Spanning over 110 acres, Dubai International Financial District, or more commonly known as DIFC, houses over 3,000 companies ranging from tech startups to internationally renowned audit firms. Over the years, however, the city’s business hub has grown to be more than just that. It has now become a gastronomic and hospitality destination frequented by business types, locals and tourists alike. The area’s buzzing restaurants, retail outlets, gravity-defying hotels, art galleries and iconic Museum of the Future helped broaden its appeal and attract a diverse audience.
However, having a plethora of options to choose from can be overwhelming. To help you navigate through this bustling Dubai neighbourhood, we’ve listed out the best spots to visit based on various interests ranging from business lunches to special occasions.
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For Business Lunch
For a quick break during a day full of meetings, DIFC has many offers available for business professionals, and any visitor for that matter. Almost every restaurant has a business lunch menu during weekdays but here are our best deals: one of the first to have proposed one was MICHELIN-selected Zuma, which has become an institution in itself offering a fine selection of Japanese contemporary dishes for AED 159, while MICHELIN-selected Sucre takes you to its famous Latin American open flame cooking for just AED 95. Head to India at MICHELIN-selected Carnival by Trèsind for a colourful lunch for AED 110, and The Artisan, located in the Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, offers in an elegant bistro interior a true Italian food for AED 135.
For Afterwork Aperitif
There’s nothing better than relaxing around drinks and bites with friends or colleagues after a busy day. The charms of the French Riviera are to be discovered during the ‘5 to 7’ by MICHELIN-selected La Petite Maison (LPM) or ‘les soirées’ of MICHELIN-selected Mina Brasserie. For a more Latin way to end the day the aperitivo ‘OOO – Out Of Office’ at MICHELIN-selected Sucre, and the iconic cocktails of Venice’s Harry’s Bar at MICHELIN-selected Cipriani are a must or for a Greek touch the signature cocktails at MICHELIN-selected Avli BY TASHAS.
For Sustainable Dining
Gastronomy can rhyme with sustainability, even at the heart of one of the most fast-paced business hubs in the world, and that is what MICHELIN Green Star Boca has proved with its very joyful and delicious Spanish contemporary cuisine under the helm of chef Patricia Roig.
For a Glimpse into Nightlife
Far from being deserted at night, the night owls will find their way in DIFC without compromising on the food quality with the Dark Brunch at MICHELIN-selected Hutong, or the lively Night al Paraíso of MICHELIN-selected Amazónico. For a more exclusive experience, after your dinner at MICHELIN-selected Clap, move to their speakeasy called Ongaku.
For Weekend Outings
DIFC’s buzzing atmosphere is not exclusively experienced during the week. Weekends are also a great time to visit. Brunches on a Saturday have become a weekly ritual for Dubai residents. For the most daring gourmets, head to MICHELIN-selected Hutong and its Imperial Brunch celebrating the fiery Northern Chinese food, to the partying French brunch of MICHELIN-selected Josette or to MICHELIN-selected Clap for a contemporary Japanese Buranchi.The latter, Clap, is also renowned for its Nippo Sunday, which is family-friendly if that is more your scene. If you are vegetarian (or not), the Indian Sunday lunch of MICHELIN-selected Carnival by Trèsind is where to head to, and for a traditional Sunday roast, chose MICHELIN-selected The Guild.
For Beautiful Terraces
In one of the most incredible urban landscapes in the world, designed by many renowned architects, DIFC is also a hotspot for those with an affinity for architecture. Admiring the sunset that reflects on the skyscrapers’ glass walls or the city lights by night is not something to be missed here. A Middle Eastern and Moroccan cuisine can be tasted in the urban majlis and the hanging gardens of MICHELIN-selected Ninive; and the view on the Museum of the Future and Burj Khalifa is as delightful as the food at MICHELIN-selected Clap.
For Special Occasions
There is always a good reason to celebrate, whether it be signing contract with your business partners or an anniversary with your significant other, DIFC offers plenty of options for special occasions. MICHELIN-selected L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon offers refined French gastronomy in a contemporary setting. While MICHELIN-selected Josette is also French but decked out in grand and glamourous decoration with a more festive feel. The most romantic being certainly the elegant MICHELIN-selected Chic Nonna where delicious Italian cuisine is served.
