With Burj Khalifa standing tall (the tallest, actually) in Downtown Dubai, this part of the city remains one of the most popular areas for a night out.

At the heart of it all is DIFC, where you’ll find so many great restaurants, that it can be tricky to know where to start. Luckily we’ve gathered the best of them here to make it easy for you to book that next dinner date or birthday celebration with friends.

Selected from Time Out Dubai’s best restaurants 2024 which means you know they’ve been tried and tested — anonymously and independently — here are some of the best restaurants in DIFC.

Here are the best restaurants in DIFC right now

Alaya

Want to be dazzled by mezze? Then step on into Alaya. More of a Mediterranean restaurant with Middle Eastern influences, this popular DIFC restaurant pays homage to the flavours of the rich coast of the Mediterranean Sea to the vibrant street food of the Middle East. The baby of restauranteur Evgeny Kuzin and chef Izu Ani – who are also the duo behind GAIA, ShanghaiME and La Maison Ani, dishes feature fresh herbs and spices, prime meat and only the best quality seafood. What else would you expect?

Licensed. DIFC Gate Village 4, alaya-dubai.com (04 570 6289).

Read the full review here.

Amazónico Dubai

Whether you choose to come to this DIFC hangout for a casual midweek catch-up on the pretty patio with its glistening skyline views or fancy a full-on dinner with the whole gang, Amazónico has something for everyone. A regular Time Out Dubai awards nominee, its varied eclectic menu of Latin American-inspired small plates, sushi, seafood and grills were destined to be washed down with a tasty mixed drinks selection. Still not convinced? The OTT interior, including 22 species of preserved plants, will have you sold.

Licensed. DIFC Pavilion, DIFC, restaurantamazonico.com (04 571 3999).

Read the full review here.

Avli by tashas

Between the consistently excellent food, the Instagram-friendly interiors and the cosy yet vibrant atmosphere, we’ve never had a bad meal at Avli by tashas. Translating to the courtyard in Greek, this outpost of celebrity restauranteur Natasha Sideris – the name behind tashas cafés and Flamingo Room by tashas to name a few – attracts the city’s most dedicated foodies thanks to its swish DIFC location and generous helpings of Greek-meets-Mediterranean food.

Licensed. Gate Village 9, DIFC, avilbytashas.com (04 359 0008).

Read the full review here.

BB Social Dining

Much less formal than many of its surrounding DIFC neighbours, BB Social Dining is an ode to Eastern cuisine. The brainchild of its co-founder and executive chef Alex Stumpf, the vibes here scream New York cool with three bustling floors adjoined by a wrought iron staircase twirling right through the middle. As for the food, expect palate-pleasing dishes for vegans, vegetarians and carnivores alike, with a menu defined by bites, bowls and BBQ.

Licensed. Gate Village 8, DIFC, thisisbb.com (04 407 4444).

Read the full review here.

Bombay Borough

Dubai may be a great city of countless Indian restaurants, but if you’re looking for real top-quality food in a super chic setting, make sure that Bombay Borough is on your must-try list. Dubbing itself an ‘all day Indian bar and eatery’, it will knock the socks off you – as dishes here are high in spice, so all you lemon and herb people need not apply. It also boasts a modest terrace for more clement weather.

Licensed. Gate Village 3, DIFC, bombayborough.com (04 327 1555).

Read the full review here.

Bull & Bear

When that hankering for a meat-heavy, unbutton-your-trousers kind of meal hits, there’s only one place to head to. One of the most luxe North American restaurants in Dubai, it’s not just the excellent cuts of steak that make this New York-style eatery great – it’s the creamy mac & cheese, steak fries and honey-roasted baby carrots too. Add to that some grown-up yet lively vibes, slick service and weekly jazz nights, and it’s easy to see why this is such a popular spot.

Licensed. Waldorf Astoria DIFC, DIFC, hilton.com (04 515 9888).

Read the full review here.

Carnival by Trèsind

As we’re here to support and enable your craving for the best Indian food in Dubai, there’s no way we could leave Carnival by Trèsind off the list. Every dish at this high-end DIFC spot is modern and innovative, with heaps on offer for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. If you’re watching the dirhams, arrive early for its excellent happy hour, while those feeling flush should definitely opt for grape pairing with dinner – that crisp glass goes down perfectly with the legendary carnival butter chicken.

Licensed. Burj Daman, DIFC, carnivalbytresind.com (052 242 4262).

Read the full review here.

Chic Nonna

Italian restaurants are 10 a penny in Dubai, so when Chic Nonna opened its doors back in the summer of ‘22, we asked ourselves if we really needed another spot for pasta and pizza. It turns out we did. With one of the largest grape cellars in the region, DIFC’s hottest dining destination has truly stolen our hearts. This Florence import with a simple menu of all the classics is a great spot for lunch, early dinner and late-night eats, defined by white tablecloths, servers in white jackets, waistcoats and bow ties, and statement chandeliers. Just how we like our Italian restaurants.

Licensed. Gate Avenue Mall, DIFC. chicnonna.com (04 605 2000).

