You already know this: Dubai is the melting pot of cultures and a culinary haven. The city is home to some of the world’s most celebrated chefs – Gordon Ramsey, Nobu Matsuhisa and India’s very own Vineet Bhatia. If you’re wondering what makes the city’s skyline sparkle, it is perhaps the Michelin stars that twinkle at the assortment of fabulous restaurants. An umami haven in the UAE, Dubai is the ideal destination for explorers with a sophisticated palate.
If you’re wondering where to dine in Dubai, check out these curated experiences that need to be on your gastronomic bucket list.
1. Pier 7: pick a restaurant for each day of the week
Featuring the best of Arabian and Asian cuisine, Pier 7 has seven restaurants spread across seven floors. The dining hub boasts protruding circular restaurants with European-inspired interiors, which make it stand out in the Dubai Marina. The icing on the cake of a dining experience here are brilliant views of Dubai’s skyline and panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf.
2. Masala at Bab Al Shams: follow a lavish Indian culinary trail
Hands down the best tandoor in town, Masala’s food is rich with heady spices that transport you right back to India. Vegetarians and non-vegetarians can treat themselves to a three-course meal by Chef Keshaw Jha, as you dine under the stars at Bab Al Shams. Featuring a select curation of North Indian cuisine, Masala celebrates Indian food like no other restaurant!
3. Dinner in the Sky: ‘elevate’ your taste buds with an aerial view of Dubai
Say bon appetit to your group at a height of 50 metres with a unique view of the Dubai skyline at Dinner in the Sky. Recognized by Forbes as one of the ten most unusual dining experiences in the world, Dinner in the Sky is a restaurant suspended mid-air by a crane. Not for the faint hearted, a meal served here is ideal for adventurous foodies.
4. Level 43: enjoy a sundowner with a view of the city’s iconic buildings
Grab a shot of Dubai’s most iconic edifices while you dine at Level 43, which offers the best views of the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, Dubai Mall, and the Jumeirah coastline. The bar menu features delicious cocktails that certainly match the exuberance of the views outside. Watch Dubai change colours at twilight with a drink in your hand and vibe to upbeat music with the passing of every hour.
5. Al Hadheerah restaurant: embark on a desert safari as a tasteful gourmand
Enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine and the gorgeous landscape of Dubai’s desert at Al Hadheerah. Bite into lamb ouzi, a dish cooked under the ground, order a shisha for the table and soak in the local culture as belly dancers entertain you at this luxurious desert getaway in Dubai. An evening at Al Hadheerah is more than just a meal.
6. At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa: dine at the world’s highest restaurant
With the choicest meats and produce served at a height of 442 metres, At.moshphere is a critically acclaimed restaurant that will ‘heighten’ your senses. Perfect for any meal, the chefs’ culinary prowess is as exquisite as the cultural pampering Dubai offers in its streets. Celebrate a special occasion here with aerial views of Dubai that are as unforgettable as the flavours on your plate.
7. MasterChef, the TV Experience Restaurant: relive the TV show you can’t stop watching
Book a table at MasterChef, the TV Experience Restaurant and taste dishes inspired by the popular TV show ‘MasterChef’. Savour innovative cuisine and participate in taste tests that will satiate your appetite for the delicious. True to the tropes in the TV show, there’s even a Mystery Box which offers guests discounts and giveaways!
8. SoBe Dubai: pull up a chair for the perfect sunset in Dubai
With street art sourced from Miami, SoBe Dubai invites you to be yourself at this art-deco-themed rooftop bar. The only destination at the Palm Jumeirah with 360-degree views of Dubai, SoBe Dubai is a coveted location for people who appreciate a well-made drink with splendid views for garnish.
9. Cultural Meals: for a traditional Emirati cuisine with the locals
Cultural Meals is a personalised culinary experience that’s designed by local experts. Food lovers can celebrate the flavours of Dubai within a historic location with Cultural Meals. Over the course of a 90-minute dining tour of Emirati cuisine, you will learn about the history, culture and flavours as local chefs create a gastronomic map of Dubai for you.
Dubai is a trendsetter in global cuisine with critically acclaimed restaurants debuting in the city ever so often. Dotted with unique culinary experiences, its streets offer a platter of delicious food that’s served to you with a royal flair. It’s no wonder connoisseurs with an appetite for the world’s best flavours are drawn to Dubai. If this article has stirred up your hunger pangs, it’s probably time for a gastronomic getaway to Dubai!
Have you been to Dubai and tried out some of these places? Or do you have recommendations of your own? Tell me about them in the comments below!
In association with Dubai Tourism Board.
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