10 of the best restaurants in Dubai that feel like a holiday
Find your getaway in one of the best restaurants in Dubai
Summer is here, and though you might not be jetting off anytime soon, that doesn’t mean you can’t get into a holiday mood. Sometimes, the best way to unwind is by finding a spot that feels like a destination of its own. Whether it’s breakfast right on the beach or a long, leisurely lunch with that kind of energy where “one glass” turns into five, here are 10 of the best restaurants in Dubai that will give you the feeling of a getaway.
Click through the gallery
Sirene by Gaia
Gigi Rigolatto
The Farm, Al Barari
Flamingo Room by Tashas
Sufret Maryam
Iliana
Pai Thai
Nobu
Tasca by Jose Avillez
Taverna Greek Kitchen
Sirene by Gaia
If you love Greece, or never made it but think about going every summer, Sirene by GAIA is one of the best restaurants in Dubai for lunch, dinner or even a long beach day. It’s all white stone, sun-faded neutrals, and just enough bougainvillea to feel like a postcard. The dips are the kind you keep digging bread into. The seafood looks like art and tastes even better. The pasta feels like it’s been made at home, with love. And every table looks out to sea. Hands down, a ten out of ten kind of spot.
Where: Sirene by Gaia, J1 Beach
When: Daily 10am to 1am
Contact: @sirene_dxb
Gigi Rigolatto
If you’ve ever spent a summer on the Italian coast, or wished you had, Gigi Rigolatto is one of the best restaurants in Dubai for bringing that feeling a little closer to home. Set on J1 Beach, the venue is lush and inviting, with Mediterranean gardens, a serene pool, a private beach and even a boutique. Inside, the restaurant is summery and loungey, with high red-brick archways and stunning olive trees. If that sounds like your kind of vibe, Gigi captures the essence of Italian coastal living.
Where: Gigi Rigolatto, J1 Beach.
Contact: @gigi_beach_dubai
The Farm, Al Barari
Hidden in a pocket of jungle-like calm, The Farm feels like it shouldn’t exist in Dubai, but that’s the charm. It’s all glass walls, tropical plants, and soft quiet in the middle of Al Barari. Water streams run through endless greenery, and the menu drifts from Thai to Mediterranean for those who like options. It’s pretty, it’s peaceful, and it feels like a full reset.
Where: The Farm, Al Barari
When: Daily 7.30am to 10.30pm
Contact: thefarmdubai.ae
Flamingo Room by Tashas
Flamingo Room is luxury in the form of art, where rich, African-inspired design meets fine dining. Hand-blown baobab glass installations hang alongside vintage gold mirrors, casting a warm, textured glow throughout the space. The menu matches the vibe with rich seafood highlights like prawns au gratin and calamari Mozambique, plus a cornflake chicken schnitzel from their business lunch selection. A solid choice for anyone craving this kind of scene.
Where: Flamingo Room by tashas, Jumeirah al Naseem, Madinat Jumeirah
When: Daily, 12pm to 4pm and 7pm to 1am
Contact: flamingoroombytashas.com
Sufret Maryam
Sufret Maryam is for anyone homesick for the Levant, a place rooted deeply in warmth and tradition. Walking in feels like stepping into an authentic Levantine home, full of love and heart. Palestinian, Michelin-awarded Chef Salam Dakkak, who was also awarded Chef of the Year at the What’s On Dubai Awards 2025, brings passion, creativity, and skill to every dish. The food here is next level. If Levantine cuisine and the feeling of home are your vibe, Sufret Maryam should be at the top of your list.
Where: Sufret Maryam, Wasl 51, Jumeirah 1, Dubai
Contact: @sufretmaryam
Iliana
Authentic Greek food and a stunning Mediterranean setting make Iliana one of the best restaurants in Dubai for a long, leisurely lunch or dinner. Whether you’re popping in for a midday break or an evening meal, their menu covers all the classics, from homemade spreads and feta me meli to perfectly cooked catch of the day, moussaka, chicken souvlaki, and tender lamb chops. With views over Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the atmosphere is just as impressive, making Iliana a clear favourite for Greek fine dining in Dubai.
Where: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
Contact: @ilianadubai
Pai Thai
Tucked along the waterways of Madinat Jumeirah, Pai Thai is well worth the boat ride. Quiet yet atmospheric, it’s a proper Thai spot that stays true to its roots, rich green curry, delicate dumplings, deep-fried prawns in red curry sauce, and mango sticky rice that’s almost too pretty to eat. The setting hits the sweet spot: warm lighting, dark wood, and just enough buzz to feel alive. If you’re craving Thai (and spicy) food in a holiday-like setting, Pai Thai is your scene.
Where: Pai Thai, Jumeirah Al Qasr
Contact: @paithaidubai
Nobu
Nobu needs no introduction. After 14 years at The Avenues in Atlantis The Palm, the world-famous Japanese hotspot has moved to an even more iconic location, right at the top of the resort on the 22nd floor. Taking over what was once The Royal Bridge Suite, the new space is bigger, sleeker, and comes with the ocean in full view. Think stunning sights of Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf, best enjoyed from the terrace with a plate of crispy rice and a perfectly mixed cocktail in hand.
Where: Nobu Dubai, Atlantis The Palm, 22nd floor, The Palm Jumeirah.
Contact: @nobudubai
Also read
8 of the best garden cafés in Dubai for a zen escape
Tasca by Jose Avillez
Located on the sixth floor of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, Tasca is a one-Michelin-starred gem from renowned Portuguese chef Jose Avillez. Known for his Michelin-starred Belcanto in Portugal, Tasca is his first international venture, bringing authentic Portuguese flavours with a modern twist to Dubai. The menu is rich in character, offering flavourful dishes, perfectly complemented by the largest selection of Portuguese wines in the city and an enticing range of craft cocktails. With stunning views of both Dubai’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf, the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining on a terrace that includes an infinity pool. For added ambiance, enjoy live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays.
Where: Tasca by Jose Avillez, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Jumeirah Beach Rd, Jumeirah, Jumeirah 1
Contact: @tascadubai
Taverna Greek Kitchen
A beloved homegrown Greek gem with a new aesthetic. Elegant yet relaxed, this Greek taverna is bright, cosy, and set right on the water. The menu balances comforting classics with creative twists, from flaming cheese saganaki and baby calamari souvlaki to Gulf tiger prawns, moussaka, and seafood pasta.
Where: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai
When: Daily 12pm to 12am
Contact: @tavernagreek.ae
Images: Archive
