The essence of restaurant culture in the GCC has dramatically morphed over the past year. A wild cocktail of lockdowns, rising living costs, an over-reliance on digital interaction, and an explosion of food scenes in places like Doha and Riyadh have created a clearer understanding of what we want from our dining experiences.
And it’s just that, experiences. More than ever we want to go out, we want to eat well, we want to live in the moment, and remember our experiences. Welcome to our annual list of the Esquire-approved restaurants across the Arabian Gulf. Up from the usual 50, it’s our biggest list ever. We hope you’re hungry.
- Hoseki
- Ossanio
- Mimi Kakushi
- Tresind Studio
- Gaia
- Il Ristorante – Niko Romito
- Zuma
- SushiSamba
- BB Social Dining
- Bull & Bear
- Indochine
- Caviar Kaspia
- Fouquets
- Indego by Vineet
- 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant
- L’Amo Bistro del Mare
- Al Muntaha
- Celebrities by Mauro Colagreco
- Carnival by Tresind
- Coya
- Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
- Moonrise
- Hakkasan
- Marea
- Alici
- Flamingo Room
- Roka Riyadh
- La Cantine du Faubourg
- Nozomi
- Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
- 11 Woodfire
- Amazonico
- The Artisan Il Ristorante
- Gohan
- L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon
- The Maine
- LPM Restaurant & Bar
- 3Fils
- Scalini
- Stay by Yannick Alleno
- Tamba
- Kinoya
- Twiggy by La Cantine
- Clap Dubai
- Orfali Bros. Bistro
- Myazu
- STK
- Folly
- La Mar by Gaston Acurio
- Shanghai Me
- Maharaja East by Vineet
- Netsu by Ross Shonhan
- Akira Back
- Lowe
- Martabaan by Hemant Oberai
- Mythos Kouzina & Grill
- Ce La Vi
- Sal
- Hunter & Barrel
- Cipriani Dubai
- Suhail
- Hutong
- Tasca by Jose Avillez
- Carine
- Asado
- White Robata
- Lucky Fish
- Oak Room
- Al Nafoorah
- Teible
- Prime 68
- Catch at St. Regis
- Bagatelle
- Cut by Wolfgang Puck
- French Riviera
1. Hoseki
Dubai
Taking pride and place atop the mountain is Hoseki, a somewhat secret jewel-box of a destination. Since emerging from lockdown, diners across the region have rediscovered the joys of the dining experience. It is remarkable how the combination of a perfectly executed concept married with impeccable food can elevate a dinner into a story that you retell over and over again.
For us, dinner at Hoseki represents the pinnacle of that. With just nine seats u, Hoseki is a one-of-a-kind gastronomic treat presented Omakase style by Chef Masahiro Sugiyama. As far from your average conveyor-based sushi restaurant as possible, the courses are works of pure craftsmanship, made bespoke in front of you, while Dubai’s skyline illuminates the windows behind.
With an ever-changing menu, Chef Sugiyama bases his courses on the freshest and best ingredients of the day, so no two meals are exactly alike—but every single one is an exceptional journey into the heart of Japan’s culinary tradition. There is an unmistakable sense of ceremony Hoseki, which is exactly what you would want from a precision-obsessed luxury Japanese restaurant(especially when a seat at the table will cost you a minimum of AED1,000). If you want to experience Hoseki, you’ll need to book ahead. Probably about six-months ahead. This is one for a special occasion, and one that will likely be unforgettable.
Bulgari Resort, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 777 543
2. Ossanio
Dubai
While there has been plenty of hype around the recent opening of the new Atlantis The Royal, when it comes to an immersive dining experience in Dubai, Atlantis The Palm still holds the trump card: Ossiano. Originally known for being an underwater-themed restaurant, last year it majorly shook things up by bringing in Chef Gregoire Berger to push the boundaries of what its kitchen could produce. Berger installed a new concept that offers wildly creative and unconventional fine dining dishes refined with traditional French technique. The menu changes seasonally, with all ingredients sustainably sourced from the oceans or within 50km of the coastline.
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 426 2626
3. Mimi Kakushi
Dubai
Conceived by the team behind a lot of achingly-cool Dubai restaurants including La Cantine du Faubourg, Twiggy by La Cantine, and the recently opened KYMA, Mimi Kakushi is the pick of the bunch by serving up a stylish homage to sleek-Japan cool. The hotspot is akin to jumping into a time-machine and swinging into 1920s Osaka, with butter-smooth jazz and the merging of modern art and western fashion creating a corner of time you won’t want to eject from.
Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 379 4811
4. Tresind Studio
Dubai
Innovation has been the name of the game at Tresind for years, but with its evolution into a more intimate ‘Studio’ concept, it has taken modern Indian gastronomy to new levels in Dubai. With a seasonal menu changed every three months by corporate chef Himanshu Saini and regular Michelin-starred chef collaborations, there’s always a reason to go back.
