Dubai is known for its luxurious ambiance, futuristic architecture and vibrant energy. What's more, the metropolis on the Persian Gulf has become an exciting destination for discerning connoisseurs in recent years.
Dubai is a city of superlatives – and justifiably so. This can also be said of the recently opened five-star hotel The Lana Dubai by The Dorchester Collection. Here, luxury and elegance go hand in hand. The interiors are first-class, as are the hotel's own restaurants and its location – particularly the infinity pool on the roof gives an unobstructed view of the skyscrapers of central Dubai, including the iconic Burj Khalifa. Of course, the service here is second to none. Like all sweet-toothed visitors to Dubai, we are interested in the trendy Dubai chocolate. The original version can only be ordered online twice a day; it is then delivered exclusively within the city. We try our luck with the help of the concierge. But even then, actually getting a taste remains a gamble.
For lunch, we drive to the One Za'abeel hotel, where six restaurants await on the huge bridge connecting two towers, better known as "The Link". The most exclusive is La Dame de Pic, run by French three-star chef Anne-Sophie Pic. Not all Michelin-starred chefs' establishments are worth recommending, but in Dubai, the standard is remarkable – and Madame Pic is no exception. Impeccable craftsmanship is one thing – but here, the quality is also beyond impressive.
Before relaxing by the pool at the hotel, we take a detour to the Dubai Mall – perfect for a shopping tour, with a food court that is varied and authentic, with the well-known gourmet tour operator Frying Pan Adventures even offering a tour of the premises for some time now. The Time Out Market is also within walking distance – a food hall with 17 restaurants and three bars, built to emulate the eponymous original in Lisbon.
A big surprise awaits in the evening: We have a reservation at Kuv's Secret Supper Club, where the charismatic and talented chef Kuv serves a menu in a private residence. You share a table with strangers and quickly strike up a conversation – with tourists and, above all, locals. A real Dubai highlight.
The Lana Dubai is located next to a small marina where several luxury yachts are moored. When it's a little cooler in the winter, it's worth grabbing a seat on the terrace of the Riviera by Jean Imbert for breakfast. Here, they are proud of their authentic French pastries which they make in-house – and anyone who has tasted them can see why.
Around midday, we drive towards the Jumeirah district, which stretches along the coastline. The Quartier La Mer awaits here, beckoning with a break on the beach. Even if you don't want to swim, you'll find something to your liking here: ample street art, modern industrial design and a variety of restaurants ensure there's something for everyone.
However, we won't enjoy lunch on the beach – just a few minutes' drive away are two of the hippest addresses in the area: the recently opened Sufret Maryam and Orfali Bros. We opt for the former: Chef Salam Dakkak, who works here, was born in Palestine, grew up in Jordan and lived in Saudi Arabia and the US before coming to Dubai. In 2023, she was named Best Female Chef in the Middle East and Africa for her first restaurant, Bait Maryam. Dakkak is just as proud of this achievement as she is of her food: Levantine home cooking that always comes with a twist. We move on, full and satisfied.
After a break at the hotel, we head out to the Jumeirah Palm, the artificial island that has already become a city landmark. With two Atlantis hotels and their restaurants, the Michelin-star density here is particularly high. The Trèsind Studio is found at the base of the "tree". It is here that three-star chef Himanshu Saini (since 2025) and his team serve a 17-course journey through India. The menu offers flavors and aromas that are unfamiliar to Western palates; the purist ambience and perfectly orchestrated service contribute to the overall experience. A real culinary highlight that fits perfectly in Dubai – after all, Indians are the largest population subgroup in the metropolis.
It's easy to forget that Dubai has not always been a city of tomorrow, with skyscrapers sprouting like mushrooms. The Al-Fahidi district, for example, is full of historic buildings, erected by merchants at the end of the 19th century drawn by its convenient location near the Dubai Creek. The Arabian Tea House is a famed preserver of the region's original cuisine – rice dishes, beans, chickpeas, flatbread and, surprisingly, canned baked beans, cream cheese and hot sauce are served for breakfast. These are all products that were imported bacck when there were no refrigerators. Food culture can sometimes be quite surprising.
After a short tour of the historic quarter, we are drawn to the Jameel Arts Center. This modern building complex is also found on Dubai Creek, but a little further inland. Open since 2018, it was one of the first institutions for modern art in the city. Today, there are many galleries and museums. One of the most prominent is the eye-catching Museum of the Future, which is dedicated to researching and shaping developments in science, technology and society.
We stay at the Jameel Arts Center for lunch. The restaurant Teible is dedicated to local produce, which have been promoted for some time and are becoming increasingly present. A development that is giving the city's food scene an additional boost, more and more fruit and vegetables are being produced in the Emirates, whereas for many years practically all food had to be imported. The dishes at Teible are contemporary and have a strong Japanese influence. Much of the food is preserved or fermented, and the restaurant also has its own herb garden, which provides additional inspiration.
