15 Of The Best Restaurants in DIFC
From French provencal flavours at LPM to spicy Chinese specialities at Hutong, Bazaar Arabia shares a list of the best restaurants in DIFC
Alaya
Alaya beckons with a tantalizing fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. The brainchild of restauranteur Evgeny Kuzin and celebrated chef Izu Ani, its menu celebrates Mediterranean flavours and the spirited street fare of the Middle East. From impeccably fresh herbs and spices to prime cuts of meat and the finest seafood, every dish at Alaya is testament to Izu’s exacting standards and imaginative flair. Prepare for every bite to surprise and delight.
Location: Gate Village 4, DIFC
Bull & Bear
Renowned as one of the city’s premier North American restaurants, it’s not just about the impeccable cuts of steak here — it’s a celebration of rich flavours and meticulous craftsmanship. From creamy mac & cheese to honey-roasted baby carrots and steak fries, each dish blends culinary sophistication with comfort-food thinking. Impeccable service and lively jazz nights make Bull & Bear the perfect place for a relaxed evening with friends and family.
Location: Waldorf Astoria, DIFC
Carnival by Trèsind
Carnival by Trèsind redefines modern Indian cuisine. This elegant establishment delights diners with its creative and contemporary dishes, catering to both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. For those looking to start their evening on a high note, the restaurant’s happy hour is always busy, while wine connoisseurs can opt for refined grape pairings that complement its signature dishes, such as the celebrated carnival butter chicken. With its vibrant ambiance, Carnival by Trèsind promises an unforgettable dining experience that marries tradition with innovation in every bite.
Location: Burj Daman, DIFC
Chic Nonna
Chic Nonna has quickly gained a cult following in the city’s vibrant culinary landscape. Since its debut in 2022, this Italian gem has charmed diners with its authentic flavours and inviting ambiance. Featuring a curated menu of beloved classics, it’s the perfect spot for any occasion — from leisurely lunches to intimate dinners and late-night gatherings. Adorned with elegant white tablecloths and dazzling chandeliers, Chic Nonna embodies the essence of sophisticated dining, with the wait staff sporting crisp white jackets and bowties. With one of the region’s largest selections of fine wines, Chic Nonna promises the ultimate Italian dining experience, where every visit feels like a trip to Florence itself.
Location: Zone D, Gate Avenue Mall, DIFC
Mint Leaf of London
Mint Leaf of London invites diners to savour a contemporary interpretation of authentic Indian cuisine amidst a atmospheric backdrop of dark slate and intricately carved wood interiors. This culinary haven not only delights with its daring dishes but also offers an elegant setting, embellished with henna-inspired motifs. With stunning views of Downtown Dubai and the majestic Burj Khalifa, Mint Leaf of London is a chic destination where customers can enjoy a vibrant bar and lounge experience post-dinner. Whether indulging in traditional favourites or exploring innovative dishes, this is a restaurant that beckons guests back time and time again.
Location: Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC
CLAP Dubai
CLAP Dubai brings a slice of Beirut’s culinary flair to the city’s Japanese dining scene. Known for its creative dishes and stylish ambiance, this restaurant offers a striking setting where innovative Japanese cuisine takes centre stage. With chic indoor and outdoor spaces and a bustling open kitchen, CLAP Dubai promises a memorable dining experience from the moment you step through the door. Don’t miss the chance to start your evening at their impressive 360-degree bar, setting the scene for an unforgettable evening.
Location: DIFC Gate Village
GAIA
GAIA is a culinary ode curated by celebrated chefs Izu Ani and Orestis Kotefas, celebrating the essence of Greek-Mediterranean cuisine. Named after the Greek Goddess of Earth, GAIA offers a modern take on traditional flavours, prioritising fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the comforting simplicity of home-cooked meals. This refined taverna offers more than just a meal; it presents a cultural journey where hospitality meets meticulous detail, inviting guests to explore and savour the true essence of Grecian cuisine.
Location: Building 4, Gate Village, DIFC
The Guild
Nestled within DIFC’s bustling ICD Brookfield Place, The Guild blends European charm with New York flair. This multifaceted dining destination offers brasserie-style breakfasts amidst stylish spaces that evoke the bohemian spirit of New York’s Tribeca. Whether enjoying a leisurely brunch or an evening appetizer, The Guild promises a vibrant dining experience where masterful chefs and artisans showcase their craft with passion and panache.
Location: Icd Brookfield Place, DIFC
La Cantine du Faubourg
With a menu showcasing continental classics and a charming outdoor terrace offering stunning views of Dubai’s skyline, La Cantine du Faubourg is a destination that transports guests to the City of Lights. Inside, modern art and a buzzing atmosphere set the stage for memorable meals, from power lunches to late night gatherings. La Cantine du Faubourg is the perfect choice for those seeking a taste of France.
Location: The Boulevard at Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Hutong Dubai
Step into a realm where the allure of the Silk Road meets the vibrant energy of Dubai. Hutong, the award-winning restaurant in DIFC, sets a new standard for glamorous fine dining, offering exquisite Northern Chinese cuisine, delectable dim sum, and imaginative cocktails. From its stunning interiors to the inviting outdoor terrace, Hutong captivates with an inspired blend of opulence and Eastern charm, in the heart of Dubai’s bustling banquet scene.
Location: Gate Building 6, DIFC
Avli by tashas
Drawing from the rich tapestry of traditional Greek cuisine, Avli by tashas transports diners on a culinary voyage that celebrates the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean. The restaurant’s beautifully designed space mirrors the rustic charm of Mediterranean courtyards, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere where every visit feels like a leisurely escape. Avli by tashas invites you to indulge in the generous and easy-going spirit of Greek hospitality, ideal for family celebrations and joyous occasions.
Location: Gate Village Building 9, DIFC
Ninive
Ninive offers a modern take on the majlis — a place to make decisions — offering a captivating blend of Middle Eastern culinary delights within a stunning hanging garden setting. Inspired by the region’s cultural heritage, it serves as a contemporary meeting point where tradition meets innovation. Nestled between lush greenery and designed to evoke the essence of a historical caravanserai, here you will experience an indelible dining experience like no other.
Location: Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai
Zuma Dubai
Discover why Zuma isn’t just a restaurant, but an unforgettable fine dining experience. Set against the striking backdrop of the Burj Khalifa, Zuma offers more than just a meal — it boasts an entire world of Japanese izakaya cuisine. Choose from the sushi and robata grill counters and visit the sake bar, while its private dining room can be hired for a sensational celebration alongside the city’s sleekest landmark.
Location: Gate Village, Building 3, DIFC
La Niña
Whether you’re seeking a taste of Latin heat or the hearty richness of Iberian cooking, La Niña is a must-visit for those who appreciate fine food served with passion and flair. Here, authenticity meets creativity in every meticulously prepared dish, with a diverse menu that riffs on Latino-Iberian fusion. Those looking for an Instagram-worthy setting won’t be disappointed – its tiled fresco walls and opulent chandeliers bring plenty of glamour for the grid.
Location: Icd Brookfield Place, DIFC
La Petite Maison Dubai
Step into the home of French Riviera-inspired cuisine at La Petite Maison. Evoking La Belle Époque on the Côte d’Azur, this restaurant flaunts an irresistible blend of art, music, and exceptional dining that makes it a must-visit. The sea bream baked with Provençal herbs and lemon tastes of summer holidays in the South of France, while its bone-in rib rye with potato galette and Bordelaise sauce is a delectable delight to be enjoyed all year round.
Location: Gate Village No, 8, DIFC
Lead Image Courtesy of Instagram/@dlrmk