How To Eat Your Way Around The World In Dubai’s Best Restaurants
There’s no need to pack a passport when you can taste some of the world’s best cuisine right here on your doorstep. Tuck in…
Greek: GAIA, DIFC
The white walls, crisp tablecloths, fresh blooms and Aegean-inspired artwork will whisk you away to the coastlines of Greece. The Dubai-born restaurant founded by restaurateur Evgeny Kuzin and acclaimed chef Izu Ani, is something of an institution with its buzzy vibe and humble Greek-Mediterranean cuisine calling Dubai’s hungry crowd. Try the barrel-aged feta, zucchini salad, orzo seafood pasta and salt crust fish of the day. Plates are for sharing… But we won’t judge if it’s a fork fight. With Sirene Beach by GAIA recently opened in J1 Beach and GAIA Miami slated for later this year, you can taste the success of this fabulous homegrown brand.
For more information visit: gaia-restaurants.com
Japanese: Maison Dali, The Opus By Omniyat
Led by multi-award-winning chef Tristan Farmer, Maison Dali is a new Japanese -Mediterranean brasserie, that riffs on its name, with a dining experience that’s packed with personality. Intertwining Japanese ingredients and techniques with gorgeous Mediterranean flavours, expect dishes like wood-fired duck, potato mochi and cauliflower milanese served in a surreal, Dalí-inspired setting.
For more information visit: maisondalidubai.ae
Italian: CARBONE, Atlantis The Royal
Debuting in New York in 2015, Carbone has been nicknamed ‘the most celebrity-studded restaurant on earth’, as the crowds flock for its world-famous New York-style Italian cuisine. Now, Atlantis The Royal ups the ante with Carbone Dubai. Yes, you’ll find classics here like Caesar salad, linguine vongole and veal Parmesan, but each interpreted in Carbone’s exceptionally charismatic way. Deliciously surprising in all the right ways.
For more information visit: atlantis.com
Indian: Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
Dining anywhere at Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace puts you in good hands, and at Michelin-selected Martabaan those hands belong to Hemant Oberoi. The master chef conjures up redefined Indian dishes which he says are odes to the “mélange of sights, sounds, aromas and magic only to be found Indian kitchens.” Signature dishes such as Varqui crab, dum ki nalli and masala chai crème brûlée will take your tastebuds on a glorious adventure around India.
For more information visit: mandarinoriental.com
Asian: One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre
Multi-award-winning chef Reif Othman has brought another unique concept to Dubai with the opening of YUBI – the region’s first homegrown handroll bar at One Central. Putting his own signature spin on Japan’s most beloved street food, the menu revolves around made to-order handrolls that are served straight to the counter. Some of the most interesting combos to try include the sake and gochujang mayo with fresh salmon and the spicy tuna with red yuzu kosho.
For more information visit: yubihandrollbar.com
Thai: MANÃO, Wasl Vita
A celebration of Thai-inspired cuisine filtered through the personal journeys of chefs Mohamad Orfali and Abhiraj Khatwani, Manão brings Thailand’s soulful flavours and traditions to Dubai with a restaurant experience that is designed to feel like home. No airs or graces, just the quiet confidence of two excellent kitchen masters who present fresh, honest dishes that are full of life. Don’t miss the sticky rice roti, grilled king crab shoulder and sour curry of beef all jam-packed with flavour.
For more information visit: manao.ae
Portuguese: Lana Lusa, Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai
Inspired by Portuguese roots, Lana Lusa forgoes fanfare and frippery in favour of dishes that let the flavours do all the talking. Simple food on another level. The food is made for sharing, playing into the restaurant’s convivial atmosphere as the thrum of conversation accompanies the clattering of cutlery. For dishes with distinct Portuguese heritage, try the shrimp croquette, monkfish rice, salted cod fish and Pudim flan.
For more information visit: lanalusa.com
Imagery Supplied
From Harper’s Bazaar Interiors Autumn 2025 Issue.