Dubai Dining Hotlist: Where to Eat in 2025
Dubai’s restaurant scene is a dazzling reflection of the city itself—opulent, diverse, and constantly evolving. From sky-high dining with panoramic views of the skyline to intimate, design-forward spaces tucked away in the desert, the city offers a culinary experience for every palate. Here, Michelin-starred chefs rub shoulders with homegrown talents, and global cuisines—from Japanese-Peruvian fusion to classic Emirati fare—are served with equal flair. Whether you’re after cutting-edge gastronomy, elegant fine dining, or a hidden gem that locals swear by, Dubai delivers with style and spectacle. We’ve rounded up a list of our favourite restaurants across the city—each one worth booking a table for.
Chic Nonna
We had the distinct pleasure of dining at Chic Nonna, a jewel nestled in the heart of Dubai’s DIFC. From the moment you pass through its olive tree–lined foyer and signature green doors, you’re transported into a world where timeless Italian hospitality meets modern sophistication. The space—beautifully imagined by LW Design and Eric Kuster—feels like an elegant reimagining of a Florentine grandmother’s home, warm yet undeniably cosmopolitan. On the plate, Chic Nonna delivers with confident precision: house-made pastas, delicately grilled seafood, and bold, seasonally inspired flavors that speak of heritage and craft. With its open kitchen on the ground floor and an effortlessly stylish lounge above, the venue is as versatile as it is inviting—perfect for everything from long lunches to intimate evening conversations over a bottle from their superb wine list. On the weekends, eschewing the typical party brunch vibe, Chic Nonna delivers a sophisticated, laid-back atmosphere where Italian jazz, attentive service, and a focus on exquisite cuisine take center stage—earning it a loyal following among Dubai’s more discerning diners.
Book now: chicnonna.com
Ina
INÁ, the striking new addition to Dubai’s J1 Beach, brings a bold, fire-driven dining concept to life with flair and precision. Conceptualized by Fundamental Hospitality and led by Chef Glen Ballis, the restaurant revolves around the primal allure of open-flame cooking, delivering a seasonal menu of vibrant small plates and dramatic sharing dishes that highlight ingredients at their peak—think flame-charred Carabinero prawns, dry-aged steaks, and Westholme beef carpaccio. The design is equally impressive, with a retractable roof that opens to the sky, a moody, flame-inspired lighting scheme, and a dynamic soundtrack curated by resident DJs Shae Reid and Sané. After 8:30 pm, INÁ shifts into an adults-only destination, exuding an elevated, after-dark energy that blends sophistication with a touch of wildness. In a city known for its dining scene, INÁ doesn’t just stand out—it burns brightly.
Book now: ina-restaurants.com
Shanghai Me
Tucked into the heart of DIFC, Shanghai Me is a dazzling homage to 1930s Shanghai—a golden era of elegance, indulgence, and intrigue. From the moment you step past its Art Deco façade and into its bamboo-fringed terraces, you get transported to a beautiful glamorous setting. The interiors, designed by Michele Bonan, balance vintage glamour with subtle theatricality, setting the stage for a menu that’s just as refined. Marrying centuries-old Chinese culinary tradition with sharp Japanese precision, each dish arrives like a work of art—whether it’s a delicate dumpling, a vibrant duck salad, or a meticulously plated main. And just when you think the evening has peaked, a mirrored door opens to reveal Bund, the venue’s hidden late-night club pulsing with music and mood. Shanghai Me isn’t just a dinner reservation—it’s an invitation into another world.
Book now: shanghaime-restaurant.com
Flamingo Room
Flamingo Room by tashas, tucked inside Jumeirah Al Naseem, is a chic escape where playful African-inspired elegance meets elevated dining. Blush pink interiors, zebra-print details, and whimsical brass animal sculptures create a stylish, cinematic atmosphere. The menu blends international classics with South African flair—standouts include Calamari Mozambique, Butternut Carpaccio, and the signature Baked Alaska. Whether for a long lunch or sunset cocktails at the marble bar, Flamingo Room offers polished service and a setting that feels both refined and effortlessly fun.
Book now: flamingoroombytashas.com
