Six Tried and Tested Restaurants to Visit in Dubai
For unmissable meals in unforgettable settings, Dubai has it all. Here is a rundown of a few of our favourites.
Matagi
This delectable restaurant, located within Raffles The Palm Dubai hotel, serves delicious contemporary Japanese cuisine in an intimate setting. The elevated Izakaya menu, designed by Head Chef Rajiv Devnani, will please the most discerning palates with signature dishes such as Saikyo Miso Marinated Black Cod and Kurohana Japanese Wagyu A5 Striploin, and an amazing Chef’s Moriawase. With theatrical Japanese plates, an open kitchen, and sushi counter, the attention to detail at Matagi shines through in its food, service, and restaurant design.
Varq
For authentic Indian flavours and fine-dining, Varq is the place to go. The restaurant is headed up by Chef Sonu Koithara who pushes gastronomic boundaries through a menu that marries tradition with innovation. Varq’s menu is packed full of rich and tantalising flavours, that complement and elevate one another, so consider ordering the tasting menu for a selection of the most popular dishes; it is the perfect choice for serious foodies. Do not miss the Murgh Sirka Pyaz, a fiery chicken curry, or the Rara Gosht, a succulent mutton curry, both are delightful.
View 180
Glamorous rooftop restaurant, View 180, provides a multi-sensory experience overlooking Dubai Marina’s skyline and the famous Dubai Eye. It serves flavour-packed, international dishes to suit all tastebuds; crowd pleasers like Moroccan Spiced Lamb Chops, Spiced Truffle Risotto, and Spicy Asian Chicken Bao will keep you satisfied, along with zesty dishes such as Citrus-Chili Glazed Octopus for more adventurous appetites. Do not forget to dress up; this restaurant is gorgeous and very Instagram-friendly.
Nuska Beach
Inspired by Nuska, the Mesopotamian god of light and fire, Nuska Beach is located on the sunny beachfront of Jumeirah Beach Hotel and dishes up a medley of Mediterranean and Levantine flavours. The food is beautifully presented, and the service is seamless with staff happy to share their recommendations. Popular dishes include Spinach & Feta Borek, Watermelon Salad, Ribeye Steak, and the Cold Seafood Platter. With breathtaking views of the Burj Al Arab hotel and a menu full of delicious sharing plates by Head Chef, José Cacciavillani, it is the perfect picturesque restaurant for long and leisurely lunch.
Sushisamba
Located at the top of St. Regis Tower on Palm Jumeirah, Sushisamba serves a vibrant blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine with one of the most spectacular views of Palm Jumeirah. The 51st floor restaurant delivers the wow factor as soon as you walk in thanks to its 360-degree views of the city, lush indoor plants, and 3D-printed ceiling installation. The menu is equally exciting with tempting plates such as Crispy Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef Taquitos, Sea Bream Seviche, Shrimp Tempura, and Seafood Cazuela Rice. Sushisamba is also perfect for a little celeb-spotting, and is the place to see and be seen.
Aura
Perched some 200-metres high in St. Regis Tower on Palm Jumeirah is Aura, an unmissable restaurant with the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool (make sure you take your swimwear!). More than just a restaurant, it sets the scene for a day out - we recommend lunch followed by an afternoon of poolside lounging. The futuristic-looking restaurant serves a cosmopolitan menu curated by Executive Chef, Craig Best, featuring sophisticated sharing dishes with a Pan-Asian twist. Standout dishes include King Crab Salad, Aura Sushi Platter, Grilled Lemongrass Chicken, and Yuzu Lemon Cheesecake.
