Eat the city: Dubai

Home to over 200 nationalities, Dubai’s food scene is as diverse as its population – more than 90 per cent of which are expatriates. The UAE’s most populous city may be known for its record-breaking superlatives, but it also boasts a deep cosmopolitan soul for those willing to dig deeper. Journey through a few of the best places to eat in Dubai with our list below.

1. Orfali Bros

The three Syrian brothers behind the “fun dining” concept Orfali Bros believe that “rules are meant to be bent and broken – with respect to tradition”. Mohammad, Wassim and Omar’s menu reflects this philosophy with creative dishes that pay homage to the region and their Syrian roots, such as the signature Orfali bayildi eggplant and Come with Me to Aleppo (a Wagyu beef kebab). Don’t forget to try their homemade kombucha and tepache as fermented drinks are a house speciality.

2. Sufret Maryam

For a taste of refined Levant cuisine, head to Sufret Maryam , the new favourite from Palestinian-Jordanian celebrity chef Salam Daqqaq, known for her first restaurant Bait Maryam. Here, you’ll find elevated dishes that are vegetarian- and vegan-friendly – think tabbouleh, the signature Maryam’s salad and freshly baked flatbread. Adventurous carnivores, meanwhile, might try the tarsheeha, a raw meat delicacy from the chef’s home village in Jordan. Be sure to save room – the labneh crème brûlée with zaatar ice cream is a regional twist on a classic dessert. 

3. Kinoya 

Ask any serious foodie where they go for Japanese food in Dubai and the name Kinoya is likely to come up. The homegrown hit was born in the home kitchen of Dubai's ramen queen Neha Mishra, who started by cooking noodles for her friends. Eventually, it led to the fine-tuned homemade broth and flavour balance locals crave today. Styled like an izakaya, with counter space for solo diners and tatami rooms for group dining, Kinoya serves up authentic Japanese favourites such as katsu sando, tsukune and sushi. 

4. 21grams

The name 21grams apparently symbolises the weight of a human soul – appropriate then for a Balkan-themed urban bistro that’s become known for its soul-warming food. At breakfast, indulge in freshly baked burek – a phyllo pastry filled with cheese or minced beef – or order the Komplet Egg for a heartier start to the day. The à la carte menu is where the kitchen’s traditional dishes truly shine. We recommend the Balkan mezzes (the ajvar and burnt eggplant hummus are crowd pleasers), sarma (slow-cooked sour cabbage stuffed with beef) and Wagyu beef cevapi (Balkan kebab). End on a sweet note with a chocolate hazelnut baklava. 

5. Ninive 

In a picture straight out of The Arabian Nights, Ninive lives up to its storied name with a fairytale al fresco space complete with cosy sofa seats, low tables, glowing lanterns and a hanging garden. Named after one of the oldest cities of Mesopotamia, the Middle Eastern restaurant is based at the foot of the looming Jumeirah Emirates Towers, offering prime views of the Sheikh Zayed Road neighbourhood when night falls. The halloumi salad and spicy aubergine chips are excellent starters, while the couscous royal and vegetarian tagine are comforting dishes perfect for sharing. Don’t leave without trying the umm ali, Ninive’s Egyptian bread pudding.

6. Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant 

A trip to Dubai is not complete without a visit to the historic old town – journey back in time at the Al Fahidi neighbourhood, where traces of the emirates’ past as a humble port town can still be found. Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant boasts a quaint courtyard interior decorated with historic photos, wooden beams and thatched-palm placemats. Dining here is a cultural heritage experience, so order traditional Emirati dishes such as machboos (Arabic mixed rice), chebab (Emirati pancake) and finish with a cup of Arabic qahwa coffee and luqaimat (fried dough balls). 

7. Boca

Ever thought of dining on desert plants? Salicornia, a local plant that can be found in the deserts of the UAE, is one mainstay ingredient on the menu at DIFC hangout Boca , a modern Spanish restaurant with sustainability at the core of its operations. The carbon-neutral tasting menu is a pioneer in the city and highlights ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen. Both the à la carte and tasting menus offer vegetarian and vegan options.

8. Reif Japanese Kushiyaki

Named after chef-owner Reif Othman, this Japanese concept has three locations across the city. Sushi, skewers and ramen are all accounted for, with hearty fusion options such as an Angus beef claypot rice and the Reif riff on Hainanese chicken and rice. Each location has its own specials, but the Dubai Hills branch is home to Tero by Reif, a secret dining room where the menu changes regularly.