We take it easy on our last evening in Dubai, dining at Jara by Martín Berasategui on the 18th floor of The Lana Dubai. The meat and fish of the exceptional Basque chef are prepared over an open fire which is visible from the dining room. The view of the city center couldn't be better from here.
Hotels
THE LANA DUBAI
Open since spring 2024, the hotel from The Dorchester Collection is one of the hottest new luxury addresses in the city.
Marasi Drive, Business Bay
T: +971 4 5417777
dorchestercollection.com/dubai/the-lana
PARK HYATT DUBAI
The resort-like, spacious hotel is an oasis away from the skyscrapers, with first-class dining and an amazing pool.
Dubai Creek Club St - Port Saeed
T: +971 4 6021234
hyatt.com
ATLANTIS THE PALM
The Dubai icon – and also a top destination for foodies. There are currently three Michelin-starred restaurants in the building – with more to come!
Palm Jumeirah, Crescent Rd, The Palm Jumeirah
T: +971 4 4260000
atlantis.com
ONE & ONLY THE PALM
Exclusive boutique beach resort on the Palm Jumeirah. Located on a secluded peninsula with spectacular views of the skyline.
West Crescent, Palm, Jumeirah
T: +971 4 4401010
oneandonlyresorts.com
Restaurants & Bars
LA DAME DE PIC
The exceptional French chef Anne-Sophie Pic's outpost in Dubai. She skillfully incorporates regional ingredients into her classic dishes.
The Link - 25 floor Za'abeel 1 - Za'abeel
T: +971 4 6661617
ladamedepicdubai.com
SUFRET MARYAM
Chef Salam Dakkak serves Levantine comfort food, which she refines with fresh, new ideas.
Wasl 51, Jumeirah 1
T: +971 50 4172272
sufretmaryam.com
ARABIAN TEA HOUSE
Opened in 1997, this was one of the first eateries to promote local Emirati cuisine. A must-visit for every foodie in Dubai.
Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai
T: +971 4 3535071
arabianteahouse.com
TRÈSIND STUDIO
The two-star Indian restaurant is currently one of the top addresses in Dubai. The 17-course menu takes you through all regions of India.
St. Regis Gardens, The Palm Jumeirah
T: +971 58 8951272
tresindstudio.com
STUDIO FRANTZEN
The mix of bistro and bar by Swedish top chef Björn Frantzén is the latest attraction at Atlantis the Palm.
Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Rd, The Palm Jumeirah
T: +971 54 5843105
studiofrantzendubai.com
TEIBLE
The sustainable restaurant focuses on local produce, which is served (almost) exclusively.
Jameel Arts Center, Ground Floor Jaddaf -Waterfont
T: +971 4 2436683
teible.com
JARA BY MARTÍN BERASATEGUI
In the Basque chef's restaurant at The Lana Dubai, the large grill takes center stage. The best ingredients are used.
Marasi Dr - Business Bay
T: +971 4 5417755
dorchestercollection.com/dubai/the-lana
ZUMA
A longtime classic in Dubai, with contemporary Japanese cuisine that delights Dubai residents and tourists alike. In the evening, the restaurant becomes a trendy bar.
Gate Village 6, DIFC
T: +971 4 4255660
zumarestaurant.com
LOWE
Located in a residential complex in a relatively new part of town. It serves healthy, feel-good dishes with a focus on sustainability.
KOA Canvas, Al Barari, Wadi Al Safa 3
T: +971 4 3201890
lowe-dubai.com
ORFALI BROS.
The bistro run by Syrian brothers Mohammad, Wassim and Omar Orfali is one of the absolute favorites of Dubai's food community.
Wasl 51 Mall, Jumeirah 1
T: +971 4 2592477
orfalibros.com
MONKEY BAR
The bar on the roof of the 25 Hours Hotel has an inviting jungle ambience, fantastic drinks and a spectacular view.
Trade Center St - off Sheikh Zayed Road
T: +971 4 2102566
monkeybardubai.com
Places of interest
DUBAI MALL & BURJ KALIFA
Dubai's city center is also a must for foodies – the Dubai Mall and the Time Out Market offer an enormous selection.
Downtown Dubai
thedubaimall.com, burijkhalifa.ae
LA MER BEACH
One of Dubai's public beaches. The hip district invites you to linger with its street art, stores and restaurants.
Jumeirah 1, Dubai
visitdubai.com
MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE
The Museum of the Future resembles an eye and is decorated with Arabic calligraphy, with the inside a showcase for the future of science.
67CP+H4Q, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Trade Center
T: +971 800 2071
museumofthefuture.ae
