A trip to Dubai never fails to awaken the senses. Invigorating and lively, Dubai is also home to a number of restaurants in the MICHELIN Guide that serve not only an outstanding meal, but also enhance the experience going beyond taste.
Today, we feature six restaurants with experiences that tap on the senses: taste, touch, sound, smell, and sight, leaving guests awed and excited for their next visit.
Sight – a feast of colours: Ossiano and Torno Subito
Nestled in Dubai's magnificent Atlantis The Palm hotel, MICHELIN-Starred Ossiano will leave guests transfixed as soon as they descend the marble spiral staircase into this unique restaurant. Located on the lower-ground, its floor to ceiling windows wrap around the hotel's astonishing aquarium. Marine life lovers are in for a treat as sharks, stingrays and beautiful shoals of fish elegantly swim past tables. The service at Ossiano is almost as theatrical as the view and the restaurant's décor also evokes luxury with its plethora of marble; a curved, backlit, azure-blue bar; and towering seashell-inspired pillars. Despite its fantastic backdrop, the experienced kitchen still does an amazing job of matching the extravagant environment with tantalising dishes.
If bright and colourful is the vibe of choice, then MICHELIN-Starred Torno Subito is the place to be. Located at the W Hotel, this restaurant is a funky nod to the Italian Riviera of the 1960s with its bold pops of neon and groovy patterns. One of its cornerstone pieces is a backlit photograph of renowned Italian chef Massimo Bottura, and a quick peek into the restaurant's social media platforms reveals prime spots for photo-taking opportunities. Further into the restaurant, guests will be greeted by a light and airy space, as well as an open kitchen clad with floor-to-ceiling windows and a terrace overlooking the beach.
Smell – a journey of aromas: Ninive
Lingering, seductive scents of from a tajine, along with those from ancient herbs, molasses and fruit, abound at Bib Gourmand restaurant Ninive at the Emirates Towers Hotel.
Set in the bustling area of DIFC, Ninive is both an oasis and a reprieve. Stepping inside the restaurant is like taking a step back in time with interiors that resemble a Bedouin tent, complete with rugs, lanterns, low tables, and cosy sofas. With Middle Eastern and North African cooking being Ninive's specialties, expect to be put into a trance by the restaurant's delicious, smoky, and herbaceous aromas.
Sound – dine in harmony: Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
Described as part-restaurant, part-museum, guests can expect to be immersed in an unforgettable Emirati experience at Bib Gourmand Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant.
Apart from the slew of rustic Emirati dishes served, guests can look forward to freshly baked bread, staff dressed in traditional robes, and traditional drumming by musician Abdullah emanating from the four corners of the restaurant, welcoming them to soak up a holistic Emirati experience. Partaking in the kebabs and biryanis amidst the drums playing in the background makes for an unforgettable dining moment.
Touch – more than a feeling: Hōseki
At MICHELIN-Starred Hōseki, located at the posh MICHELIN Guide Hotel Bulgari Resort Dubai, elegance is personified with understated, clean-lined décor and stunning views overlooking the Dubai skyline. Here, chef Masahiro Sugiyama invites his guests to partake of his sushi creations with their hands to experience the intermingling textures wrapped up in a single blissful bite.
Nine counter seats make for a comfortable, ultra-intimate meal, where the sixth-generation sushi master and his team show off their considerable knife skills. Hōseki is also the Middle East’s first one-MICHELIN-Starred sushi restaurant.
Taste – a blend of flavours: moonrise
Situated on the rooftop of Eden House is MICHELIN-listed moonrise, an omakase-style restaurant helmed by Dubai-born and raised chef, Solemann Haddad. Also the recipient of the 2022 MICHELIN Guide Dubai Young Chef Award, Haddad takes his guests on an inspired journey of taste, featuring his childhood memories and the flavours that have shaped him into the chef he is today. With highlights such as Fattoush Ceviche, Khoory Kabab, and a dish called A Trip to Masafi, which is comprised of charred madai, sweet corn, dill, and bzar sauce, moonrise blends Japanese ingredients with Middle Eastern flavours in its slew of refined dishes.
