Dubai's 10 Best Restaurants

Spectrum on One

Whether you're on a business trip or live there year-round, Dubai has a wealth of options for the discerning diner. Dig into the city's best restaurants as determined by the results of our just-released Dubai City Guide, and click here for more survey results.

No. 1: Spectrum on One
Food: 29
Decor: 27
Service: 28
Cost: E
Voted No. 1 for both Food and Service in the Dubai Dining Survey, this “outstanding” star of the Fairmont Hotel near the Trade Centre presents several Eclectic buffets plus eight cooking stations whipping up “out-of-this-world” dishes from Europe to Japan and everywhere in between (you’ve “never seen so much selection!”); indeed, it’s a veritable show, which “amazing staff” present in a number of high-end rooms, and while enthusiasts wish they “could go every day”, it’s “quite expensive”, so many save it for Fridays, when the “best brunch in town” is served.

Fairmont Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Rd.; 332-5555

No. 2: Nobu
Food: 28
Decor: 27
Service: 26
Cost: VE
Part of Nobu Matsuhisa’s globe-conquering, celebrity-friendly Japanese-Peruvian fusion chain, this Atlantis, The Palm destination’s signature black cod and sushi dishes are “small” and very “pricey” but “superb”; add in an “excellent” sweeping, dimly lit interior and “lively staff”, and advocates assure it “will not disappoint.

Palm Jumeirah Atlantis, The Palm; The Crescent; 426-2626 


No. 3: P.F. Chang's China Bistro
Food: 28
Decor: 26
Service: 25
Cost: M
Voted Dubai’s Most Popular chain restaurant, this “casual” American endeavour attracts a “young”, family crowd with its “wide choice” of “affordable” Chinese “fusion” dishes, all “brilliant”, particularly the “to-die-for Dynamite Shrimp”; the “modern”, “cosy” dining area is “guarded” by the brand’s “signature horses”, backed by “lively music” and bolstered by “marvellous” staff and “delicious, fruity” nonalcoholic drinks.

Al Barsha, Mall of the Emirates; Sheikh Zayed Rd.; 395-1801
Downtown Dubai; Dubai Mall, Al Doha St.; 325-3341
Mirdif City Ctr., ground level; Emirates Rd. & Tripoli St.; 
231-6660

No. 4: Kabalen
Food: 28
Decor: 22
Service: 24
Cost: I
Fans who “love to eat” Filipino cuisine are “satisfied” by the “wide choice” of “tasty”, inexpensive dishes at this no-liquor Karama cafe; bright, cheerful (if simple) environs plus “good service” equal a “great” atmosphere that keeps them coming back.

Bur Dubai; 6 A St.; Karama (behind Pizza Hut)

No. 5: Spice Island
Food: 28
Decor: 23
Service: 24
Cost: E
“Huge” buffets and cooking stations offer a “wide variety” of “delicious” Eclectic cuisines, including a “sumptuous array” of seafood, at this all-day dining room in the Crowne Plaza Deira; the “cosy” setting and “wonderful service” suit everything from “work lunches” to “special dinner treats with friends or family”, and while it’s “a little bit expensive”, the “great Friday brunch” is “reasonably priced.”

Deira; Crowne Plaza Dubai; near Salahuddin Rd.; 262-5555

No. 6: La Petite Maison
Food: 28
Decor: 26
Service: 26
Cost: VE
“Bravo!” cry admirers of the “absolutely perfect” Niçoise fare prepared at this “superb” Dubai International Financial Centre French “fine-dining” option, also offering “immaculate service” and an impressive wine selection; an “energetic, glamourous vibe” is evident in the “chic” “Mediterranean-feeling” setting, which is “great for business lunches or special occasions”, not least because it’s “very expensive” – “but you’re paying for quality” after all.

Trade Ctr.; Dubai Int’l Financial Ctr.; Sheikh Zayed Rd.; 439-0505

No. 7: JW's Steakhouse
Food: 28
Decor: 24
Service: 25
Cost: E
The “grandpa” of Dubai’s “steak family”, this pricey option in Deira’s JW Marriott specialises in “juicy” beef, but the cuisine is “delicious” all around; set up like a “classy, elegant” gentleman’s club, it’s “small” and often “crowded”, though the “lovely hospitality” from “wonderful staff” ensures everyone remains comfortable.

Deira; JW Marriott Dubai, Abu Baker Al Siddique Rd.; 262-4444 

No. 8: Calicut Paragon
Food: 28
Decor 17
Service: 23
Cost: I
The “amazing”, “delicious Kerala cuisine” at this “cheap” South Indian in Karama “wins hearts instantly” by putting a “zillion spices in your mouth” via home-cooked biryanis and fish curries from the Malabar coast; “smiling” staff patrol the simple upstairs setting, which is “always packed”, so expect “big queues outside” (it’s “worth waiting”); P.S. no alcohol.

Bur Dubai; 20 B St., Karama (opp. Lulu Ctr.); 335-8700

No. 9: Bento-ya
Food: 28
Decor: 20
Service: 23
Cost: M
“Ingredients sourced from Japan” mean you can’t “get any more authentic” than these much-loved Garhoud and Trade Centre Japanese spots whose “many choices” of “straightforward favourites” include “great sushi”; the setting may “lack in design” and the menu may be devoid of alcohol, but the “accommodating staff”, “good portion sizes” and “affordable price” make it “really worth” a visit.

Garhoud; Garhoud Bridge Rd.; 236-9666
Trade Ctr.; Sheikh Zayed Rd.; 343-0222

No. 10: Mezza House
Food: 27
Decor: 25
Service: 23
Cost: E
Celebrating the “brilliant” cuisine of the Levant region, this Arabic attraction in Downtown Dubai provides “amazing” dishes from Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Palestine et al.; glowing lanterns and “oriental” flourishes lend a “classy, elegant” feel to both inside and out, and while it’s not cheap nor licensed for alcohol, there are “friendly” staff and “great shisha” to facilitate a “relaxing experience.”

Downtown Dubai; Yansoon 9, Souk Tamer Hind, Emaar Blvd., Old Town; 420-5444