Dubai is an oasis of beautiful beaches, golden sand, glamorous boats bobbing in the marina and jaw-dropping architecture. Year on year, tourists flock to Dubai to soak up its sights and explore all of the activities it has to offer. Shopping? Try out the Dubai Mall. Watersports? Head down to the waterfront in Jumeirah and take your pick. Want to explore? Check out Dubai Marina and The Palm. Of course, these are just suggestions and we aren’t travel experts. We’re food experts.
Chefs, alongside all the tourists and influencers, have migrated to this luxurious hotspot over the years and have been on a mission to transform Dubai into a culinary leader. They're done such a good job that Dubai has it’s very own Michelin guide as of 2022, along with a roster of exciting new Michelin-starred restaurants, all of which we've rounded up in our hand guide to Michelin-approved restaurants in Dubai.
If you’re looking for an impressive meal out, you don’t just want to stop at good food though, right? You need the whole culinary experience. For us, the view from the restaurant is a huge part of the ambience, so that’s why we've been the hunt for the restaurants that have the most stunning views you could imagine.
With Dubai being home to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, as well as plenty of other skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and long-stretching waterfronts, there are lots of options available when it comes down to dining with a view. We’ve done our homework and picked out only the very best! Check out this handy little guide to majorly impress your friends and family on your next meal out.
Dinner in the Sky
What: How do you feel about dining at a flying dinner table, 50 metres in the air? We hope you’re not scared of heights! As you can imagine, the views are pretty spectacular - situated at Dubai Marina, Dinner in the Sky flies you high over the Palm Jumeirah, Aquaventure Water Park, and the beachfront as you enjoy a three course set meal. The menu isn't extensive, but guests are treated to braised beef, sea bass, creamy chicken or a butternut tortellini for their main course, so we don’t have any complaints.
Where: Sky Dive Dubai, Al Sufoh, Dubai Marina
Book now: Dinner in the Sky
Pure Sky Lounge
What: Located on the 35th floor of the Hilton Hotel is Pure Sky Lounge - one of the best restaurants with a view in Dubai thanks to its two terraces that overlook the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai Eye. With pure white beams, pergolas, and furniture, the rooftop dining spot is idyllic, particularly at sunset. Alongside a selection of tapas, sharing dishes, guests can enjoy the views while sipping on the expansive list of signature cocktails such as a marshmallow martini or the Hilton galaxy - just make sure to snap a photo of the rose glitter in this one (and don’t forget one of the view too).
Where: 35th Floor, Hilton Dubai, Al Mamsha Street, Jumeirah Beach Residence
Book now: Pure Sky Lounge
SushiSamba
What: SushiSamba takes the prize for the highest restaurant on Palm Island, an incredible 230 metres up on the 51st floor of the St Regis Hotel. No matter where you are in the restaurant, you won’t have an obstructed view as this dining spot offers up 360 degree, panoramic sights of Dubai that include the Palm coastline, the Arabian Gulf and the inland skyline. The interiors are almost as good as the exteriors with its expansive 3D-printed ceiling installation of intricate woodwork that is illuminated by the restaurant’s lighting. You probably won’t find a better spot and its sushi selection easily marks it as one of the best restaurants with a view in Dubai.
Where: Level 51, St Regis Hotel, The Palm, Jumeirah
Book now: SushiSamba
At.Mosphere
What: This unique restaurant sits on Level 122 of the Burj Khalifa, and boasts incredible views that will leave you breathless (and not because you have to take the stairs). There aren't many restaurants in the world that let you soak in a view from 122 stories in the air, and the culinary experience at At.Mosphere matches the occasion, with a menu that offers up caviar, the Wagyu beef and a selection of fresh, exciting, meat and seafood dishes. For the best example of fine dining, there is the 6 course tasting menu with wine pairings that includes exclusive ingredients.
