Dubai Dining Delights: A Guide by the Chef Behind the Best Restaurant in the Middle East
And the 46th-best restaurant in the world
The Relisher is the place where the world’s top chefs and hoteliers reveal their favorite spots in their home cities. This week, we spoke with Mohamad Orfali, who, along with his two brothers, founded Orfali Bros Bistro in Dubai.
Orfali Bros Bistro, celebrated for its unique approach to contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine, is one of the most in-demand restaurants in the world, having been awarded first place in the Best Restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa category, and ranking 46th globally. What’s even more impressive is that, just two years after its establishment, Orfali Bros Bistro was awarded these coveted accolades.
With over 20,000 restaurants in Dubai, Mohamad shares below his favorite places and highlights the must-visit spots for the best experience of the city.
"Just a few years ago, Dubai had a reputation for being expensive, known mainly for lavish hotels, or as a transit destination for layovers. However, in recent years, immigrants from the Middle East and Asia have brought their food culture and traditions to Dubai, attracting travelers who now flock to the city primarily to eat. Today, Dubai is becoming a major up-and-coming food destination, with a culture centered around eating out. Even locals prefer dining out over cooking at home."
Over-the-Top Fine-Dining Restaurants, Each Offering a Unique Experience
“Dubai is home to some of the world’s finest restaurants, and so I highly recommend visiting at least one of these restaurants:
Row On 45: This is a 22-seat restaurant by the celebrity British chef, Jason Atherton, that opened just a few weeks ago. Not only is the food utterly delicious, but the entire dining experience is a show. For example, they have a special room just for desserts, and the dessert trolley with drawers is a must-see. Each drawer has different treats like macaroons, chocolates, and other glorious sweets. It feels like you're in dessert heaven. Other than the dessert trolley, my favorite dish here is their brioche with chicken fat butters—it’s so so good.
Trèsind Studio: This is a two-Michelin-star restaurant with an elevated and unique approach to Indian cuisine. The constantly updated tasting menu doesn't include Indian food staples like bread or rice. If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, you should visit, as Trèsind Studio is the highest-ranked Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in the world.
Ossiano: This is a modern seafood restaurant, boasting one Michelin star, where you can savor an incredible meal right in front of an aquarium. What sets Ossiano apart are the innovative twists it adds to classic seafood dishes. The restaurant also regularly collaborates with world-renowned chefs, such as Jorge Vallejo from Quintonil in Mexico City or Eric Vildgaard from Jordnær in Copenhagen, who join forces with Ossiano’s executive chef to deliver a unique dining experience.
11 Woodfire: Many tourists visiting Dubai for the first time are surprised to discover that we have some of the best hamburgers in the world. If you're a burger lover, then you absolutely must try 11 Woodfire’s ( one-Michelin star) wagyu burger, drenched in gouda cheese and sriracha. It’s cooked over charcoal and paired with a secret sauce that's unlike anything you've ever tasted, it's all wrapped up in the most perfect brioche bread. 11 Woodfire also offers a unique experience with a tea trolley featuring herbs from around the world. Here, a tea mixologist assembles your tea right in front of you.
HŌSEKI: Dubai has incredible sushi restaurants, some of the best in the world. If I had to choose my absolute favorite spot, it would be the Omakase at HŌSEKI (one Michelin star). You feel like you're at a sushi bar in Tokyo as there are only nine seats, yet the views are of Dubai's breathtaking skyline. No two meals are alike – the dishes are crafted based on the daily produce flown in from Japan’s fish market.”
* If you're looking for excellent, affordable sushi, then 3Fils or Reif Japanese Kushiyaki are great alternatives. Or, if you're seeking sushi that's not Omakase, then Zuma Dubai is the place to be. It is one of the best Zuma locations globally, and has been on the world's 100 best restaurants list for years.
Casual Eateries: A Fusion of Middle Eastern Food Galore
“I have three places that I regularly eat at:
Bait Maryam: This is my absolute favorite casual restaurant in Dubai that serves home-style Levantine cuisine—a blend of Jordanian, Syrian, and Lebanese cuisine. I highly recommend trying the mansaf, a traditional Bedouin meat dish cooked in a braise and served with rice and yogurt. Their hummus and falafel are also phenomenal. I come here for Chef Salem, who makes you feel as if you're dining at a good friend’s house. The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated—modern (for a Middle Eastern restaurant), colorful, with a touch of traditional Arabian design.
Shawarma Al Farooj: A trip to Dubai is incomplete without sampling shawarma. Although there are tons of shawarma restaurants in town, I believe the best is Shawarma Al Farooj. It’s an authentic, traditional Middle Eastern restaurant, serving truly the freshest and most delicious beef and chicken shawarma. This is a great option if you want to experience excellent shawarma quickly or on-the-go.
Falafel Alrabiah AlKhadra Cafeteria: This is an authentic Middle Eastern restaurant famous for its specialty in hummus and falafel—considered the best in the entire Middle East. It's a must-visit spot where I take international chefs when they come to Dubai.”
*If you’re into hookah, I recommend going to Sah El Nom. Order shisha (hookah), Turkish coffee, and cheese maamoul for an authentic hookah experience in the Middle East.
The One Coffee Shop: A Must-Visit
“Dubai has a very strong coffee culture with many excellent coffee shops to choose from. If I had to pick my favorite spot, it would be Orijins. This specialty coffee shop serves only three types of delectable coffees (espresso, filter, and drip) in a beautifully contemporary designed space.”
Dubai’s Bars Ranked Among the Best in the World
“Dubai has some of the best nightlife in the world. I love the award-winning Galaxy Bar’s unique approach to mixology, combined with a galaxy-like contemporary design. It's an intimate bar with only a few tables, so be sure to make reservations well in advance. I order a classic Negroni here.
“Another exceptional bar is Zuma’s Bar, the highest-ranked bar in the Middle East. Just know that Zuma’s Bar, which is a destination for itself, tends to be more crowded.”
Dubai’s Art District
"Beyond the usual Dubai attractions, I suggest exploring Dubai’s Art District—Alserkal Art District. This is an expansive compound with over 70 galleries showcasing the works of Dubai's leading artists. The district also offers a variety of unique boutiques, such as the good life space known for its trendy sneakers, and charming cafes. I recommend planning your visit for the weekend since this is when the district is at its liveliest.”
Where to Sleep
“My two favorite hotels in Dubai are the W Dubai - The Palm, a fun place that’s not overly expensive, and The One & Only The Palm, famous for its Arabian ultra-luxurious design and top-notch service. I recommend even stopping by for a drink here just to see Dubai’s most luxurious resort.”
Important Tips
“Prepare in advance, research the places you want to dine, and then make restaurant reservations at least one to two months ahead. Uber works in Dubai, or alternatively, you can download the local taxi cab app, Karim app.”
FINE DINING RESTAURANTS
Row On 45 $$$
Trèsind Studio $$$
Ossiano $$$
11 Woodfire $$$
HŌSEKI $$$
Zuma Dubai $$$
CASUAL RESTAURANTS
Sah El Nom $$
3Fils $$
Bait Maryam $$
CAFES
Orijins $
BARS
Galaxy Bar $$
Zuma’s Bar $$$
HOTELS
ATTRACTIONS
Thank you for reading!
Gabrielle