In the heart of the UAE, a remarkable dining scene awaits, showcasing a diverse range of restaurants that celebrate flavors from around the world. Across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, guests can enjoy high-quality dishes paired with breathtaking views and inviting atmospheres. From Persian cuisine to expertly crafted beef selections, each venue offers something special — and picking a favorite seems impossible! Here are 10 hotspots to consider for your next outing.
Nobu by the Beach
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Located in a scenic beachfront setting, Nobu by the Beach, tucked away in Dubai’s luxurious Atlantis the Royal hotel, offers a dining experience that combines fresh, high-quality ingredients with stunning pool and sea views. As guests walk into the restaurant, the atmosphere envelopes all into a relaxed ambience. If it’s your first time at Nobu by the Beach, the chef recommends trying three or more of the menu’s “eight highlights.” Start with refreshing cold dishes like the yellowtail with jalapeño, where each expertly sliced bite is enhanced by garlic puree and cilantro for a burst of flavor.
Next, enjoy hot dishes such as rock shrimp tempura tossed in a creamy spicy sauce and served over fresh greens, and the black cod with den miso, a tender filet baked to perfection. For a satisfying conclusion, savor sushi and dessert, all served family-style, encouraging a shared dining experience.
While the food is impeccable — and a must-try for seafood enthusiasts — what further elevates the culinary experience here is the relaxing pool that accompanies the restaurant. Book yourself a daybed by the water to enjoy incredible views of the hotel and cheery beats before you pad over for lunch between ice cold sorbets and mocktails. There’s no better way to spend a lazy weekend than with this.
Scalini Cucina
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Mina Brasserie
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Tocha at Banyan Tree
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Tocha blends the essence of traditional Japanese teahouses with modern decor. Located within Banyan Tree Dubai, this serene space features a curated selection of teas and a full menu of Japanese small plates designed for all-day enjoyment. Guests can savor a variety of dishes, including delicate sandwiches, croissants, and light salads. The use of homemade milk breads and artisan methods enhances the quality of the food, and bring in incredibly authentic Japanese flavors.
From 2pm to 5pm daily, visitors can also enjoy Japanese Aperitivo while taking in views of the Arabian Gulf. This experience includes a signature snack platter accompanied by two specially crafted beverages. Menu highlights feature Daifuku mochi with sweet red bean cream and fresh strawberries, tender wagyu beef drizzled with homemade teriyaki sauce, and a creamy tamago sando inside soft Japanese bread. Another must-try experience is Tocha’s afternoon tea service. Enjoy an interactive (a wonderfully informative) matcha tea ceremony before diving into a platter of traditionally made desserts and savory bites. A good book and a window table enhance the experience further.
Beefbar
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Overlooking the Turtle Lagoon, Beefbar is back in Dubai, located within the luxurious Jumeirah Al Naseem hotel, inviting guests to enjoy expertly cooked beef cuts and shareable international street food. The hotel, a tropical retreat by the Arabian Gulf, offers a stylish setting for a memorable dining experience — whether you pop in for the popular weekend brunches, or for a weeknight dinner.
At Beefbar, Chef Riccardo Giraudi presents a fresh take on traditional steakhouse meals. Guests can indulge in a variety of richly flavored dishes, from caviar and gyozas to quesadillas. Each plate is made for sharing, encouraging a communal dining experience. The menu also features desserts like cheesecake, tiramisu, and gelato, making for a sweet finish to any meal. This upscale destination provides a relaxed setting where visitors can savor delicious food while enjoying the scenic surroundings of Jumeirah Al Naseem.
Soraya
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Soraya, the newest restaurant at Yas Mall, introduces four unique tasting menus that cater to different dietary preferences. With options for everyone, Regular, Pescatarian, Vegetarian, and Premium, guests can enjoy a journey through Persian-inspired flavors in a greenhouse setting. The team at 971 Hospitality has designed these menus to highlight authentic flavors and aromatic spices.
The regular tasting menu features popular dishes like chicken joujeh, lamb koobideh, and a refreshing shirazi salad. For seafood lovers, the pescatarian tasting menu includes grilled sea bass and wild prawn galieh, alongside signature Persian-inspired dishes. The vegetarian tasting menu showcases vibrant options like gheymeh bademjan, while the premium tasting menu offers a mixed grill platter and desserts. Soraya’s tasting menus invite everyone to savor the rich authentic flavors of Persian cuisine in an inviting atmosphere.
Carna
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With a creative new à la carte menu that combines tradition and innovation, Carna by Dario Cecchini at SLS Dubai is reinventing the idea of Italian cuisine. The menu features premium meats, innovative vegetarian options, and bold flavor pairings that are infused with authentic Italian flair. Curated by Executive Sous Chef Francisco Morales’ on his recent trip to Panzano in Chianti, the brand new offerings reflect a love for culinary experimentation.
The main event is set up with starters like wagyu beef tartare and Sicilian prawn on the bone, as well as unique vegetarian options including the tomato tartar. Savor earthy meals like portobello mushroom steak or decadent cuts like oven-roasted veal shank and Japanese wagyu. Every night from 6.30pm to 1am., Carna provides a sophisticated, all-inclusive dining experience with inventive sides and unique sauces.
Boardwalk
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Inspired by Mediterranean coastal flavors, Boardwalk’s plated brunch is a seafood lover’s delight. It starts with crowd-pleasing appetizers like the colorful Panzanella salad, a Tuscan classic filled with fresh tomatoes, bread, and spicy herbs, and crispy mushroom arancini balls, which come with a delicate, crunchy shell and creamy savory inside. The grilled mixed seafood platter is a standout among main courses, comprising a variety of fresh clams, oysters, and fish that have been expertly seasoned and grilled to emphasize their natural flavors.
Boardwalk is a Mediterranean seafood haven that brings the coast’s freshness to Dubai Creek. Another favorite on the menu? Prawn fregola, a Sardinian dish made with fregola pasta and delicate, succulent prawns. The meal is marinated in a thick sauce that evokes the warmth and vitality of Sardinia’s shoreline. The brunch also includes a carefully crafted variety of beverages, making it a relaxing event best enjoyed with family or friends. Boardwalk’s brunch ensures each bite feels like a mini getaway to the Mediterranean.
Li Jiang
Li Jiang at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi provides a spectacular dining experience with stunning views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The atmosphere varies between cozy garden seating with live DJ music, and an intimate indoor space featuring dark wood accents and an open kitchen. Known for its daily happy hour and pan-Asian menu, Li Jiang offers a wide variety of culinary selections, including umami-rich soups and a must-try duck gyoza, as well as delectable noodle dishes and Tuesday sushi evenings. Every dinner at Li Jiang guarantees exceptional flavors in an amazing atmosphere, making it a place you’ll want to visit again and again.
SLS
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This December, SLS Dubai transforms into a holiday wonderland, with festive events available throughout its stunning venues. On the 71st floor, S Bar’s La Chalet and Gingerbread House offers a cozy winter environment with exquisite décor, holiday dishes, and live violin performances on December 24 and 25, as well as a Santa appearance on Christmas Day. For a more intimate celebration, on December 24 and 25, Smoke & Mirrors will serve picarones, a distinctive Peruvian doughnut, along with complementary snacks. EllaMia adds a touch of holiday indulgence with Panettones available for delivery in flavors like chocolate, pistachio, and dates and vanilla—perfect for gifting. For a glamorous poolside Christmas, Privilege has organized a Ladies Day on December 24 with rooftop views, unlimited drinks, and à la carte dining deals. SLS Dubai’s seasonal offers incorporate style, taste, and memorable Christmas charm throughout its rich venues.
