Dubai’s competitive dining scene is a force to be reckoned with and nowhere is that better demonstrated than in its cultural epicentre: Downtown Dubai. Home to some of the city's most iconic landmarks, luxury hotels, an unrivalled shopping scene as well as hundreds of food and drink outlets, this densely-packed district attracts thousands of visitors every year thanks to its plethora of things to see and do. Naturally, we think its thriving dining scene is the main reason to pay a visit, with Downtown Dubai’s best restaurants spanning a diverse range of international cuisines, meal types and occasions.
One of the area’s most defining landmarks is the Burj Khalifa - aka the tallest building in the world - which soars just over half a mile into the sky. This towering structure isn’t just something to stare at though. Take the lift to the 122nd floor where you'll find At.Mosphere, a fine dining restaurant with jaw-dropping views of the city below. In fact, when it comes to restaurants with a view, some of the best restaurants in Downtown Dubai can be found at the top of skycrapers and hotels. The general rule of thumb: if you’re on the hunt for great food - look up.
Whether you’re searching for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion or seeking a romantic date spot that's guaranteed to impress, this corner of the city delivers a host of big-impact restaurants. Discover glamorous dining rooms, spectacular rooftops, waterside restaurants and alfresco terraces that will take your breath away the moment you walk through the door. Surroundings aside, Downtown Dubai’s best restaurants span a hugely diverse range of cuisines, meaning you can travel from South East Asia to the South of France to the Aegan Islands in one fell swoop. Yes, the best restaurants in Downtown Dubai are a staggering bunch and we have rounded them all up in one very special list.
Thiptara
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What: Thiptara not only serves up terrific Thai food, but also offers unparalleled views of the Dubai Fountain from its wooden alfresco terrace. The word 'Thiptara' means ‘magic on the water’ after all! Its dishes takes inspiration from southern Thailand, with highlights including deep fried softshell crab with onion, chilli and black pepper sauce, grilled black cod with BBQ sauce and crispy onions, and pomelo salad with tiger prawns, grilled chicken and crispy coconut in tamarind sauce.
Where: Palace Downtown, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Boulevard, Dubai
Book now: Thiptara
99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant Dubai
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What: You can find this high-end sushi restaurant in five-star hotel Address, where suitably luxe interiors set the precedent for a just-as-boujie meal. Naturally, sushi and sashimi take centre stage with dishes such as lobster maki with sake, wakame seaweed, cucumber and yuzu and turbot flambe nigiri with coriander oil and Momiji oroshi, with guests able to watch them being prepared in the open kitchen. Undoubtedly the best seat in the house is the open terrace, where widely-spaced tables and lush pot plants lie beneath grand metal arches.
Where: The Address Downtown, Burj Dubai, Dubai
Book now: 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant Dubai
URLA
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What: Named after the town of Urla in Turkey, diners can expect to sample some of the best Aegan cuisine at this Mediterranean restaurant. Theatrics are provided in the form of charcoal and live show cooking, while wine lovers are treated to one of the most extensive wine cellars in the city, which is stocked with an enviable range of premium and rare bottles. The menu is divided into dishes ‘from the sea’ and ‘from the mountain’, with examples being seabass ceviche with crispy sweet potato, cancha corns and tiger’s milk, a grilled seafood platter with parsley sauce and clarified butter, flame-grilled beef with pitta, burned butter and yoghurt as well as a selection of mezze plates and pides (Turkish pizza).
Where: Fountain Level, Address Downtown Hotel, Dubai
Book now: URLA
Patiala
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What: Located just a stone’s throw from the Dubai Fountain and Dubai Mall, Patiala serves modern Indian cuisine with a fusion twist in the centre of town. An open display kitchen allows diners to sneak a peek at the chefs cooking up a storm while they relax in the opulent surrounds of the dining room. A la carte, set and tasting menus are available making it a versatile spot for business lunches, celebrations or a relaxed dinner with friends, with must-try dishes including tempura soft shell crab, black lentils slow-cooked with tomato and butter, slow-cooked lamb and chicken cooked with cashews.
