When you live in Dubai, almost any day can be a special occasion.
Whether you’ve gotten a promotion or are enjoying a reunion with old friends, there always seems to be a reason to celebrate.
Whatever the cause for festivity, one thing remains constant: the desire to go out for a great dinner.
Here are our tried and tested special occasion dinner destinations in the city.
These are restaurants that serve fantastic food and have an excellent vibe that will make your special night even more so.
Alaya
Meaning ‘sublime’ in Arabic, Alaya comes from acclaimed chef Izu Ani, who’s a popular name in Dubai. The Middle Eastern-European restaurant has plenty of flair, as you’d expect, while there’s also a ‘hidden’ underground bar, Ly-La, boasting Bedouin vibes, on-trend tunes and creative mixed drinks for when you want to continue the evening.
The restaurant itself is set in a former art gallery, so it’s a sleek setup. A place you’d want to get dressed up for.The menu boasts a selection of classics with Middle Eastern touches. Don’t miss the tender, rich lamb shank or indulgent seafood manti, while the kunafa for dessert is excellent, as you’d hope for from one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai.
Sun-Wed 12.30pm-11.20pm, Thu-Sat 12.30pm-midnight. Gate Village 4, DIFC, alayarestaurant.com (04 570 6289).
Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia
This Indian restaurant at Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel is set on the waterways of the Madinat – where you can choose to arrive by abra – it’s an occasion spot that’s brilliant for a date night or if you have visitors in town. Focusing on homely-yet-elevated cooking, acclaimed chef Ritu Dalmia is known for her dedication to introducing Italian cuisine to India, and Indian cuisine to Italy and Central Europe. This is her first restaurant in the region and showcases a stunning menu packed with delicious dishes, creatively crafted and heaps of flair. It’s rocketed straight into the top place as the best Indian restaurant in Dubai right now.
Daily from 7pm-11.30pm. Jumeirah Al Qasr, Umm Suqeim, atrangidubai.com (055 168 0802).
Bungalo34
Undoubtedly one of the best outdoorsy restaurants with the best sea views in town, Bungalo34 is nestled on the beach at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai on Pearl Jumeira. Cast your mind away from banging beach club beats, Bungalo34 is at the opposite end of the property to the party spot, so you can expect a gorgeously mellow vibe here.
One of the best outdoor restaurants in Dubai, expect both a sun-dappled terrace and toes-in-the-sand dining, with cute furnishings, red and white striped umbrellas and a riviera feel. Coming from the tasha’s group, the food is quirky and fresh, with carpaccios, pasta, pizzettas, salads and more for seaside dining.
Mon-Fri noon-midnight, Sat-Sun 9am-midnight. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Pearl Jumeira, bungalo34.com (04 238 1780).
COYA
This super-cool Peruvian restaurant is one of the best Latin American restaurants in Dubai and has been for some time. With a lively vibe, COYA attracts a cool crowd who are looking for a party – particularly when the weekend rolls round and the famed Saturday brunch is in action. From anticuchos to clay pots, there are loads to dive into, packed full of authentic flavours, while the churros are one of the most popular desserts around. A global name, COYA is a must-visit for fans of Peruvian food.
Daily from 12.30pm-3.30pm and 6.30pm-12.30pm. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah, coyarestaurant.com (04 316 9600).
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
Sometimes, there are restaurants that truly stand out above all the rest. An eatery that sits in a league of its own and with it, manages to edge Dubai’s already world-class dining scene up a level. Enter Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Located at the stunning Atlantis The Royal, Dinner opened to much fanfare in early 2023. It’s a buzz that has only grown louder. The creation of globally acclaimed chef Heston Blumenthal, and helmed in Dubai by head chef Tom Allen, this is a restaurant you simply have to dine at.
It serves a cuisine like no other, with the most modern of takes on the most historic of dishes. To be named Time Out Dubai’s Restaurant of the Year, a venue has to excel in every way – from service to food, setting to experience. Dinner does exactly that. For most of us, the price point makes it a special occasion restaurant, but whatever the celebration, head here and you won’t be disappointed. In fact, you’ll most likely be planning another reason to visit. We all need a treat from time to time, so you may as well make it dinner at the best restaurant in Dubai right now.
