Top Must-Try Restaurants for Newcomers in Dubai

Just landed in Dubai? Forget about easing in, this city throws you straight into a dining scene that’s as over-the-top as its skyline. One day you’re cracking into buttery lobster by the beach, the next you’re dunking warm falafels into tahini, and before you know it, you’ve discovered the kind of brunch that deserves its own time zone. Whether you’re here for a quick look or settling in for the long haul, these are the restaurants every first-timer has to tick off.

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At.Mosphere at Burj Khalifa

Want to dine higher than the clouds? At.mosphere on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa is basically dinner that comes with bragging rights. And here’s the twist, you’ve got two ways to play it: the Restaurant for full-on fine dining experience, or the Lounge & Bar for a mix of cocktails, afternoon teas, and a more relaxed, laid-back energy.

In the Restaurant, the vibe is all about culinary flexing: wagyu, caviar, and foie gras with Dubai’s skyline as your dinner guest. Over at the Lounge & Bar, the pace is a little more relaxed by day (cue the legendary afternoon tea and dainty desserts) before shifting into high gear at night with sunset cocktails and moody city views.

Both sides come with that pinch-me moment of “I’m literally eating inside the Burj Khalifa”. Yes, it’s a splurge, but it’s the kind of bucket-list indulgence every newcomer should tick off once. Pro tip: book a sunset slot for the full city-lights-to-night-sky drama.

You can give them a ring at +971 4 888 3828 or check them out online at At.mosphere Burj Khalifa

Barasti

If Dubai had a poster child for beach vibes, Barasti would be it. This legendary beach bar has been running the party since the ’90s, and it’s still packed with energy day and night. Think sandy toes, live sports on giant screens, ice-cold drinks, and DJs that keep the place buzzing till the early hours.

During the day, it sports a chill vibe with loungers by the water, crunchy nachos, seafood platters, and a breezy crowd. By night, it flips into full-on festival mode with themed nights and live bands.

It’s touristy, sure, but it’s also a rite of passage. Every Dubai newbie ends up here at least once, whether for sundowners with that postcard-perfect Marina view or just to say you’ve finally experienced the Barasti night out.

You can give them a ring at +971 4 318 1313 or check them out online at Barasti

Bubbalicious Brunch

If brunch in Dubai had a crown, Bubbalicious at The Westin would be wearing it. This isn’t just your average weekend spread, it’s three restaurants rolled into one massive all-you-can-eat extravaganza.

They boast sushi counters that never end, roast stations that are like a royal feast, live cooking corners, mountains of seafood, and dessert tables that make you feel like a kid in Willy Wonka’s factory. Add in free-flowing bubbly, live music, magicians, and even acrobats on some weekends, and you’ve got a brunch that feels more like a festival than a meal.

Although it might seem like a lot, it’s the gold standard for anyone trying to understand why Dubai takes brunch so seriously. If you’re new to town, Bubbalicious Brunch isn’t optional, it’s a must-visit.

You can give them a ring at +971 4 399 4141.

Orfali Bros.

Some restaurants are flashy, but Orfali Bros is just brilliant. Tucked away in Wasl 51, this homegrown bistro by three brothers (Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar) has been making waves far beyond Dubai, earning them global buzz with a spot in the Top 50 Restaurants in MENA.

The vibe is casual, the space is cozy, but the food? Wildly creative.

Instead of sticking to one cuisine, the menu hops borders. Their OB cheese burger, Orfali Bayildi, Burnt Leeks & Truffle Pide, and their personal favorite Umami Eclair are the kind of dishes that make foodies book return visits before they’ve even finished dessert. It’s playful, unexpected, and yet rooted in family tradition.

For newcomers, Orfali Bros is where you discover Dubai’s food scene isn’t just about glamour, it’s also about chefs rewriting the rules, one dish at a time.

You can give them a ring at +971 4 2592 477 or check them out online at ORFALI BROS.

Arabian Tea House

Welcome to Dubai’s timeless crowd-pleaser. Arabian Tea House has been holding court in Al Fahidi since ’97, and it’s basically the postcard version of old Dubai with its white rattan chairs, fluttering curtains, and bougainvillea peeking through the courtyard.

The menu? A love letter to Emirati flavors. Think balaleet (sweet vermicelli topped with an omelet), chebab pancakes drizzled with date syrup, fresh tanoor bread oozing with cheese, and an Emirati breakfast spread that could easily feed a small army. Add to that over a hundred types of tea and gahwa (Arabic coffee) that packs a punch, and you’ll see why locals, celebs, and first-timers keep coming back.

It’s more than just a pit stop, it’s where you pause after a culture walk, linger for hours with friends, and inevitably Instagram the courtyard (because, let’s be real, it’s gorgeous). Pro tip: head early in the morning before the brunch crowd takes over. And if you’re stuck on what to order, get the Emirati breakfast tray, tanoor cheese bread, and don’t leave without a side of luqaimat. Its just pure Dubai vibes.

You can give them a ring at +971 4 353 5071 or check them out online at Arabian Tea House.

Ravi Restaurant

Every city has that one no-frills spot everyone swears by, In Dubai, its Ravi Restaurant. This Pakistani eatery in Satwa has been feeding the city since the late ’70s, and it’s basically an institution at this point.

The food here is the star! Chicken tikka that arrives still sizzling, mutton Peshawari that melts off the bone, and buttery naans that are dangerously addictive. And the bill? Shockingly low for the hype and quality food you get.