Nakeel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 242 1666
5. Gaia
Doha and Dubai
Fuelled by the consistent quality of the food and the genuinely elegant atmosphere, Gaia continues its streak as one of Esquire’s favourite restaurants in the region. But don’t just take our word for it—buoyed by its consistently busy DIFC location in Dubai, Chefs Izu Ani and Orestis Kotefas have transported the restaurant’s simple, ingredient-led Greek dishes to Doha’s West Bay and are reaping the rewards. In short, Gaia continues to get it very right indeed.
gaia-restaurants.com
6. Il Ristorante – Niko Romito
Dubai
The partnership between Italian luxury brand Bulgari and Niko Romito means that elegant quality is involved in every aspect of this restaurant, but it is not in your face. The dining room is dominated by a long sweeping bar with views of the Arabian Gulf, and a dramatic black ceiling created to give the impression of sitting under the night’s sky. The menu offers classic Italian dishes with a modern take thanks to painstaking time spent perfecting the craft and sourcing the ingredients (mainly from la belle paese herself).
Bulgari Resort, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 777 5622
7. Zuma
Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai
Zuma has widely been regarded as one of the best restaurants in the region since it opened in Dubai back in 2008. Since then it has won accolades for both its food and world-class bar, similar success followed its expansion to Abu Dhabi, and is expected to do so again at its latest branch in Doha’s Al Maha Island. The consistency of its informal izakaya set up has been the secret to its success, and the fact that you’ll be hard pressed to visit either location and not find a packed dining room on any given night.
8. SushiSamba
Doha and Dubai
In the year since SushiSamba first opened its doors in the region, it quickly became one of the most sought after tables in Dubai. Sitting on the 51st floor of Palm Tower on the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, it offers great views. Beautiful inside and out—with a décor inspired by its cuisine; a heady mix of Japan, Peru, and Brazil. Sushi sits alongside raw ceviche and spicy empanadas that makes for a tasty and eclectic menu. Its success saw it recently opened in Qatar at the Waldorf Astoria Lusail, a similar success story is expected to follow.
sushisamba.com
9. BB Social Dining
Riyadh and Dubai
Building on its momentum as being last year’s top ranked restaurant, the Dubai-born restaurant expanded its empire by taking its bites, bao, bowls, barbecue and big flavours to Riyadh. Bustling yet intimate; elegant yet quirky; creative yet comforting—BB Social Dining somehow is all these things weaved together to be a place that is suited for any occasion you can throw at it, be it brunch, a quick post-work drink, date-night dinner, a working lunch, tick tick tick tick.
thisisbb.com
10.Bull & Bear
Dubai
If ever a restaurant could transport you back to the hustle and bustle of New York in the 1980s, it would be Bull & Bear. Not only does it have roots from the Big Apple’s original Waldorf Astoria, but has been designed to look like something straight out of an Oliver Stone flick. It also serves up excellent and classy American dishes, with a dollop of modern flair.
Waldorf Astoria DIFC, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 515 9888
11.Indochine
Dubai
The Dubai branch of the famous New York hotspot has quickly built a reputation as the place where everyone (and we mean everyone) wants to be, by adding an element of ‘big city cool’ to the thriving DIFC dining scene. “Sophisticated cool” is the phrase that best describes this French-Vietnamese restaurant. From its tropical décor and chic design, right down to the eclectic—but delicious—menu, all work together to make Indochine one of the most intriguing restaurants in the region.
DIFC, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 298 9333
12. Caviar Kaspia
Dubai
Since 1927 the Parisian restaurant has lured in the rich and famous from all over the world. True to form, when it opened in Dubai in 2021, it brought with it everything we love about the upscale elegance of the original—the elbow-knocking intimacy of close tables; the dining room lined with turquoise velvet banquettes, and a menu with dishes liberally accompanied by the world’s finest caviar. The iconic Baked Potato with Caviar remains one of our favourite dishes in Dubai.
DIFC, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 243 5633
13. Fouquets
Abu Dhabi
Telling the Careem driver to take you to the Louvre comes with a certain amount of satisfaction, but not as much as the experience of dining at its standout restaurant, Fouquets. Much like its Champs-Elysées namesake, the menu is designed in collaboration with star-juggling chef Pierre Gagnaire, and its crimson red seating contrasts magnificently with the white-washed setting. Elegance, perfected.
Louvre Abu Dhabi. Tel: +971 2 205 4200
14. Indego by Vineet
Dubai
Still helmed by a chef who boasts two Michelin stars for his Indian cuisine, Indego by Vineet [Bhatia] has seen a recent overhaul of the menu and the restaurant itself. The revamp puts emphasis on Indian street food, along with tawa (griddle), tandoor (clay oven), and handi (stews and curries) dishes. Interestingly, the inventive food tends to be better than the more traditional; with the street food and tandoor dishes far outweighing its curries in flavour.
