12 AMAZINGLY Unique Restaurants in Dubai (Foodie Guide)

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Dubai’s food scene is seriously next level, and after visiting several times, I can’t get enough of it. This city pulls together flavors from all over the world, so whether you’re having dinner on a rooftop with epic views of the Burj Khalifa or feasting at a luxe beachside resort, you’re in for something special.

You’ve got everything from authentic Emirati dishes to cool fusion spots mixing Middle Eastern, Asian, and European flavors. Al Fahidi is perfect for street food with a local vibe, while Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai bring the trendy, upscale scene. Having explored 66 countries, I can honestly say Dubai’s food scene is top-notch, with so many unique places to eat. So fly to Dubai and check out 12 of my favorite spots for foodie experiences!

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend doing this Middle Eastern Food & Culture Walk in Old Dubai. They bring you to the best spots in the city, tasting over 10 traditional dishes, including everything from falafels and kebabs to baklava to Arabic coffee. This tour is an absolute must-do on a Dubai itinerary in my opinion.

Top 12 Unique Restaurants in Dubai: Redefining Dining

Ready to explore Dubai’s most unique dining spots? This beautiful city in the UAE isn’t just about glitz and glamour. It’s also a melting pot of flavors where every meal is an event. I’m excited to share some foodie experiences that are as dazzling as the city itself.

Are you intrigued by the idea of a dinner spread under the stars in the desert? Or a high-flying meal atop the world’s tallest building? Dubai’s restaurant scene is ready to transform your dining into a story worth telling. Here’s my ultimate guide to the most unique and mesmerizing eateries Dubai has to offer.

1. Ossiano

• 📍 Location: Atlantis, The Palm
• 💲 Price range: $300 – $380+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Progressive Seafood Fine Dining (Michelin Star)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Immersive underwater dining room, floor-to-ceiling Ambassador Lagoon aquarium views (65,000+ marine animals), Michelin-starred cuisine, artistic plating.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Ultimate romantic gestures, seafood connoisseurs, milestone celebrations, aquarium lovers, and experiencing Michelin-starred underwater dining.

Prepare to be submerged in luxury at Ossiano! This isn’t just dinner; it’s a breathtaking plunge into an underwater wonderland at Atlantis, The Palm. Dine eye-to-fin with sharks and rays gliding past your table in the massive Ambassador Lagoon aquarium.

Michelin-starred chef Grégoire Berger crafts exquisite, ocean-inspired tasting menus. Indulge in masterpieces like the delicate Kerguelen Island legine (toothfish), the rich carabineros prawn with saffron, or unique oyster preparations.

2. Pierchic

• 📍 Location: Jumeirah Al Qasr (End of the private pier)
• 💲 Price range: $110 – $220+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Refined Italian / Upscale Seafood
• 🔥 Standout Features: Award-winning overwater setting on private pier, iconic Burj Al Arab views, Michelin-recognized Italian cuisine, ultra-romantic ambiance, unique “middle of the sea” feeling.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Ultra-romantic dinners/proposals, iconic Dubai view seekers, fans of upscale Italian, memorable special occasions, and experiencing pier dining.

Walk out over the turquoise Arabian Gulf to Pierchic! This award-winning restaurant at Jumeirah Al Qasr offers a unique dining experience, perched over the water with breathtaking views of the Burj Al Arab. It’s romance dialed up to Dubai levels!

The cuisine is refined Italian. Indulge in classics revisited, like vibrant burrata with heirloom tomatoes and basil. Perfectly cooked seafood risotto or a rich beef fillet with truffle sauce are also excellent. The stunning location makes it a must-visit.

3. Al Hadheerah

• 📍 Location: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort
• 💲 Price range: $125 – $205+ per person (Buffet/Show)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Arabic & Emirati Buffet / Live Cooking Stations
• 🔥 Standout Features: Sprawling desert fortress setting, live Arabic entertainment (belly dancers, Tanoura, fire show), camel & horse caravan show, traditional souk, extensive buffet.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Experiencing Arabian culture, families/groups seeking entertainment, desert dining adventures, lavish buffet lovers, and immersive cultural nights.

