hot melting cheese – while making a point of cutting the slabs into small pieces to maintain flavour consistency. You can even watch the butchers in action, should you so wish.
Licensed. Al Habtoor City, instagram.com/siralikebapdubai (058 582 7092).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Günaydin

You can’t go wrong with choosing a good spot to eat in Souk al Bahar, but if it’s excellent Turkish food you’re after, you’ll strike gold with Günaydin. What started out as a small butcher shop in Istanbul’s Bostanci neighbourhood is now a stunning fountain-side restaurant serving up some of the meatiest Turkish food in Dubai. You’ll have trouble choosing between the huge Tomahawk, braised ribs, butcher’s meatballs and prime fillet, so take your mates along and order it all to share. Vegetarians need not apply.
Licensed. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, gunyadindubai.com (04 554 0700).

Sultan Saray

Another fantastic Turkish joint with a penchant for theatrical tableside serving (not that we’re complaining), Sultan Saray may seem unassuming as it pitches up along Al Thanya Street, but don’t let its looks deceive you – this community hub is buzzing any day of the week, fuelled by warm welcomes and delicious fare. The menu is as varied as it is vast, meaning even the fussiest eaters are well-catered with everything from pide and cheese to kibbeh, saj and doner kebabs. 
Unlicensed. Al Thanya St, Sheikh Zayed Road, sultansaray.ae (04 229 0600).

For the top ten best Turkish restaurants in Dubai click here.

Dubai’s best restaurants: Themed

Best afternoon teas in Dubai

WINNER
Bijou Patisserie

While most afternoon teas come served on a pretty tiered stand, Le Goûter at Bijou Patisserie isn’t your average afternoon tea. Instead, you can expect your lemon meringues, millefeuille, croissants and tomato and mozzarella baguettes served directly out of a jewellery box for a little bit of Instagram appeal. It’s extra and we love it. There’s even a mini afternoon tea for the little ones, which is often hard to come by in Dubai.
Licensed. Sofitel The Obelisk, Sheikh Rashid Rd, WAFI, sofitel-dubai-theobelisk.com (04 281 4111).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Lobby Lounge

Did you know that the art of afternoon tea began more than 150 years ago after the seventh Duchess of Bedford began serving a meal between lunch and dinner in England? We have a lot to thank her for. An afternoon tea at Al Mandhar Lounge might be full of five-star formalities, but don’t expect a stuffy dining experience here – service always comes with a smile and there’s not a white tablecloth in sight. Whether you’re in the market for a birthday treat, or simply want to dress up and sample one of the best afternoon teas in Dubai, Lobby Lounge is a no-brainer.
Licensed. The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, JBR ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/dubai/dubai-beach/dining/lobby-lounge (04 399 4000).

Sahn Eddar

It’s not just the exclusive Burj al Arab location that makes an afternoon at Sahn Eddar a must-try at least once in your life – it also so happens to be one of the best afternoon teas in Dubai. Sure it can get a tad touristy at times, but don’t let that put you off – its opulent furnishings are only out-wowed by its fine selection of finger sandwiches, scones and pastries. Be sure to book this for a special occasion.
Licensed. Burj al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Road, jumeirah.com/en/dine/dubai/burj-al-arab-sahn-eddar (04 301 7600).

For the top ten best afternoon tea in Dubai click here.

Best à la carte brunches in Dubai

WINNER
Mayabay (Great Service Award nominee)

Brunch on a Sunday may feel a bit risky, but fortune favours the brave after all. Trust us, it’s worth the impending Monday morning hangover for the feast that awaits you at Mayabay. Slightly more low-key yet no less enjoyable than your typical brunch in Dubai, choose one soup, three appetisers each, and two mains and sides each. Add to that unlimited sushi, sashimi and dim sum, and it’s no exaggeration to say you’ll need to be rolled out of there. And that’s exactly how brunch should be.

Time Out Dubai has also highlighted this venue for having one of the city’s most impressive front-of-house teams with a Great Service Award nomination, designed to celebrate exceptional guest experiences delivered with knowledge, confidence and personality.
Licensed. Jumeirah Al Naseem, mayabayrestaurant.com (04 275 2500).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

BB Social Dining

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Ready to show us hungry Dubai dwellers how it’s done, this stylish yet unfussy space serves up a huge selection of small bites to share followed by a choice of fragrant BBQ dishes including lamb barbacoa, spicy fish and barley risotto. Upgrade to the bubbles package for a special occasion.
Licensed. Gate Village 8, DIFC, thisisbb.com (04 407 4444).