Grosvenor House, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 317 6000
15. 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant
Abu Dhabi and Dubai
One brand, two iconic locations in the UAE. In Abu Dhabi, 99 Sushi is one of the city’s sultriest dining destinations—its distinct scarlet banquettes and long, angled mirrors set against the waters surrounding Al Maryah Island. In Dubai, it lounges in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa. Regardless of which emirate you find yourself in, 99’s namesake dishes are never less than 100 percent luxury.
16. L’Amo Bistro del Mare
Dubai
Seaside sophistication is the name of the game at this elegant Italian seafood restaurant. Its rather clever floor-to-ceiling windows ensures that the restaurant is bathed in bright, upbeat light and takes advantage of its location perched on the new Dubai Harbour Yacht Club. The menu doesn’t complicate things either, relying on classic Italian favourites including pastas, fresh carpaccios and tartares, relying on the freshness and quality to set it apart from its competitors.
Dubai Harbour Yacht Club, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 278 4800
17. Al Muntaha
Dubai
Located atop the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, the raison d’etre of Al Muntaha (meaning ‘ultimate’ in Arabic) is to be a ‘seven-star’ restaurant for a seven-star hotel. It makes perfect sense. The restaurant design is all pristine white table-settings and hand-blown glassware, and the atmosphere is low-key and respectful. Opting to serve traditional French cuisine with an exacting focus on quality silver-service, on these elements it really does rub shoulders with some of Europe’s finest restaurants.
Burj Al Arab, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 301 7600
18. Celebrities by Mauro Colagreco
Dubai
Mauro Colagreco championed the idea of ‘zero-kilometre food’ at his restaurant in the South of France, Mirazur, helping it win the title of World’s Best Restaurant, and Colagreco the respect of the global industry. Brought in to headline the main restaurant in Dubai’s One & Only Royal Mirage, Celebrities can’t hope to match Mirazur’s philosophy dish-for-dish, but it is no less distinctive because of it. Ultimately, the restaurant serves up great food with sustainability at its core – making dishes from locally-sourced ingredients and hero products flown over from Colagreco’s home base. In a city full to the brim of celebrity-backed restaurants, that makes it something special.
One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai. Tel: Tel: +971 4 399 9999
19. Carnival by Tresind
Dubai
The younger (more playful) sibling of Tresind Studio, the two have been leading the way with regards to modern creative Indian cuisine. As the name suggests, Carnival is about more than just the food – it’s about enjoying the show and the joy of watching ingredients turn into a meal. Fuelled by a restless creativity, no two dishes are the same here, and its interior will ensure your eyes are as full as your stomach.
Burj Daman, DIFC, Dubai. Tel: +971 52 242 4262
20. Coya
Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai and Riyadh
Since it first opened in the GCC, Coya quickly elevated what we expected from a fine-dining scene. Initially in Dubai, then Abu Dhabi and Doha, and then last year it opened doors in Riyadh. Coya has been one of the first to really champion Peruvian food in the region, and outlasted several pretenders thanks to a steadfast emphasis on fresh ingredients and delicious, unfussy food. Be warned, more is certainly merrier here, and Coya’s food is best enjoyed as part of a group.
coyarestaurant.com
21. Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
Dubai
Il Borro has famous owners (the fashion elite Ferragamo family) but that’s not why it sits high up this list. The restaurant’s Chef, Fluvio Opalio, has near-total dedication to its ingredients, striving to make the most from their flavours and textures. As the name suggests this is a wonderful, relaxed upmarket, bistro. The food is simple, traditional and incredibly tasty, served by an army of stewards who are as charming as they are knowledgeable. This is what the ‘good life’ looks (and tastes) like.
Jumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 2752 5555
22. Moonrise
Dubai
One of the most exciting grass-roots additions to the scene, Moonrise’s intimate Satwa-based dining room is a metaphorical (but not a physical) mile away from the splash-and-flash that Dubai’s dining scene is renowned for. But make no mistake, this omakase restaurant is savvy and serves up an excellent upmarket experience. The credit goes to owner and Chef Solemann Haddad for persisting with his ambition and commitment to the less ‘trendy’ locale. Fusing Japanese cuisine with Middle Eastern ingredients, every dish in constantly changing menu is a journey of culture wrapped in layers of flavour.
Eden House, Satwa, Dubai. Tel: +971 50 697 2946
23. Hakkasan
Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai and Riyadh
In 2001, the modern Chinese restaurant was born in London and it has been an award-magnet ever since. With four locations now in the GCC (and another set to open in Muscat), it is fair to say that when it comes to modern Cantonese food, Hakkasan continues to be the standard setter all across our region.
