Dubai: Eats
Wow…the food in Dubai. It’s just incredible! You can find anything and everything here. Here I recommend a few restaurants; some I personally visited (noted with a *) whereas others were recommended to me by locals or foodie friends.
Two things that MUST be done: a proper tea and a visit to the Burj for champagne!
Ascending to the top of the Burj Khalifa is a requirement when one visits Dubai. And the way to do it is not to pay US$35+ to visit the Observation Deck on level 124. Instead, book at the At.mosphere restaurant on level 123. The views are just as good and can be accompanied by champagne! I went at night and the lights were magnificent.
Have afternoon tea at Jumeirah Zabeel Hotel*. It is absolutely gorgeous. We had afternoon tea and sat for hours just talking and enjoying the beauty of the lobby.
Brunch is SUPER popular on Fridays and Saturdays, and the Friday brunch called Bubbalicious at the Westin Mina Seyahi is known to the best.
I was working most days, but caught breakfast/lunch the day I landed in a little café downtown near the Burj Khalifa. It is called Fume*. I highly recommend. If you go, get the watermelon juice.
My colleague and dear friend Muhammed was a wonderful host. He took me to dinner at incredible restaurants nearly every night. When alone, I dined at my hotel and had great luck with the options there.
- Bussola* is a casual Italian spot at the Westin Mina Seyrah. The best part is the beautiful view of the sea from virtually every seat in the open-air restaurant.
- Reem Al Bawadi* at the Dubai Marina. (The Dubai Marina is fun for a stroll; the yachts are unlike anything I’ve ever seen.) This is traditional Middle Eastern food and delicious. It’s local and popular. Casual. [Alcohol: yes. Western Attire: yes]
- Ayamna* at Atlantis The Palm. One of 24 restaurants there. Its Mediterranean cuisine and a beautiful spot. Ossiano (seafood surrounded by their huge fish tanks) and Yuan (Chinese) also come highly recommended. [Alcohol: yes. Western Attire: yes]
- Nusr-et* at the Four Seasons Hotel is super popular. It's wonderful Turkish food as well as delicious steaks and seafood. I think we went at 10PM and it was still packed. Very lively! [Alcohol: yes. Western Attire: yes]
- Spice Emporium* (Thai) and China Grill* (Chinese) are two of the seven restaurants at the Westin Mina Seyahi and are excellent. I think China Grill turns into a club on Thursday nights, if I remember correctly. The Oeno Wine Bar* is also a nice stop for a glass of rose. [Alcohol: yes. Western Attire: yes]
- Nobu, no surprise, comes highly recommended. [Alcohol: yes. Western Attire: yes]
- Pier 7 at the Dubai Marina has 7 great spots. Recommended to me was Atelier M and Asia Asia.
- Pierchic is out on a pier overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Seafood. Highly rated.
- At the Burj Al Arab, I hear Nathan Outlaw is spectacular. Inside an aquarium. Michelin-star chef. [Alcohol: yes. Western Attire: yes]
- Zhang He’s. Chinese. On the water with views of Burj Al Arab and the Gulf.
- Buddha Bar at the Grosvenor Hotel is very popular and highly regarded Asian fusion. As expected, they have a restaurant and an outdoor lounge. [Alcohol: yes. Western Attire: yes]
Dale Chihuly Glass Sculpture in the lobby of Atlantis the Palm
