Dining in Dubai
Dubai is accustomed to ostentatiousness, showcasing the biggest and the best in the realms of architecture, events and design. Like the impossibly speedy rate of the city's urban development, Dubai’s dining scene seems to be in fast-forward; a plethora of international outposts, celebrity chef franchises and high-end homegrown establishments opening almost weekly. Combine these factors with the city’s incredibly multicultural population encompassing more than 200 nationalities, and you have a recipe for one of the most diverse food scenes in the world.
The cultural richness of Dubai is very well represented in the high-end restaurant scene, from legendary establishments that have been standing since long before the Burj Khalifa and World Islands, to the modern restaurants where chefs old and young create culinary waves with revolutionary ideas in their kitchens every day. In the midst of all of this, tradition has been returning to main focus with authentic Arabic flavours mingling on diner palates with the flavours of classic European cuisine and exotic Asian recipes.
Of course, there are the naysayers who suggest that Dubai’s dining scene is too sterile and lacks authenticity, not least in the fact that the sandy terrior seems like the most unlikely place on earth to cultivate fresh produce. But within this mushrooming dining scene, Dubai’s local farmers are enjoying a taste of the spotlight, with chefs eager to use local produce wherever possible to feed gourmands over lunch hour and for dinner.
It’s quite easy to take a culinary tour of the world in Dubai, with exclusive dining experiences to be had from the Marina on one end of the city to the Creek on the other. Such is the diversity of the cuisine, it almost goes without saying that defining a ‘Dubai’ chef or type of cuisine is near impossible; truthfully, one such definition doesn’t yet exist.
Despite the gourmet food scene still being in its infancy compared to the cuisines of other major global cities, Dubai has been holding its own quite impressively, with the likes of local outpost Zuma making it to The World’s 50 Best Restaurants List, and the plethora of food events that take place throughout the year. With the annual Taste of Dubai festival returning next month — and no Michelin star rating system to put the pressure on the city’s kitchens as yet — now is as good a time as ever to discover the cuisine culture of this jewel of the Emirates. Whether it’s an intimate dining experience with a view to remember or a boisterous feast of share plates with friends, expect your palate to be surprised.
Five gourmet experiences in the UAE's City of Gold
Nobu
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s local outpost of his eponymous restaurant chain is perennially popular among locals and visitors. Signature dishes include sashimi salad, yellow tail sashimi with a kick of jalapeños, and black cod miso. A mix of communal banquet tables and smaller dining settings make up the interior space, with dark wood interiors and mood lighting creating a sophisticated dining setting. That said, there’s something magical about sharing a meal in the outdoor garden area complete with fairy lights and lush greenery. Dubai’s cooler months is when the garden is particularly popular, but in any case, reservations are essential.
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah; +971 4 426 2626
Zuma
The only Dubai restaurant in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Zuma brings haute Japanese cuisine to Dubai’s International Financial Centre with an ever-changing menu and excellent service. Lunchtime crowds arrive in droves for the ‘Ebisu’ express menu, with dishes such as pan-fried prawn and black cod gyoza and steaming miso soup served in under an hour, or linger for dishes such as the grilled Chilean sea bass. Carnivores will appreciate the beef tenderloin with sesame, red chilli and sweet soy, or the Korean chili marinated lamb chops with pickled baby onion and myoga ginger. You'll probably need to wait for a table (even with a reservation), so the bar area is an adequate space to wile away the time with a cocktail or a cup of sake.
Gate Village 06, DIFC; +971 4 425 5660
Al Nafoorah
On the city’s iconic Palm Jumeirah is a dining experience that draws on the rich flavours of the region. Al Nafoorah is, as its Arabic name implies, a ‘fountain’ of authentic hospitality and arguably some of the best Lebanese cuisine you’re likely to find in the emirate. The richly decorated dining room with elaborately designed walls, Arabesque archways, and purple and gold table decorations evoke the spirit of the ancient Phoenicians. It’s a feeling reflected in the menu, with focusses heavily on mezze (share) plates, including fresh fatoosh salad, creamy hummus and smoky muttabal. It is tempting to overfill on mezze before the meat courses arrive, but try to restrain yourself — the sizzling meats are well worth it.
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah; +971 4 453 0444
Cut by Wolfgang Puck
International steakhouse names have been popping up all over the UAE in recent years, with one-year-old CUT by Wolfgang Puck making particular impact. This Middle Eastern outpost of Puck’s steakhouse family is a far cry from your run-of-the-mill franchise. While seafood and vegetarian dishes feature on the menu, steak is what diners come for: thick slices of Australian Angus and USDA prime rib-eye, cooked on a charcoal grill to add a smoky flavour to the meat. A variety of house-made sauces are available to accompany the cuts, including the Argentinean Chimichurri, as well as gourmet side dishes ranging from creamed spinach to soft polenta and Parmesan.
The Address at Downtown Dubai, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard; +971 4 888 3444
The Ivy
This local outpost of London’s most exclusive hotspot brings a taste of Britain to the desert. You'll find this establishment on the ground floor of Jumeirah Emirates Towers, where resident peacocks prance around the grounds. The setting oozes English sophistication with wooden floors, forest green leather banquettes and stained glass throughout. The three-course Business Lunch menu satisfies the hunger pains of office workers during the day, while a day-and-night à la carte menu offers an array of brasserie-style dishes including British favourite, shepherd’s pie. Be sure to linger in the lounge post-meal to enjoy housemade cocktails with a side of live jazz.
Ground Level, The Boulevard, Jumeirah Emirates Towers; +971 4 319 8767