Bushra by Buddha-Bar

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While great Middle Eastern food might be easy to come by in Dubai, a Middle Eastern bottomless brunch in a super chic setting? Not so much. Luckily that’s exactly what you’ll get down at Bushra by Buddha-Bar. Perhaps you’re in the mood for some of chef Greg Malouf’s famous silky hummus or a giant meat pide? Or maybe you fancy brunching like a king (or queen for that matter) with course after course of tender meats cooked on your very own mini charcoal grill? Whatever your tastes, this buzzy spot will have you coming back time and time again.
Licensed. Grosvenor House Dubai Marina, bushra-dubai.com (04 317 6000).

For the top ten best à la carte brunches in Dubai click here.

Best buffet brunches in Dubai 2023

‌WINNER
Traiteur

Brunch at Traiteur is definitely an occasion. Between the soothing summer tones, the comfy seating and the dreamy waterside setting, it really is the perfect spot for an elegant Friday feast. The food is excellent too, with fine French fare and all the classic Parisian dishes that, IOHO, are more than worth the price tag. Save it for a special celebration, or when your mum’s in town.
Licensed. The Promenade, Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, hyattrestaurants.com (04 602 1814).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Bubbalicious

If you’ve got a very specific need that can only be fulfilled by a seemingly random array of delicious ingredients, Bubbalicious will have you sorted. Where else can you have your roast beef with a side of curry and a few slices of pizza? One of Dubai’s most famous buffet brunches, it’s a truly global feast with plenty of live music and is family-friendly to boot. Celebrating a special occasion? Be sure to upgrade to the bubbly package.
Licensed. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh marriott.co.uk/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/dxbmb-the-westin-dubai-mina-seyahi-beach-resort-and-marina (04 511 7373).

Suq

The al fresco buffet brunch to end all al fresco buffet brunches, Suq is an outstanding place to take the whole family on a Saturday afternoon and among the best on Beach Road when it comes to food. Home to one of the city’s prettiest sunshine-soaked spaces, food comes from all four corners of the globe with the likes of sushi, pasta and seafood, while a live band serenades guests throughout the afternoon. There’s a kids’ corner too, which is a very nice touch.
Licensed. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Beach Rd, fourseasons.com/dubaijb/dining/restaurants/suq (04 270 7777).

For the top ten best buffet brunches in Dubai click here.

Best bakeries or patisseries 2023

WINNER
Flaky Pastry Croissant Co.

Nothing quite beats the feeling of walking into the Flaky Pastry Croissant Co – the name might give it away, but it legitimately smells like the inside of a croissant. Dubbed Dubai’s first gourmet croissanterie (they have a name for everything these days), this welcoming spot is home to its very own show kitchen where you can watch your savoury treats being made IRL, including Viennoiseries and pastries you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Wash it down with a fresh cuppa joe and you’re good to go.
Unlicensed. City Walk, instagram.com/flakypastrydubai (054 998 4434).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Birch Bakery

Everyone deserves to have a bakery as good as Birch in their neighbourhood. An Al Quoz favourite since 2019, what started out as a spot to buy the city’s best sourdough now sells everything from malted wheat loaf and sea salt focaccia to a tasty nut & seed loaf that makes it one of the most varied bakeries in Dubai. Shoppers can also get their hands on freshly-made croissants, pastries and, on Saturdays and Sundays. There’s also freshly baked chocolate babka that you’ll be dreaming of until your next visit.
Unlicensed. Al Quoz, birchcafe.com (04 397 0996).

Rise and Dawn Bakehouse

Cake meets art at Rise and Dawn Bakehouse – a specialist in custom bespoke cakes and cookies down by the Trade Centre. Created fresh each morning and using only the highest quality ingredients, you’ll find everything from artisan sourdough and baked goods to the prettiest birthday cakes in the whole of Dubai. Its bakehouse boxes are perfect for entertaining too, filled with everything from salmon bagels and weekend brunch staples to bread, cookies and croissants.
Unlicensed. Burj al Salam, Trade Centre, riseanddawnbakehouse.com (056 445 7526).

