Dubai is one of the most exciting cities in the world for food lovers. In 2026, the city's dining scene has grown bigger and better than ever, with new restaurants opening every month and famous chefs from London and Paris bringing their menus to the city. Whether you want a quiet dinner with a view, a lively night with good wine, or a taste of authentic local food, this Dubai Food & Wine Guide covers it all. 

Planning your Dubai trip does not have to be hard. At a trusted travel agency in Dubai, we help you plan your entire trip, from flights and hotels to desert safaris and dinner reservations at the best restaurants in the city.

If you are visiting Dubai and want a smooth trip without the stress of planning everything yourself, Next Holidays is here to help you enjoy the best of Dubai food, wine, and culture. 

This Dubai dining guide is built for real travellers and residents who want honest, updated information, covering the best restaurants in Dubai, the top wine restaurants Dubai has to offer, and the most loved spots for food and drinks.  

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Why Dubai Is Best in Food and Wine 



Dubai has become the world's food capital. The city now has dining options from London, Paris, Tokyo, and Lima, all of which launched within the previous year or two. Dining in Dubai is unique due to its diversity. You can have Spanish snacks in the morning and Japanese-Peruvian cuisine at night, all within a few kilometres. 

For wine aficionados, Dubai currently offers a growing number of wine establishments that both residents and visitors talk about. These restaurants offer large wine lists, professional wine advisors, and matching meals that complement the cuisine wonderfully.  

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Authentic and Special Foods of Dubai 

1. Machboos, the National Dish of the UAE 



Machboos is spiced rice cooked with lamb, chicken, or fish, along with loomi (dried lime) and warm spices. It is often compared to biryani but has its own distinct Emirati flavor.  

Try it at Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe, which has multiple branches and recreates the look of a 1960s Emirati neighbourhood, or at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant in Al Fahidi, known for its lamb machboos with saffron rice. 

2. Harees, the Ramadan Favourite 



Harees is a slow-cooked porridge-like dish made from wheat and meat, blended for hours until smooth. It is simple and comforting, often served during Ramadan and family celebrations.  

Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi has served harees since 1997 in a setting that feels like an old Arabian home. 

3. Balaleet, the Sweet and Savoury Breakfast 



Balaleet is sweetened vermicelli noodles topped with a plain omelette. The mix of sweet and savory flavors surprises first-time visitors, but it quickly becomes a favorite.  

The full Emirati breakfast tray at Arabian Tea House, with balaleet, Cchebab pancakes pancakes, and rgag bread are some of the best-value traditional meals in Dubai. 

4. Chebab, the Emirati Pancake 



Chebab is a saffron-flavored pancake, slightly sweet and soft, usually served with cream cheese, honey, or date syrup. It is common at breakfast across Emirati homes. Logma at Dubai Mall's Fashion Avenue serves a modern take on chebab and other khaleeji classics. 

5. Thareed, Bread Soaked in Rich Broth 



Thareed is bread soaked in a meat or vegetable broth, similar in spirit to a stew. It is hearty and closely tied to home cooking traditions. Al Fanar Restaurant serves a well-loved version, along with other slow-cooked Emirati classics. 

6. Saloona, Everyday Emirati Comfort Food 



Saloona is a light, tomato-based stew made with meat or fish and seasonal vegetables, served with rice or bread. It reflects how Emirati families eat at home. Umm, Rashed's Corner on Al Seef Street prepares saloona using recipes passed down through generations. 

7. Luqaimat, the Classic Emirati Dessert 



Luqaimat are small, deep-fried dumplings, crunchy outside and soft inside, dipped in date syrup or honey. They are widely available across Dubai, from heritage cafes to street stalls on Al Seef Street. Al Khayma and Al Fanar both serve fresh, warm luqaimat that pair well with Arabic coffee, known locally as gahwa. 

Restaurants for Wine Lovers in Dubai 

1. Tasca by Jose Avillez 



Jose Avillez is a renowned chef recognized for modernizing and improving Portuguese food, which is why Tasca, his first restaurant outside of his native country, has received so much attention. The premium Michelin-starred restaurant, located on the sixth story of the Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah, provides stunning views as well as the star's hallmark cuisine. 

You may dine al fresco next to an infinity pool overlooking the Arabian Sea or stay inside and enjoy views of the Downtown Dubai cityscape. The unique environment is perfect for festivities. The menu has foods inspired by real Lisbon cuisine but modified to fit Avillez's own taste. 

Don't miss out on his signature avocado tempura, which is a technique introduced to Japan by the Portuguese, and tuna tartare cones to begin. The main courses range from classic Piri-Piri chicken and roasted fish to Josper-grilled lamb shanks. The custard tart, paired with coffee ice cream, is the highlight of the dessert menu. 

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2. Row on 45 



Managed by well-known chef Jason Atherton, this fine dining concept at City Social provides a private dining experience for only 22 diners in a luxurious penthouse-inspired environment. Row on 45 was given received  two Michelin stars in its first year of operationopening. 

The evening is divided into three parts, beginning with appetisers in the lounge and on to the main dining area, which has a state-of-the-art display kitchen. A 17-part cuisine meal highlights Atherton's culinary journey and passion for exotic ingredients. 