24. Marea
Dubai
It feels strange to call Marea a ‘hidden gem’ when its New York namesake boasts a whole host of accolades, but then again the Italian seafood restaurant is located in the highest concentration of high-end restaurants in the GCC, and competition is fierce. Rather than back down, Marea doubles down on what it knows it does better than anyone else: its pasta. The fusilli with braised octopus and bone marrow alone won’t keep this place ‘hidden’ for much longer.
DIFC, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 583 6366
25. Alici
Dubai
Alici is the charming cousin of Il Borro, but instead focuses on specialisng in seafood. That should tell you everything you need to know about the quality of the food, and the service. But if you need know more, the restaurant spans two floors, specializes in sustainably caught fish and from its Bluewaters location, provides some of the best views of the Dubai Marina one could hope for.
Bluewaters Island, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 275 2577
26. Flamingo Room
Dubai
Certainly one of the more fun restaurants on this list, Flamingo Room is a casual dining restaurant with flair (and one heck of a cocktail bar). The homegrown concept pays tribute founder Natasha Sideris’ (yes, the same talent behind the popular café Tasha’s) South African heritage, while embracing a tasty and generous Mediterranean menu. The Calamari Mozambique is an absolute best seller, and for a very good reason.
Jumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 244 7278
27. Roka Riyadh
Riyadh
Internationally, Roka is often—if not entirely accurately—referred to as “Zuma’s younger cousin”. While this is not a bad thing, it also downplays a restaurant that more than holds its own. Choosing to hero the use of the Japanese robata grill, the open kitchen theatre is as enticing as the creative and miso-heavy menu. While the Dubai branch has been a success since it opened, the recent expansion into a spectacular two-storey venue in Riyadh’s trendy Sulimaniyah district has laid out a strong indicator of what is to come in the KSA capital.
As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh. Tel: +966 920012327
28. La Cantine du Faubourg
Dubai
If ever a restaurant were to double as a film set, ‘La Cantine’ in Dubai’s Emirates Towers would be it. And they wouldn’t be hard-pressed at finding extras, either. The Parisian-inspired restaurant is never want of a good-looking crowd, attracted to the Mediterranean flavours served with an exciting Asian twist. The white-washed walls are home to ever-changing art exhibitions, which only add to La Cantine’s joie de vivre.
Emirates Towers, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 352 7105
29. Nozomi
Doha
One of the guiding lights of the Qatari capital’s food scene, this slick contemporary Japanese restaurant is one that you both need to try and need to be seen trying. Push for a table on the terrace so you can soak in some rather special views of the Marsa Malaz Kempinski and the sea, and lean hard into the selection of precise Japanese favourites.
Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Doha. Tel: +974 4 035 5089
30. Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
Dubai
Over his decade of dedication to the UAE’s food scene, chef Reif Othman’s insistence at being a first adopter has proven to be both a good and bad thing—but in the case of Kushiyaki it is very much the former. One of the first ‘home-grown’ chefs to stick his neck out and successfully take elite-quality dining out of the five-star hotels and to a suburban location, Kushiyaki is a demonstration of how his experience and skill has blossomed in a more intimate and less pretentious setting.
Dar Wasl Mall, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 345 0761
31. 11 Woodfire
Chef Akmal Anuar is a man of few words and little fuss. The trouble for him is that the restaurants he opens tend to generate a lot of buzz. His solution? Create an open-plan restaurant in a leafy Jumeirah suburb and place a big open fire at the heart of it to attract all the attention. Smoke and fire really does play centre stage with this unlicensed restaurant, with the dishes prepared using various grill techniques and different wood types to add and enhance flavours.
Jumeirah 1, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 491 9000
32. Amazonico
Dubai
The phrase ‘Amazonian cuisine’ is a bit of a catch-all term. Fortunately, Amazonico handles the daunting task of sorting through an incredible number of ingredients, dishes and cooking methods that hail from South America with gusto. The paired-back menu spans ceviches, strange tubers and meats grilled over an open flame. The flavours are all very tasty, in a ‘I never thought I would eat that’ kind of way.
DIFC Gate Village, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 571 3999
33. The Artisan Il Ristorante
Dubai
The strength of The Artisan is that it knows exactly what it is, and so it leans into it. Don’t let the white tablecloths, parquet flooring, elegant apron-clad waiting staff, tasteful interior colour tones and custom-made Italian crockery fool you, The Artisan is a casual dining spot built for long elegant meals at the luxury end of the scale. The menu celebrates all that is best about Florentine cuisine with cured meats, truffle pizzas and, dare-we-say-it, perfect pasta.
Waldorf Astoria, DIFC, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 338 8133
34. Gohan
Dubai
Want to impress your friends? This hidden gem is tucked away inside one of Dubai’s vibiest French restaurants, and serves up something totally different. Step behind a mirrored wall to find a 30-ish-seater speakeasy, flanked by a lively open kitchen firing out an elegant, occasionally-French-influenced Japanese menu devised by acclaimed Dubai chef Gilles Bosquet. Think otoro foie gras nigiri, lobster-stuffed shiso leaves and an almost unconscionably moreish yuzu crème brûlée. And then stop thinking—get booking.
Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 352 7105
35. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Dubai
The name of the late, great French chef Joël Robuchon is attached to some 32 Michelin stars across the world, so it was only a matter of time that his legacy found its way to Dubai’s DIFC scene in late 2020. The L’Atelier brand brings a livelier vibe than you might expect from such a culinary hero. The fusion menu is playful with a selection of signature dishes and funky plates, and the expansive terrace really draws in crowds of grown-up dinners looking to unwind.
DIFC, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 297 7729
36. The Maine
Dubai
The homegrown success story that is The Maine keeps growing. Not only does the charming New England style brasserie now have three locations in its Dubai portfolio, but it has also successfully expanded internationally by opening in London’s fancy Mayfair. Its further evidence that UAE-based ‘gastropreneur’ Joey Ghazal and his excellent combination of fresh seafood mixed with a fun, vibrant atmosphere.
Business Bay, JBR, Studio City, all Dubai. themaine.ae
37. LPM Restaurant & Bar
Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai and Riyadh
LPM has set the benchmark for slick, high-end dining in the GCC since it opened more than a decade ago. Such is its reputation that its expansion into Doha and Riyadh (joining Dubai and Abu Dhabi) is seen as a sign of both cities respectively stepping up their restaurant game. Regardless of the telephone prefix, LPM’s offering of a bubbling atmosphere and high-quality (but not overly-elaborate) Nicoise food continue to make it a firm favourite.
lpmrestaurants.com
38. 3Fils
Dubai
Think of 3Fils as if it was a successful football team. It has won awards aplenty, and has a dedicated and committed local fan base, however having recently parted ways with some of its key players, this season is not quite turning out as well as the last. There is no need to panic, however, now under the watch of executive chef and ‘umami warrior’ Shun Shiroma, the popular contemporary Asian restaurant located on the quaint Jumeirah Fishing Harbour can start gearing up for another title push.
Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Dubai. Tel: +971 56 273 0030.
39. Scalini
Doha and Dubai
Known for its seafood, the branzino and gamberoni are served simply (and deliciously)—while those looking to push the boat out should not ignore the restaurant’s signature lobster linguine, served with an entire crustacean on top. That the food is served in one of the city’s (both Dubai and Doha) most inventive dining rooms, that somehow manages to be open air far into the summer months thanks to some clever cooling trickery, is a bonus.
scalini-dubai.com; scaliniqa.com
40. Stay by Yannick Alleno
Dubai
If ever a chef needn’t be introduced, it would be Yannick Alleno. When not busy juggling his collection of 10(!) Michelin stars, his namesake in Dubai is one of the city’s best examples of how modern techinques best intersect with classic, French cooking. Alleno is a visionary chef for a reason, and Stay is a fantastic example of that.
One&Only The Palm, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 440 1030
41. Tamba
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s leading upmarket contemporary Indian restaurant has a very clear vision of what it is, even if its guests do not. Expect the unexpected as the kitchen provides clever interpretations of subcontinent flavours with very modern twists. The stunning, loft-style interior creates an exciting social vibe that sets up a culinary discovery.
World Trade Centre, Abu Dhabi. Tel: +971 2 672 8888
42. Kinoya
Dubai
Born of a home supperclub, Kinoya joined Dubai’s uber-competitive Japanese dining set in 2021, arriving to serious fanfare and major congestion on the reservations line. By the time we all managed to get in, founder Neha Mishra’s ramen was deservedly picking up rave reviews. Bamboo finishing, sunken dining rooms and a ramen counter, alongside much of the menu, lean steadily towards tradition – but the kicker is in Kinoya’s contemporary twists, including burnt butter scallops and burnt salmon spicy mayo, which really tip the scale.
The Onyx, The Greens, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 548 6776
43. Twiggy By La Cantine
Dubai
Twiggy’s is known first-and-foremost as a beach club—and one of the best in Dubai, at that—but that should not overshadow its reputation as an out-and-out restaurant (imported sand and fantastic pool aside). Such is the distinction that the restaurant and the ‘Lagoon’ have different menus, with the former offering a significantly elevated version of its Mediterranean inspired dishes and as well as some creative sushi offerings. From the same people who inserted La Cantine, Mimi Kakushi and Lana Lusa into our dining lexicon, the kitchen at Twiggy delivers, big time.
Park Hyatt Dubai, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 602 1105
44. Clap
Dubai
Proof of how well the region’s diners have taken to Clap’s seductive, contemporary Japanese omakase vibe was its successful pop-up during Riyadh Season at the end of last year. In Dubai, the city-slick restaurant is perched on a rooftop overlooking DIFC. Yes, the vibe is unquestionably more New York or Tokyo than it is DIFC, and that plays to its advantage. Distinctively split into three areas (dining room, terrace and bar) Clap wants to be everything to everyone but, crucially, not at the same time.