For the top ten best bakeries or patisseries in Dubai click here.

Best bar food in Dubai 2023

WINNER
Attiko

With Instagrammable interiors, creative mixed drinks and picturesque views of Dubai Harbour, Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters Island, this is a spot you can’t miss. The terrace alone is reason enough to pay a visit to Attiko – but you’d be a fool not to grab a bite to eat while you’re at it. From edamame and tempura tuna tataki salad, yellowtail carpaccio and Wagyu gyoza, its menu of small Asian plates make for some of the best bar food in Dubai. Miss last orders? The more compact, yet equally as tasty, late-night menu will still hit the spot.
Licensed. W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, theattiko.com (04 350 9983).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Barfly by Buddha-Bar

A chic rooftop bar born from the same family as Buddha Bar, Siddharta Lounge and Karma Kafe, it will come as no surprise that Barfly by Buddha-Bar serves up some seriously good bar food. Presenting a menu of inventive Asian fusion dishes among interiors of rich jewel-hues that bring the decadence of the Far East to life, enjoy these divine dishes out on the terrace, which makes for the perfect spot for drinks and a little grazing.
Licensed. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, barflydubai.ae (04 230 0057).

Honeycomb Hi-Fi

If you’re looking for an intimate speakeasy vibe in the heart of Downtown Dubai to impress visitors, head to Honeycomb Hi-Fi. The sibling spot to Indochine and Miss Lily’s, this small yet hip space describes itself as a high-fidelity izakaya, serving up craft mixed drinks and fantastic casual Japanese fare while also featuring a music listening station, a vinyl record store and a book shop. It’s pretty difficult to mess up a food order here, but we highly recommend the mochi stuffed crispy wings and scallop siu mai to share.
Licensed. Pullman Dubai Downtown, instagram.com/honeycombhifi (04 412 6666).

For the top ten best bar food in Dubai click here.

Best breakfast in Dubai 2023

WINNER
21grams

If the thought of a Balkan breakfast floats your boat then there’s only one place in Dubai to head. Handmade from family recipes using seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers where possible, don’t be surprised if you find yourself ordering a side of creamy polenta or an omelette butter roll with your order of sunny-side-up eggs with pulled beef. Just be warned, all that lovely wholesomeness makes this place popular, so be sure to book ahead.
Unlicensed. Jumeirah Street next to Umm Suqeim 2, 21grams.me (050 841 5021).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

carine

The one thing wrong with breakfast at carine is that it’s only available on weekends – we’d happily spend every morning at this lovely little European spot indulging in its creamy eggs benedict, avocado tartine and, if we’re feeling really naughty, moreish waffles with chocolate sauce and whipped cream. We’re also particularly fond of its breakfast mocktails which are best enjoyed out on the terrace waiting for the other half to finish a round of golf. Please, take your time…
Licensed. Emirates Golf Club, Sheikh Zayed Road, dubaigolf.com (04 417 9885).

Kaftan

Kaftan is the perfect spot for breakfast in Dubai if the rest of your day depends on getting something good inside you. As to be expected from a restaurant that specialises in Turkish cuisine, a morning meal here is a full-on event with specialities including citir pastrima (sunny-side up eggs with beef pastrami on layers of thin-crust dough), sucuklu yumurta (sunny side up eggs with soudjouk sausage) and other regional specialities, designed to be enjoyed the Turkish way. And by that we mean a leisurely meal with friends, chatting over good food and brilliant coffee.
Unlicensed. Jumeirah St, Umm Suqeim, instagram.com/kaftanrestaurant (04 338 9688).

For the top ten best breakfast in Dubai click here.

Best budget restaurants in Dubai 2023

WINNER
Dampa Seafood Grill

A bustling hub down in Deira serving up – yep, you guessed it – plenty of fresh seafood, Dampa Seafood Grill is inspired by the Philippine tradition of gathering around a table full of food to be eaten with bare hands. Leave your best shirt at home and prepare to dig into mounds of all manner of catch, with each haul of mixed seafood coming loaded with shell-on shrimp, crab, mussels, clams and corn, with the option to choose from plenty of sauces. It feels even better when you leave without that sinking feeling when you get the bill, too.
Unlicensed. Baniyas Rd, Port Saeed, Deira, instagram.com/dampaseafoodgrill (04 299 0884).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Calicut Paragon

While you might not come to Calicut Paragon for some Wagyu beef or the finest hand-pulled noodles, you will come for traditional Indian food at prices that won’t cost the earth. Attracting diners from all over Dubai with its excellent cooking and fabulous use of spices, this low-budget hangout is all about low cost and low key, with its seafood and clay pots our orders of choice. You can quote us on that.
Unlicensed. Al Ghani Building, Al Karama, paragonrestaurant.net (04 251 2545).

