There are endless options when it comes to gourmet food in Dubai and the city is fast becoming the destination of choice for a memorable foodie holiday. A staggering 16 of the city’s restaurants made it onto the inaugural MENA 50 Best Restaurants list, with homegrown seafood restaurant 3Fils securing the top spot and cementing the emirate’s status as a dining destination, while the internationally-revered Michelin Guide also unveiled its coveted selection for the city.

Dubai has long been applauded for its fine dining, and for special occasions, there’s nowhere quite like Zuma for a buzzing atmosphere and some of the city’s best sushi. If romance is on the cards, then Pierchic should be top of your list, while those with a taste for experimental flair should head straight to Trèsind Studio for an Indian-accented culinary journey that can't be forgotten. If you’re looking for something more casual, then Kinoya is one of the city’s most exciting Japanese hotspots, while fans of Thai cuisine should make sure to stop by Café Isan in the food-focused Jumeirah Lakes Towers neighbourhood for a bowl of delicious massaman curry.

As well as playing host to a roster of international names, Dubai’s homegrown restaurant scene is growing at a tantalising rate, with local chefs and restaurateurs drawing the eyes of the culinary world to the UAE. From sustainable initiatives at South American restaurant BOCA to authentic Pakistani delights at Dubai’s Ravi Restaurant and creative Asian and Middle Eastern flavours at BB Social Dining, all tastes are catered for. Five days is nowhere near enough time to sample all the city’s best bites, but this itinerary is a fantastic starting point to get your tastebuds tingling and leave you hungry for more.

Gourmet foodie holiday