Dubai, a city known for its innovation, luxury and extravagance, also boasts a culinary scene to rival the finest cities on the planet. Yes, it’s easy to find a fantastic meal here, but where do the top chefs of the world choose to go? We ask Massimo Bottura, the renowned Italian chef behind Italy’s three MICHELIN star and Green Star Osteria Francescana, and Dubai’s one MICHELIN star Torno Subito, on his favourite spots in the city. From evolving Indian cuisine, to traditional Arabic flavours, Bottura's recommendations reflect a deep appreciation for culinary storytelling and above all, his prestigious palette.
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For Indian food that challenges the status quo: Trèsind Studio
St. Regis Gardens - The Palm Jumeirah - Dubai
“I've seen chef Himanshu growing during the years. He’s a very humble guy, putting together the same experience I was 30 years ago. He’s trying to evolve Indian cuisine and bring it to another level rather than just classic homemade cooking. Last time I went it was amazing, especially the drinks pairings with Indian food which is not easy! Now they are exploring new roads, the experience is on another level.”
Two MICHELIN star restaurant Trèsind Studio challenges the common perceptions of Indian cuisine under head chef Himanshu Saini. Armed with an active imagination and unique creativity, Saini not only puts a modern spin on Indian flavours but totally evolves them. Open since 2018, this sister restaurant to Trèsind exclusively seats 20 guests only.
Two MICHELIN Stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour!
For a tasting menu with friends: Smoked Room
St. Regis Gardens, Nakheel Mall - The Palm Jumeirah - Dubai
“I've been in the new Dani García restaurant, Smoked Room. It’s a very European experience, an omakase style concept sitting around a table ー fire on, very cosy. I usually take the tasting menu when I go to these places because I want to see the mind of the chef.”Originally established in Madrid, where it earned two MICHELIN stars in just six months, Smoked Room offers an intimate dining experience by chef Dani García. His individual blend of European and Japanese influences lend perfectly to his “Fire Omakase” concept for just 14 seated guests to enjoy a completely personalised dining experience.
For an authentic Arabic affair: Bait Maryam
Cluster D - Jumeirah Lake Towers - Dubai
“A friend brought me here saying I would love it and I was super, super impressed. It was all about the feeling that chef Salam Dakkak was communicating; the stories behind every dish. If you want to learn the culture of a place it’s not just about good food, it’s about the emotions that come through the dishes.”Described as a home away from home for global residents, hidden gem and Bib Gourmand Bait Maryam serves a set of homestyle dishes from the Levant countries of Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan by Palestinian Jordanian chef-owner Salam Dakkak. A homegrown eatery where diners can experience a heart-warming and homely service with genuine ample Arab hospitality.
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For a slice of luxury in the heart of Dubai Marina: The One&Only Royal Mirage
King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St - Dubai Marina - Dubai
“When I was coming [to Dubai] years ago, we had a lot of meetings in the Marina so I got to try all of these hotels. They were extremely good! Dubai is this big, multicultural place with millions of people living here but at the end of the day, it’s a very small town - the people that live downtown always stay downtown!”
Before becoming a regular at W Dubai on Palm Jumeirah, where Bottura’s restaurant Torno Subito is located, he seeked decadent hideaways from the hustle and bustle of Dubai Marina in The One&Only Royal Mirage. A shoreside oasis with a long private beach and charming spots for a sundowner or two.
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For the ultimate langoustine risotto: Torno Subito
W Hotel, The Palm Jumeirah - Dubai
“Usually I go upstairs on the terrace as it has a beautiful bar. I sit there and watch the sunset, enjoying the view before the food service starts. You have all of the skyline and it’s beautiful. From the new menu, I especially love the langoustine risotto with Granny Smith apple and saffron. Also the ravioli with tomatoes, cooked in mussel juice and fresh mussels on top.”Charmingly placed on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, lies one MICHELIN star Torno Subito, the bold Italian playground of flavour envisioned by Bottura himself. "Contemporary cuisine is not just about the quality of ingredients but the quality of the idea," he says. This philosophy is evident in every dish served at Torno Subito, where the focus is on serving memorable experiences through exceptional ingredients. From the Parmigiano Reggiano, to the mozzarella di bufala, every element is carefully handpicked to ensure unparalleled dining whilst offering a breathtaking view of the Dubai skyline.
One MICHELIN Star: High quality cooking, worth a stop!
For discovering new artists: Alserkal Avenue
17th St - Al Quoz - Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 - Dubai
“I love Dubai’s art neighbourhood. It’s a beautiful place where we held an amazing event in one of the main piazzas where all the stores and galleries are. I was very impressed by a couple of the artists that I didn’t know. Even though it's very difficult for me as a European to buy pieces and ship them back.”
Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz is considered a hub of creative enterprise in Dubai. Step into a forward-thinking homegrown initiative with a bursting schedule of exhibitions, fashion pop-ups, live music and independent cinema screenings, to be enjoyed alongside vegan cafés and street food. It’s a place to be inspired and stimulated among the growing community of creatives who coolly frequent it.
