DIFC is an area of the city that is constantly changing, with a few stalwarts that remain perennially popular. That said, there are a few standout restaurants that have made the financial centre their home and maintain a loyal following. No easy feat when you consider the competition and the number of quality restaurants congregated in such a tight area, particularly within ICD Brookfield Place and Gate Village.
So, could the city’s International Financial Centre compete for Dubai’s best dining neighbourhood? Well, from the list of brilliant restaurants below, many Gault&Millau UAE toque-rated (including one three-toque), it certainly stands a pretty good chance.
Alaya
From renowned chef Izu Ani, expectations ahead of dining at Middle Eastern-Mediterranean restaurant Alaya are high, especially when the name itself means ‘sublime’.
Found in a former art gallery in DIFC, the space is elegant, with Art Deco-style interiors, a petite bar and, as is the trend, a ’hidden’ speakeasy-style bar, Ly-La, nestled away on the basement level. It’s an elegant setup and service is slick, as you’d expect from the team behind another chic DIFC dining spot, GAIA.
The experience is sophisticated and the food is equally appealing, with much of it designed to be shared, making it a good date night venue or family choice. Green harissa prawns spiced with sumac are a flavourful start, while the seafood manti, stuffed with king crab, lobster and prawns, is rich and indulgent. A meaty lamb shank is fall-off-the-bone tender, slow-cooked and oozing with juices and hearty flavours.
With carefully considered food, inventive drinks and smooth service, Alaya is what one hopes for from such an established culinary name.
www.alayarestaurants.com; Tel: +971 4 570 6289
Amazónico
Amazónico is one of those restaurants that shines brightly in more ways than one. Whether for a business lunch, dinner or drinks on its rooftop bar, it’s a magnetic spot in DIFC that attracts a cool crowd and is rarely less than buzzing. The setting itself is as lively as the feel, thanks to the lush greenery and brightly coloured décor swathed across the large, three-storey rainforest-inspired restaurant.
The striking interiors come from renowned designer Lázaro Rosa-Violan, who is also behind the décor at the original Madrid restaurant, as well as countless others. Meanwhile, the food is just as colourful and exciting. The menu, crafted by chef Diego Fernando Sanchez Vargas, is a Latin American exploration with innovative, palate-popping dishes.
Hamachi tiradito comes with passion fruit and shiso leaves, while the signature Amazónico maki is a fresh vegetarian roll of mango, avocado, coconut and cacao nibs. Spanish red prawns, as well as slow-cooked 16-hour lamb with chilli huacatay and cassava, also impress.
With an elevated vibe and food that holds its own amid a vivacious setting, with inspiration from the cultural diversity and gastronomic heritage of the Amazon region, this is a DIFC restaurant that lives up to the hype.
www.amazonicorestaurant.com/dubai/; Tel: +971 4 571 3999
Avli by Tashas
Avli by tashas is part of Tashas Group of restaurants, from restaurateur Natasha Sideris, whose Flamingo Room, Bungalo34 and tashas are so popular in the city. It’s a popular venue in Dubai’s packed DIFC and offers the best Greek food in the area, as well as highly acclaimed cocktails at Galaxy Bar, which is found at the rear of the restaurant.
There is more substance to Avli than many of its neighbours, born of Sideris’ Greek heritage and her culinary traditions. Stepping into the restaurant feels like a tranquil retreat from the financial centre’s buzz. The décor, inspired by the classic charm of Athens and Mediterranean open-air courtyards, transports you to a world where every meal turns into an occasion, and friends quickly become family.
The menu offers a selection of mezze, salads, seafood, and slow-cooked meats. Standouts include the lemonato baby chicken, aubergine mille-feuille and jumbo prawn saganaki. The latter’s perfectly grilled shellfish comes with a warm red pepper and tomato salsa, topped with fresh feta. The plate couldn’t be more Greek if it tried.
www.avlibytashas.com; Tel: +971 4 359 0008
Babylon
Describing itself as “part chic restaurant, part energetic club”, Babylon is not the place to go for a quiet night – but it does promise plenty of entertainment amid an unapologetically extravagant interior.