Escape the city and feast under the stars at Al Hadheerah, an epic desert dining experience at Bab Al Shams. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an Arabian nights fantasy set in a stunning desert fortress! Dinner comes with spectacular desert drama.

Indulge in a massive buffet. Succulent lamb ouzi slow-cooked underground is a highlight. Sizzling mixed grills from live cooking stations, or traditional Emirati harees, are also must-tries. Be mesmerized by captivating live performances.

4. Arabian Tea House

• 📍 Location: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (Old Dubai) & other locations
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional Emirati & Middle Eastern Cafe Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Charming courtyard setting in historic Old Dubai, authentic Emirati decor (turquoise benches, lace curtains), extensive tea selection, traditional cuisine focus.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Exploring Old Dubai, authentic Emirati food lovers, casual lunches/breakfasts, relaxing tea breaks, and soaking in local culture.

Step back in time at the Arabian Tea House, a serene oasis in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Forget skyscrapers; this is Old Dubai charm. Relax in the tranquil, turquoise-accented courtyard under shady trees and soak in the authentic atmosphere.

Dive into a hearty Emirati breakfast platter with balaleet and chebab bread. Try the aromatic chicken machboos (spiced rice) or their popular lamb biryani. Unwind with their signature mint lemonade or karak chai.

5. Avalanche Café / North 28 (at Ski Dubai)

• 📍 Location: Inside Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Alpine Cafe Fare / International Comfort Food
• 🔥 Standout Features: Located inside an indoor ski resort, direct views of the snowy ski slopes, cozy alpine chalet theme, serves warming food/drinks.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Families visiting Ski Dubai, unique coffee breaks, warming up after skiing/snow park fun, novelty dining fans, and enjoying snowy views in the desert.

Chill out (literally!) at the cafés inside Ski Dubai, like Avalanche Café or North 28! Where else can you sip hot chocolate while watching skiers carve down snowy slopes… inside a mall… in the desert? This alpine-themed eatery offers a cozy respite.

Warm up with comforting classics. A rich hot chocolate topped with marshmallows is a must. Share a gooey cheese fondue with bread, or grab a satisfying burger or pizza while enjoying the bizarrely cool ambiance. It’s a fun, quirky pitstop.

6. Al Ustad Special Kabab

• 📍 Location: Al Fahidi / Meena Bazaar Area (Old Dubai)
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Iranian Kababs
• 🔥 Standout Features: Legendary Dubai institution (since 1978!), no-frills bustling vibe, walls covered in photos/currency, famous marinated kababs.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Kabab fanatics, authentic local eats seekers, budget-friendly feasts, Old Dubai explorers, and experiencing a piece of Dubai history.

Forget the glitz and dive into a Dubai legend: Al Ustad Special Kabab. This bustling, no-frills Iranian eatery in Old Dubai has been grilling perfection since 1978. The perpetually packed tables and walls covered in photos are testament to its popularity.

The star is undeniably the kababs. You should try the Special Yoghurt Marinated Chicken Kababs (Joujeh). The classic Kabab Koobideh (minced lamb or beef), or tender lamb chops, served with fluffy saffron rice, are also fantastic.

7. At.mosphere

• 📍 Location: Burj Khalifa (Level 122)
• 💲 Price range: $125 (Lounge min. spend) – $275+ per person (Restaurant)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Fine Dining European (Restaurant) / Luxury Lounge Bites & Drinks
• 🔥 Standout Features: Highest restaurant in the world (Level 122, Burj Khalifa), breathtaking panoramic city views, ultra-luxurious setting, fine dining & lounge options.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Ultimate splurge/celebrations, sky-high proposals, impressing clients/visitors, luxury sunset cocktails, and dining with unparalleled views.

Dine amongst the clouds at At.mosphere, perched on Level 122 of the iconic Burj Khalifa. As the world’s highest restaurant, it offers jaw-dropping, panoramic views over Dubai. Prepare for your jaw to hit the floor, then pick it up to eat!

Choose the sophisticated fine dining restaurant for exquisite European cuisine. Think decadent foie gras terrine. Premium Wagyu beef tenderloin or delicate Dover sole are also highlights. The chic lounge offers luxury bites and expertly crafted cocktails.