Wed-Sat 6pm-11pm, Sun noon-3pm and 6pm-11pm. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, dinnerbyheston.com (04 426 2444).
GAIA
One of the best Greek restaurants in Dubai, and one of the best-known, GAIA is also from the acclaimed chef Izu Ani, who’s a popular name in the city. A super-smart restaurant, it is all neutral tones with pops of colour in a really stunning space. It has high-end, fancy vibes (one for a special occasion) and there’s even an exclusive hidden bar, NYX, which is a favourite with celebrity guests. When it comes to dining, the sea bream carpaccio is one of the most Instagrammed dishes out there, but the quality is as good as it looks, while the modern take on moussaka is also a highlight.
Daily from noon-3pm and 6.30pm-11pm. Gate Village 4, DIFC, gaia-restaurants.com/dubai (04 241 4242).
LPM Restaurant & Bar
One of the most popular restaurants in Dubai, LPM remains one of the most brilliant French restaurants in the city. Whether you’re looking for an intimate anniversary dinner or a fun family reunion, the time is always right for a meal at LPM. Located in DIFC there’s a sophisticated vibe to match the delicious dishes made with quality ingredients. The atmosphere is always buzzing – grab a drink at the bar too – while the plates will have you dreaming of when you can return. The lamb chops are a highlight, we’ve waxed lyrical about the potato gratin for many a year and those snails, well, they’re a gloriously garlicky must-try.
Daily from 12.30pm-3.30pm and 6pm-1am. Gate Village 8, DIFC, lpmrestaurants.com/dubai (04 439 0505).
Mimi Kakushi
This cooler-than-cool Japanese restaurant is a great spot for a special occasion dinner. Inspired by 1920s Osaka, Mimi Kakushi is all chic furnishings with excellent sushi, robata, clay pots and grills (the black cod is terrific). Mimi Kakushi retains its title as the best Japanese restaurant in Dubai for the second year, and you’ll definitely be back time and time again.
Mimi Kakushi also does an excellent special occasion brunch, for when you want to sample all the signatures.
Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri noon-2am, Sat-Sun noon-4pm and 6pm-2am. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah, mimikakushi.ae (04 379 4811).
Moonrise
This very cool tasting experience in Dubai comes from chef Solemann Haddad, a young chef known for his creativity. At this special-occasion spot, you can enjoy a delicious degustation menu which stars seasonal, regional ingredients with a focus on locally sourced produce on a menu that takes in Middle Eastern and Japanese cuisine.
Found in an unassuming location in Satwa, Moonrise has just 12 seats and is an exciting dining experience for those serious about food. The addition of a grape pairings has propelled Moonrise into the top spot as one of the best tasting menu experiences in Dubai for 2024.
Go, discover, meet the chef and delve into an 11-course list of innovative dishes that includes a fancy take on grilled cheese.
Tue-Sat 6pm-8.30pm and 9.30pm-midnight. Eden House, Satwa, moon-rise.xyz (050 697 2946).
Zuma
A massive hit around the world, Zuma has long been one of the best restaurants in Dubai, whether you’re into Japanese food or not (though, who, quite frankly is not?)
One of the pioneers in DIFC’s dining scene, Zuma draws in the crowds every day of the week – be it for brunch, lunch or a special-occasion dinner. The black cod is one of the most famous dishes globally, buttery soft, sweet and wonderfully moreish. The service is spot-on, the vibe is buzzing and the plates here are consistently brilliant – be it gyoza, sushi or robata.
Mon-Fri noon–3.30 pm and 7 pm-1 am, Sat 1.30pm-4pm and 7pm-1am, Sun noon-4pm and 7pm-midnight. Gate Village 7, DIFC, zumarestaurant.com (04 425 5660).
Need a reservation in the meantime?
New restaurants in Dubai that you need to visit right now
From casual eats to fine dining, there’s bound to be a new venue you’ll want to try
These are Dubai’s best restaurants: 85 incredible places to dine in 2024
All the winners of the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2024
Here’s how to eat at 10 expensive Dubai restaurants for less
Early bird dinners, lunch specials and more
