Dubai's Food Scene

· 5 min read
Dubai's Food Scene

Dining in Dubai is becoming a popular as the city's restaurants boast impressive menus and world-class chefs. With its famous nightlife and exciting shopping opportunities, the emirate is a hub for socialising and business networking. If you're visiting Dubai or intend on moving there any time soon, then it's important to familiarise yourself with some of the city's more popular restaurants. In this article, we'll run down the  best catering in dubai , whether you're looking for traditional fare or would prefer to try something new. So sit back, relax, and get ready to eat!

best traditional restaurants in dubai

The Dubai Shopping Festival has literally opened up a whole new world of restaurants and eateries, and if you're looking for an authentic Dubai experience then these are the places you need to be heading to. Many of the city's most popular restaurants specialise in serving unique Emirati dishes and offer a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Dubai. If you really want to push the boat out and enjoy an incredible meal, then you should try the region's best restaurants which are both unique and traditional in equal measure. The following are some of our recommendations, some of which you may know already. Think of this as a guide to help you make the right choice when planning your next meal.

Burrata

The chefs at Miele Emporio come from Milan and are arguably the best in the world at what they do, so it's no surprise that their food is a hit. This year, the restaurant took home the honour of being the best in Dubai, and the accolade is well-deserved. As the name may suggest, burrata is a type of Italian cheese made from an Italian mountain cheese known as burrata. It's creamy white cheese that is packed with delicious holes which provide an incredible array of textures for your tongue to explore. The taste is incredible and a little bit mellower than the other Italian cheeses, which makes it the perfect accompaniment to a variety of fresh pastas and risottos. It would go perfectly with a glass of Brut Rosé. What's more is that the restaurant serves the most exquisite gelato too, so if you're looking for a real taste of Italy then this is the place to be. It's close to the main shopping streets and only offers a quick walk or taxi ride to the Dubai Opera and the Dubai Mall. Booking a table in advance is essential as this restaurant gets extremely crowded, especially on weeknights meaning you'll have to wait for a while to be served.

Parmigiana

Parmigiana is another amazing restaurant located in the heart of Dubai. It was established back in the 70s and has been serving authentic Italian food ever since. The chefs here are renowned for creating culinary masterpieces using only the freshest local ingredients. The menu is full of tempting offerings, meaning you're bound to find something to suit your taste buds. The restaurant is decorated tastefully with vintage Italian artefacts and there's a roaring fire place in the corner to keep you cozy on a cold winters' night. If you've never been to Italy then this is the perfect opportunity to indulge in some of the nation's most popular dishes. Parmigiana is also known for its fantastic pasta and pizza, which you might find hard to resist, especially when they're offered up as a next-stage pizza menu item. You'll find many different styles of pasta, pizza, and risottos, so you're sure to leave satisfied.

Focaccia

This year, the city's food scene saw some of the most innovative and exciting restaurants open their doors, boasting unique takes on Italian classics and inventive takes on traditional recipes. One of the most talked-about restaurants is a flatbread eatery called Apoollon by George Calombaris, which serves up the most delectable focaccia you've ever tasted. This flatbread is light and airy and is made with the most fantastic ingredients, some of which you may find hard to find outside of Dubai. This truly is a taste of paradise. You'll find a large selection of traditional and modern Italian dishes on the menu, all of which are prepared by master chefs using the finest local and international ingredients. The restaurant is located in the Jumeirah Lake Towers next to the Dubai Fountain and offers incredible views of the marina and the Dubai skyline. Apollon is a sophisticated spot for lunch or dinner and is perfect for families and friends who are looking to indulge in some quality time. Booking a table in advance is essential as this restaurant gets extremely busy, especially on weekends, so you'll want to make sure you get a table and are able to eat before heading back out for the day. Although, you may find it easier to pop in after work hours as parking in the area is also available. Plus, there's always the option to walk or catch a cab. If you're coming from the airport, then the location is as convenient as it can get. There are plenty of green spaces nearby, making it ideal for a picnic or just a relaxing outing with family and friends.

Ricotta

Ricotta is another restaurant that you may already know about, as it has been around for a while and has gained a devoted following. This restaurant was one of the first to embrace veganism and is passionate about raising awareness about animal rights. The chefs here use only organic and fair-trade produce, meaning their menu stays true to its promise of offering nutritious, sustainable food. The restaurant also supports various animal and environmental charities. So, you may be doing your bit for the planet whilst enjoying an incredible meal.

Arancini balls

Arancini balls is yet another fantastic restaurant that serves up an incredible display of Italian delights. The chef turns fresh baby artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts into dainty pasta bites. The balls are light and airy and bursting with flavour, much like the Mediterranean cuisine they represent. This year, the restaurant received a complete overhaul and now boasts a terrace, adding more dining space and better yet, added luxuries for patrons. Arancini balls is probably the cheapest of the cheap diners in Dubai, which means you get what you pay for and it's certainly worth noting. The restaurant gets extremely busy, especially on days when there is an event or wedding party to attend, so it's important to make a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment. Otherwise, you may find it tricky to get a table or even get a drink if you don't book in advance. The location is a bit far out from the city center – about 30 minutes by car – but it's a place you'll find on your itinerary anyway, so it doesn't really matter. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to get there, then take the Dubai Metro to the nearest stop and cross the street. From there, it's another five minutes or so to the restaurant. If you'd like to save some money for souvenirs, then Dubai's top-notch eateries are the perfect place to indulge. With incredible food at wallet-friendly prices, you may find it hard to resist. If you're visiting Dubai for the first time, then these are the places you should be trying out, as opposed to the traditional restaurants that you may find in other parts of the country.