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Best Restaurants in Dubai (2026)

Dubai's restaurant scene runs from long-established neighbourhood canteens to some of the most ambitious kitchens in the region. In Bur Dubai and Satwa, Al Ustad Special Kabab has grilled Iranian kebabs since 1978, Ravi serves Pakistani nihari and karahi, and Al Mallah's shawarma has been a late-night favourite since 1979, all at very low prices. Bu Qtair fries spiced fish by the Umm Suqeim harbour, and Al Fanar on the Al Seef waterfront is an easy introduction to Emirati dishes such as machboos and luqaimat.

The Michelin Guide Dubai has raised the profile of the city's best tables. Trèsind Studio on Palm Jumeirah holds three stars for its Indian tasting menu, and Orfali Bros reinterprets Syrian cooking in Jumeirah. Bait Maryam, Kinoya and 3 Fils hold Bib Gourmands for good-value cooking, though 3 Fils takes walk-ins only. Book ahead for tasting menus and for weekend dinners at Zuma in DIFC or Pierchic at Madinat Jumeirah, especially from November to March. Many independent restaurants do not serve alcohol, which is usually found in hotels and licensed venues, and Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest times across the city.

12 places · Updated November 12, 2026

Our top 3 restaurants in Dubai

  1. Trèsind Studio Progressive Indian tasting menu, Palm JumeirahA three-Michelin-star Indian tasting-menu restaurant on Palm Jumeirah, reimagining regional Indian cooking with produce sourced from UAE farms.
  2. Al Ustad Special Kabab Iranian kebab house, Bur DubaiA family-run Iranian kebab canteen in Bur Dubai, open since 1978 and known for yoghurt-marinated chicken, saffron rice and walls of celebrity photographs.
  3. Ravi Restaurant Pakistani canteen, SatwaA no-frills Pakistani canteen in Satwa serving since 1978, loved for its nihari, mutton karahi and fresh naan at very low prices.

Restaurant

1. Trèsind Studio

Progressive Indian tasting menu$$$$Palm Jumeirah

A three-Michelin-star Indian tasting-menu restaurant on Palm Jumeirah, reimagining regional Indian cooking with produce sourced from UAE farms.

View details — Trèsind Studio

Restaurant

4. Al Mallah

Lebanese shawarma and grills$Satwa

A Satwa shawarma and juice stop open since 1979, famous for chicken shawarma with garlic sauce, falafel and fresh fruit juices late into the night.

View details — Al Mallah

Restaurant

5. Bu Qtair

Fried fish and seafood curry$Umm Suqeim

A casual seafood spot in Umm Suqeim that began as a fishermen's shack, serving spiced fried fish and prawns with rice or roti at low prices.

View details — Bu Qtair

Restaurant

6. Bait Maryam

Levantine home cooking$$Jumeirah Lakes Towers

A homely, female-led Levantine restaurant in JLT holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand, serving Palestinian and wider Levantine dishes in the style of a family kitchen.

View details — Bait Maryam

Restaurant

8. 3 Fils

Contemporary Asian$$Jumeirah 1

A small harbour-side restaurant serving contemporary Asian food with a Japanese focus, ranked first in the inaugural MENA's 50 Best list and holding a Bib Gourmand.

View details — 3 Fils

Restaurant

9. Kinoya

Ramen and izakaya$$The Greens

A Japanese ramen bar and izakaya in The Greens with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, serving shio, shoyu and miso ramen, yakitori and small plates.

View details — Kinoya

Restaurant

10. Orfali Bros

Contemporary Middle Eastern$$$$Jumeirah 1

A Michelin-starred restaurant run by three Syrian brothers, reinterpreting the flavours of Aleppo and the wider Middle East through set menus.

View details — Orfali Bros

Restaurant

11. Zuma Dubai

Contemporary Japanese$$$$DIFC

A long-running contemporary Japanese restaurant and lounge in DIFC's Gate Village, serving robata grills, sushi and sharing plates to a lively crowd.

View details — Zuma Dubai

Restaurant

12. Pierchic

Italian seafood$$$$Madinat Jumeirah

A seafood restaurant at the end of a wooden pier off Jumeirah Al Qasr, with sea views towards Burj Al Arab and a Michelin Guide listing.

View details — Pierchic