Where: Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Book now: Patiala
BiCE Mare
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What: BiCE Mare’s staggering location at the top of the Burj Khalifa makes it an instant hit with locals and tourists alike. Book ahead if you can to bag a table on its alfresco terrace, which offers breathtaking views of the skyline and, if you’re lucky, a front-row seat to the grand Dubai Mall fountain show. What of the food? BiCE is an award-winning Italian and seafood fine dining restaurant where you can can feast on things like Roman-style fettucine with parmesan cream and black truffle, salt sea bass served with grilled asparagus and roasted potatoes and lobster linguine with cherry tomatoes, basil and chilli.
Where: Souk al Bahar, Downtown Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Book now: BiCE Mare
The Meat Co
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What: The Meat Co is a steakhouse in another league, with a waterside alfresco terrace, stunning views of Dubai’s most impressive skyscrapers and striking décor inspired by its African heritage. The piece de resistance of the menu is its high quality steaks which are served by weight and span fillet and sirloin to chateaubriand, wagyu ribeye and prime Tomahawk cuts. Choose from a selection of sides to go alongside, such as truffle fries with Parmigiano Reggiano and parsley, white asparagus with hollandaise and creamed spinach with shallots, tomato and béchamel sauce.
Where: Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Book now: The Meat Co
At.Mosphere
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What: At.Mosphere sits on level 122 of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, which means we can guarantee you won’t find a view like it anywhere else. If heights don’t make you queasy, then keep on reading, because this fine dining restaurant serves a critically-acclaimed menu worthy of such a location. Both a la carte and tasting menus are available, with a typical three-course dinner looking something like duck terrine with foie gras parfait, port wine jelly and pear, French lamb with croquette, pumpkin and truffle jus, and tiramisu with cappuccino ice cream, ganache and almond.
Where: Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Book now: At.Mosphere
Bleu Blanc
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What: French restaurant Bleu Blanc aims to bring the rusticity of the French countryside to Dubai via wood-fired grills, comforting flavours and warm yet refined interiors. This is most certainly a fine dining Mediterranean restaurant though, so expect plenty of luxurious dishes such as foie gras with cherries and brioche bread, oysters with shallots mignonette and jalapeno granita, roasted duck confit with smoked baby gem and sauce a l’orange and king prawns with capers and brown butter.
Where: Marasi Dr, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Book now: Bleu Blanc
Ce La Vi
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What: Serving up some of the best Asian cuisine in Downtown Dubai, Ce La Vi’s menu is headed up by Howard Ko who’s worked at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants over the years. His unique creations take inspiration from cuisines across the globe, with fusion dishes including preserved yuzu marinated chicken, black truffle ‘sushi rice’ risotto and miso caramel vanilla mousse.
Where:Address Sky View Hotel, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai
Book now: Ce La Vi
Le Rose
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What: This super chic restaurant on the 12th floor of Address Fountain Views hotel offers elegant Parisian dining in the heart of the city. A pink and grey colour palette is employed throughout to create a sleek and calming ambience, while a spacious terrace overlooks the Burj Khalifa and the surrounding Downtown skyline. The menu features a series of French classics including baked camembert with bread, beef carpaccio, onion soup, entrecote steak and confit duck leg with lentils.
Where: Address Fountain Views, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Book now: Le Rose
Ewaan
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What: The dining room at this super glamorous restaurant features double height ceilings, grand arches and intricately carved wooden screens which reflect its Arabic and Oriental influences. Dishes are served from live cooking stations and buffets with a feasting style of dining encouraged. Arrive hungry and fill your plate with hot and cold mezze, such as tabbouleh, houmous and vine leaves, as well as plenty of grilled meats and fish.
Where: Palace Downtown, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Boulevard, Dubai
Book now: Ewaan
Looking for a drink with a view instead? We've rounded up the best rooftop bars in Dubai.