Mama’esh

Cheap eats in Dubai don’t come much better than at Mama’esh. A homemade concept delivering traditional manakish flatbreads made from only organic flour using a wood-fired stone oven, there are a number of branches throughout the city, but our favourite has to be the one down in Al Manara thanks to its perfect blend of cute and cool interiors plus indoor and outdoor seating. With prices averaging between Dhs9 to Dhs18 per manakish or Dhs15 to Dhs29 for fatayer, you could fill up here every day of the week.
Unlicensed. Al Manara, mamaesh.com (04 453 8166).

For the top ten best budget restaurants in Dubai click here.

Best burger bars in Dubai 2023

WINNER
Pickl

Are you chained to your desk and dreaming of an indulgent lunch that will make all your co-workers drool? Well, you’re in luck, as Pickl not only serves up burgers that taste like a party in your mouth, but they deliver direct to your desk too. Having garnered itself quite the reputation since opening in 2019, this homegrown burger brand offers some of the most delicious buns in the city, with chunky patties wedged into squidgy potato buns that come doubled up and saturated in special sauce. Do yourself a favour and order the chicken sando – it’s absolutely out of this world.
Unlicensed. One JLT Tower, JLT, eatpickl.com (04 584 6859).

‌HIGHLY COMMENDED

‌High Joint

What started as a passion project by three Emiratis with a hole-in-the-wall shop in Al Manara, High Joint now churns out utterly meaty marvels on the reg to Dubai’s biggest burger connoisseurs. A place that really knows its beef, all of the burgers are made from USDA prime Angus rib-eye, while chefs have also experimented with a dry-aged beef burger experience, with the cuts dried between 21 and 63 days to provide different levels of intensity. Count us in.
Unlicensed. Al Manara, highjoint.com (04 268 1586).

‌Smash and Sear at Maxzi The Good Food Shop

The name might be a giveaway, but some of Dubai’s best burgers come courtesy of Maxzi The Good Food Shop in Al Quoz, which are worthy of our list thanks to fantastic fixings and more toppings than the average patty could handle. If you’re feeling extra hungry, the double cheeseburger is a sensational choice, with two loosely-packed Wagyu patties topped with melted cheese, pickles, onion and just the right amount of signature burger sauce. Don’t forget a side of fries. Because we love the fries there.
Unlicensed. Al Shafar Investment Building, Al Quoz, maxzi.ae (04 395 3988).

For the top ten best burger bars in Dubai click here.

Best cafés in Dubai 2023

WINNER
NETTE

Not all cafés in Dubai were made equal – we’ve drunk our way through our fair share of sub-par brews. Luckily you won’t have the problem down at NETTE, an Al Quoz-based café specialising in French-Japanese fusion dishes. From the founders of modern Parisian bistro Cassette, you’ll stumble upon it inside the beautiful grounds of Matcha Club, where both Lululemon-clad mothers, padel players and people doing business gather for coffee, brunch and a good ole chit chat. Breakfast here is non-negotiable.
Unlicensed. Al Quoz, instagram.com/nettedxb (04 548 8369).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

SLAB

The tagline at this casual Mercato Mall-based café is ‘food you love to eat’, and boy does it deliver. Launched by chef Omar Rodriguez, the man behind the original SLAB Test Kitchen at La Mer, there’s everything from pasta and salads to grilled meats and seafood on the menu, served alongside special coffee creations you won’t find elsewhere. Arrive early in the morning or mid-afternoon if you want to avoid the peak time queues.
Unlicensed. Mercato Mall, weareslab.com (04 548 1477).