Enjoy the sweet chaos of steaming plates flying out of the kitchen, and a mix of taxi drivers, families, expats, and the occasional celebrities (Snoop Dogg, Craig David, and even Sheikh Hamdan have eaten here).

For a Dubai newbie, skipping Ravi is like skipping shawarma. You simply cannot do it.

You can give them a ring at +971 4 331 5353

Saffron 2.0

If Dubai brunches had a wild child, it would be Saffron 2.0 at Atlantis The Palm. This is less “laid-back weekend” and more “all-out party disguised as brunch.”

They have over 200 dishes spanning every cuisine you can dream up, from Asian street food, Indian curries, fresh seafood, live BBQs, and dim sum, to desserts that look almost too pretty to eat. Add in bottomless drinks, live DJs, themed stations, and a crowd that’s here to let loose, and you’ve got yourself the city’s most infamous Saturday ritual.

It’s loud, and it’s extra, in absolutely the best way. For newcomers, Saffron 2.0 is less about the food alone (though that’s excellent) and more about the spectacle. Bring your appetite, your party shoes, and maybe a bit of stamina, because you’ll surely need all three.

You can give them a ring at +971 4 4262 626 or check them out online at Saffron Restaurant

Salt

Some spots are all about the hype, and some actually live up to it. Salt at Kite Beach somehow does both. What started as a humble food truck slinging sliders has grown into a full-blown Dubai icon, complete with picnic tables, fairy lights, and that unbeatable beach backdrop.

It’s the kind of place where you grab wagyu sliders or spicy chicken sandwiches, kick back with a Lotus softie (their fan-favourite ice cream), and watch the kitesurfers dance across the waves.

It’s casual, it’s cool, and it nails Dubai’s laid-back side. No white tablecloths, just salty sea air and seriously good comfort food. It’s the perfect way to see that not everything in this city needs to be over-the-top glamourous. Sometimes, burgers by the beach is all you need.

You can give them a ring at +971600555551 or check them out online at Salt

Time Out Market

If you can’t decide what to eat, Time Out Market is basically the cheat code.

Tucked inside Souk Al Bahar overlooking the Burj Khalifa, it’s a one-stop hub where the city’s best chefs and restaurants set up shop under one roof. We’re talking everything from BB Social’s bao buns, to the super famous Izu Burger, and even top-notch desserts and specialty coffee.

The vibe? A lively food hall with a skyline backdrop. Grab a seat on the terrace for front-row fountain shows while you dig into whatever cuisine you’re in the mood for. It’s casual enough for a quick lunch, lively enough for a night out, and perfect for groups who can never agree on what to order.

You can give them a ring at +971543752421 or check them out online at Time Out Market Dubai

URLA

URLA is Dubai's rooftop dining experience that's straight out of a glossy travel magazine. Located on the Fountain Level of Address Downtown, this Mediterranean-inspired hotspot brings together Aegean flavors, chic interiors, and those all-important Burj Khalifa views.

One second you’re enjoying fresh oysters and wood-fired octopus, the next you’re sipping cocktails while the Dubai Fountain show plays out practically at your feet.

It’s stylish, buzzy, and tailor-made for golden-hour dining that stretches into late-night lounging. The menu is seafood-heavy, with mezze, paella, and their standout grilled fish. For a first-timer, URLA is that quintessential “Dubai dinner with a view” moment, glamorous, delicious, and absolutely Instagram-ready.

You can give them a ring at +971 04 422 1709 or check them out online at URLA Restaurant

Zaroob

When you’re after Middle Eastern street food done right, Zaroob is the perfect choice.

The food hits all the comfort notes. Shawarmas carved just right, fresh manakish hot from the oven, golden falafel, and juices that taste like summer in a glass. Prices are friendly, portions are generous, and the vibe is pure fun.

The name means “small alley,” and that’s exactly what it feels like with its neon signs, sizzling grills, and the energy of a late-night street food spot. It’s casual, quick, and always buzzing. Taxi drivers and night owls all agree, it’s the city's best 24/7 dining stop.

You can give them a ring at +971 4 3853 592 or check them out online at Zaroob Restaurant

Zuma

Zuma is Dubai's definition of “power dining”. This sleek Japanese restaurant in DIFC has been the city’s go-to for business big shots, celebs, and anyone who wants to feel part of the scene for over a decade.

The food is where Zuma seals the deal! The top choices are their miso-marinated black cod that basically melts on contact, signature spicy beef tenderloin, sushi and sashimi so fresh you'll remember their taste forever, and those robata-grilled skewers that disappear way too quickly. Their cocktails too are just as sharp, Asian-inspired mixes that match the food’s punch.

The vibe? Dimly lit, buzzy, and impossibly cool without even trying. For a first-timer, Zuma is less about if you go and more about when you'll go. It’s the kind of place that proves Dubai’s dining scene can be both world-class and effortlessly stylish.

You can give them a ring at +971 4 4255 660 or check them out online at Zuma Restaurant

Dubai’s dining scene is as bold and varied as the city itself with glitzy rooftops, beachside bites, and brunches that double as full-blown events. Regardless of how long you're in town for, these spots give you the perfect crash course in how Dubai eats, drinks, and celebrates food.

So go on, book the fancy spots, stumble into the casual ones, and don’t forget to grab that late-night shawarma along the way. Because in Dubai, eating out isn’t just about the food, it’s about the adventure.