With dark tones and a New York club feel, including the plush cushions, this new restaurant on the DIFC scene encourages guests to fully embrace the “allure of a sinful city” and goes on to explain the concept as “where decadent luxury and sensuality reign, occasionally intermingled with feelings of captivating or exile.” Okay, we think it best that you experience this for yourself.
The menu is an international melange, with dishes ranging from classic Middle Eastern to Gillardeau oysters and an extensive sushi offering – Japanese wagyu & foie gras maki, lobster tempura maki and soft-shell crab maki. They also have a pretty serious caviar offering, too.
www.babylondifc.com; Tel: +971 4 352 7750
BB Social Dining (one-toque)
Walking up to BB Social Dining in Dubai’s DIFC, you’re greeted by a charming three-storey bistro reminiscent of old European eateries, complete with a narrow spiral staircase. Despite its quaint character, BB Social holds its own in the heart of Dubai’s vibrant and competitive dining scene with a modern flair.
Conceived by German chef Alexander Stumpf and his Greek-Australian business partner Spero Spanagakis, BB Social presents Asian-Mediterranean fusion. The menu cleverly categorises dishes into barbecue, bites, bao, bowls and katsu. The ‘bites’ include imaginative creations such as cauliflower popcorn drenched in a white truffle sauce, creamy tuna crispy rice and beef tartare with crispy lotus root, sprinkled with sesame seeds. The tangy kale tabbouleh with feta and spicy kung fu wings are excellent.
Fusing different cuisines can be challenging, but BB Social nails it, making a strong case for fusion food actually being rather great. This is far more than just a good restaurant; it’s a culinary destination, delivering an innovative menu with flair and finesse.
www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/abu-dhabi/dining/bb-social-dining; Tel: +971 4 407 4444
BOCA
BOCA founder Omar Shihab deserves nothing but praise for his dedication to making his restaurant as sustainable as possible. From committing to reducing its carbon footprint to the use of local ingredients, the recycling of cooking oil and the reuse of glass bottles, the restaurateur’s work is commendable.
That Shihab is also doing his best to drag the rest of the industry along with him deserves some kind of national recognition. At times he must feel like he is alone in the battle, so few venues have introduced even the slightest nod towards being sustainable.
In 2023, after years of trying to marry his concept to an existing, experimental European cuisine, often with mixed results, he brought in a new chef. Patricia Roig shares his vision and gives the restaurant something of a new start. BOCA 2.0, if you like. However, Roig’s Spanish heritage actually resulted in something of a throwback to the venue’s early days, when it was seen as an upstart of a tapas restaurant.
Some dishes stand out, the grilled octopus, snap pea and feta salad, and the cod cheeks to name three, and the wine programme is excellent. However, too much feels rushed and delivered with little care. The restaurant’s ethos is incredible, but time to get the other parts in line, too.
www.boca.ae; Tel: +971 4 323 1833
Bull & Bear
Stepping into Bull & Bear at the Waldorf Astoria DIFC, you’re immediately struck by the stylish Art Deco-inspired design, reminiscent of its New York namesake. This signature restaurant is a charming fusion of the Big Apple’s elegance and Dubai’s contemporary flair, located in the heart of the city’s financial district in one of its sleekest hotels.
While Bull & Bear doubles as the hotel’s breakfast and lunch spot, it’s more than just a convenient dining option for guests. The restaurant stands as a culinary destination in its own right, offering an impressive menu that extends far beyond the typical steakhouse fare.
Initially guided by the esteemed, popular chef Luigi Vespero, who helped put it on the map, Bull & Bear is currently under the stewardship of chef Luca Depalo, who has now been in post for long enough to establish himself in the role. However, the menu continues to offer classic brasserie-style dishes that are simple yet sophisticated.