Teible

There’s much more to Teible than having a really lovely time. Developed by Peter Ahn – artist, entrepreneur and founder of YUi and Selectshop Frame – this bakery-come-café advocates for sustainability through its food with a four-pillar value system that includes sustainability, seasonality, simplicity and integrity. The smell of freshly baked bread and pastries will draw you into the cool minimalistic space, while floor-to-ceiling water views and stellar food and drinks will ensure you stay.
Unlicensed. Jameel Arts Center, Jaddaf Waterfront, teible.com (04 243 6683).

For the top ten best cafés in Dubai click here.

Best family-friendly restaurants in Dubai 2023

WINNER
Maison Mathis

Looking for a family-friendly restaurant in Dubai where you won’t get any side-eye? Head on down to Maison Mathis. A bright and bustling space with plenty of room for a buggy where you can pop in for a laid-back brunch on the weekend, it’s out in the ‘burbs at Arabian Ranches, making it extremely popular with young families looking for a relaxed meal. There’s also a dedicated play area if you want to leave the little ones to it for a while.
Licensed. Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd, mm-argc.com (04 450 1313).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Reform Social & Grill

Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2023
Reform Social

Dubai’s original neighbourhood hangout, this friendly gastropub in the heart of the Lakes was designed with families in mind, with its idyllic garden, relaxed vibe and Saturday Family Brunch. There’s a great children’s menu too full of fun names like Nursey Rhyme Baby Bowls, Betty Botter’s Buttered Chicken and a Hickery Dickery hot dog, while pizza is served daily too. Add a regular schedule of live entertainment into the mix and everyone’s happy.
Licensed. The Lakes, reformsocialgrill.ae (04 454 2638).

The Byron Bathers Club

Perhaps the most stylish family-friendly restaurant in town, and praised by mums for its complimentary pool and beach access, The Byron Bathers Club is a popular new Palm-based hangout specialising in super-fresh seafood. The weekend breakfast menu is particularly epic, with classic Aussie favourites, including eggs your way, crab omelette or acai bowls
Licensed. Al Manhal Building, Shoreline 4, Palm Jumeirah, instagram.com/byronbathersclub (04 323 7378).

For the top ten best family-friendly restaurants in Dubai click here.

Best outdoor restaurants in Dubai 2023

WINNER
SAL

Behind the seven-star palatial façade of the Burj al Arab lies the sun-drenched beauty that is SAL. Laze away the morning on an in-water sunbed while sipping on freshly squeezed juice and flat whites before wandering over to the breezy terrace for lunch. Directly over the Arabian Gulf, its ocean views are perhaps the best in Dubai, while the Cote D’Azur menu will please even the most diehard of foodies with perfectly-cooked seafood delights.
Licensed. Burj Al Arab, jumeirah.com/en/dine/dubai/burj-al-arab-sal (800 323232).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Onze

Dubai might be chock-a-block with world-class Peruvian restaurants – but world-class Peruvian restaurants by the water? Not so much. And that’s where Onze comes in. Found down at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, views of the Creek and the championship golf course spread out around you from one of the largest terraces in the city, where guests dine on a fusion menu with highlights of salmon taquitos, tuna tataki, ceviche, and corn robata. Arrive early for a sunset mixed drink and stay after dark for a stellar rotation of DJs and dancing.
Licensed. Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Port Saeed, onzerestaurant.com (04 250 6567).

Twiggy by La Cantine

A hunting ground for Dubai’s most stylish patrons, anyone who’s anyone has dined at Twiggy by La Cantine at least once in their lives. Following a day of sunbaking by the 100m infinity pool, transport yourself to a table with a view and watch the nightfall as delicious plates of sea bass carpaccio and burrata pizza with black truffle transport you to the south of France. As to be expected, the crowd here is effortlessly hip, so be sure to dress for the occasion.
Licensed. Park Hyatt Dubai, Dubai Creek Club St, twiggy.ae (04 602 1105).

For the top ten best outdoor restaurants in Dubai click here.

