When the occasion calls for something unforgettable, start here
Dubai has perfected the art of dining as a celebration. In a city that thrives on spectacle, every meal can feel like an occasion, but some places take it to another level. These are the restaurants made for milestones, where the food is unforgettable, the atmosphere electric, and the storytelling as rich as the dishes themselves. From underwater tasting menus and theatrical dining rooms to MICHELIN-starred artistry and homegrown brilliance, here are Dubai’s most extraordinary tables for when only the best will do.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
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From the mind of the world-renowned British chef Heston Blumenthal, Dinner brings history to life through cuisine. The restaurant’s concept draws on centuries-old British recipes dating back to the 1300s – from the 14th-century ‘Meat Fruit’ to the modernised ‘Tipsy Cake’ – all recreated using cutting-edge techniques. Its Dubai outpost at Atlantis The Royal mirrors the creativity of the London flagship, blending storytelling, spectacle, and a sense of culinary heritage.
FZN by Björn Frantzén
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Swedish chef Björn Frantzén brings his three-MICHELIN-starred philosophy to Dubai with FZN, one of the city’s most talked-about openings at Atlantis The Palm. The 27-seater restaurant blends Nordic sensibility with Japanese precision, offering an evolving tasting menu that balances technique, emotion, and artistry. FZN’s arrival cements Dubai’s standing among the world’s great dining capitals, offering one of the most refined experiences in the region.
KRASOTA
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At the crossroads of fine dining and visual art, KRASOTA delivers a multi-sensory journey where cuisine meets immersive theatre. Conceived by the White Rabbit Family and directed by Russian chef Vladimir Mukhin, the experience accommodates just 20 guests per show. Each menu is tied to a visual performance projected across the space, combining flavour, art, light, and storytelling. It is an avant-garde concept that turns dinner into performance art, redefining what dining out means in Dubai.
MANAO
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Exquisite Thai dining finds new life at MANAO, led by chef Abhiraj Khatwani, under the patronage of Mohamed Orfali. Combining bold Southeast Asian flavours with precision and refinement, MANAO was one of the biggest openings of this year, and has earned acclaim, and also a MICHELIN star, for its creative tasting menus and commitment to balance and vibrancy. The dishes showcase a deep understanding of Thai culinary philosophy while incorporating modern techniques and artistic presentation.
Moonrise
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Located in the charming lanes of Satwa, Moonrise is one of Dubai’s most exclusive dining experiences, seating just 12 guests around a counter that faces the open kitchen. Created by Syrian-French chef Solemann Haddad, Moonrise showcases a refined tasting menu that pays a hearty tribute to the childhood of Dubai and third-culture cooking. Bred in Dubai himself, Haddad brings that personal and progressive feel, blending storytelling, culinary art, and the city’s skyline in one.
Ossiano
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Ten metres below the surface of Atlantis The Palm, Ossiano is a dining experience surrounded by the shimmering life of the Ambassador Lagoon. Formerly led by acclaimed French chef Grégoire Berger, Ossiano has become one of Dubai’s most awarded fine-dining restaurants, recognised by the MENA’s 50 Best Awards for its theatrical service and ocean-inspired tasting menu. Each course reflects coastal cultures, crafted from sustainably sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients, in an atmosphere that feels both intimate and cinematic.
Row on 45
Situated in Grosvenor House, Row on 45 is helmed by British chef Jason Atherton, who brings his MICHELIN pedigree to Dubai through a meticulously choreographed fine-dining experience. The restaurant name refers to the 45 seats across its three connected spaces, each one marking a different stage of the culinary journey: The Entrance, The Kitchen, and The Dining Room. Seasonal tasting menus highlight global influences with a strong nod to British craft, all served with impeccable hospitality and precision.
TakaHisa
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A collaboration between sushi master Takashi Namekata and wagyu specialist Hisao Ueda, TakaHisa is Dubai’s definitive destination for Japanese omakase. Every ingredient is sourced from Japan’s Toyosu Market and top wagyu prefectures, ensuring exceptional quality. The intimate counter setting and tailored service offer one of the most authentic Japanese dining experiences in the UAE, blending tradition, technique, and craftsmanship.
The Guild
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A homegrown triumph, The Guild reimagines the grandeur of a European brasserie through the lens of Dubai’s modern dining scene. Located in the ICD Brookfield, it’s divided into distinct spaces – The Nurseries for casual gatherings, The Rockpool for seafood, The Salon for elegant dining, and The Aviary for cocktails and late-night celebration. With its open kitchens, roaring energy, and all-day-to-late-night format, The Guild feels both timeless and of the moment.
Trèsind Studio
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One of the true pioneers of Dubai’s modern dining scene, Trèsind Studio redefined Indian gastronomy when it first opened in 2018, continuing the work it’s predecessor, Trèsind started. Under the creative direction of chef Himanshu Saini, the restaurant continues to push boundaries with its tasting menus that pair nostalgia with innovation, from reimagined chaat to intricate degustation-style courses. Now holding three MICHELIN stars, Trèsind Studio remains a benchmark for contemporary Indian fine dining in the city.
Image credit: @krasota.restaurant.dubai on Instagram
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
