Where 14 restaurateurs eat in Dubai.
37 restaurant recommendations across the whole of Dubai. Street food. Cafés. Casual eateries. Swanky restaurants. Tasting menu concepts. Deliveries. Licensed and dry.
The long weekend marked both Eid Al-Fitr and Nowruz, Iranian New Year. A magical alignment on the exact same Friday. For those of you observing either festival, and to everyone, I hope you managed some respite over these turbulent times. Eid mubarak and Nowruz mobarak 🇦🇪🇮🇷
In between Hello Chef-ing (a lockdown discovery six years ago that we have maintained) interspersed with the odd Serves Gourmet meal, we’ve been dining out and entertaining at home, more so than pre-war. Why? A combination of the remarkable protection from our defence forces, the absence of traffic, a craving for social connection, and my drive to support local businesses.
Instead of one of my regular Where Restaurateurs Eat columns, given the ongoing war, I thought it might be a fun exercise (and a fun read) to handpick the Dubai restaurant recommendations from published columns along with the newbie, into one bumper newsletter. We’re meant to pivot in times of crisis, aren’t we?
So 14 restaurateurs (all female!) share 37 favourite restaurants in Dubai. A handful of gems are recommended twice, and two restaurants thrice…hence the weird total number.
For newcomers to my Substack tribe (welcome!), below is the launch column to give you some context of this regular series.
A little housekeeping:
All the Dubai restaurant recommendations from our power ladies (along with their own restaurants) are mapped out on this Google Maps link - in the hope that GPS scrambling is no more.
You can find all published interviews to date in one spot here.
If you wanna know my faves, here are 40 go-to restaurants of mine in Dubai, published last month.
Note: your email provider may clip this rather long newsletter. If so, please click ‘view entire message’ at the very top.
Grab a cuppa or your favourite tipple, and have a read. 37 restaurant recommendations across the whole of Dubai from 14 restaurateurs. Street food joints. Cafés. Casual eateries. Swanky restaurants. Tasting menu concepts. Deliveries. Licensed 🍷 And dry. So, in alphabetical order:
Arabian Tea House for when the weather is great. I love the laid back atmosphere - and they have the BEST bread! By Natasha Sideris, CEO & founder, Tashas Group that owns Avli, Bungalo34 and Flamingo Room amongst others.
Baba Ghanouj gives me a proper Syrian breakfast, my emotional anchor, and the closest thing I have to being “back home”. It’s nothing fancy, just a simple, homey spread, but I’m so grateful for it. The flavours take me somewhere familiar, even if I can’t be there myself. By Ray Yafi, co-founder & partner behind A Normal Day and a host of F&B brands including Yellow Block.
Bait Maryam is a fellow JLT gem. I cherish the authenticity, love and unwavering quality, as well as consistency of the Palestinian food that is obviously prepared with great care and passion. By Fay Economides, executive managing director, M Management Company that owns Mythos, Nola and Kilikio. Also recommended by Gabriela Chamorro, executive chef and founder, Girl & The Goose.
Boca is a place I deeply connect with, not just for the food, but for its values and what it stands for. Its commitment to sustainability and close collaboration with local producers is something I admire. The menu is always evolving, yet consistently thoughtful. The team leads with passion and purpose, and that sense of responsibility makes dining here feel genuinely exciting. 🍷 By Gabriela Chamorro. EDITOR’S NOTE: As I mentioned in my last newsletter, Boca is sadly shutting shop with last service on 31st March and a ludicrously good deal until then.
BordoMavi for daily fresh fish and seafood flown in from Turkey. The location in this quaint little fishing harbour and marina is so fitting with the concept, and the ambience is so relaxing. By Lily Hoa Nguyen, co-founder & executive chef, Vietnamese Foodies Restaurants.
Bungalo34 is one of my favourite outdoor dining spots in Dubai. I love the relaxed yet refined atmosphere, and the location is conveniently close to home. It’s perfect for enjoying the beautiful weather, good food and a laid-back coastal ambience. My go-to place when I want something elegant yet effortless. 🍷 By Diana Rysbaeva, owner, founder & CEO, Shi Hospitality Group that operates Shi, Moli and Mei.