Best pizzerias in Dubai 2023

WINNER
Pitfire Pizza

If you’re not a fan of Pitfire Pizza then we’re afraid to say we don’t have a lot in common. The king of pizza deliveries with stand-alone restaurants around the city, its original OG JLT branch is our pick of the bunch, where we love to head for pizzas that are ‘not quite Neapolitan, not quite New York’, yet have us drooling over their beautifully blistered crusts and an eclectic arsenal of produce, from chopped dates and gorgonzola to roast chicken and pineapple. Oh, and you haven’t lived until you’ve tried the garlic knots.
Unlicensed. Cluster D, JLT, pitfiredubai.ae (0800 748 3473).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Blu Pizzeria

Before you begin your next heated discussion about the best pizza in Dubai, we suggest you head on down to Blu Pizzeria at Umm Suqeim Harbour. Producing the perfect kind of soppy-in-the-middle Neapolitan pizzas with blistered woodfired crusts, these beauties are also crafted from sourdough, making them super fancy at the same time. Its compact menu comprises just a small selection of pizzas, but each and every one of them is superbly good.
Unlicensed. Umm Suqeim Harbour, Jumeirah 3, instagram.com/blupizzeria (050 812 6406).

Moon Slice

Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2023

If you like your cheese with a side of pizza, even one slice at Moon Slice will make you incredibly happy. A Dubai pizzeria that’s well worth going down Al Wasl Road for, this culinary concept from Emirati restaurateur Mahmood Al Khamis, who collaborated on the menu with renowned chef Reif Othman, comes with a menu of unique combinations and seriously limited seating. Its Naples-style pizzas are built on a 48-hour fermentation process before being tossed, topped and fired at 380°C. You can most certainly tell.
Unlicensed. Dar Wasl Mall, Al Wasl Rd, instagram.com/moonslicepizza (050 695 9733).

For the top ten best pizzerias in Dubai in Dubai click here.

Best pubs with food in Dubai 2023

WINNER
Goose Island Tap House

A cool and relaxed watering hole for residents of JVC and beyond, Goose Island Tap House is a far cry from your old-style pub. Instead, expect an industrial aesthetic of woods, metals and brass, a buzzing bar which dominates the centre, plenty of pool tables and virtual golf, plus a kitchen headed up by some seriously talented chefs. While the bar area is ideal to perch with a pint of craft hops, we suggest you head here for its pub grub, which is as tasty as it is comforting.
Licensed. FIVE Jumeirah Village, instagram.com/gooseislanddxb (04 455 9989).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Crown & Lion

This friendly pub knows that the way to our hearts is through our bellies. Whether you opt for its Dhs70 lunch menu, or a full-on sit-down three-course meal of traditional Scotch egg, a half roast chicken and a dreamy apple crumble, its menu of pub favourites is hard to resist. There’s even a new sausage menu courtesy of AW Lashford & Sons, one of the oldest manufacturers in the UK city of Birmingham, who prides itself on sourcing only the best ingredients for its bangers.
Licensed. Byblos Hotel Barsha Heights, bybloshoteldubai.com/crown-and-lion (04 448 8000).

JB’s Gastropub

The clue is in the name when it comes to JB’s Gastropub – this is a place that was made for consumption. Blowing its JBR neighbours out the water with an unpretentious vibe, low-key industrial décor and plenty of live sport, it also does good food in the form of British and American classics, served alongside a couple of wildcards for good measure. From beef & thyme meatballs and josper chicken to a deliciously indulgent mac ‘n’ cheese, this kitchen knows food.
Licensed. Amwaj Rotana JBR, The Walk, instagram.com/jbsgastropub (04 428 3084).

For the top ten best pubs with food in Dubai click here.

Best seafood restaurants in Dubai 2023

WINNER
Ibn AlBahr

With its stylish nautical interiors, picture-perfect views and super fresh seafood caught by real fishermen, Ibn AlBahr is a Palm Jumeirah gem. There’s a fish market where you can pick your own to be freshly prepared, while the rest of the menu is a hit too with the likes of prawns, octopus and a selection of Lebanese mezze. What’s more, given its lively Club Vista Mare location, it’s always a good time.
Licensed. Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, ibnalbahr.me (04 553 9575).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Alici

Every seafood lover in Dubai must have been to Alici by now. By far the prettiest of restaurants down on Bluewaters Island with far-reaching views of the Marina skyline, it offers diners a true taste of Southern Italy with everything from fresh fish dishes to handmade pasta served among beachy blue and white interiors complete with pretty citrus trees. If you’re a fan of anchovies then you’re in luck too – it’s what Alici translates to and, as such, specialises in.
Licensed. Bluewaters Island, alici.com (04 275 2577).