DIFC, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 569 3820
45. Orfali Bros. Bistro
Dubai
Contemporary spins on classic Levantine cuisine have not always been met (at least by the domestic dining public) with the enthusiasm they deserve. So leave it to Syrian chef and Fatafeat favourite Mohammad Orfali (and siblings) to categorically buck the trend. Crammed into Wasl 51’s dining strip, Orfali Bros. delivers round after round of creative fusion plates—often accompanied by an interaction with the man himself, whose passion for the flavours of his native Aleppo is evident in every bite.
Wasl 51, Al Wasl Road, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 259 2477
46. Myazu
Riyadh
Such is the popularity of contemporary Japanese food in Riyadh, that this homegrown concept is rarely ever not busy. The sleek interior was dreamed up by Japanese design legend Noriyoshi Muramatsu (founder of Studio Glitt) and it has the cooking to match. Grab some gyoza and yuzu-infused red snapper granite—because this place isn’t the ‘Riyadh Zuma’ it is very much its own thing. It is Myazu.
As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh. Tel: +966 92 000 9686
47. STK
Doha and Dubai
If you prefer your food served with a fresh slice of party, the STK is your place. The roudy restaurant-slash-party place is unmistakably New York chic with an international following thanks to venues on New York, Las Vegas and London. But partying aside, it has a strong reputation for its steaks, alongside a few token fish and vegetarian options served with heaping portions.
stksteakhouse.com
48. Folly
Dubai
One of Dubai’s best-loved home-grown restaurants has undergone significant change behind the scenes with its namesake founders Nick Alvis and Scott Price (known popularly as ‘Nick and Scott’) handing back their aprons. The future of the picturesque Dubai restaurant now falls to long-time deputy Bojan Cirjanic and fellow alum Hamouda Torman to steady the course of creating innovative, modern European dishes that feed the soul and the taste buds.
Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 430 8535
49. La Mar by Gaston Acurio
Doha
Featuring the acclaimed Peruvian cuisine of Chef Gastón Acurio, the upmarket and slick restaurant is easily one of the most coveted seats in the Qatari capital. Look for authentic ceviches, fresh seafood, and charcoal-grilled meats paired with signature hand-crafted cocktails. The beachfront setting also has panoramic views of the Doha skyline. Nice.
InterContinental, Doha. Tel: +974 4 484 4919
50. Shanghai Me
Dubai
This restaurant features one of the best-looking dining rooms this side of the orient (which pays tribute to China’s 1930s art deco movement) complete with an outdoor terrace and cocktail bar. Despite its name, food here spans all of East Asia—but what differentiates it from the swathes of other Asian restaurants in the city is the sheer high quality of it all.
DIFC Gate Village, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 4 564 0505
51. Maharaja East by Vineet
Riyadh
Global star chef Vineet Bhatia was in Riyadh before it was cool. While he is known for putting a modern and playful twist on his native Indian cuisine, the success of Maharaja East hasn’t been its creativity, but its consistency. The food isn’t as “out there” as some of Bhatia’s other restaurants. The samosas look like samosas (none of this deconstructed faff here) but come with significant flourishes. The food is pretty as a picture, which explains why most people in the dining room greet every dish with the snap of a smartphone (even ‘gram gets fed at Bhatia’s restaurants).
Al Sulimaniyah, Riyadh. +966 11 464 6161
52. Netsu by Ross Shonhan
Dubai
The size of this hulking Japanese restaurant belies the intricate detail that has been put into it. Devised by Chef Ross Shonhan of ex-Nobu, ex-Zuma and Bone Daddies fame, the cuisine showcases the unique Japanese technique of Warayaki (straw fire cooking) to sensational effect—both to look at and to taste. While the interior is inspired by kabuki theatre, the open kitchen remains the centre stage.
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 777 2232
53. Akira Back
Like the chef himself, Akira Back is both swish and personable at the same time. The restaurant is decorated with Back’s mum’s artwork on the walls, along with the eclectic crockery. Fortunately, it serves up a nice mix of fusion dishes, alongside some of the plates that put Back on the culinary map – such as tuna pizza smothered in truffle oil.
W The Palm Dubai. Tel: +971 4 245 5800
54. Lowe
In Dubai it’s rare that you ever have to trek too far off the beaten path to find good food, and even though Lowe’s Al Barari location feels remote, it really isn’t. This slick and stylish homegrown restaurant is at its busiest on weekends, where it has become a hive for couples and hypebeasts looking for late-breakfasts and top-ups on cool credits. The focal point is the open central kitchen, which serves up seasonal produce cooked naturally by fire – be it charcoal grill, rotisserie or wood-fired oven. This is rustic and approachable food, perfect for a lazy weekend.