Chez Wam is smart, cool, fun and playful, yet cosy and welcoming. I love chef Hadrien. There’s no one like him that can do so much serious work and, effortlessly, turn it into fun dining. 🍷 By Stasha Toncev, chief soulkitchen officer, 21grams and Piehaus.
Duo Gastrobar at Dubai Hills Business Park has a very laid-back charm that reminds me of our own company ethos. It’s the restaurant I love to visit time and time again because the dishes are so fresh, simple, and well-priced. The service is consistently top-notch. A special shoutout to Roman and Dasha, who always take such good care of us every time Ziad and I dine there. 🍷 By Rowan Mansour Kamel, co-founder & chief brand officer, Rosy Hospitality known for CQ French Brasserie, Girl & the Goose and Butter by the Dozen.
Goldfish is my go-to for sushi, especially the crab roll and salmon nigiri. And, of course, the Chilean sea bass hot pot. By Natasha Sideris.
Itadaku for family-run, ingredient-focused, casual Japanese dining. Everyone working in this restaurant is Japanese. The salmon handroll and uni tempura are outstanding. By Lily Hoa Nguyen. Also recommended by Morgane Duhamel, the co-founder of Odeon.
Jun’s is for a special out of town guest or date night. I love chef Kelvin’s food, his team is perfection, and everything they do is so delicious and yummy. 🍷 By Shaw Lash, chef & co-founder, Lila Taqueria and Lila Molino + Café.
Khoori Special Kebab for something casual. Solid Iranian kebabs and value-for-money. By Panchali Mahendra, CEO, Atelier House Hospitality behind 11 Woodfire, Mohalla and Tezukuri.
Kinoya’s ramen is simply the best here made with absolute precision and love. The sashimi is fantastic too. The vibe of an izakaya is true to its name and a shining example of everything I love about Japanese dining. 🍷 By Neha Anand, founder & MD, Three Layer Hospitality that owns Jun’s.
Lana Lusa overlooking the water canal, is a short walk from my home, and something about it always feels familiar. I go there when I need a little reset. And the sardines are some of the best I’ve eaten. 🍷 By Ray Yafi.
Lila Wood-Fired Taqueria as I’m a taco girl through and through, and this place on Jumeirah Beach Road is my go-to for something easy and always good. The Baja fish taco is a staple in my rotation. By Ray Yafi.
Lowe transports me outside of Dubai. The peace and quiet of the outdoor garden, the celebration of local farmers and ingredients. A perfect winter night for us is perched on the outdoor couches, a bottle of rosé, and a wide mixture from their menu. We love it. 🍷 By Shaw Lash.
LPM sets the standard for culinary excellence in the city and for good reason. What truly impresses me is its unwavering commitment to quality and consistency. Despite the passage of time, LPM delivers the same unparalleled dining experience with every visit. 🍷 By Neha Anand. Also recommended by Natasha Sideris.
Maisan15 is an artsy, quirky, down-to-earth and off-the-beaten track new favourite of mine. And where you will find the most delicious, fluffy hot bread to pair with divine dips and mouthwatering shakshouka. By Fay Economides. Also recommended by Michele Johnson, co-founder, Pitfire Pizza - and Stasha Toncev.
Mamak is a Malaysian restaurant with two locations in Dubai. You will often find me at the one on Hadiqa Road near Safa Park for breakfast or lunch. Having lived in Kuala Lumpur for ten years before coming here, I find comfort and familiarity in the dishes they serve…like nasi lemak, roti canai, murtabak, and of course iced teh tarik, or iced lemon tea. On weekends you’ll have to wait for a seat but it’s worth it. By Michele Johnson.
Mott 32 for modern Hong Kong-cum-Cantonese fare. The aromatic roasted Peking duck is so soft, juicy and fragrant with a crispy skin. The view overlooking Ain Dubai and the shoreline is impressive and memorable. 🍷 By Lily Hoa Nguyen.