The Beach Bar & Grill

A recurring Time Out Dubai Restaurant Award nominee thanks to its sumptuous food, exceptional service and beautiful beachside ambiance, the long-standing Beach Bar & Grill down at the One&Only Royal Mirage has long been one of our top picks for the best seafood in Dubai. With views of Bluewaters to the left, the new Dubai Harbour right in front and Palm Jumeirah to your right, locations don’t come much better, and neither does fresh seafood, much of which comes cooked on a wood-fired parrilla in the slick open kitchen.
Licensed. One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina, instagram.com/beachbarandgrill (04 399 9999).

For the top ten best seafood restaurants in Dubai click here.

Best steakhouses in Dubai 2023

WINNER
Prime68

For a trendy yet classic Dubai steakhouse, Prime68 should be your first port of call. An upscale joint where the food is just glorious, prime cuts of beef are used for massive slabs of steak, opt for the Australian Black Angus chateaubriand or 1kg of USDA prime tomahawk if you’re feeling flush. This JW Marriott Marquis legend also throws one of our favourite Saturday brunches in Dubai – think succulent steaks served family-style with panoramic city views. If there’s a better day to spend your day we’re yet to find it.
Licensed. JW Marriott Marquis, Downtown Dubai, portal.marriott.com/dxbjw-jw-marriott-marquis-dubai-uae-hotels-dining/prime68 (04 414 3000).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

11 Woodfire

You’ll probably be aware of chef Akmal Anuar thanks to his work with Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori and 3Fils (the latter of which he has since departed). Luckily the Dubai-based culinary connoisseur has brought the same flavour and finesse to his popular Beach Road-based steakhouse which, as the name suggests, is all about open-flame cooking. Very much a fine dining sort of place with ingredients sourced from premium vendors, order some hot and cold sharing plates to start and focus the rest of your stomach space on the meat. The Australian Wagyu striploin is a particular highlight.
Unlicensed. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah, 11woodfire.com (04 491 9000).

Hunter & Barrel

If a big, fat steak is top of your list this week, book a table at Hunter & Barrel. Renowned for its hunt, gather and fire-inspired culinary fundamentals, this Australian import is a real throwback to the catch-your-own-dinner traditions of ancient times. Not one to do things by halves, its dimly lit interiors come furnished with hunters’ trapping equipment from land and sea on the walls, and you’ll be able to smell wafts of those coal-grilled slabs of meat before you even step through the door. The fire-grilled steaks are the focal point of the menu, including a particularly indulgent 250g of CAB prime USDA fillet.
Licensed. Vida Emirates Hills, hunterandbarrel.ae (04 589 0970).

For the top ten best steakhouses in Dubai click here.

Best vegan restaurants in Dubai 2023

WINNER
SEVA Table

A picture-perfect spot to enjoy your greens in a green setting, SEVA Table is perhaps the most famous vegan restaurant in Dubai. Utilising seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, you won’t find any nasties such as GMOs and MSG in your meal and, what’s more, this multi-purpose hub even puts on an array of wellness classes and treatments to complement all that healthy food. You’ll be making a huge mistake if you don’t order the gooey nachos loaded with hand-chopped toppings and smothered in homemade vegan cheese.
Unlicensed. Jumeirah 1, sevaexperience.com (056 534 2899).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Moby

From the creative crew behind INKED Dubai, let us draw your attention to Moby – a vegan café in the heart of Alserkal Avenue specialising in plant-based sushi with sustainability at the core. With chefs aiming to produce most of their food in-house, dishes are fresh with minimum waste, while umami-packed rolls come bursting with inventive flavour combinations like sweet potato with jalapeño and confit miso eggplant with blow-torched enoki. This is one to add to your must-try list.
Unlicensed. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, mobysushi.com (054 501 8384).

Neat Burger

One of our favourite burger spots in the city just so happens to be one of our favourite vegan restaurants, which might have something to do with the fact that it belongs to Lewis Hamilton. With an outpost in New York and multiple in London, the sporting sensation opened the first branch of his plant-based burger brand in Dubai at the end of last year, and people have been going wild for its meat-free meals ever since. Highlights include the Neat Meat patty made with a top-secret recipe, pickles, white onion, ketchup and mustard, which we’re sure you’ve seen plastered all over Instagram.
Unlicensed. The Dubai Mall, neat-burger.com.