Depalo’s touch is found in the ‘local treasure’ soup, using local red pepper, tomatoes and goat’s cheese for a dish proudly marked as ‘100 per cent farm-to-table’. While steaks are the highlight, the menu’s ‘The Meat Room’ isn’t the only star. Mains also include conchiglioni, another addition from the chef. The shellfish bisque is deep and flavourful, in the sea urchin adds an even greater sense of the sea to the dish.
www.bullandbeardifc.com; Tel: +971 4 515 9888
Carnival by Trèsind (one-toque)
When it comes to dining at Trèsind restaurants in Dubai, the spotlight often falls on the more well-known, award-winning establishments, leaving Carnival somewhat in the shadow.
However, this gem in DIFC’s Burj Daman building, has plenty to recommend it, especially those who want a more casually enjoyable experience.
Carnival offers a unique dining experience that blends traditional and contemporary. And, what sets Carnival apart even further is its Eastern influence. Drawing inspiration from Nepal and regions further east, the restaurant has introduced momos and baos to the menu. These dumplings, which are mostly vegetarian options, are a delight and mix up the experience from the usual Indian dishes.
The worldwide influence doesn’t stop there, either. The stir-fry dishes include tacos, croquettes and tortillas. Each one is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to bringing diverse flavours to the table. In a city where dining options can feel endless, Carnival offers a breath of fresh air with its casual, fun and affordable approach to fine dining.
www.carnivalbytresind.com; Tel: +971 52 242 4262
Kaspia
This DIFC gem has had quite the journey since the first Gault&Millau UAE guide in 2022. Back then, the kitchen wasn’t quite making the most of the classic recipes and high-end ingredients, but in 2023, things really improved, and the cuisine began to match up to the opulent surroundings and slick service.
Now, things have changed up again and the kitchen is under the assured hand of chef Dejan Cirovic. Since taking the helm, Cirovic has added some flair to the presentation and a bit more punch to the flavours.
A highlight this year is the Beef Wellington. The dish is everything you’d want in a Wellington and more. A tender piece of beef, encased in a golden, flaky pastry, served with a rich gravy and smooth potatoes, it’s a triumph. Of course, caviar is also available in abundance, in seven variations and served in portions of up to 125g.
The new chef’s influence is not just limited to the menu but also spills over into the ambience of the restaurant, too. There’s a fresh energy, a buzz that seems to suggest the restaurant is confident in everything it’s doing.
www.kaspiadubai.com; Tel: +971 4 243 5633
Chic Nonna (one-toque)
Originating in Florence, Chic Nonna arrived on Dubai’s dining scene in 2022 with much anticipation. And it has lived up to expectations, proving to be a popular spot for classic Italian dining in DIFC.
The service is top-notch, with staff offering helpful recommendations. Plates come from an open kitchen where chefs calmly prep for a steady stream of discerning diners. Floor-to-ceiling windows give way to Burj Khalifa views for that extra touch of Dubai sparkle.
In the kitchen, there’s been a revamp of late, with an updated menu from a new culinary team, which includes head chef Francesco Torcasio (formerly of Il Borro) and group executive chef Giuseppe Pezzella (formerly Cinque). They have worked together to create a new menu that stars premium, seasonal ingredients. Expect to see authentic plates with a modern twist, with dishes being simple yet well-crafted and palate-pleasing. Pizza, pasta, grills, everything is on point and cooked with authenticity.
Chic Nonna was named the best place to drink Champagne in the UAE in Gault&Millau’s second Champagne Index, released at the end of 2023, thanks to its stellar offering of 36 non-vintage and 19 vintage Champagnes, boasting variety and value. For Italian plates, Champagne and a buzzing vibe, Chic Nonna continues to impress and thrive.
www.chicnonna.com/chic-nonna-restaurant-dubai/; Tel: +971 4 605 2000
CLAP (one-toque)
Found in the heart of DIFC, Japanese restaurant CLAP has some strong competition – from both stalwarts of the dining scene and the ever-growing throng of newcomers. But it’s holding its own thanks to its fun-loving attitude, super location and, of course, excellent cooking and use of premium ingredients.
