Travel

The hotspots in Dubai that you want to go to

Best restaurants in Dubai

I still regularly think back to my vacation in Dubai, where I was in January. It was my first time there and I didn't really know what to expect; I had heard so many different stories about it, from ‘I love it here’ to ‘get me out of here now’, so that didn't really help me. My experience? I secretly really enjoyed it. Intense enjoyment, beautiful weather, and so, so, so much delicious food. And that last part is really what vacation is about for me. I don't want to have a meal that disappoints. From a lovely extensive breakfast, already looking forward to lunch and already fantasizing about what you will order during dinner.

And that has turned out really well in Dubai; you really have bizarre restaurants there. Bizarrely good quality, and the experience itself. Just for the food, I could sit here for a month. Where I would go? Of course, I will share that with you.

1. Din Tai Fung

The place where you eat the very best dim sum in the world, and I mean it. In London, there is also a location (that's the only one in Europe), but there are now many locations in Asia and the United States as well. They are known for their Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), usually with pork, but in Dubai, it's the chicken variant. So, so, so delicious. I still dream about it. I could eat here every day.

2. Café Gratitude

When I was there, this restaurant was still only in Atlantis The Palm and it was amazing. The interior was beautiful, everyone was greeted by the entire staff with a Japanese slogan that I have of course long forgotten, and the sushi was *chef’s kiss*. They have since added a second location, in the brand new Atlantis The Royal.

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3. Amazónico

Maybe you know this restaurant from London or Madrid, because it is also a very popular hotspot there. The restaurant itself is a whole experience, thanks to the jungle theme. The menu features Latin American dishes and is definitely a must-visit for meat lovers.

4. Pierchic

This restaurant is part of the Jumeirah Al Qasr hotel, which is right next to the hotel where I stayed, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf. And truly: this restaurant was really a dream. The tournedos I had here was possibly an even more beautiful dream. Just imagine: the most tender tournedos ever with shaved white truffle on top. Nothing more to add. I was in seventh heaven. Most delicious. Ever. An extra plus is that the restaurant is located on a beautiful pier with a view of the luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel. If I go back, I want to sleep here and eat this, and then my vacation will be a success.

5. Mayabay

I ate here in Monaco, where the menu really appealed to us: my favorite cuisine (Thai) and his favorite cuisine (Japanese). That turned out to be a hit, because it is also a very nice place, and it also has a location in Dubai. Especially with groups, it's fun to eat here, because the menu is gi-gantic and you want to taste as much as possible. Due to the setting, it is also really a night out, and definitely try one of the cocktails.

6. Tàn Chá

Chinese at a star level? Of course. I really wish we had more of these kinds of Chinese restaurants in the Netherlands: super trendy, a beautiful interior, and incredibly good Chinese food at a high level. No case of a food barn here. The eye-catcher is of course the large Peking Duck that you can order whole, but good to know: there are also plenty of vegetarian options.

7. Hakkasan

Yes, of course this one has to be on the list. Hakkasan is now a household name, with locations in London, Las Vegas, Miami, Abu Dhabi, and thus Dubai — and the latter is the third to receive a Michelin star. Here too, there are Chinese dishes on the menu; you can choose whether you want to eat à la carte or go for one of the menus.

8. Eauzone

Such a beautiful place is this restaurant, which is part of the One&Only Royal Mirage hotel. It has a special view over the skyline, in the water, and has been one of the hotspots in Dubai for over ten years. The menu is Asian, but even if you're not hungry, this is a nice stop for a cocktail.