Read the full review here.

Cipriani

An incredibly glamorous restaurant perfect for doing incredibly glamorous things like dining on catch of the day while donning Louboutins, Cipriani is a place you’ll never have to settle for a bog standard ragu. Hitting all the right notes since its opening in 2016, take a seat at the bar to drink some grape before heading to the upscale dining room to indulge in authentic Italian cuisine with a fancy twist. Be sure to call ahead to make sure you can snare a table.

Licensed. Gate Village 10, DIFC, ciprianidubai.com (04 347 0003).

Read the full review here.

CLAP Dubai

Hailing from Beirut, Clap isn’t just one of the best Japanese restaurants in DIFC, it serves up some of the most creative dishes in the city. More down to earth than some other eateries in Dubai, with indoor and outdoor spaces that are achingly stylish, sit back and watch as talented chefs rustle up innovative Japanese dishes in the slick open kitchen. Arrive early to grab a drink at the impressive 360-degree bar.

Licensed. Gate Village 11, DIFC, claprestaurant.com (04 569 3820).

Read the full review here.

GAIA

GAIA is one of Dubai’s best-loved Greek restaurants. Named after the Greek goddess of earth, it’s the baby of chef Izu Ani and his talented chef de cuisine Orestis Kotefas, who together have devised a painstakingly good menu of meats, pasta and fresh seafood plucked straight from the restaurant’s fish market. Don’t fret – chefs recommend the appropriate cooking technique for your chosen catch, so you’re in good hands. This is a spot that’s definitely on the fancy side, so save it for a special occasion or dinner where everyone is comfortable spending a bit of money.

Licensed. Gate Village 4, DIFC, gaia.com (04 241 4242).

Read the full review here.

Gohan

Is it a restaurant? Is it a speakeasy? For those looking for the best of both worlds, Gohan has you covered. From the team being La Cantine Du Faubourg, Japanese street food is the name of the game here, which comes served in a hip space with plenty of dimly-lit cube lanterns, red hues and low ceilings with a distinct New York vibe. Load up on the maki – the spicy bluefin tuna is top tier – and be sure to get some of the sushi and sashimi too. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

Licensed. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, lacantine.ae/gohan (04 352 7105).

Read the full review here.

Hutong

A high-end Chinese restaurant in DIFC, Hutong hails from Hong Kong and has famous locations worldwide, including in London’s The Shard. The DIFC branch is a cool location for lively late-night dinners, fun brunches, business lunches or a dinner date. With a large spacious interior, with high ceilings and a central bar, plus a cute terrace (often complete with a DJ), it’s quite simply the best Chinese restaurant in Dubai. The menu is fantastic too, with a top selection of dim sum (don’t miss the truffle mushroom bao) as well as plenty of Sichuan-style dishes – including the spicy signature Red Lantern crab.

Licensed. Gate Building 6, DIFC hutong-dubai.com (04 220 0868).

Read the full review here.

Josette

Pretty as a picture, this French restaurant in DIFC is all marshmallow pinks and swathes of green velvet. With a cute restaurant bar, complete with a press for bubbly button on tables, there’s plenty of kitsch touches at Josette. But it works well and has a loyal following, with plenty of offerings including brunch, afternoon tea, lunch and even dinner shows to draw in the crowds. When it comes to food there’s a twist on classics – think escargot with almond butter – as well as authentic French onion soup, boeuf Bourguignon, cordon bleu and coquilles Saint-Jacques poêlés. The pastries and croissants are marvellously buttery and moreish, too.

Licensed. ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, josette.com (04 275 2522).

Read the full review here.

La Cantine du Faubourg

From its trendy lounge that’s consistently buzzing to its eclectically designed dining room courtesy of Kokian, La Cantine du Faubourg has “being chic” down to a fine art. A beautiful, buzzing French restaurant in Dubai designed for beautiful people to eat beautiful food and drink beautiful grape, you’ll want to dress up for an evening at La Cantine. And don’t expect to call an Uber before 3am.
Licensed. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, lacantine.ae (04 352 7105).

Read the full review here.

L’Atelier Robuchon

For French food-lovers this restaurant from the late great Joël Robuchon is a must-visit. Found in DIFC there’s a cool vibe, which gets livelier as the night goes on. It recently underwent a revamp and it’s even better than ever – hence earning itself Time Out Dubai’s Best French Restaurant Award for 2024. On the menu there’s everything from beef tartare to scallops Saint-Jaques, cheese soufflé and lamb chops, to Asian-inspired dishes such as black cod and tuna tartare. There’s a tasting menu and business lunch too, so whether you’re short on time or looking to splash out there’s an option to suit, making the best French restaurant in Dubai right now.

Licensed. Gate Village 11, DIFC, atelier-robuchon.ae (04 297 7729).

Read the full review here.

LPM Restaurant & Bar

A global giant when it comes to French dining, LPM remains one of the most brilliant French restaurants in Dubai. Whether you’re looking for a business lunch, an anniversary dinner or catch-up with friends, the time is always right for a meal at LPM. Found 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.