Hailing from Beirut, CLAP is a trendy restaurant with a party brunch, a live DJ and a terrace with Burj Khalifa views. But rather than detract from what’s on the plate, these only add to the appeal of the food, which is of a very high standard. It’s not just a party place, but somewhere for a great-value business lunch or an equally impressive dinner for sushi connoisseurs.
That’s not to say the restaurant itself doesn’t have a playful appeal – eclectic décor includes an action figure chandelier and a video game character conveyor belt, which provides a talking point. The modern Japanese menu has small plates, sushi and mains, while there are also two omakase menus, a regular one and a premium version. Meanwhile, the wine menu is to be commended, too, with a great variety of choices and good value for money, especially in the area.
CLAP uses quality ingredients and the plates are skillfully prepared. There’s everything from grilled umami chicken wings to pink prawn ceviche, while CLAP signature sashimi is not to be missed.
www.claprestaurant.com/dubai/; Tel: +971 4 569 3820
GAIA
Something of a stalwart on the DIFC dining scene, and with a growing number of global outposts, GAIA is an upmarket Greek-inspired restaurant from chef Izu Ani. A famed name in the city thanks to his restaurants carine, Alaya and Kai Enzo, among others, Ani is known for his charisma and determination – as well as his creativity and skill in the kitchen.
Dishes are modern takes on typical Greek plates – the moussaka for instance, which is a comforting, delicious plate that comes as half an aubergine, grilled and stuffed with minced beef, potatoes with lashings of tomato sauce and cheese. There’s also a fish market-style counter, with the freshest of catches ready to be cooked to order, in any way diners prefer.
The sea bream carpaccio is one of the most famous of GAIA’s signature dishes, with the raw slices presented within the whole fish, accompanied by a trio of oils – olive, bergamot and truffle. Harissa prawns are also much talked about, and for good reason. You shouldn’t leave without trying these.
www.gaia-restaurants.com; Tel: +971 4 241 4242
Hutong (one-toque)
A vibrant Chinese restaurant in DIFC, Hutong is an astute choice for diners who are looking for high-end dishes, packed full of flavour, and paired with a lively, grown-up atmosphere. A global name, Hutong started out in Hong Kong more than a decade ago, while its most famous outpost is in London’s The Shard.
The décor here in Dubai echoes the tried-and-tested formula – all fiery reds and dark woods lending a cool, moody tone. Inside, the high-ceilinged dining space is bustling, with a central bar serving cocktails peppered with flavours such as cherry blossom, yuzu, lemongrass and lychee. Outside there’s a twinkly-lit terrace with a DJ.
Dishes are as fiery as the décor – with a focus on the warmth of Sichuan pepper running throughout the menu. The signature Red Lantern comprises spiced soft-shell crab on a bed of dried whole chillies, while the Sichuan-style lobster and Sichuan lamb shank are equally stellar, spicy offerings. Dim sum is expertly prepared with spiced beef xiao long bao, chicken siu mai and tea-smoked dried tofu and veg among the highlights.
www.hutong-dubai.com; Tel: +9714 220 0868
Josette
Josette is a bright, heavily stylised French restaurant, inspired by Paris in the 1920s.
From the same team responsible for Mayabay, Il Borro Tuscan Bistro and Alici, the atmosphere and décor combined make it worth the visit. At night, the restaurant becomes a dinner-and-show venue, during the day, there’s an afternoon tea accompanied by live music. Overshadowing all of that, however, is the ‘Press for Champagne’ button on each of the booths, which has become something of a social media hit.
Champagne is central to the Josette experience, signifying the ‘roaring’ aspect of Paris’ decadent past. The restaurant even has its own branded bottles. Designed by British artist Luke Edward Hall, there’s a quirkiness about Josette, with walls adorned with Hall’s illustrations and a collection of curated ceramics.