8. Al Mahara

• 📍 Location: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
• 💲 Price range: $165 – $330+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Fine Dining Seafood
• 🔥 Standout Features: Located in the iconic Burj Al Arab, stunning floor-to-ceiling central aquarium, luxurious “underwater” ambiance, emphasis on premium seafood.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Extravagant special occasions, seafood connoisseurs seeking luxury, experiencing the Burj Al Arab, unique aquarium dining fans, and opulent romantic dinners.

Make a splash at Al Mahara, the stunning seafood restaurant inside the world-famous Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Its magnificent floor-to-ceiling central aquarium creates a mesmerizing illusion of dining beneath the waves. It’s pure aquatic opulence!

Indulge in the finest treasures of the ocean. Savour exquisite Tsarskaya oysters. Delight in perfectly cooked line-caught sea bass with seasonal accompaniments, or explore other premium catches like lobster thermidor. The service is impeccable.

9. The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2)

• 📍 Location: Port Rashid (Permanently docked)
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $135+ per person (Varies by venue)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Varied – British Pub Fare, International Buffet, Fine Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: Dining aboard a historic ocean liner, unique maritime heritage setting, multiple themed dining venues, afternoon tea options, onboard hotel.
• 🎯 Perfect For: History buffs, maritime enthusiasts, unique afternoon tea experiences, seeking different dining vibes, and exploring a legendary ship.

All aboard for a unique culinary journey on The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), the legendary ocean liner now a floating hotel in Dubai. Dine amidst maritime history and choose from several distinct venues. Experience nautical nostalgia with great food!

Enjoy classic British pub grub like fish and chips at The Golden Lion. Indulge in a lavish international buffet at The Lido. Experience refined elegance with a Sunday roast or beef Wellington at The Queen’s Grill. They also offer a popular afternoon tea.

10. Sonara Camp

• 📍 Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
• 💲 Price range: $190 – $270+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Fine Dining / Mediterranean & Arabic influences (Set Menu)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Luxury eco-chic desert camp setting (boho vibe), located in protected reserve, sunset experience, gourmet multi-course dinner, high-end entertainment (acrobatics/fire show).
• 🎯 Perfect For: Chic desert dining, sunset cocktail lovers, romantic escapes, luxury seekers, and experiencing upscale desert magic.

Experience the desert’s allure at Sonara Camp. Nestled within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, this eco-chic camp offers a refined desert dining experience. Think desert oasis meets bohemian luxury. Arrive for stunning sunset views and cocktails.

A sophisticated multi-course dinner features Mediterranean and Arabic influences. Expect dishes like their signature Black Angus steak grilled to perfection. Delicate seafood ceviche or flavorful mezze platters also delight. Enjoy captivating entertainment like fire dancers.

11. The Pods

• 📍 Location: Bluewaters Island
• 💲 Price range: $70 – $135+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Pan-Asian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Private, air-conditioned geodesic dining pods, stunning Ain Dubai & JBR skyline views, intimate setting, modern Pan-Asian menu.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Intimate group dinners/dates, seeking privacy with a view, Pan-Asian cuisine lovers, futuristic dining fans, and unique Bluewaters experiences.

Dine in your own private bubble at The Pods on Bluewaters Island! These futuristic, air-conditioned geodesic domes offer an intimate dining experience with fantastic views across the water towards Ain Dubai and the JBR skyline. Your personal foodie spaceship has landed!

Inside your exclusive pod, indulge in modern Pan-Asian delights. Share platters of expertly crafted sushi and sashimi. Savor the signature black cod miso or flavorful Thai green curry. The Pods provide a cool, comfortable, and private setting.

12. Dinner in the Sky

• 📍 Location: Sky Dive Dubai (Location can vary)
• 💲 Price range: $135 – $220+ per person (Set Menu Experience)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: International Set Menu
• 🔥 Standout Features: Dining table hoisted 50 meters high by a crane, thrilling open-air experience, rotating panoramic views (often Marina/Palm), unique adrenaline dining.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Thrill-seekers, adrenaline junkies, unique celebration meals, bucket list experiences, and dining with extreme views.

Take your dining to new heights with Dinner in the Sky! Strap into your seat at a table suspended 50 meters above Dubai by a crane for a meal you’ll never forget. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an adrenaline-pumping culinary adventure!

