Food & Drink
Our favourite Dubai restaurants in 2021
Sun, December 12, 2021
You're never far from something delicious in Dubai. Check out our shortlist of the best restaurant openings this year.
You're never far from something delicious in Dubai. Check out our shortlist of the best restaurant openings this year.
Mimi Kakushi

ZETA Seventy Seven

Orfali Bros

Three brothers, one dream. At Orfali Bros ‘bistronomy’ the brothers are proud to serve up dishes that reflect their shared culinary passion. You’ll want to factor in repeat visits to try everything on the menu, including favourites such as the shish barak a la sgyoza (beef dumplings with a Middle Eastern twist), salmon with miso and creamy tahini, and Umm Salah torrijas (Spanish-style French toast with a touch of spice). They also support local farming, so look out for homegrown produce across the menu.
Hunter & Barrel

Kinoya

Just Vegan Jumeirah

Ikigai

The Orangery
Twiggy by La Cantine

Rumba

WAWA Dining

Carna

The region’s first dining concept by Dario Cecchini takes pride of place at SLS Hotels & Residences in Business Bay. The sleek address is a fitting new venue for the enigmatic, award-winning butcher with a dining area that’s filled with welcoming tones, an open kitchen and stylish chandeliers. Visitors can expect prime cuts of the finest meats and supreme steaks, as well as a few signatures. As expected, red meat is the showstopper here, but there’s also a selection of seafood to try.
La Casa del Tango

Bringing Argentinian flair to Dubai’s financial district, La Casa del Tango is part restaurant, part dance studio and part boutique. The vision of famous dancer Enrique Macan, the venue celebrates the art of tango, complemented by deliciously fluid motions in the kitchen. Designed by master asador Jorge Rivero, the menu features bestsellers such as the chorizo parrillero con provolone (grilled sausage with provolone) and huevos gramajo trufados (truffle scrambled eggs).
Fi’lia Dubai

Lucky Fish

Located in Palm West Beach, Lucky Fish enjoys a dreamy shoreline setting that it shares with other dining hotspots such as the Bali-inspired Koko Bay and Mexican eatery Señor Pico. Lucky Fish stands out thanks to its coastal charm and complementary Mediterranean menu. As expected, the restaurant celebrates seafood but also works with local fisherman, showcasing the finest catches of the day on ice or as the star ingredient in enticing dishes. There's also a zero-plastic policy that we can all get behind.
CZNBurak Burger

If you're craving a juicy burger with all the trimmings, you're in luck as CZNBurak Burger is now open at The Dubai Mall. The Insta-famous chef Burak Özdemir is renowned for meaty creations in epic proportions, and has already generated a buzz with his fine dining namesake restaurant on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. At CZNBurak Burger however, the vibe is more laidback with a focus on perfectly-grilled, flavour-packed patties – and yes, there's also a 'giant' version.
Discover world flavours at Dishtrict

Inspired by food districts around the world, Dishtrict at Wasl 51 in Jumeirah presents a culinary adventure to savour. The emphasis is on fusion flavours, and it's all done brilliantly well. Think shatta crab salad – a Middle Eastern twist to a traditional dish elevated by a kick of hot sauce – Thai-inspired arancini, popcorn-style button mushrooms with truffle and parmesan, and lamb galouti tacos where a softshell base is topped with spiced lamb kebab and mint sauce. It's inventive and irresistible – come hungry!
Moon Slice
Moon Slice is a tasty tribute to the humble pie. Emirati restaurateur Mahmood Al Khamis consulted chef Reif Othman to create an experimental menu that is fun and irresistible. Expect extravagant toppings such as truffle and fresh octopus, alongside crowd favourites. The secret sauce however is in the dough – instead of just water, milk joins the fold and the dough is fermented for a full 48 hours before being rolled out, generously topped, and fired in a custom Italian oven. Molto bene!
Glo
Terra
The Name

The Name at Dubai Design District is full of surprises. It combines restaurant and café offerings with co-working space and even a concept store filled with trendy gifts, many of which can be personalised. This is a place you’ll want to linger, complemented by a magical menu of Mediterranean and Levantine dishes – think flatbreads with spicy beef and labneh, smoked pastrami and cheddar sandwiches, and tasty potatoes with vegan cheese.
ALACA

ALACA impresses at The Pointe, a sun-filled destination that’s home to an incredible array of restaurants. This new Mediterranean-inspired spot transports you to the ancient region of Anatolia for culinary discoveries filled with flavour. Try the kalamar tava (fried calamari with a special chef’s sauce), Alinazik (featuring lamb, spices, smoked eggplant infused milk and yoghurt), and karisik izgara (butcher’s selection of meat treats). There’s also brilliant breakfast dishes and freshly-baked pastries.
Rhain Steakhouse

Sedap Asian Street Kitchen

Enjoy the aromas and flavours of your favourite dishes from the streets of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia at Sedap in Al Seef. Meaning 'tasty' in Malay, a few of the restaurant's bestsellers include the BBQ sambal seabass, black pepper crab, beef rendang and seafood laksa. Thanks to the friendly service, inviting vibes and a dedicated kids menu, Sedap Asian Street Kitchen is fast becoming a hit with hungry families.
SUSHISAMBA

ULA

Garth

Anása

Cinnamon Bazaar

Head to The Cinnamon Club to experience celebrity chef Vivek Singh's take on modern Indian cuisine. The setting is reminiscent of traditional Indian markets with bold patterns and hanging lanterns, and over 20 years of epicurean expertise is visible in each creative offering. Try the 'Posh Aloo Muri Caviar', in which Scottish salmon is seasoned with tamarind and served with fiery potato. For meat lovers, the famed Rajasthani lamb curry will not disappoint.
11 Woodfire