KOA Canvas, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 320 1890
55. Martabaan By Hemant Oberoi
One of the benefits of being located in Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace is that it comes with plug and play wow factor. It’s certainly enough to get you in the door, but it’s the ‘contemporary classic’ Indian cuisine of Martabaan by Hermann Oberoi’s kitchen that makes you stay. The celebrated chef has made a career of revitalising oft-loved yet forgotten classic recipes and presented in a new avatar.
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. Tel: +971 2 690 7999
56. Mythos Kouzina & Grill
Mythos by name, and by nature. This fantastically low-key Greek taverna has rightly earned its place on this list for its traditional Hellenic cuisine, served in simple, white-washed surroundings. On a dining scene routinely bursting with lavish interiors and tweezered cuisine, this homely neighbourhood restaurant is a comfortable escape, a beacon of accessible pricing and—most importantly—the top seed for gosh-darn brilliant gyros.
JLT, Dubai Tel: +971 4 399 8166
57. Ce La Vi
Ce La Vi is a confidence venue. It’s a place you go to make a good impression. The restaurant uses its learnings from its other global locations—Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo—including jaw-dropping views, opulent interiors, Insta-ready hero shots and, most importantly, a well-drilled kitchen offering a playful interpretationof contemporary Asian cuisine. If you want to make a statement, this is your place.
Address Sky View Hotel, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 852 6111
58. Sal
When you have something that no one else does, you lean into it. That’s what Jumeirah decided to do after opening The Terrace—the awe-inspiring 100m-long deck jutting out into the Gulf. Building from the recent success of pop-up-turned-permanent restaurant, Kayto, it introduced SAL as a casual-luxury, pop-up serving Mediterranean coastal cuisine giving ‘beach goers’ not keen on a full beach club experience a taste of the good life. And the good life it very much is.
The Terrace, Burj Al Arab, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 432 3232
59. Hunter & Barrel
Abu Dhabi and Dubai
It may be Aussie-born, but this steakhouse has well and truly found a home away from home in the UAE. Hot on the heels of a successful first drop at Dubai’s VIDA Emirates Hills in 2021, H&B quickly followed up with digs at Abu Dhabi’s new Yas Bay. Seared steaks scent dining rooms buzzing with patrons, drawn in by a fun, no-bull menu. Starters range from fire-grilled prawns and chicken wings to a literal pan of melted cheese (gouda, gruyere, edam), while the steak list pitches genuine quality cuts at some of the most modest prices around.
hunterandbarrel.ae
60. Cipriani Dubai
Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh
It’s easy to overdo restaurant concepts. Fortunately, Cipriani treads this line with the same grace as some of its most famous clientele (everyone from the likes of Charlie Chaplin and George Clooney have graced Cipriani’s original Venice location over the years). The results are top notch food, more traditional than flouncy, and with a dining room seemingly straight out of Frank Sinatra’s NYC penthouse.
cipriani.com
61. Suhail
Riyadh
Amid a whirlwind of international openings, celebrity chefs and haute cuisine in Riyadh, Suhail shows that Saudi Arabia’s national food still has plenty to offer. Combining traditional dishes with a refined, elegant aesthetic the growing popularity of this restaurant is no surprise—it is the embodiment of the exciting new self-esteem that Saudi is currently imbued with.
An Nakheel, Riyadh. Tel: +966 92 000 2690
62. Hutong
Dubai
There’s no shortage of high-end Asian dining concepts on this list, but what separates Hutong from many of them is its dedication to tradition. Hutong doesn’t go crazy trying to re-invent the wheel, and that’s for the best. Crazy fusion dishes are nowhere to be seen, and instead the menu focuses on getting the basics right, oh so very right.
DIFC, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 220 0868
63. Tasca by José Avillez
Dubai
Portugese food is still a bit of a mystery to most people, but what is becoming less of a muystery is the versatilti of flavours coming out of the kitchen at Tasca. Perched on the rooftop of the impressive Mandarin Priental resort, the view, bar and chic vibe makes this place the perfect date spot.
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 777 2231
64. Carine
Dubai
Chef Izu Ani’s love letter to the humble French brasserie. Carine is both charming and unpretentious, with a no-frills dining room boasting a lovely terrace overlooking one of Dubai’s best golf clubs. The food is—as to be expected—top notch, but don’t immediately discount the bread basket. Like any true brasserie, the bread (notably, the homemade pain de campagne) is a worthy course on its own.
Emirates Golf Club, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 417 9885
65. Asado
Dubai
Asado is best enjoyed via its floating terrace, which puts diners even closer to the Burj Khalifa and the whimsical fountains of the Dubai Mall. That’s controversial, to be sure, as many guests at the Argentinian restaurant choose to be closer to the other view – the kitchen’s large open fire. Located at the centre of the restaurant and ringed with floor-to-ceiling windows, this showpiece is often ringed with baby goats roasting on the open fire (the restaurant’s specialty). Regardless of where you sit, Asado is one of the finest grills in the city.
