If food is your love language, there’s no better way to show your affection than sharing a romantic meal at one of Dubai’s top restaurants. Home to endless options spread across iconic skyscrapers and charming neighbourhoods, the city is a treasure trove of flavours waiting to be explored together. As these standout restaurants set the table and light the candles, the only thing left is to pick the spot that sparks your interest.
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The two MICHELIN star Row on 45's samagerai served on albufera sauce. Image credit: Vitaly Gonyukov/Row on 45
Row on 45
To seriously impress your sweetheart, set your sights on Row on 45. Located on the 45th floor of Grosvenor House Hotel in Dubai Marina, this two MICHELIN star haven from acclaimed British chef Jason Atherton takes romance to new heights. This intimate 22-seater presents a 17-course tasting menu delivered in three enchanting acts, starting with The Finest Welcome of snacks and a welcome drink to kick things off. The experience continues with The Pinnacle, which is the main affair in full view of the open kitchen, before concluding with The Grand Finale, a chilled-out beverage in the chef’s library. Each course blends premium Japanese ingredients like Hokkaido scallops and Saroma wagyu A5 with polished French techniques, resulting in a sophisticated symphony of flavours that’ll make you and your date feel like culinary royalty.
One MICHELIN star moonrise's shima aji dish. Image credit: Fabiola Cedillo/moonrise
moonrise
If you’re on the hunt for a date night that’ll leave you smitten, the one MICHELIN star moonrise is waiting with open arms high atop Eden House in Satwa. This cosy 12-seater rooftop hideaway’s ever-changing tasting menu serves a love letter to Middle Eastern heritage, sprinkled with playful Japanese notes. Make sure to try the Syrian sumac on hamachi sashimi and the bite-sized riff on pasta Alfredo.
Cosy counter dining makes the perfect setting for an intimate date night at Jun's. Image credit: behlah barbhaya/Jun's
Jun’s
At MICHELIN-selected Jun’s, dim lighting and marble finishes set the stage for a romantic and intimate dining experience, perfect for sharing with someone special. Each dish arrives with a story, as chef Kelvin Cheung draws inspiration from his Chinese heritage and Canadian-American upbringing to craft his unique third-culture cuisine. For a true taste of his culinary craft, the 11-course tasting menu is a must-try – approachable yet packed with inventive flavour combinations that might just have you licking the plate clean. While every dish is a standout, the potstickers and congee are the undeniable stars of the show.
Nothing complements a night out with your significant other like a view of Dubai's glittering skyline. Image credit: Juliet Dunne/Akira Back
Akira Back
Sweep your date off their feet with a one-of-a-kind dining adventure set against Dubai’s glittering skyline at the MICHELIN-selected Akira Back. Located on the fifth floor of W Dubai – The Palm, this ultra-modern restaurant exudes style the moment you step inside, where plush booths line one side of the room for a cosy, intimate vibe, while on the opposite side, floor-to-ceiling windows showcase jaw-dropping views of the city’s sparkling panorama, perfect for a couple’s night out. At the culinary helm is internationally acclaimed chef Akira Back, known for his signature take on Japanese cuisine infused with Korean and global accents.
The Fiorentina steak at MICHELIN-selected Il Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai is a great option to share for date night. Image credit: Arjhelle/Il Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai
Il Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai
Set the scene for an effortlessly romantic evening at this MICHELIN-selected spot, tucked within the serene Jumeirah Al Naseem resort. At the heart of the experience is a menu brimming with authentic Italian dishes crafted from ingredients grown on the Ferragamo family’s organic farm, from olive oil to seasonal vegetables and honey. The dishes here are as vibrant as they are delicious, with highlights including the hand-rolled tagliatelle swirled with earthy black truffle, tender braised beef served alongside crispy rosemary polenta and an indulgent array of artisanal charcuterie.
Signature red and black interiors at the MICHELIN-selected L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon. Image credit: L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
If you’re looking for a fancy French spot with a cool, modern vibe, head to the MICHELIN-selected L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in the city’s DIFC neighbourhood. As soon as you walk in, you’ll notice the deep reds, slick marble details and soft lighting that make the place both sultry and elegant – just the right energy for a date night. Grab a seat at the counter to watch the chefs in action or tuck yourselves away at a private table and prepare to relish sophisticated small plates with classic French foundations. Executive chef Roberto Torre keeps that fine-dining precision while staying true to Robuchon’s philosophy of making good food accessible.MENTIONED IN: Dubai's best French restaurants
Treat yourself and your significant other to a special evening at the MICHELIN-selected L'Olivo at Al Mahara. Image credit: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah /L’Olivo at Al Mahara
L’Olivo at Al Mahara
Picture yourself in a dreamy underwater love story as you step into the MICHELIN-selected L’Olivo at Al Mahara, situated on the ground floor of the magnificent Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. Though you’re still on land, you’ll swear you’re drifting beneath the sea, thanks to the wraparound aquariums shimmering with rays and vibrant fish. Brought to life by chef Andrea Migliaccio, an Ischia native who grew up soaking in the flavours of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, this spot celebrates all things Mediterranean with a focus on the fruits of the sea. Expect signature delights like tuna tartare tagliolini, red prawn and lemon risotto, and saffron-kissed blue lobster.
Opt for a front row seat to the iconic Burj Khalifa light show at the MICHELIN-selected Fouquet's. Image credit: K Consultancy/Fouquet's
Fouquet’s
Allow yourself to be transported to the ‘city of love’ at the MICHELIN-selected Fouquet’s, a legendary French restaurant that’s been delighting diners since its debut on the Champs-Élysées in 1899. Dubai’s gourmands have the chance to discover what makes this culinary icon so special – although here, the Eiffel Tower views are swapped out for the spectacular Burj Khalifa. Slide into one of the restaurant’s plush red velvet armchairs and indulge in French favourites like fresh lobster, perfectly seasoned beef tartare or the signature caviar. Once you’ve fallen head over heels for the flavours, venture upstairs to Le Toit where you’ll find a dreamy rooftop scene complete with refreshing beverages and a DJ spinning tunes.ALSO FEATURED IN: Your guide on how to spend two days in Dubai
The MICHELIN-selected Nobu's signature miso black cod. Image credit: Nobu Dubai-Atlantis, The Palm/Nobu
Nobu
Set the date night mood with a rendezvous at the MICHELIN-selected Nobu. Located on the 22nd floor of Atlantis, The Palm, the brand has become a staple amongst celebrities and is totally worth the Instagram hype. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s playful mix of classic Japanese flavours and Middle Eastern touches keeps things exciting with melt-in-your-mouth sushi, dreamy wagyu beef and the legendary black cod. Choose to sit at the sushi bar, snag a VIP booth for a front-row view of the action or head out to the Palm terrace for that twinkling Dubai skyline. Either way, your evening promises to be nothing short of magical.Illustration image: Nobu
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