Chef Burcu Cracknell leads the kitchen, an alumnus of La Petite Maison and La Serre. Her pedigree is good, and her skills in French cuisine are evident in the mille-feuille de Josette, a layered potato dish topped with black truffle and caviar, and lobster thermidor, the menu’s star item. Classic dishes like escargots, beef tartare and foie gras terrine are also available, each offering a satisfactory rendition of these traditional favourites, without searching for new ground. The coquilles Saint-Jaqcues is the stand-out from the main courses.
www.josette.com; Tel: +971 4 275 2522
L’Atelier de Robuchon (three-toque)
Renowned French chef Joël Robuchon’s L’Atelier brand is known for its fusion of French and Asian flavours. Given the late Robuchon’s legacy as one of the most honoured chefs in history (Chef of the Century, according to Gault&Millau France), any establishment bearing his name carries a weight of expectation. Fortunately, for both Robuchon’s legacy and the patrons, his protege Robert Torre more than rises to the challenge.
L’Atelier Robuchon shines in Dubai’s bustling DIFC district. In an area where several venues offer a blend of food, drinks, music and entertainment, but rarely offer truly fine dining, L’Atelier sets itself apart by focusing on Torre’s exquisite cuisine and the restaurant’s unparalleled service.
The tasting menu offers the best gateway into the kitchen’s top-tier culinary offerings, covering French classics given a twist with a restrained smattering of Asian flavours. A well-curated wine pairing enhances the dining journey. The striking black and red décor of L’Atelier is a reminder of the brand’s history, but new ownership in 2023 has seemingly reinvigorated the restaurant, upgrading the space and simplifying the menu. Service has long been very good, but is now excellent across the board.
www.atelier-robuchon.ae; Tel: +971 4 297 7729
La Niña
Located in DIFC’s ICD Brookfield Place, La Niña is a delightful fusion of Latin American vibrance and Portuguese elegance. This culinary gem is from the team behind Dubai’s Bagatelle and Opa restaurants, with chef Timothy Newton proving he can turn his hand to many a cuisine with pleasing results.
The interiors help create a warm and welcoming space adorned with hand-painted Portuguese tiles and lush greenery intertwined throughout the dining room, plus tables are elegantly dressed in spotless white linen. Few restaurants in Dubai look as pretty and comfortable as this.
Despite being a concise two-page affair, La Niña’s menu is filled with the diverse flavours of two historic cuisines. Begin your adventure with the classic salt cod bacalhau croquettes, enriched with a touch of spicy mayo. While the coca de trufa, a crispy tart filled with cheese and topped with fig and freshly shaved truffle, is a more indulgent starter.
Newton and his team must be applauded for choosing a less-than-familiar path with La Niña, and the skill and ambition to combine two great cuisines, but while it doesn’t get the same spotlight as some of its DIFC neighbours, there’s a subtle excellence at play here.
www.laninarestaurant.com; Tel: +971 4 395 1300
LPM Restaurant & Bar Dubai (one-toque)
For years, LPM Restaurant & Bar has firmly held its position as one of Dubai’s most-loved dining destinations, consistently delighting guests with its exceptional quality of food and unwavering commitment to excellence.
LPM is usually bustling, which creates a great atmosphere, but means those who value personal space, might find the close proximity of tables a tad uncomfortable. One of the highlights of dining at LPM is the impressive wine and Champagne list. Showcasing independent producers, it’s a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to offering unique and high-quality options. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a casual wine drinker, you’re bound to find something that complements your meal.
Of the classics, lamb cutlets, grilled tiger prawns and salt-baked sea bass have long been favourites. However, other dishes on the menu, like the marinated beetroot, tuna carpaccio with hazelnut, and confit duck, are equally worth exploring from time to time. LPM Restaurant & Bar continues to uphold its stellar reputation in 2024, thanks to the consistent quality of food, an exciting wine list and a menu that always delivers.
www.lpmrestaurants.com/dubai/; Tel: +971 4 439 0505
Mina Brasserie
From renowned American chef Michael Mina, MINA Brasserie in the Four Seasons DIFC is a sophisticated restaurant in a high-end hotel setting.