Chefs prepare and serve a curated multi-course menu right before your eyes. Expect international options like perfectly cooked Angus beef short rib. A delicate burrata salad or a rich chocolate dome for dessert are also common, all while the table slowly rotates.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Unique Places to Eat in Dubai

Unravel the mysteries behind the city’s most exceptional dining spots with our FAQ on unique restaurants in Dubai.

What makes a restaurant unique in Dubai?

Dubai is a city that thrives on innovation and luxury, and its dining scene is no exception. A unique restaurant in Dubai typically offers more than just exceptional food. It’s about the entire experience – from the ambiance and location to the service and presentation. Whether it’s dining underwater, amidst the clouds, or in a futuristic pod, these restaurants push the boundaries of what’s possible, ensuring an unforgettable culinary journey.

What is the hardest restaurant to get into in Dubai?

Securing a reservation at some of the most exclusive and unique restaurants in Dubai can be quite a challenge, given their popularity and limited seating. Restaurants like At.mosphere in the Burj Khalifa or the exclusive underwater Ossiano often have waiting lists, especially during peak tourist seasons or special occasions. It’s always advisable to book well in advance and to be flexible with your dates and times.

Which area in Dubai has the best restaurants?

Dubai is dotted with culinary hotspots, but if one had to pick, the Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina areas stand out. These districts are home to a plethora of dining options, ranging from upscale gourmet restaurants to quaint cafes. The views of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain, and the Marina waterfront add to the dining experience, making these areas a favorite among both residents and tourists.

Is it expensive to eat in Dubai?

Dubai’s dining scene is diverse, catering to a range of budgets. While the city boasts some of the world’s most luxurious and expensive restaurants, there are also plenty of affordable options. From street food stalls to mid-range eateries, there’s something for everyone. However, if you’re looking to dine at a unique restaurant in Dubai, it’s advisable to check the prices beforehand, as these experiences often come with a premium price tag.

How do I choose the right unique restaurant for my occasion in Dubai?

Consider what you’re looking for in a dining experience. If it’s romance, an overwater restaurant with views of the city might be ideal. For thrill-seekers, something like Dinner in the Sky could be perfect. Always check reviews, see what kind of ambiance the restaurant offers, and ensure it aligns with your preferences.

Are there any dress codes for unique restaurants in Dubai?

Many of the upscale and unique restaurants in Dubai have a dress code, typically smart-casual or formal. It’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s website or contact them directly to ensure you’re dressed appropriately for the occasion.

Do unique restaurants in Dubai offer vegetarian or vegan options?

Absolutely! Dubai is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population, and its restaurants cater to various dietary preferences. Most unique restaurants offer vegetarian and often vegan options, ensuring that every guest has a memorable dining experience.

What is the most popular food in Dubai?

Dubai’s most popular food is a reflection of its cosmopolitan makeup, but if there’s one dish that stands out, it’s Shawarma. This Middle Eastern delight, featuring thinly sliced cuts of meat like chicken, beef, or lamb, wrapped in a soft pita bread with veggies and sauce, is a staple. It’s the go-to fast food for locals and travelers alike, capturing the essence of Dubai’s rich culinary diversity. You’ll find it almost everywhere, from street-side vendors to high-end eateries, each adding their own twist to this beloved dish. I also recommend heading to Fujairah, another city in the UAE, which has some of the best Shawarma’s around!

Is it essential to book in advance for unique restaurants in Dubai?

Given the popularity of many unique dining experiences in the city, it’s highly recommended to book in advance. Some restaurants, especially those with limited seating or exclusive experiences, can be fully booked for weeks or even months.

Final Thoughts on Unique Dubai Restaurants

Dubai, a city of superlatives, never ceases to amaze. From its towering skyscrapers to its sprawling deserts, it’s a place where dreams become reality. This ethos extends to its culinary scene, where dining is not just about the food but the entire experience. The unique restaurants in Dubai offer more than just a meal; they promise memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you’re suspended in the sky, dining amidst marine life, or relishing gourmet dishes in a historic vessel, Dubai ensures that every meal is an adventure. As you explore the magnificent city of Dubai, take the time to indulge in its diverse and innovative dining experiences. After all, in Dubai, the extraordinary is ordinary.