Where: 122nd Floor, The Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
Book now: At.Mosphere
Benjarong
What: Vibrant blues and deep red velvet interiors showcase Benjarong as a place of grandeur and style, and the view from the restaurant is no different. Skyscrapers, including the infamous Burj Khalifa, paint a splatter of light across the dark Dubai night skyline, creating a pretty stunning backdrop for an evening meal. The food itself takes you away from Dubai to Thailand with its mixture of classic and contemporary dishes; well-knwon favourites like pad thai sit alongside more inventive dishes.
Where: Level 24, Dusit Thani Hotel, 133 Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Area
Book now: Benjarong
Level 43 Sky Lounge
What: 155 metres above Sheikh Zayed Road you'll find the rooftop bar at Four Points by Sheraton. Modern, stylish and trendy, this is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Dubai with its terrace of comfortable lounging chairs, perfect for sipping drinks from the expansibe bar menu. With special deals on every day, its a great spot for relaxing with friends and enjoying the views of the city. Tuck into sushi, sharing platters and fun, themed cocktail menus - we can't think of a better place to party the night away.
Where: Level 43, Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Area
Book now: Level 43 Sky Lounge
Asado
What: Argentinian cuisine is on the menu at this charming waterside spot, with delights such as beef ribs, lamb chops and baby goat authentically grilled over an open flame. The whole ambience is a cosy, family-friendly experience that reflects the quaint feel of a South American farmhouse. Diners are spoilt for choice when it comes to both the food and the wine list as it features the biggest selection of Argentinian wines in the Middle East. If Asado hasn't impressed you enough already, then the view across the water certainly will - find us a more tranquil setting, we'll wait.
Where: Palace Downtown, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, The Old Town
Book now: Asado
Folly by Nick & Scott
What: With seats in front of the open kitchen; a chic dining room with rustic, exposed brick walls; as well as a lovely view over the water, picking a seat at Folly can be tricky. Choosing to dine al fresco at this British kitchen is obviously a great choice though - tuck into modern European dishes like duck tartare, plump scallops and finish it off with a traditional, comforting dessert of rhubarb and custard. Oh, and with its own dedicated terrace bar, you can always make sure your glasses are topped up with fine wine.
Where: Unit 27, Souk Madinat, Jumeirah
Book now: Folly by Nick & Scott
Observatory Bar and Grill
What: Observatory Bar & Grill lives up to the name, as panoramic marina vistas make it one of the best Dubai Marina restaurants with a view. Window seating provides clear views over Dubai Marina and The Palm, whilst the menu goes big on wood-smoked meats, from prime cut steak and Wagyu beef to signature spice-rubbed barbecue ribs. Creativity brings new twists to old classics with a lemongrass brulee and the rich, truffle fries. Top it all off with a drink from the beverage connoisseurs, including some mocktails and fresh juices for the designated drivers.
Where: Floor 52, Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Al Straud Street, Dubai Marina
Book now: Observatory Bar & Grill
Thiptara
What: How could we not include Thiptara on this list? With stunning upholstery, candlelight, and an intricately carved ceiling inside, and dramatic views of the Dubai Fountain, its right up there in terms of grandeur and sophistication. As you can imagine, such a dining spot has a dress code and minimum age policy that allows for a calm ambience in which to enjoy upmarket Thai cuisine, and you can expect a menu of crowd-pleasing classics and family sharers alongside some more unusual dishes for guests to explore.
Where: Palace Downtown, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
Book now: Thiptara
Meshico
What: Last, but definitely not least, is Meshico. Bringing the soul of Mexico to the most incredible Dubai location, this restaurant is all about the stylish party lifestyle. The menu perfectly showcases everything Mexico has to offer with tacos, tostadas, enchiliadas and authentic spices ensuring there's a party going on in your mouth as well as all around you. Meshico are the masters at putting on events with live mariachi music, colourful pinatas and themed cocktails serving up a taste of the Mexican lifestyle. And with views of Dubai's Atlantis hotel and the Palm Fountain display, there could be no better place to party the night away for your next special occasion.
Where: Block B, The Pointe, The Palm, Jumeirah
Book now: Meshico
Sure, we've proved our point - Dubai has some restaurants with fantastic views. Although, is there really any better view to eat food than the one from your own sofa? Order food from one of the top 10 best food deliveries in Dubai, pop your feet up and enjoy!