Discover our favourite dining destinations given the royal seal of approval under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Located in The Exchange building in DIFC, this original restaurant (replacing a planned outpost of London's China Tang) takes inspiration from 1930’s Shanghai, and features rich-hued interiors - designed by renowned architect Michele Bonan (Billionaire Mansion, Cipriani). The Art-Deco-styled restaurant houses a luxurious bar and lounge, striking dining room, beautiful bamboo and banana tree filled terrace and a private dining table paying tribute to the prohibited parties of the golden age. On the menu, expect a blend of flavours from across East Asia, with a mix of lighter plates and more indulgent dishes using recipes that have been preserved from generation to generation with a playful twist.
This wholesome restaurant, by acclaimed chef Izu Ani (also behind Gaia, Carne & Izu Brasserie), serves an array of healthy dishes that focus on fresh, seasonal and responsibly sourced ingredients. Described as a menu of “clean indulgence” feast on dishes that ‘nourish the body, mind and soul’. The calming, clean inspiration is mirrored by the decor, with the restaurant flooded with natural light from the floor to ceiling windows, and a simple colour scheme of herb green, woods and neutral tones throughout. The highlight is the alfresco terrace; a wooden decked outdoor area complete with leafy botanicals and Burj Al Arab views.
Expect high-gloss contemporary Japanese dining in the ME Dubai, housed in The Opus - designed by the late, legendary architect Zaha Hadid. Situated in the heart of the Burj Khalifa district in Downtown Dubai, the development is guaranteed to be one of Hadid's must-see legacy projects. The opening (the creation of Zuma founder Rainer Becker), the first international venture - sticks to the same formula of the London branches, serving signature fish and meat dishes from a Japanese robata grill - yellowtail sashimi with yuzu-truffle dressing and salmon tartare with den miso and yuzu, along with sushi and sashimi and new menu items - robata-grilled chicken skewers with spring onion and lamb cutlets with Korean spices and sesame cucumber. There’s also a spacious terrace, which seats 64 diners and boasts impressive Dubai skyline views.
Ammos, meaning “sand” in Greek, brings all the charm of Greek cuisine to Dubai. Residing in Rixos Premium Dubai savour the distinct flavours, textures, and colours of Greek cooking - beachside - in an atmosphere of genuine conviviality and enjoyment. The menu features authentic Greek dishes - prepared using traditional recipes and cooking techniques - with traditional starters like Tzatziki, Fava and Saganaki and mains such as the popular signature Lobster Spaghetti.
Fine dining hotspot Gate Village is even more international and appealing with the opening of Gaia Dubai, a Greek-Mediterranean restaurant by Chef Izu Ani - and the restaurant of the moment. Opened just around the corner from one of the chef’s previous projects, the highly-rated French eatery La Petite Maison, Gaia brings authentic, wholesome Greek cuisine to DIFC’s glitzy restaurant quarter. With a menu inspired by the Greek islands, diners can expect plenty of seafood and simple yet flavoursome plates. As is the norm in Mediterranean culture, dishes are designed to be shared with family and friends, while the restaurant itself is homely and welcoming as a family-run Greek tavern. Pictured.
The tiny, unpretentious restaurant (tucked away by Dubai Opera) is reminiscent of a traditional inn in Japan with its minimalist décor, low seating in private rooms, and all-Japanese team. The Kaiseki meal is meticulously crafted with hyper-seasonal ingredients, carefully sourced directly from Japan. What you are served in the mystery degustation-style meal depends entirely on what produce head chef Hisao Ueda procures from his personal suppliers, but they may include intricate dishes such as marinated deep fried seafood with shallot and paprika, with canola flower topped with bonito flakes and grilled Wagyu with deep fried potato and shisito peppers.
Founded by former Zuma and Peyote Dubai alumni - this little gem is setting about reinventing DIFC dining with its design, food, and approach. The restaurant, housed in a former art gallery, is spread across three levels, with the interiors featuring European-style Art Deco styling and the compact yet leafy terraces providing some of the most charming alfresco dining spaces in town. The menu is Asian-inspired (with the occassional nod to Middle Eastern flavours), and divided into various Bs - baos, bites, bowls, and BBQ, with something for everyone. Whether it's a chicken bang bang bao; a more-ish cauliflower popcorn starter with tofu truffle sauce or the sharing shabu shabu pot and the succulent lemon chicken or harissa lamb skewers.
The second Dubai-based concept from restaurateur Natasha Sideris, inspired by her Greek heritage. The restaurant (replacing La Luz) is reminiscent of modern Athenian culture and the rustic open-air courtyards of the Mediterranean - a sophisticated yet laid-back space decked out in dark blue and gold interiors, located in the Four Seasons hotel. Journey through a menu of authentic meze, salads and slow cooked meats, prepared using the traditional souvla grill. The adjoining yet stand-alone Galaxy Bar, an intimate and vibrant lounge features a unique and aromatic cocktail menu using METAXA, an amber spirit from Greece.
An upscale Italian seafood restaurant at Dubai Harbour, reflecting the coastal regions of Southern Italy. L’Amo Bistro Del Mare stands for “love and hook of the fish” and aims to bring the culture, heritage, and charm of Southern Italy to Dubai. L’Amo’s interiors have a decidedly nautical feel - highlighted by Terrazzo style tile, typical in many traditional Southern Italian restaurants. The restaurant makes the most of the view, too, with 360-degree vistas visible through floor-to-ceiling windows or opt to take a seat on the show-stopping terrace with views of the harbour and skyline. The menu serves an extensive list of seafood and high-quality Italian specialties such as ricci di mare and red prawns from Mazara del Vallo. You can also expect to enjoy fresh catches of the day, with fish from the Mediterranean and prawns brought in from Sicily.
An Italian seafood restaurant from the group behind Dubai's award-winning Il Borro Tuscan Bistro. Inspired by Southern Italy and the Amalfi coast, the split level, 230-seater convivial and casual chic restaurant is dishing up seasonal Italian dishes using sustainably sourced seafood by head chef Domenico Santagada (formerly at Antonio Marras Ristorante). The design of the light-filled dining rooms feature neutral shades, citrus trees and white-washed wood to stunning effect with spectacular Arabian Gulf views. The menu features Amalfitana and South of Italy specialties that vary according to season and sea availability but you can expect oysters from local farms, as well as red Mazara prawns, tuna, and swordfish from Italy.
Mykonos' famous Nammos beach bar, which is popular amongst worldwide celebrities and socialites, has arrived in Dubai. Over the years Nammos ('the Grecian answer to St Tropez's Le Club 55') has cemented itself as one of the world's best beach clubs. Nammos Dubai is their second move internationally, following the opening of an outpost in the chic winter resort of Courchevel 1850 and comes complete with their signature umbrellas. The club is nestled in beachside resort of Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, with views of Daria island - brings the iconic spirit of Nammos Mykonos and transforms it into an ultra-sleek, fine dining beachfront restaurant and beach bar featuring a fresh, Mediterranean menu consisting of ingredients flown in from Europe. Dine on an a Greek inspired menu with international influences - from seafood, fresh homemade pasta to fresh sushi and sashimi and premium meat dishes. A must visit.
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