In a city where opulence is part of the everyday, dining takes on a theatrical quality. Dubai’s most exclusive restaurants do more than serve exceptional food – they craft experiences designed to impress at every turn, from hospitality to service and final flourish on the plate. This isn’t a guide to the best fine dining venues in town. Instead, it’s a closer look at the city’s most extravagant tables, where indulgence meets artistry, and where the bill reflects not just the meal, but the story behind it.
1. HŌSEKI - A Gem of Japanese Gastronomy
The Hōseki is one of Dubai’s most expensive restaurants, rightfully located on Dubai’s “billionaire island” - Jumeirah Bay Island. Nestled on the 4th floor of the Bulgari Resort, Hōseki shines with its minimalist charm, housing just nine seats for an exclusive Omakase experience. Chef Masahiro Sugiyama crafts a unique journey into Japanese culinary traditions, with courses tailored to the preferences of each guest. The Dubai skyline provides a glittering backdrop, elevating intimate dinners to unforgettable heights. Hōseki proudly wears the accolades of a 1 Michelin star rating and the 26th position on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Middle East & North Africa 2023.
2. Krasota - The Fusion of Visual Art and Haute Cuisine
Krasota, an immersive gastro-theatre destination at The Address Downtown Hotel, creatively blends visual art, haute cuisine, and AI technology. Chef Vladimir Mukhin orchestrates a 3D multimedia performance that accompanies each course, transforming the dining room into a canvas of culinary delight. With a price tag of AED 1800 per person, Krasota promises an enchanting experience that goes well beyond the boundaries of traditional dining
3. Il Ristorante-Niko Romito - A Symphony of Elegance
Set within the Bulgari Resort at Jumeirah Bay Island, Il Ristorante by Niko Romito exudes sophistication with its sleek design and panoramic terrace overlooking the marina. Chef Niko Romito's blend of modern and classical Italian cuisine takes diners on a culinary journey, earning the restaurant two Michelin stars and a prestigious spot on The Michelin Guide Dubai.
Thoughtfully curated, every corner of the restaurant has been carefully chosen to deliver a flawless culinary journey. Elevated banquettes provide an enhanced view of the Arabian Gulf, while the dramatic black ceiling imparts the feeling of dining under the night sky. Helmed by the skilled hands of Italian maestro, Chef Giacomo Amicucci, the kitchen showcases confidently executed, sophisticated modern Italian dishes. These culinary creations reveal a complexity beyond initial impressions, characterized by a harmonious interplay of balance, purity, and clarity. Noteworthy is the sourcing of premium ingredients flown in from Italy, with a spotlight on exquisite fish dishes and pasta that beckons connoisseurs of fine dining.
4. Zuma - Where East Meets West in Culinary Extravaganza
Located in Dubai International Financial Centre, Zuma is a sushi haven that combines the restraint of Japanese cuisine with the glitz and glamour of the West. The ambience is a captivating interplay of earthy brass tones and aged steel walls, a stunning counterpoint to the geometric Arabic shapes that define the space. A delightful terrace invites patrons to unwind with post-meal drinks and relish the alfresco atmosphere. The overall design ethos effortlessly marries industrial and modern influences, enriched by subtle notes of Asian Zen, creating a unique and inviting dining experience.
Ranked 13 on the 50 best restaurants list in the MENA region, Zuma offers an indulgent menu featuring scrumptious sushi, sashimi, and more. The menu reflects a fusion of intense flavours and high-quality ingredients.
5. STAY by Yannick Alléno - French Elegance at Its Finest
Perched at the end of the Palm Jumeirah in the One & Only Palm Jumeirah, STAY by Yannick Alléno presents an elegant, high-ceilinged setting with magical tropical gardens in a colonial-style property. The restaurant, awarded two Michelin stars, features classic French dishes with a modern twist. The dishes demonstrate impeccable precision, each bursting with rich and harmonious flavours.
Thoughtfully conceived and expertly crafted, they present an intelligent interplay of textures, flavours, and temperatures. A standout among them is the langoustine tart, showcasing chef Yannick Alléno's culinary finesse.
6. Ossiano - Underwater Elegance with Chef Grégoire Berger
Dive into one of the most expensive restaurants in Dubai, Ossiano, situated at the Atlantis The Palm. The underwater bar and restaurant offer a seafood extravaganza with breathtaking views of the Ambassador Lagoon. The restaurant's design immerses guests in an oceanic theme, as a massive aquarium envelops the dining area, evoking the feeling of being submerged underwater. Specializing in seafood delicacies, Ossiano seamlessly blends fine dining with artistic flair, cultivating an intimate and romantic atmosphere.
At the culinary helm is Chef Grégoire Berger, an acclaimed virtuoso. His award-winning expertise shines through in cutting-edge signature dishes that marry traditional French cooking techniques with innovation, adding a distinctive touch to the dining experience. His creations at the Ossiano have earned them 1 Michelin star, making this place a must-visit.
7. Al Muntaha - Dining at the Pinnacle of Luxury
Located on the 27th floor of the Burj Al Arab, Al Muntaha, meaning ‘the ultimate,’ offers an unrivalled panorama of the Jumeirah coastline. Being part of the world-famous Burj Al Arab Hotel, the restaurant promises a culinary experience above and beyond. Acclaimed Chef Saverio Sbaragli curates a sophisticated menu featuring luxury ingredients like truffles and caviar, ensuring a visual and flavourful feast.
The Al Muntaha restaurant is suspended 200 meters above the Arabian Gulf offering unique experiences, to its diners. The kitchen showcases the finest French and Italian cuisine offering views of the Palm Jumeirah, World Islands and the Jumeirah beach. With 1 Michelin star, Al Muntaha is a testament to culinary excellence.
8. Armani Ristorante - A Symphony of Italian Culinary Excellence
Set within the iconic Burj Khalifa, Armani/Ristorante showcases Italian culinary excellence, and the proof is in their Michelin star. Their classic menu takes diners on a sensory journey, expertly paired with sommelier selections. Precise, modern Italian cooking takes center stage, featuring high-grade ingredients carefully selected for maximum flavour and presentation. For those seeking expert wine pairings, the restaurant's own sommelier guides guests through a selection that complements the dishes, ensuring a dining experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.
The Armani Ristorante is an amazing choice for those who want to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine along with the glamour of the Armani brand. Accentuated by the glitz of the Burj Khalifa the Armani/Ristorante promises a sophisticated dining experience in the heart of Downtown Dubai.
9. INA at J1 Beach, La Mer
10. Sublimotion Dubai – Mandarin Oriental, Jumeirah
A collaborative concept created by Chef Paco Roncero and Creative Director Eduardo Gonzales, Sublimotion is a truly transformative culinary sojourn and a magical concept that unfolds as part of a theatrical show, inside the Mandarin Oriental, in Jumeirah. Turning the dining room into a stage, the venue serves dinner over a ten-course meal where every dish is a surprise to the senses, leading to a feeling of heightened expectation and anticipation, as guests have no preconceptions of what to expect next, for each course. The meal is paired with live performances and 360-degree screens with imagery projected onto all surfaces, but the menu remains closely guarded, sending the palate tingling and stimulating all senses. A team of designers, magicians, engineers, actors and illusionists work hard behind the scenes to recreate a sensory performance where every detail of the food and service is perfected to the highest level.
Sublimotion seats only 12 guests at a time and the experience is priced at AED 5,000 per seat.