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3. City Social Dubai 



The restaurant serves some of Atherton's 17-Part dishes, such as roasted sea bass with shellfish ragout and Sicilian pistachio soufflé, as well as new additions such as Scottish salmon with king crab, cucumber, dill, and trout eggs. 

City Social also serves a variety of roasts, including several cuts of Australian Wagyu beef and USDA Prime for meat enthusiasts. For a different roast, consider aged Spanish turbot or Canadian lobster. 

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4. La Dame de Pic 



Diners will find a sanctuary of modern French cuisine within its stylish decor, with each plate telling a story about Chef Pic's personal journey and her strong passion for food. The restaurant allows diners to delight in a sequence of dishes that highlight the peak of culinary artistry, with tasting menus named Harmony and Symphony. 

Options include Atlantic crab laced with sobacha and a rich A5 wagyu sando, each promising a symphony of tastes. La Dame de Pic shows the vibrant combination of tradition and creativity. Chef Pic's remarkable ability to redefine dining standards makes La Dame de Pic a must-see for anyone looking for a comprehensive and outstanding French dining experience in Dubai. 

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Restaurants in Dubai with Views 

1. Nobu One Za'abeel 



Nobu One Za'abeel combines panoramic skyline views and a beautiful modern environment. The facility combines a classy dining room, a contemporary lounge, and a sushi counter, creating a dynamic setting for everything from casual dinners to exciting evenings out. 

The menu includes Nobu's famous plates as well as a variety of sushi and contemporary Japanese dishes. Popular dishes include yellowtail jalapeño, crispy rice, lobster tempura, and black cod with miso. Sushi is also available at the designated counter. This is one of the top dining experiences in Dubai for 2026. 

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2. CE LA VI 



CÉ LA VI Dubai, a MICHELIN-recommended restaurant, serves innovative Asian cuisine and world-class entertainment while providing great hospitality and breathtaking views of the Dubai cityscape.  

The iconic site is in the center of Downtown Dubai and rises 220 meters above sea level, with one of the city's tallest rooftops with a Restaurant, SkyBar, Club Lounge, and Pool Deck. Prices are expensive, but the entire experience is worthwhile. Highly recommended for anybody seeking a combination of luxury and good taste. 

3. Tomo at Raffles Dubai 



Tomo is a real Japanese restaurant that engages visitors in traditional Japanese cuisine and culture. It provides a colorful environment ideal for dining and drinking tours around Japan. Tomo is an ideal venue for private dining parties, business meetings, and cultural festivals, offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience that mixes exceptional ingredients with a pleasant setting.  

The restaurant is suitable for both private meals and bigger group functions, making it an ideal choice for a variety of occasions. Guests can expect a meal that highlights the finest of Japanese culinary craftsmanship, delivering an unforgettable experience for all guests. 

4. Nazaara 



Nazaara, located in the center of DIFC and with unbroken views of the Burj Khalifa, is built around a single appealing idea: the view is something you taste, sip, and feel rather than just seeing. 

At Nazaara, the skyline becomes the restaurant's essence. Just as visitors are fascinated by Dubai's most famous view, the culinary reflects the same feeling of wonder, layered, high, and memorable. 

Best Rooftop Restaurants in Dubai 

1. CLAP Dubai 



Clap seamlessly integrates tradition and innovation to provide a natural Japanese eating experience. The entire location includes an indoor restaurant, patio, bar, and lounge. Unexpected and surprising combinations take Clap's cuisine to new heights, with dishes ranging from tiny plates to more lavish main courses and world-class desserts. 

2. La Cantine du Faubourg 



The restaurant is more than just a restaurant; it's an artistic gathering place, a multi-sensory experience that seamlessly combines sound, music, vision, art, and cuisine. The French artist Kokian created a collection of artworks for the restaurant, while the renowned London Interior Architecture Studio Pirajean Lees, headed by Clemence Pirajean and James Michael Lees, designed the whole space. 

La Cantine du Faubourg serves trendy and fresh food with foreign inspirations and a strong Parisian flair. From the welcoming soundtrack to the careful serving of each item, all your senses will be engaged. 

3. Ibn AlBahr 



ibn AlBahr serves the greatest Lebanese seafood and mezze, bringing a flavor of Lebanon to the shores of Dubai. Bring your family and friends to experience the amazing mezzes and grilled fish, which are fresh and priced per kilo. 

You will discover enough fresh fish to feed your entire crew. Along with fresh platters, client favorites include cashew nut prawns and fish curry. These delectable foods are healthy but flavorful and delicious. 

Conclusion 

Dubai's food and wine scene in 2026 is stronger than ever. From skyline dinners at Nobu to Portuguese wine at Tasca, traditional machboos at Al Fanar, and Spanish tapas at Barrafina, there is something for every kind of diner in this city. This Dubai food and wine guide should help you plan the best restaurants and dining experiences in Dubai this year, whether you are a tourist, a resident, or simply someone who loves great food and drinks.

If you want help booking your Dubai trip, reserving tables at these restaurants, or building a full itinerary around food, wine, and sightseeing, get in touch with Next Holidays. As a trusted travel agency in Dubai, we take care of the small details so you can simply enjoy your trip. 

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