The Best Restaurants Near Dubai World Trade Centre

Derived from the Japanese words for ‘sand’ and ‘moon’, Sagetsu by Tetsuya presents a star-crossed blend of Japanese precision and French techniques just minutes from Dubai’s World Trade Centre. Upon entering the restaurant located in The Link at One&Only One Za’abeel, guests are greeted by minimalistic décor with plenty of stone and wood accents, putting all the attention on the breathtaking city views and innovative plates. To truly witness chef Tetsuya Wakuda’s vision come to life, signature dishes such as the sea urchin with Botan shrimp and the omakase experience are a must-try

Also located at The Link, this Dubai outpost marks renowned chef Anne-Sophie Pic’s culinary debut in the city. Nestled on the 25th floor, the spectacular vistas are almost as impressive as the food which offers a modern take on traditional French cooking with top-quality ingredients. Surrounded by chic interiors that exude French elegance, diners can tuck into the ‘Harmony’ or ‘Symphony’ tasting menus. Standout dishes include the Atlantic crab infused with sobacha and the indulgent A5 wagyu sando.

Offering an alternative to the nearby Dubai World Trade Centre’s formal business scene, this vibrant restaurant welcomes guests with its open-plan space, graffiti-covered walls and neon-lit ambience. A celebration of the mastery of Spanish chef Dabiz Muñoz, this quirky restaurant serves street food from Europe, Asia, South America and beyond, all with an avant-garde twist. The menu features everything from Pekinese dumplings and an elevated club sandwich to kimchi croquetas topped with tuna sashimi, each packing a flavourful punch.

Just a stone’s throw away from Dubai World Trade Centre amidst towering skyscrapers, Ninive is like stepping into another world. Adorned with traditional rugs, glowing lanterns and plush seating, this urban majlis creates a sanctuary for diners to unwind and enjoy superb flavours from all over the Middle East and North Africa. All dishes are made for sharing with signature options including the tashreeb, which is a flavourful mix of succulent lamb shoulder, crispy bread, Iraqi spices and chickpeas, and the delectable whole grilled sea bream.

This restaurant’s tropical rainforest-themed interiors, set across three floors, bring a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘urban jungle’. Guests can expect the unexpected with its Latin American menu, featuring everything from sushi to fried frog legs with a spicy mango dressing and sea urchins with guacamole and plantain chips. Complementing the experience, the venue also has its own panoramic terrace with live DJ performances.

Offering a sophisticated spin on the traditional Japanese izakaya style of informal eating and drinking, Zuma’s Dubai location places diners in the heart of the city’s bustling business centre. Encompassing three floors, the trendy eatery serves up high-quality dishes from three kitchens: the main kitchen, the sushi counter and the robata grill. Renowned for its lively atmosphere that reflects the neighbourhood surrounding it, guests can tuck into favourites such as the wild mushroom rice hotpot and smoked chilli soy beef skewers.

A few blocks away, La Petite Maison (LPM) is a favourite amongst locals, and evidently, as reservations fill up in no time. Having first opened its doors over a decade ago, the Dubai branch continues La Petite Maison’s French-Italian culinary legacy, which began in 2007 in London. Seated amid the elegant interiors or the covered conservatory drenched in natural light, make sure to try menu highlights like the thinly sliced octopus, creamy burrata cheese with basil and tomatoes, garlicky escargot and grilled lamb chops.

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, located in the centre of DIFC, celebrates the legacy of late celebrity chef Joël Robuchon, famed for holding the most collective MICHELIN stars in the world. Draped in the restaurant’s quintessential red and black colour scheme, this restaurant impresses diners with its authentic yet unpretentious take on classic French dining. Featuring an open kitchen to catch all the culinary action and a lively outdoor terrace framed by stunning cityscape views, the menu is brimming with classics such as the crispy poached egg with caviar and indulgent truffle pizza. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the experience with a seven-course tasting menu bursting with tantalising flavours.