Licensed. Gate Village 8, DIFC, lpmrestaurants.com/dubai (04 439 0505).

Read the full review here.

Ninive

One of the most romantic restaurants in Dubai, Ninive has the air of a Bedouin majlis but is set in the heart of the city. With views out towards the high-rises of DIFC, turn your attention to the immediate surroundings and be delighted by a canopy of twinkling lights, plenty of foliage and low-level seating. In summer a tent goes up, meaning you can enjoy the vibes all year round. Food is a mixture from around the region, we’d suggest ordering a selection of mezze to share and soaking in the setting as Ninive is one of the best outdoor restaurants in Dubai.

Licensed. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, ninive.ae (04 326 6105).

Read the full review here.

Royal China

Be sure to arrive hungry for a meal at Royal China or you’ll have some very tricky decisions on your hands. One of the longest-standing Chinese restaurants in Dubai, its dishes are comforting, classic and consistently good, especially if you order from the dedicated dim sum menu. That said, the à la carte is just as good. As for the interiors, its warm golden hues and red tassels feel quintessentially Chinese, welcoming you back each time like a big, warm hug.

Licensed. The Balcony, Precinct Building, DIFC, royalchinadubai.ae (04 354 5543).

Read the full review here.

Shanghai Me

With its tropical terrace on which you can while away the hours, impeccable service and red velvet and soft lighting that evokes the Shanghai of yesteryear, there’s a good reason why Shanghai ME has firmly established itself as a chic and trendy spot for Asian food in Dubai. Its lengthy ‘dim sum library’ is legendary for good reason, ranging from chicken & truffle soy rolls and wild mushroom dumplings to Wagyu beef Cheung noodle rolls. Just try not to get carried away (easier said than done), as it can easily add up to those DIFC club prices. That said, a club where everyone has a good time.

Licensed. Gate Village 11, DIFC, shanghaime-restaurant.com (04 564 0505).

Read the full review here.

Sucre

If there’s one Latin American restaurant in Dubai to see and be seen, Sucre would be it. Home to a buzzy bar and huge open kitchen, this swanky DIFC restaurant sees Chef Fernando Trocca reunite with celebrated bartender Tato Giovannoni to create a suitably stylish space complete with a vibrant colour palette, exposed red brick walls and monochrome tiles. All about open-fire cooking that pays tribute to Argentina, special shoutouts go to the king crab tostada, Argentinian bone-in ribeye and squid ink paella.

Licensed. Gate Village 5, DIFC, sucredubai.com (04 340 0829).

Read the full review here.

The Artisan

DIFC is hardly lacking in brilliant Italian restaurants, but if you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere, a trendy crowd and traditional dishes that taste like they’ve come directly from your nonna’s kitchen, The Artisan never fails to disappoint. Comforting meets creative meets cool, it serves all the classics: Apulian burrata, bruschetta al pomodoro and handmade gnocchi, with plenty of meats and fish if you’ve overdosed on carbs. Be sure to hunt down the drinks trolley too – mixologists craft what is arguably the best in Dubai.

Licensed. Waldorf Astoria DIFC, theartisan.ae (04 338 8133).

Read the full review here.

The Guild

A relative newcomer from the team behind Tom&Serg, Common Grounds and Hawkerboi, The Guild is a high-end European restaurant in Dubai’s DIFC. Split into various sections including The Rockpool – with a pond of fresh seafood – and The Salon, with an open fire grill, there’s a different vibe wherever you dine. Steaks are expertly cooked and the octopus is a huge hit. Plus, there’s plenty for veggies and seafood-lovers, including a fish market-style selection to choose from. There’s also a bar area with twinkling lights, swathes of foliage and a decent range of drinks, so arrive early for a pre-dinner tipple.

Licensed. ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, theguilddubai.com (054 279 6826).

The Nice Guy

It may have only opened its doors at the end of last year, but the buzzy mafia-inspired trattoria that is The Nice Guy has bedded itself into Dubai seamlessly with its grand marble and brass bar, cosy booths and pretty outdoor patio. A prime spot for a little celeb spotting – it’s owned by the same nightlife impresarios behind some of LA’s most celebrated hangouts – diners can expect a modern take of classic Italian plates, signature comfort dishes and creatively topped pizzas. The lounge turns into a party on a weekend night, so get ready to get lit.

Licensed. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, instagram.com/theniceguydubai (04 276 9888).

Read the full review here.

Zuma

We could never compile a list of the best restaurants in Dubai without mentioning Zuma. A global success story, it’s as popular with city traders out for a swish business lunch as it is for ladies who brunch, large-scale birthdays and romantic dinner dates. While the black cod is a thing of legend, you can’t go wrong with anything from the menu, which also comprises meaty treats from the expansive robata grill and exquisite sushi and sashimi dishes. Post-meal, prop yourself up at the bar for some of the best people-watching in the city.
Licensed. Gate Village 6, DIFC, zumarestaurant.com/dubai (04 425 5660).

Read the full review here.