The Palace Hotel, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 888 3444
66. White Robata
Kuwait City
There is a lot for the senses at Kuwait’s best restaurant, White Robata. The interiors are a stimulating mix of saturated colours and contrasting texture that all centre round a striking open kitchen that offers up Japanese barbeque (‘robata’) cuisine. But that’s not all. Leaning into the Japanese concept, the restaurant also takes its influence from anime culture from the 1980s and ’90s, and has a great collection of 3D models and graphic designs of famous robot anime characters.
Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Cultural Centre, Kuwait City. Tel: +965 2228 9222
67. Lucky Fish
Dubai
If you only have one meal to impress visitors to Dubai then Lucky Fish is a major contender for your custom. Palm Jumeirah beachside location? Tick. Comforting Mediterranean menu? Tick. Cosy, upmarket-rustic, semi-outdoor interiors. Tick. Showpiece daily fish dish caught by local fishermen? Tick. Licensed restaurant with a reasonable price point? Tick. It all comes together nicely to make non-residents wish they had the life you live.
Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 569 34 47
68. Oak Room
Abu Dhabi
From the mind of British chef Tom Aikens comes this modern steakhouse, at The Edition Abu Dhabi. A sort of private members’ club with a rock’n’roll heart, this is a certainly an idea of what a good time looks like – as long as you like steak, artisanal bread and brown liquor. It also get additional marks for the presence of a ‘meat sommelier’ who will talk you through your cuts.
The Edition Abu Dhabi. Tel: +971 208 0000.
69. Al Nafoorah
Dubai
Al Nafoorah has a long history of serving some of the best Lebanese food in Dubai. Formerly located in Emirates Towers – where it was a regular of HH Sheikh Mohammed – its new location at Jumeirah Al Qasr is something to behold, and it gives the place a new surrounding, which helps accentuate its output of its (rather excellent) classic mezze dishes.
Jumeirah Al Qasr, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 453 0444
70. Teible
Dubai
Art and food share a storied history and often with remarkable results. As an annex to the Dubai Creekside Jameel Arts Center, Teible is a place to go when you want to unplug from big city life. The minimal aesthetic makes it somewhat of a work of art itself – and a calming one at that – and allows for the focus to rely on the kitchen’s output, which offers an inventive use of seasonal, local ingredients.
Jameel Arts Center, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 243 6683
71. Prime 68
Dubai
It’s hard to re-invent the steakhouse. Provided that you have the obligatory high-end cuts, a few sides and a decent sommelier, there isn’t a huge amount that you can do to elevate the humble art of cooking meat with fire. But Prime68 has done its best by plonking its restaurant on the 68th floor of one of the Dubai’s tallest buildings. The spacious monochrome interior screams ‘High End New York’ but the view is all Dubai.
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. Tel: +971 4 414 3000
72. Catch at St. Regis
Abu Dhabi
Located within a beautiful colonial-looking building opposite the sandy beach on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, Catch at St. Regis specialises in fresh fish and seafood with a focus on luxurious ingredients like caviar, oyster and crab. There is no overworked or ham-fisted concept here, instead, what is clear, is that this restaurant has mastered the art of making the very good look simple and effortless.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. Tel: +971 2 694 4615
73. Bagatelle
Dubai
Bagatelle has been somewhat of a trailblazer in the region’s dining scene. In the early evening, you walk through the bright blue doors and you’ll be surrounded by a well-dressed and well-heeled crowd digging into a decadent and experimental French menu. Come back a few hours later, and it’s party central, with thumping music and waiters dancing on tables. While it is certainly no longer the only place with this Jekyll-and-Hyde approach to elegant meals and full-on partying, it is one that does it best.
Fairmont SZR, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 354 5035
74. Cut by Wolfgang Puck
Manama
Celebrity chef names, bring celebrity chef prices – and you can’t get much more celebrity than the darling of Beverly Hills, Wolfgang Puck. That said, the man is famous for a reason, and after a visit to this restaurant, you will know why. The high-end steakhouse’s menu features the widest selection of beef available in the Bahraini capital, from prime dry- and wet- aged beef, along with premium shellfish. Guest are also treated to a stunning view of the kitchen and the striking Manama skyline.
Four Season Bahrain Bay, Manama. Tel: +973 1 711 5000
75. French Riviera
Dubai
Chef Kim Joinie-Maurin trained under the tutelage of famous French chef Joel Robuchon, and uses that to great effect in this gourmet brasserie serving up traditional recipes with a twist of eccentricity. A fantastic al fresco dining spot, the restaurant is located on the beachside of Jumeirah’s Al Qasr hotel in Dubai, with an excellent view of the Burj Al Arab.
Jumeirah Al Qasr, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 432 3232
Still Hungry? Read our in-depth insight into the history of one of the region’s top chains, Albaik.