With an elegant, airy dining room and an Art Deco brasserie-style setup – golden fixtures, comfortable banquettes, large windows et al – it’s a chic location for a business breakfast, lunch or dinner, which is its bread and butter, given its location in the city’s financial district.
The outdoor, air-conditioned terrace, complete with lush trees and smart furniture, is a pleasant space for al fresco dining, too, and is particularly charming by night with the twinkling lights and city-chic atmosphere.
The brasserie’s menu is mostly Mediterranean, traversing France (escargots à la Bourguignonne and boeuf aux moutardes) and Italy (burrata caprese and wild mushroom ravioli), with a nod to the chef’s home of the USA (spaghetti with meatballs and New York strip sourced from Creekstone Farm). Indulgent plates such as a truffle gratinée with mimolette cheese, ziti pasta and truffle cream also stand out, as well as quality wood-grilled steaks.
www.minabrasserie.com; Tel: +971 4 506 0100
Roberto’s
Food trends have waxed and waned and restaurants have bloomed and faded around it, but Roberto’s has stood firm, its roots planted in the heart of Dubai’s financial district.
There is a lot to be said about longevity and consistency, after all, restaurants only stick around in Dubai if they are doing something very right, and Roberto’s is one of the city’s institutions.
Guests are regulars here, dropping in for drinks after work nearby, planning a date night with their spouses and enjoying the weekly brunches. There’s an old-school charm to the service, from the manager to sommelier and bartenders, and it’s that familiar touch that keeps people coming back. The menu is a testament to the enduring appeal of authentic Italian cuisine, which never goes out of fashion.
The classic pasta dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients and a remarkable attention to detail, are clear favourites on the menu. A citrus cacio e pepe spaghetti with langoustine ticks all the boxes, as does the more simple gnocchi with pesto, which is prepared tableside. This being DIFC there’s caviar aplenty, as well as fresh seafood from a raw bar.
www.robertosrestaurants.com/dubai/; Tel: +971 4 386 0066
Shanghai Me
From the team behind fellow DIFC restaurants Cipriani and GAIA, design and appearance are important at Shanghai Me. Inspired by 1920s Shanghai it’s a luxe setup with opulent furnishings and a romantic, mood-lit terrace.
Shanghai Me is a pan-Asian restaurant with plates that cover the region, and not limiting itself to China, as might be assumed from the name. The menu is wide-ranging, from sesame prawn toast, sweet and sour chicken and duck salad to wagyu kushiyaki, miso cod and Singapore noodles, giving guests a culinary tour of the region.
There’s even a dim sum ’library’, to give an idea of the extent of options available here. Little parcels of deliciousness include classics like prawn and truffle har gow, chicken xio long bao and vegetable crystal bao dumplings. Highlights include the savoury wagyu and kimchi dumplings (with the perhaps surprise ingredient of tiger prawn) and steamed chicken and scallop versions.
Another restaurant in DIFC that boasts a hidden bar (along with GAIA, Alaya, Sucre et al), within Shanghai Me can be found at Bund Lounge. This tiny bar is secreted away behind a mirrored door and can only fit in around 20 patrons when it opens at midnight, all of whom are well-dressed and sipping on carefully crafted cocktails. We advise arriving early or staying late to sample the extent of the cocktail offering.
www.shanghaime-restaurant.com; Tel: +971 4 564 0505
Sucre
Sucre is a relative newcomer, having opened in 2022, but it has established itself as one of the places to be right now. The interiors of the restaurant are impressive – it’s a large space with an open kitchen, terrace and bar, plus a ’hidden’ bar and lounge, Alma – an import from London’s Soho, which has speakeasy vibes, a list of high-end cocktails and its USP, screens boasting AI art.
