We’ve arrived at that time of year when being outside feels like you’re on hot coals, so the vibes are off for a BBQ in the garden.

But like us, you might be missing that smoky taste of brisket straight off the grill, or a burger oozing with flavour.

Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to have an indoor BBQ in Dubai, with some incredible eateries able to satisfy your cravings.

If you like reading this: Where to go for the best indoor summer picnics

Whether you want to go full DIY and barbecue the meats yourself, or have someone else do it for you, here are the hottest spots for an indoor BBQ in Dubai.

Indoor BBQ in Dubai – Grill it yourself

Romantic Baka

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This Korean BBQ hospot has a glistening neon sign outside stating ‘we will make you fat’, and it’s probably not wrong. The menu is bursting with different options to stick on the grill, leaving you with a serious spread.

For only Dhs157, you can get the Korean grill set, coming with 5 plates of your choice of meat, free unlimited side dishes and rice, with a kettle of soft beverages. If that doesn’t sound good, we don’t know what does.

Mon-Fri 10.30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10.30am-11pm. Al Ghurair Centre. (04 591 4247).

Shogun

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The Korean Bistro and BBQ has two locations in Dubai Media City and the Al Ghurair Centre lets you cook up a feast on the BBQ, with offers sometimes on for as little as Dhs65 per person. Also serving hot plates, Korean fried chicken and traditional stews, there will be no chance you’ll leave hungry.

Daily 11.30am-3pm, 5.30pm-11pm. Dubai Media City & Al Ghurair Centre, (04 447 4899).

Smoki Moto

The first fully-licensed Korean steakhouse on Palm Jumeirah only opened in 2024 but has left a lasting impression on BBQ lovers.

The menu offers dishes like Korean-style marinated short ribs, quality grain- and grass-fed beef, as well as dry-aged and Wagyu meat for tabletop grills. You can also browse a range of authentic Korean dishes such as tuna gimbap, kimchi pancakes, and bibimbap stone bowls with foie gras and rice for when you aren’t crazy about meat.

Mon-Thu 5pm-1am. Fri-Sun 5pm-2am. Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, marriott.com/smoki-moto (04 666 1430).

Sumbiya

One of the first Korean yakiniku-style restaurants to open in Dubai, the interactive experience provides each tables with everything from seafood to vegetables, as well as a selection of sauces and sides.

Check out your grilling skills and taste some seriously fresh meats straight from the barbecue.

Mon-Fri 6pm-11pm. Sat-Sun 12.30pm-4pm & 6pm-11pm. Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek. radissonhotels.com (04 205 7033).

Indoor BBQ in Dubai – Get someone else to grill

Fogo de Chao

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This Brazilian gem follows century-old traditions of ‘churrasco’, which means respecting the ingredients, cooking them slowly and exposing the flavours.

The result? Some incredible cuts of meat served directly from the skewers onto your plate. The restaurant often have a range of mid-week deals for gents too, so be sure to check what’s on before you go.

Daily noon-midnight. Central Park Towers, DIFC. fogodechao.com (04 343 8867).

Joe’s Backyard

Describing itself as ‘your BBQ hangout’, it’s no secret that the Festival City restaurant knows what it’s doing when it comes to the grill.

All prepared for you, tuck into some classic BBQ favourites, from the smoked BBQ prime brisket to the Philly steak sandwich. There’s even some great grill options for the non-meat eaters, and the chargrilled spicy cauliflower is a must try.

Mon-Thurs, 3pm-2am, Fri-Sat 1pm-3am. Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Festival City. joebackyard.com (055 709 4509).

Mattar at Time Out Market

If you don’t know Mattar, we’d recommend you get to know. Preparing slices of 18-hour smoked brisket, the barbecue experts serve up some unbelievable sandwiches, from the fall-apart pastrami to the spicy beef chorizo.

Located inside Time Out Market, get those smoky flavours on your tongue while you watch the Dubai Fountains.

Mon-Thu noon-midnight, Fri noon-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-midnight. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com (054 375 2421).

11 Woodfire

This unlicensed steakhouse and grill is a high-end barbecue experience, and a l can be found in a beautiful yet unassuming villa in Jumeirah. The interiors are delightful and what’s on the plate is just as creative. Coming from acclaimed chef Akmal Anuar – the man behind 3 Fils and Goldfish Sushi & Yakatori – plates are innovative, modern and have plenty of flair.

The wood-fired grill is the focus here, with smoky flavours starring in the delicious cuts of meat and fish. For a high-end meal in non-hotel setting this is one of the best steakhouses and grills in Dubai.

Unlicensed. Jumeirah, 11woodfire.com (04 491 9000).

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