Restaurants in Dubai
Our selection includes 9 restaurants, which we have divided into 3 categories: expensive, moderate and inexpensive. The restaurants are listed alphabetically within these categories. This division is only intended as a guide, it is by no means official categories.
Since Dubai is a Muslim city, many restaurants, especially the cheaper ones, do not have a licensing license. However, restaurants in tourist and business hotels almost always serve alcohol.
A sales tax of 10% is added to all bills. An operating fee of 10-15% is often charged, otherwise a tip of 10% is expected.
The prices quoted are the average price for a three-course meal or the price for a bottle of the cheapest wine or house wine. The sales tax is included, but not the service fee.
Lifted
Al Muntaha
This first-class restaurant is located in the Burj Al Arab Hotel and hovers 200 meters above the Arabian Gulf. The views across the gulf to the shimmering lights of the city are breathtaking, and the slanted glass windows give the restaurant the appearance of a cruise ship looking out to sea. The modern, Mediterranean cuisine includes a particularly large number of seafood and fish dishes, a typical starter dish is, for example, Caesar Salad with lobster or lightly seared scallops. As a main course, you could try grilled hammour (a regional fish) or roasted prime rib steak with a mustard crust, and the meal with a rather unusual dessert, cranachan (a delicious ice cream with Scottish oatmeal) finish.
Address: Burj Al Arab Hotel, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
Phone: (04) 301 77 77
Website: http://www.jumeirahinternational.com
La Baie
This classy restaurant, headed by chef Carl Stockenstrom, could be in almost any major European capital. The service is impeccable, soft piano music creates a relaxing ambience and the table decorations are elegant and harmonious. The cuisine served at La Baie is equally impressive, if a little more expensive, and contributes to an unforgettable restaurant experience. One of the most unusual starters is the marinated sturgeon carpaccio with caviar and yoghurt sauce. As a main course, you should definitely try the grilled Hammour on a bed of green lentils (rumored to be the chef’s favorite dish).
Address: Ritz Carlton Dubai, Dubai
Telephone: (04) 399 40 00
Verre
The verre opened by the famous chef Gordon Ramsey is extremely successful and is valued by many locals as one of the best restaurants in Dubai. The minimalist decor may not be for everyone, but the simple surroundings and sophisticated lighting emphasize the most important aspect of the Verre – the excellent cuisine. The chef specialties , mini dishes and snacks that are served between the individual courses are particularly original . Main dishes include salmon with pea fricassee and horseradish or poached chicken on a bed of tagliatelle . The desserts are to die for and the 3-course menu is good value for money.
Address: Hilton Dubai Creek, Dubai
Telephone: (04) 212 75 51
Moderate
Da Vinci’s restaurant
This popular Italian restaurant offers a simple, nice atmosphere and good prices in a pleasant atmosphere. There are the usual pasta and pizza dishes, the decor is traditional red, green and white.
Address: Millenium Airport Hotel, Al Garhoud, Dubai
Phone: (04) 70 39 12 33
Website: http://www.millenniumhotels.com/ae/millenniumdubai/restaurant/davinci.html
India Palace
The India Palace is particularly popular with westerners living in Dubai. Mainly dishes from Rajasthan are served and the decor of the restaurant emphasizes this regional accent. You can watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen and there are family sitting areas on the upper floor. The excellent menu includes starters such as lentil soup and crab bisque with fresh vegetables. Main dishes include chicken or vegetarian kebabs and various delicately flavored curry dishes. Alcoholic beverages are not available, but the Lassi s (traditional yogurt drink) are highly recommended, especially an unusual Lassi made with salt. No licensing license.
Address: opposite the Dubai Marine Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Telephone: (04) 286 96 00
Noodle house
The Noodle House stands out among the more traditionally elegant restaurants in this Dubai district . Light, delicious dishes are served here in a relaxed environment – individual table reservations are not necessary, you sit at long tables with the other guests. The menu includes Asian noodle soups, spring rolls and sweet and sour chicken, and the prices are reasonable too. No licensing license.
Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai
Phone: (04) 319 80 88
Website: http://www.thenoodlehouse.com
Cheap
Cactus Jacks
Although Cactus Jacks will never receive international culinary awards, this restaurant is still an excellent choice for hungry stomachs. Classic Tex Mex cuisine such as fajitas, burritos and tortillas are served, washed down with tequila. For price-conscious guests, there are various special offers on the menu and drinks menu. On weekends, Cactus Jacks has a live DJ and from 11:00 p.m. the mood is often very loud and happy.
Address: Millennium Airport Hotel, Al Garhoud Road, Dubai
Phone: 04 702 8855
Website: http://www.millenniumhotels.com/ae/millenniumdubai/restaurant/cactusjacks.html
Deira City Center Food Court
This is one of the most popular among the numerous food courts in Dubai. Here you can find the whole range of international dishes. However, all restaurant stands have one thing in common: they are cheap and good. The most popular are simple Chinese and Indian specialties served with cooked rice. There is a play area for children so that parents can relax in peace. No licensing license.
Address: Deira City Center Mall, Dubai
Phone: (04) 295 10 10
Thattukada
This excellent South Indian restaurant serves excellent cuisine at good prices. You sit on long wooden benches, the walls are decorated with film posters. The menu includes typical dishes from the area around South Indian Kerala, such as kappa erachi (tapioca and chicken curry) and karimeem porichathu (various fried fish fillets). No licensing license.
Address: Palm Beach Rotana Inn, Dubai
Phone: (04) 393 19 99