The restaurant comes from chef Fernando Trocca, who set up the original Sucre in Buenos Aires back in 2001, so the restaurant knows what it’s doing when it comes to food and service, having had two decades of experience before launching in DIFC. This experience shows, with service efficient and staff bursting with spot-on recommendations from a menu that blends Latin American and European flavours, the latter of which seems to have increased on the menu.
Europe is represented in beef tartare, oysters, burrata, braised beef cheek and mash, spinach and ricotta tortellini et al, while the Latino side shines with king crab tostada, yellowtail ceviche and lamb chops with chimichurri. Two years after opening, Sucre has established itself as a place for brunch, dinner, drinks and a Latino vibe in DIFC, and the addition of Alma has cemented its credentials further.
www.sucredubai.com; Tel: +971 4 340 0829
The Guild
Dubai is the city where culinary boldness not only exists, but it thrives. In this metropolis of daring dining establishments, stands The Guild, spearheaded by UAE culinary luminary Tom Arnel. The chef and restaurateur behind Tom&Serg, Hawkerboi and Byron Bathers Club has gone upmarket with The Guild.
Here, there are five culinary concepts in one sprawling space. Taking pride of place in one of Dubai’s most sought-after new addresses, ICD Brookfield Place. The Nurseries offers a laid-back atmosphere for breakfast, lunch and friendly get-togethers. The Rockpool is akin to an intimate dive into the sea, showcasing shellfish delicacies. The Salon exudes the elegance and energy of a New York City grill, while The Potting Shed is a whimsical cocktail lounge with a narrative twist. The final piece of the puzzle, Aviaries is another high-end cocktail bar.
The Guild navigates a delicate balance between being intriguing and potentially overwhelming, but Arnel and executive chef Paul Gajewski fall on the right side of the line.
www.theguilddubai.com; Tel: +971 54 279 6826
Uchi (one-toque)
DIFC is a neighbourhood that’s full of large, high-end restaurants touting expensive plates and white-gloved service. Uchi, however, stands out for being the antithesis of that. The small dining room and even smaller terrace offer a more intimate dining experience featuring a concise yet clever menu of unique Japanese dishes.
In addition to the focused à la carte options, there’s a well-priced lunch omakase tasting menu, which includes seven small plates served on the counter directly by the chef. And while daytime dining is worth experiencing once, night-time is where all the action is at. The buzzing dining room features a DJ spinning laid-back house tunes and a good-looking crowd.
Some dishes are more complex and layered, such as the yellowtail with mandarin ponzu, truffle caviar, jalapeño relish and tangerine, finished off with a dash of coriander oil. The flavours are equally intense and harmonious. While Dubai is certainly home to a large number of Japanese restaurants, this small but impactful eatery is a welcome addition to the dining scene, with chef Porumbacean a fervent devotee of Japan’s culinary philosophies.
www.uchihospitality.com; Tel: +971 4 298 5044
Zuma Dubai (one-toque)
Anyone interested in Japanese cuisine has heard of Zuma. Whether they’ve visited the restaurant in London, Hong Kong, Miami or one of the many other outlets of the globetrotting superstar, they’ll have had an excellent meal with superb service. And the same rings true for Dubai’s branch of the worldwide great.
Visit Zuma for lunch, brunch, dinner or drinks and the experience will be consistent. And always of top quality, meaning it has earned itself a legion of loyal supporters. Plates are perfectly put together, with exact flavour and texture combinations, designed to be shared at the table, true izakaya style.
From the main courses, buttery, sweet black cod is a perfectly balanced dish, while the sesame-strewn beef tenderloin live up to the billing. Showier dishes include salmon and tuna tartare with Oscietra caviar and wagyu beef tataki with truffle ponzu. Amid a steady stream of openings in DIFC, Zuma is still holding its own thanks to spot-on service and quality dishes.
www.zumarestaurant.com/locations/dubai/; Tel: +971 4 425 5660