Crunching the meaty numbers
June 2024. Another enquiry for ‘Dubai’s Best Steak’. How is this not a Laura Lai reel question, I don’t know. Again, I shrug and say: ‘not sure’.
So it began. 18 months of invites, dinners, and client lunches. I think I’ve eaten close to 90 different steaks since then, in the pursuit of a great steakhouse, or purveyor of steaks. Coincidentally, three people told me how much weight I’d put on today.
My non-negotiables are:
- The steak must have a proper, full char. The Maillard reaction must be thorough. If you cook for style – i.e. char lines – I’m not even coming to try it. You are robbing me of flavour.
- Speaking of flavour. Give me fat. Nicely rendered, juicy fat.
- I prefer a cheaper type of meat. Wow me with your cuisson, not your procurement budget.
- Keep it classic with the sauce and the sides. Yes, please to Bordelaise, peppercorn, pommes purée.
- Have 2-3 go-to wines across different budgets that pair with your meats.
I say ‘non-negotiable’ but it’s Dubai and a fair amount of Wagyu must pass my lips in the name of culinary journalism. Nick Alvis of The Beam has been cooking unbelievable steaks for me, for nearly 10 years. From our conversations, he shares that good quality meat with decent fat content and properly cooked on both sides is all you need.
So, who does it best and why? This is not a ranking system, but at the top of the list is my go-to restaurant from the 18 steaks/steakhouses that tick the boxes.
Beefbar, Jumeirah Al Naseem
Superb cuts, great cooking, six different types of mash, a bounty of sauces, a belter of a wine list, and a view to enjoy. Always my number one recommendation.
Beefbar steak frites
Mimi Kakushi, Four Seasons Resort
If you have ever seen a lime green Mustang swerve across three lanes into the Four Seasons, that’s me pulling in for a striploin steak and negroni at the bar. Sumptuous.
Mimi Kakushi Striploin
La Petite Maison Dubai, DIFC
A ribeye so outrageous that I swapped turkey for La Petite Maison Dubai on Christmas Day. The best char on a piece of meat I have ever seen. Will I ever deviate from escargots 🡪 ribeye 🡪 cheesecake? I sincerely hope not.
RARE Brasserie, City Walk
Great meat and sultry date-night vibes; the steaks come with a flavoursome je ne sais quoi that makes it one-of-a-kind in the city. Arguably, the most impressive wine list for a good pairing with your meats.
The Guild, DIFC
Naughty, sticky jus caresses the meat that is perfectly cooked over fire. The steak bavette is a humble wonder to adore. Special shoutout to the Beef Wellington that is the standard for everyone else to try and match. Good luck.
The Beam by Nick Alvis
Wonderful Westholme meat is cooked to perfection. There’s no frippery on the plate. Just glorious meat, standing proud. I don’t even bother with cutlery here. Plate 🡪 fingers 🡪 mouth.
CQ Brasserie, JLT
When one describes your steak as “incontournable” as a dish that is so synonymous with the venue that it cannot be missed, then you know the simple concept of steak frites is a winner. I’ve been eating at CQ for as long as I can remember and I never order anything else. Always busy for a reason.
CQ Brasserie steak frites
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Maison Dali, Business Bay
My self-declared “steak of 2025’ was the Nishiawa A5 Tenderloin. OK, it breaks my own rules for fancy cuts but sweet Lord, the tableside flambée did something that my brain cannot explain. One for a special occasion. Or, when your dad is paying.
Riviera by Jean Imbert, The Lana
THE best tenderloin in the city. Incredible crust. Towering presence. Humbly priced. Slightly peppery sauce oozes over the top. Best enjoyed on the terrace in the winter.
Jun’s, Downtown
Arguably, the sexiest lunch menu steak in town belongs to Kelvin Cheung. A seriously dark, well-glazed sear envelopes the juicy meat within. Magic for mere dirhams.
The Meat Co, multiple locations
By far the best meat franchise in town. Fun vibes, good range of meats, and having ‘worked’ in their kitchen, I know their secrets to an incredible sauce.
Josette, DIFC
Whether it’s the humbler cuts for the lunch menu, or the serious nature of the evening ribeye, the cooking is pure and the flavours abound. Josette has some amazing sauces, but you know what? You don’t even need them.
City Social, Dubai Marina
Best steak with a view? A must-try for your date night, or special occasion. Or just a random Monday Meat Up for some properly cooked ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin.
Sucre, DIFC
Admittedly, I’ve not eaten anything other than the brilliantly blackened tomahawk with a bottle of Malbec. It’s so good, so why would I? Another one where cutlery is not needed.
Two Birds One Stone, SZR
My wildcard. My ‘hidden wonder’. Quiet rooftop venue with a stonker of a steak that has a classic Café de Paris butter to ooze over the meat. OK, some char-lines but on top of a full contact cook.
The Nine, Sofitel the Obelisk
Given my proclivity for a good Beef Wellington, the only other version that had me comparing to The Guild deserves a shout. I’ve no idea what their actual steaks are like but I sure want to find out.
Bistro des Arts, Dubai Marina
The filet de Boeuf is shareable for two people and priced under AED 400. Classically cooked and many great wine choices to go with it. If I ever approach melancholy, the BDA meat lifts me up, avec escargots, of course.
Butcher & Still, Abu Dhabi
I’m throwing it in because it’s special. Chef Marshall brings his brand of fire cookery to meet 1920s prohibition-era Chicago steakhouse vibes. Unbelievable meat. A genuinely special steakhouse that somehow eludes Dubai.
I’ve omitted ten-to-twenty restaurants that could have made the list. The ones that made it have all had repeat visits, or I have sent people there on my recommendations.
I’m quite keen to round this list to 20. Which two steaks need to be added?
Image credit: Supplied
With over two decades of experience in food writing and hospitality consultancy, Matthew has chronicled the evolution of the Middle East’s dining scene for international titles and regional platforms alike. A Key Opinion Leader and occasional judge, as well as the founder of APEX Mystery Shoppers, he brings a unique perspective shaped by thousands of restaurant visits across Europe and the GCC.
