I give you the ninth edition of the annual FooDiva guide to top restaurants in Dubai. A record number of 45 homegrown, locally developed concepts have made the cut 😋 Dubai boasts a matured restaurant scene, dominated by independent, chef-led and owner-operated establishments - something I am proud to champion with my #UAERestaurantsUnite campaign. These gems tick every box in equal measure - food, service, location, interior, atmosphere and value for money – in line with FooDiva’s editorial policy. There’s no room in this inn for imported brands, franchises, celeb chefs, royalty gigs and large chains.
These are restaurants that I have chosen to frequent socially over the last year, as well as those that have scored highly in my personal reviews. They have all consistently impressed across the whole dining experience - and serve à la carte. Very importantly, I always pay the bill. Some I have selected to showcase in my #ThreeChefsDinner dining experiences. Whilst I would love to dine at every single restaurant in Dubai every year, it’s simply not practically possible, or even financially feasible.
Whether you’re a UAE resident or a visitor, this guide is designed as a bucket list round-up to inspire your next breakfast, lunch or dinner. That’s how I use it! Towards the end, I have added my go-to restaurants for delivery. Entries are categorised by licensed (with alcohol) and unlicensed (without booze), sub-divided into districts, and then alphabetically.
If you sign up to my newsletter for a paid subscription, you’ll also receive the guide as a PDF.
So how many out of the 45 have you tried? New openings aside, I have a hit list of restaurants to visit this year. However, I am keen to know your favourite haunts, which may just inspire my restaurant outings, so please feel free to share 🙏🏼 💖 #UAERestaurantsUnite