When you find yourself on the 54th floor of a Michelin-recognized restaurant, tasting risotto with fresh truffle while Burj Khalifa rises before you, you realize that travel is about more than landmarks. Sometimes, the true reason for a journey lies in experiences that cannot be recreated anywhere else.
Today, gastronomy is one of the reasons travelers return to Dubai time and again: to discover the traditions of the Middle East through its flavors and aromas, to dine at restaurants where reservations are made weeks in advance, and to collect moments that linger long after the trip has ended. For me, it became a truly memorable introduction to the city.
The trip was organized by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
TOTÓ Vini E Cucina
Inspired by Italian cinema, this restaurant sets the mood from the moment you arrive: soft lighting, elegant interiors, and the feeling of an evening in Rome. The menu focuses on refined Italian and Mediterranean classics, including pasta, meat dishes, and a carefully curated wine selection. Guests consistently praise the atmosphere and service, highlighting the attention to detail and the quality of the ingredients. Prices are in line with Dubai’s premium dining scene, but for most visitors, the experience is well worth it.
CÉ LA VI
Located on the 54th floor of the Address Sky View hotel, CÉ LA VI is a restaurant reserved for special occasions. Its terrace and infinity pool offer one of the finest panoramic views of Dubai and Burj Khalifa, a perspective so sought-after that reservations are often made well in advance.
The kitchen is led by Chef Howard Ko, who spent more than eleven years working in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. The menu blends contemporary Asian and international cuisine, featuring dishes ranging from Chilean sea bass to black truffle risotto.
CÉ LA VI is known for its striking presentation, live music, and impeccable service. Yes, the prices are high and an elegant dress code applies, but dinner overlooking Dubai’s illuminated skyline is one of those experiences that truly lives up to its reputation.
Arabian Tea House
Arabian Tea House is one of Dubai’s most atmospheric dining destinations, where gastronomy becomes part of a broader cultural experience. Established more than 25 years ago, long before authenticity became a travel trend, it was the city’s first café to recreate the ambiance of a traditional Arab courtyard.
White furniture, cotton curtains, lush greenery, and soft turquoise accents create a sense of calm and coolness, offering a welcome escape from the city’s pace. The menu is rooted in classic Emirati cuisine, featuring dishes such as machboos, hummus, and traditional meat specialties, while tea is served as a ritual rather than simply a beverage.
Its most famous branch is located in the historic Al Fahidi district and remains equally popular with both visitors and local residents.
Kinugawa, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
Japanese cuisine with a French accent and one of the most beautiful views in Dubai. Kinugawa is a renowned French restaurant concept that made its Middle Eastern debut at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. The restaurant is set beside a circular pool with sweeping views of Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah coastline.
The interior strikes a delicate balance between Japanese restraint and Parisian elegance—nothing feels excessive, yet there is a sense of space, light, and carefully considered details that reveal themselves gradually throughout the evening.
The menu centers on contemporary Japanese cuisine. Signature dishes include miso-marinated black cod, yellowtail carpaccio with yuzu dressing and green chili, as well as seafood and meat prepared with precision and balance. The flavors are refined rather than overpowering, leaving a lasting impression through texture, subtlety, and the purity of umami.
Studio Frantzén, Atlantis, The Palm
Located on the lower level of Atlantis, The Palm, Studio Frantzén is the first Middle Eastern venture by acclaimed Swedish chef Björn Frantzén and a natural extension of his flagship Stockholm restaurant, awarded three Michelin stars.
The concept brings together Scandinavian precision, Japanese finesse, and French culinary technique. The interior is intimate and inviting, with subdued lighting, deep armchairs, and an atmosphere that encourages guests to focus entirely on the food.
Among the standout dishes are beef served with smoked bone marrow and pine notes, lobster with coriander and curry, and the restaurant’s signature turbot accompanied by a butter sauce, anchovies, and caviar. The ideal finale is a visit to the “Candy Room,” where desserts become an experience in their own right.
