From Rome to New York to Singapore, renowned fine-dining hotspots have made their way to Dubai over the years.
As the emirate is well-known for offering an unparalleled fine-dining experience no matter what the cuisine, takes a closer look at all the global culinary havens that have made their mark in the city.
Il Pastaio
Il Pastaio offers an authentic experience in the heart of Dubai at Al Habtoor City with an array of mouth-watering Italian dishes served on a plate. Promising a world-class family experience, Il Pastaio is considered to be a highly acclaimed restaurant in the heart of Beverly Hills with a culinary tradition passed down through generations as it celebrates 25 years of operation. Now in Dubai, guests can enjoy the highly praised dishes including the Spaghetti Al Caviale, with all its sought-after flavours. Open daily from 12pm to 12am, this haven must be visited for its highly praised pasta dishes and an innovative menu.
Amazonico
Known as Madrid’s most well-loved and popular restaurant, Amazonic Dubai arrived in the heart of DIFC at the end of 2019. The restaurant brings cultural diversity and gastronomic heritage from the Amazon region, with a rainforest-inspired theme prevalent throughout the venue’s interiors. Amazonico Dubai is temporarily closed during the month of August for renovation and is set to reopen in September.
Antika
This Levantine bar and restaurant, which first opened in August 2019, is located in DIFC. As one of Lebanon’s most well-known hotspots, Antika Dubai offers a host of mouthwatering dishes and is an ideal place to enjoy a night out with friends no matter what the occasion. Open daily from 6pm to 2am and on Fridays from 2pm onwards, Antika is located in Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC, Tower 2.
Gonpachi
The iconic restaurant Gonpachi, famed for its role in the hit movie , officially opened its doors in Dubai in February 2021. It’s the first branch for the famed restaurant to open outside of Japan – where seven Gonpachi restaurants dotted around the country – and will offer authentic cuisine which includes sushi, tempura, kushi-style grilled skewers and fresh soba noodles. Located in Business Bay at the Boulevard in Al Habtoor City, the restaurant transports you to the “Japan of a bygone era” with its “nostalgic atmosphere”. Gonpanchi Dubai is open from Saturday to Wednesday 12pm to 12am and Thursday and Friday 12pm to 2am.
LPM Restaurant & Bar
Having been on the restaurant scene in Dubai for over a decade, LPM Restaurant & Bar offers an exceptional experience every time. Located in gate village 8, DIFC, the restaurant is open on weekdays from 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm and on weekends from 12:30pm to 3:30pm and 6pm to 11pm.
Zuma
Known for making its culinary imprint around the world in various cities such as New York, Rome, Las Vegas, Bodrum, Miami, London and many more. Zuma is one of Dubai’s must-visit fine dining havens offering contemporary Japanese cuisine with a sophisticated twist on the traditional Japanese Izakaya style of informal eating and drinking. Showcasing a variety of authentic dishes on its menu, Zuma is located in gate village 6 and is open daily from 12pm to 3:30pm and 7pm to 12am from Saturday to Wednesday and 7pm to 1am on Thursday and Friday.
Akira Back
Bringing adrenaline-fuelled Japanese cuisine prepared with Korean and international flavours, Akira Back uses artisanal sourced ingredients with an eclectic touch as you take in the stunning view of Dubai’s skyline. With venues in Singapore, Hanoi, Bangkok and now Dubai, Chef Akira Back is making a strong culinary footprint around the world with his expertise in the field. Located at W Dubai at The Palm, it’s open daily from 7pm to 11:30pm.
Nusr-Et Steakhouse
Having opened its doors in 2010 in Istanbul, Nusr-Et made its way to Dubai back in 2014. The restaurant quickly became a haven for meat lovers from around the world with a warm atmosphere and top-notch service. By bringing an extra flair to its steakhouse culture, this boutique concept is loved by all and is open in several destinations around the world including Istanbul, Doha, Miami, New York, Mykonos and Dubai.
Indochine
First opening in New York City in 1984, Indochine has welcomed many A-list celebrities over the years including Andy Warhol, Grace Jones, Diane von Furstenberg, Julianne Moore, Naomi Campbell, Anna Wintour, Mick Jagger and more. Indochine made its way to Dubai in 2019 and has been a hit on the restaurant scene ever since its opening. Located in Gate precinct building 3 DIFC, it’s open from Sunday to Wednesday 12pm to 1am, Saturday 7pm to 1am and Thursday and Friday 7pm to 3am.
Marea
Originally born in New York, with an amalgamation of Italy’s coastal flavours and the city’s swagger, Marea brings a world-class dining haven with exquisite food and unmatched service unlike no other. This Michelin-star Italian restaurant in Dubai brings a plethora of decadent dishes to the table with beautiful culinary expertise. Located at Gate Village 7, it’s open daily from 12pm to 5pm for Lunch and 7pm to 11:45 pm for dinner.
Cipriani
With restaurants the globe over, Cipriani made its mark on Dubai in 2016. Serving exceptional Italian cuisine, the Cipriani brand has been a universally recognized icon of hospitality for four generations since Guiseppe Cipriani Senior first opened Harry’s Bar in Venice, back in May 1931. Open all around the world in New York, Venice, Moscow, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Cipriani has made its impact in several countries as it continues to serve the finest. Located in Gate village number 10, DIFC and open daily from 12pm to 2am
Hutong
Bringing the northern Chinese vibe from London, New York, Miami and their original home in Hong Kong, Hutong Dubai is located in DIFC. Offering delicious dim sums and creative cocktails, guests have the opportunity to dine in a stylish setting with a beautiful outdoor terrace offering the finest in contemporary Asian cuisine. Hutong Dubai is open from Monday to Sunday from 12pm to 2:30pm and 6pm to 1am.