For the top ten best vegan restaurants in Dubai click here.

Best tasting or degustation menus in Dubai 2023

WINNER
Ossiano (also Highly commended for Great Service Award)

Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows looking out into Atlantis The Palm’s aquarium, a meal at Ossiano is quite the experience, even before you throw its tasting menu in the mix. Designed to tell the story of the underwater universe through expertly-prepared food, enjoy up to 10 ocean-inspired plates (or waves, as they like to call them) guided by chef Grégoire Berger – who was awarded the coveted title of Chef of the Year in the first-ever edition of the Gault&Millau UAE Guide – and his lifelong respect for seasonality and quality, with all ingredients sustainably sourced. Don’t mind if we do.

Time Out Dubai has also highlighted this venue for having one of the city’s most impressive front-of-house teams with a highly commended Great Service Award, designed to celebrate exceptional guest experiences delivered with knowledge, confidence and personality.
Licensed. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com/dubai/restaurants/ossiano (04 426 2626).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Moonrise

Led by Solemann Haddad, and with only 12 seats available, the degustation menu at Moonrise focuses on shining the spotlight on the diversity of ingredients that the region has to offer. A solely chef’s table experience, with evolving set menus that change with the seasons, diners can expect innovative takes on Middle Eastern and Japanese cuisine including cured Hamachi sashimi with Syrian sumac, Jordanian A5 Wagyu with celeriac and the fanciest grilled cheese we’ve ever had the joy to ample. Think everything from 36-month-aged parmesan and black pepper emulsion to black garlic and truffle between Hokkaido milk bread. It has to be tasted to be believed.
Unlicensed. Eden House Al Satwa, moon-rise.xyz (050 697 2946).

Trèsind Studio

True fine dining experiences are rare in Dubai. Perhaps not as rare as 17-course degustation menus, however, which is what you’ll find at Trèsind Studio. Aptly named Tasting India, there’s a dedicated menu for both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike, with fresh herbs, veg and a kaleidoscope of edible flowers plucked from the restaurant’s own in-house garden. Inside, six circular, white-clothed tables face the kitchen, from which you can enjoy course after course of serious Indian cuisine, each better than the rest. Dishes change regularly, but the charred lobster tail, pickled tomato and corn curry are a triumph.
Licensed. Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, tresindstudio.com (058 895 1272).

For the top ten best tasting or degustation menus in Dubai click here.

Dubai’s best restaurants: Grand Prix

Best casual dining restaurants in Dubai 2023

‌WINNER
Kinoya

With its low-key, classy but cool atmosphere, this trendy izakaya restaurant is a stellar casual dining restaurant for any night of the week. If you’re a fan of ramen then you’ll love Kinoya – five ramen dishes underpin the menu, our favourite being the shio with its rich chicken-dashi broth, chewy noodles and crispy-skinned chicken. You’ll also find other Japanese classics too including sushi, sashimi, robata and tempura devised by head chef Masao Kikuchi.
Licensed. P2, Tower 2, The Onyx, The Greens, kinoya.ae (04 548 6776).

‌HIGHLY COMMENDED

‌Ibn AlBahr

There are few places in Dubai where you can use the words suave, casual and value-for-money all in the same sentence, but that’s what Ibn AlBahr is. Housed at the lively Club Vista Mare, and run by real fishermen, the catch at this Lebanese seafood joint is as fresh as they come, and you can even pick your own to be freshly prepared from its in-house fish market. Be it steamed, chargrilled, butterflied or salt-grilled, just pick your sauce and you’re good to go.
Licensed. Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, ibnalbahr.me (04 553 9575).

‌Mythos Kouzina & Grill

JLT isn’t lacking in great casual dining restaurants, but Mythos is one of our go-to’s. An intimate taverna with white-stone walls and cave-like ceilings, this laidback Greek spot is a top pick for a midweek date night, nailing it with classic seafood dishes including sustainable local yellowtail tartare and extremely-well executed grilled octopus. Be sure to pre-game with traditional dips like fava, tzatziki and taramasalata.
Licensed. Armada Avenue Hotel, Cluster P, JLT, mythoskouzina.com (04 399 816).

For the top ten best casual dining restaurants in Dubai click here.

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