Dubai’s iconic landmarks are more than just feats of engineering and design – they are also gateways to some of the finest dining experiences in the city.
Whether enjoying contemporary cuisine in the world’s tallest building, savouring Northern Chinese flavours near the Museum of the Future or indulging in Mediterranean seafood while looking out at the original “seven-star” hotel, each restaurant in this guide offers a distinctive perspective on the city’s ever-evolving culinary landscape.
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Burj Khalifa
Soaring above the Dubai skyline, Burj Khalifa is an architectural marvel that symbolises the emirate’s high ambitions. As the world’s tallest building, it is not only an awe-inspiring landmark but also home to some of the city’s most prestigious dining spots. Within Armani Hotel Dubai, which occupies 11 floors of the tower, is one-MICHELIN-star Armani Ristorante. Here, elegance blends with modern Italian gastronomy in an exclusive Armani-designed setting. Meanwhile, on the 122nd floor, At.mosphere offers contemporary international cuisine with French flair served at an altitude of 442 metres with a side of breathtaking panoramic views.Nearby, you’ll find MICHELIN-selected Cé La Vi, on the 54th floor of Address Sky View, which has some of the most spectacular Burj Khalifa views in the city from its vibrant open-air terrace. It serves Asian-inspired cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails in a stylish environment complete with live entertainment, making it a go-to for Dubai’s elite.
At the base of Burj Khalifa is the sprawling Souk Al Bahar, which looks out onto the world-famous Dubai Fountain opposite The Dubai Mall. This is home to MICHELIN-selected Siraj, where the wide-ranging menu honours the traditions of Emirati and Levantine cuisine, while the decor celebrates Arabic artistry.
Museum of the Future
The striking Museum of the Future stands proudly as a testament to Dubai’s commitment to innovation. With its calligraphy-covered exterior and fittingly futuristic architecture by UAE firm Killa Design, it has fast become one of the world’s most talked-about attractions. Any visit here is a feast for the senses, but thankfully, some of the emirate’s most beloved gastronomic destinations also sit nearby.Just moments away, in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), MICHELIN-selected Clap delivers an inventive approach to Japanese dining, with beautifully plated sashimi and robata-grilled specialties, plus unparalleled rooftop views of the city’s increasingly space-age skyline. Alternative MICHELIN-selected options in DIFC include Hutong, where the Northern Chinese menu tells the story of the Silk Road and the museum-facing terrace is festooned with lanterns. There’s also Amazónico, where Latin America takes centre stage with jungle-inspired décor, upbeat tunes and a buzzing outdoor terrace where you can sip Latin-inspired aperitifs.
For a very different experience, MICHELIN-selected Ninive in Emirates Towers transports diners away from modern Dubai and into a lush urban majlis, where they can sample flavours of Morocco, Persia and the Levant. Dine under a canopy of lanterns and rich textiles for a stark yet welcome contrast to the bustle of Dubai’s financial heart.
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Burj Al Arab
This sail-shaped "seven-star" resort has defined luxury in Dubai over the decades, but beyond its gold-covered interiors and extravagant reputation, it is also a hub for fine dining. One-MICHELIN-star Al Muntaha sits on the 27th floor, taking French-Mediterranean gastronomy to new heights in a setting that offers uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf. Elsewhere, MICHELIN-selected L’Olivo at Al Mahara is the hotel’s Italian eatery, where guests dine in an ethereal underwater-inspired setting amid floor-to-ceiling aquariums.Across the shore, at Jumeirah Al Naseem hotel, MICHELIN-selected Rockfish offers one of the best up-close Burj Al Arab views from its beachfront location, alongside Mediterranean seafood and a relaxed yet refined ambience. Further down the beach, at Jumeirah Al Qasr, is MICHELIN-selected Pierchic, an icon in its own right. It’s perched at the end of a private pier, offering 360-degree views and a one-of-a-kind overwater dining experience that’s renowned for being one of the UAE’s most romantic destinations.
Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is one of Dubai’s crowning jewels. The palm tree-shaped architectural marvel at sea has long been a touristic haven and has now also emerged as a powerhouse for fine dining, with the highest concentration of MICHELIN stars in Dubai. The island is home to culinary greats, including STAY by Yannick Alléno at One&Only The Palm, one of the city’s few two-MICHELIN-star restaurants. Here, the chefs craft an elegant tasting menu in an opulent setting where French tradition meets modern artistry.Trèsind Studio, a fellow two-MICHELIN-star restaurant, can also be found nearby at The St. Regis Gardens, pushing the boundaries of Indian cuisine through a progressive, multi-course tasting menu served with a side of theatrics. This location is also home to one-MICHELIN-star Smoked Room Dubai, where the art of grilling and smoking transforms simple ingredients into deeply flavourful creations.
At Atlantis The Royal, which has been making international headlines ever since it opened in 2023, sits one-MICHELIN-star Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, where the world-famous chef’s reimagined British dishes tell stories dating back centuries while using scientific methods to enhance flavours. At the equally iconic sister property Atlantis, The Palm, one-MICHELIN-star Hakkasan serves contemporary Cantonese dishes in a space that balances sleek modernity with traditional Chinese influences. Finally, one-MICHELIN-star Ossiano immerses guests in an underwater world where seafood is under the spotlight.
For a more casual yet equally memorable meal, Ibn AlBahr, a Bib Gourmand Lebanese seafood spot at the waterfront destination Club Vista Mare, offers fresh, locally sourced fish in a setting that channels the relaxed charm of the Mediterranean coast.
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Ain Dubai
The colossal Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel, dominates the skyline of Bluewaters Island, offering 360-degree views of the city. Nearby, the island’s Banyan Tree Dubai hosts two MICHELIN-selected restaurants worthy of a reservation. There’s Demon Duck by Alvin Leung, where the chefs reimagine traditional Asian flavours with rebellious twists, showcasing the creativity of the self-proclaimed ‘Demon Chef’, who is noted for his MICHELIN-star venues in London and Hong Kong. Then there’s the much-talked-about TakaHisa, a must-visit for those who appreciate the precision and artistry of Japanese cuisine.
Al Fahidi Historical District
Take a break from Dubai’s modern side and step back in time at Al Fahidi Historical District, with its narrow alleyways, traditional wind towers and beautifully restored courtyard houses that aim to preserve the essence of Old Dubai. Nestled within this charming neighbourhood is Bib Gourmand Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, where authentic Emirati dishes passed down through generations are served in a setting that pays homage to the city’s Bedouin roots.Illustration image: Department of Economy and Tourism
