Are you thinking of going to Dubai? Then you’ll want to know where the best places to eat are. We’ve compiled a list of the best restaurants in Dubai. They are scattered throughout the city, so hopefully, one of them is close by.

What to Eat in Dubai?

While you can find the famous Pad Thai in Thailand and delicious satay ayam in Bali, you won’t find any typical cuisine in Dubai. Dubai is an Arab country, and this is reflected in its cuisine. However, Arabic cuisine is not well reflected in tourist destinations. Major chains, such as Pizza Hut, Wagamama, and Cheesecake Factory, are mainly located in shopping centers.

The further you get away from the tourist areas, the more local restaurants you will see. When we say local, I don’t mean “Dubai cuisine,” but primarily Lebanese food, which is delicious, healthy, and very varied.

Here are some of the best places to eat during your Dubai trip

1) Breakfast at Atmosphere Burj Khalifa

Have you ever wanted to have breakfast at 442 meters high? Then be sure to visit the At.Mosphere in the Burj Khalifa.

There is nothing like breakfast at that altitude. You will also enjoy the view over the entire city.

The elevator from the Armani Hotel takes you up to the 123rd floor in less than 30 seconds. As soon as you get off the lift and look down, you feel a kind of peacefulness. Soft background music plays, and tranquility sets in.

Breakfast must be on the 122nd floor, reached by a spiral staircase. From here, you will be guided to your seat with a breathtaking view.

2) ZouZou

Eating local food in Dubai means eating Lebanese food. The best Lebanese food is at ZouZou. This hot spot is located on the less touristy La Mer beach with many nice stores and restaurants. The beach alone is highly recommended.

ZouZou is a Lebanese-Turkish restaurant where you can enjoy hummus, falafel, tabouleh, and various delicious sandwiches and soups. Everything is delicious, often vegetarian, and incredibly flavorful. So, order just about anything on the menu that you’ve never heard of. It’s a rewarding experience, and ZouZou is the place to go for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Prices are affordable.

3) Dinner at Sonara Camp’s Dessert Restaurant

The UAE is rapidly urbanizing. However, 80% of the country is still desert. Only when you put your feet in the sand can you truly understand the country. An hour’s drive from Dubai is Sonara Camp, a desert restaurant with fine dining, live music, and hundreds of lights. It doesn’t get more romantic than this! After dinner, guests can participate in various activities, including sandboarding, drumming, and archery. You can also listen to a presentation about the Bedouins and their nautical skills.

4) Explore the Stalls at Ripe Market

Initially, Ripe Market was a farmer’s market featuring organic produce. Today, you can also pick up Boho items ranging from jewelry to local designer fashions and street food from the many food trucks. Entrance is free. Please check the calendar for dates and locations.

5) Coya Restaurant

If you are into Peruvian cuisine and Latin American flavors, Coya is a must-visit restaurant in Dubai. Based in London, Coya has recently opened a restaurant in Dubai. The menu features amazing dishes like grilled meats and ceviches. Plus, there’s a pisco lounge serving the best pisco sours in Dubai. The interior of the restaurant is stunning. With an Inca style interior and a combination of colors and dark woods.

Have you ever been to any of these restaurants? Share your culinary experience with us in the comments below!