What do you think of when you picture Dubai? Is it the Burj Khalifa? The Dubai Mall? Or do you imagine the thousands of restaurants tempting you in with amazing cuisine? I can definitely say I think of the latter! When I visited the United Arab Emirates in 2019, we were spoilt for choice with food options. From Italian to Thai food, with Asian, European, Lebanese and everything in between, it certainly is a hard choice deciding where to dine in Dubai.
In this post, I am going to tell you about the top restaurants to visit in Dubai, so if you are planning a visit after lockdown, make sure to add these to the top of your list!
Ossiano
Although this restaurant is slightly more expensive, you pay for good quality food! Me and my partner chose to dine here on one of our first nights in the UAE, and I can tell you, it definitely did not disappoint! Ossiano is an underwater restaurant in the Palm Jumeirah that shares a glass wall with the resort’s 11 million litre aquarium, and it houses 65,000 marine animals. There is something about watching sharks swim virtually next to you while enjoying caviar that has a huge wow factor! It can tend to be on the chillier side due to the air conditioning and the blue hue, so make sure you wrap up warm!
Rüya
Rüya actually means dream in Turkish, which suits this gorgeous, jaw dropping restaurant down to the ground. There is a vertical garden outside on the terrace that overlooks Dubai’s stunning marina, and you can enjoy signature beverages and tasty meze in Rüya’s vibrant lounge.
Some items that are on the menu include a 24 hour slow cooked rib with Turkish chilli BBQ glaze or the two cheese pide, which is a Turkish flatbread boat framed with a crisp crust and topped with an oozing egg yolk. Perfect for a date night!
Although we didn’t actually try this restaurant when we visited Dubai, it is one that I’m going to add to the itinerary for next time we choose to visit. We don’t have any plans as of yet due to Coronavirus, however the next time we visit I will be going straight to Squaremeal to advise me of all the top restaurants to try.
STK Downtown
The STK Downtown offers jaw dropping views of The Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa thanks to its garden terrace. This restaurant is right up my street, with their tempting menu include STK’s signature USDA and Wagyu beef steaks, along with indulgent sides such as lobster Mac n cheese and Parmesan topped fries.
They also offer special menus, such as the Ladies Night menu and the Sunday Dinner menu. I know – can you believe they actually serve Yorkshire puddings there!
Giardino at the Palazzo Versace Hotel
The Giardino at the Palazzo Versace Hotel boasts 215 rooms and suites designed by high-fashion brand Versace, which makes it extremely luxurious. Giardino (the hotel’s restaurant) is equally as amazing, featuring imposing columns, marble floors and jungle-inspired motifs on the walls.