Mythos, whether the OG location in JLT or the newer branch in City Walk, I always feel right at home. The most comforting flavours, hospitality and ambience for my soul. Bold yet unpretentious. By Stasha Toncev. Also recommended by Panchali Mahendra.
Neighbourhood Food Hall is my go-to when I’m hungry, but not sure what I want. You will find basic communal seating and a large selection of cuisines to choose from including Singaporean, Indian, Sri Lankan, Mexican, Italian, Peruvian and Japanese. All the kiosks are staffed by friendly, knowledgeable chefs and cooks, serving really good versions of their country’s staple dishes, so it’s nearly impossible to go wrong. By Michele Johnson.
Ossiano for one of those “wow” moments. The storytelling in the menu; the entire experience really stayed with me. I think that’s what makes a place special, when it leaves you with more than just a good meal. 🍷 By Ray Yafi.
Sal’s Sushi at Depachika Food Hall is our go-to when we look for a proper dining experience at home. It’s a father-and-son duo who have poured their hearts into perfecting their salmon over decades, so I know I’m always getting the very best quality. By Rowan Mansour Kamel.
Seoul Garden in Karama holds a very special place in my heart. With my Korean roots, it represents more than just a restaurant. It reflects heritage, culture, and identity. I have been going here with my family for many years, pretty much every Sunday. It has become a true tradition. By Diana Rysbaeva.
Stay by Yannick Alleno for a special celebration is a dream restaurant where we feel truly taken care of and privileged. Yannick Alleno and his team share exceptional French dishes - precise, subtle and where the ingredients speak for themsleves. With impeccable service and a serene atmosphere, it is a place where time slows down, allowing me to share a truly magical dining experience in Dubai. 🍷 By Morgane Duhamel.
Takahisa for excellent Japanese food, attention-to-detail and quality ingredients. 🍷 By Panchali Mahendra.
Tasca by José Avillez becomes truly magical at a very specific moment of the day… aperitif time! I always take the ‘sunbed’ table, set over the pool, giving the sensation of floating on water with a breathtaking view of the sea and sunset. With a glass of Champagne, a Wagyu tartare cone, and some clams, I feel on top of the world… pure paradise. 🍷 By Morgane Duhamel.
Three by Eva is a constant on my list. On my most recent visit with my sister, the whole experience really felt like home. From the Jordanian and broader Levantine food to the thoughtfully creative touches that stay true to the cuisine, all the way to a team that’s genuinely warm and great at what they do, it’s always such a special experience. By Rowan Mansour Kamel. Also recommended by Iman Nazemi, the chef-owner of soulful Afghan concept Kishmish.
Tresind Studio for when I am looking to impress visitors. It’s just incredible. The journey; the off-beat music; the flavours; the service. It’s world class. 🍷 By Natasha Sideris. Also recommended by Diana Rysbaeva and Stasha Toncev.
Zuma has always been my favourite. Definitely hits the spot every time and, most importantly, the food is always consistent – which I find a big problem in most places. There is nothing worse than craving a meal somewhere and leaving disappointed. 🍷 By Iman Nazemi.
3Fils is where we end up whenever we don’t know what to eat. We always leave feeling satisfied. Food is so good, and also consistent. By Iman Nazemi.
11 Woodfire for the cooking with fire; fun collaborations; unique and delicious non-alcoholic concoctions; a knock-out burger; and the modern feel of a made-over Jumeirah villa. By Fay Economides.
21grams weaves something deeply nostalgic into the experience. Rooted in Balkan heritage, it has mastered the art of soulful cooking, with an approach that’s humble and heartfelt. I love how the menu unfolds like a story, where each dish feels like a chapter. The space is welcoming and familiar, almost like being invited into someone’s home. It is warm, grounding, and deeply nourishing in every sense. By Gabriela Chamorro. Also recommended by Shaw Lash.
Special shout-out to three restaurants recommended for delivery: Pitfire Pizza and Sticky Rice (Thai) by Shaw Lash. And Rivas (Iranian) suggested by Iman Nazemi.
Whether you work in the F&B industry or you’re a diner, where are your go-to haunts? Please do share your restaurant love.
Stay safe, sound and sane.
FooDiva. x
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