Dubai is often renowned for its towering skyscrapers and vibrant markets. But it also offers electric dining scenes that tantalize every food enthusiast’s taste buds.
My recent experience in this cosmopolitan metropolis led me to some of the most exquisite dining establishments. Each offers unique flavors, ambiance, and an unforgettable dining experience. So here are my top recommended restaurants in Dubai, each with its culinary chapter.
1. Flamingo – Best for South African Flavors
The Flamingo Room by Tashas is best known for its contemporary menu, which focuses on South African flavors. It is best known for one of the most iconic Dubai dishes, “Calamari Mozambique.”
When I visited this restaurant, its stylish ambiance welcomed me. The restaurant is located within Jumeirah Al Naseem’s turtle lagoon. It has a bright pink and teal palette, zebra accents, velvet chairs, and hand-embroidered cushions made in Africa.
Its staff’s friendliness was genuine and heartfelt. The menu features unfussy staples like ribeye, burrata, quinoa salads, wildcards like butternut carpaccio, bomb Alaska, and peri-peri chicken.
All food was made fresh on order, so each dish’s service speed may vary. However, when I got the food, it truly stood out for its great taste, significant portions, and unique combinations.
What impressed me as much as the food was the location itself. Situated in the Hyatt area, Flamingo benefits from its surroundings and allows diners to explore the locale before or after their meal.
Moreover, to truly enjoy the wonderful experience that Flamingo Dubai provides, plan your visit around the sunset over Jumeirah Al Naseem’s turtle lagoon. Plus, explore the Hyatt area after – it’s the perfect way to turn your meal into a mini Dubai adventure!
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2. Nammos – Best for Mediterranean Cuisine
Drawing from the vibrant essence and sophistication of its Mykonos counterpart, Nammos Dubai lifts the dining scene with its luxurious beachfront ambiance. Nestled in the Four Seasons Resort at Jumeirah Beach, it’s uncompromisingly elegant and glamorous.
Moreover, it features signature umbrellas, pristine white sun loungers, tall palms, marble tiles, and whitewashed stone, collectively creating a Mediterranean feel.
The menu focuses on authentic Mediterranean ingredients, emphasizing seafood, sushi, and top-quality sharing chargrilled dishes with AED 400-500 average meal cost per person.
Despite the relaxed vibe, the menu was undeniably luxurious, including a separate caviar menu and various fresh pasta dishes. The restaurant also has a significant wine selection. For me, the food was delicious and fresh. Moreover, the greeting reception was appropriate and attractive.
Furthermore, to visit the Nammos, I recommend having a reservation, especially during the peak season. If you visit Nammos in winter, try to sit outside on the patio to enjoy the sunshine.
It’s one of the recommended restaurants in Dubai for those who enjoy Mediterranean elegance, high-quality seafood and meat, and a chic beachside atmosphere.
3. Amazonico – Best for Latin and Japanese Cuisine
Amazonico in Dubai is known for its beautiful decor and vibrant ambiance, reminiscent of an exotic rainforest. My experience at Amazonico was exceptional; it quickly became my favorite restaurant.
Located in the city’s heart, Amazonico provides tantalizing Latin and Japanese cuisines expertly curated by Chef Sandro Silva & Marta Seco.
The menu includes tropical sushi, fresh raw seafood, freshly selected grilled meats, and a unique sushi menu with vegetarian, seafood, and meat options for $27 – $163.
Here, you can enjoy a meal from lunch until late, and there is a business lunch menu called Menu Ejecutivo, which includes a wide variety of Latin American dishes.
Guests looking to entertain in a more intimate setting can hire the private dining space, accommodating up to 20 guests and providing the perfect setting for business lunches, birthday celebrations, and everything in between.
One of the meal highlights for me was the wine selection curated to complement the Latin American and Nikkei-inspired cuisine.
It’s best for those who enjoy vibrant, energetic, and unique dining experiences. Plus, live music and DJs draw those who want dynamic dining experiences.
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4. Miss Lillys – Best for Jamaican Cuisine
If you’re craving authentic Jamaican cuisine, there’s no place I’d rather be than Miss Lilly’s.
Located at the Sheraton Grand Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, it’s a carnival of colors and a laid-back and modern approach to classic Jamaican cooking.
I was greeted with genuine smiles and attentive service at this restaurant. The menu offered a variety of island specialties, such as jerk chicken, oxtail stew, and grilled jerk corn, all seasoned with traditional Jamaican spices. The food I got had satisfying portions with good flavors.
Moreover, in the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Miss Lily’s is easily accessible for tourists and locals, with valet parking available.
Also, the restaurant features old-school ska and reggae music from a custom-built Jamaican speaker stack wall. So, if you’re a Jamaican cuisine lover or looking to try something new, Miss Lilly’s is worth visiting. If you’re not in Dubai, you can enjoy their meal at the NYC or Negril branch.
5. Zuma – Best for Japanese Cuisine
Zuma is best known for its Japanese cuisine. The restaurant in the International Financial Centre has a modern, trendy vibe, perfect for a fun night out or special occasion.
Their menu includes sashimi, maki rolls, nigiri sushi, tempura, robata grilled veggies, seafood, wagyu, good salads, and some signature dishes.
My Zuma experience was a delightful fusion of Asian flavors, with fresh, melt-in-your-mouth sushi and an excellent Sunday brunch that deserves its praise. The staff was charming and provided friendly and efficient service.
Here, you can also enjoy vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals in the $25 – $100 range. Moreover, Zuma Dubai’s bar has won the Best Bar in the Middle East & Africa title for three years at The World’s 50 Best Bars awards. They are known for their drinks that use a lot of fruit and some delicious sake-led cocktails.
Moreover, other than Dubai, the restaurant has 17 more locations. Its consistently excellent Japanese cuisine and modern vibes make it a sought-after destination for residents and visitors.
6. Burj Khalifa – Best for Sky-High Dining
Dining at the restaurant in the Burj Khalifa gave me an experience that is hard to match. The food was good, but I felt there was room for improvement.
However, what truly sets this dining experience apart is the breathtaking view. The place looks fancy and makes you feel like you’re having a once-in-a-lifetime meal. Even though the food wasn’t the best I’ve ever had, the whole vibe of being up in the sky and seeing everything from up there made up for it.
For a first-time visit to the Burj Khalifa restaurant, try to book your table for sunset so, you can see the city in daylight, at sunset, and then lit up at night.
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Conclusion
So there you have it: my top 6 recommended restaurants in Dubai! Dubai offers unmatched and diverse dining experiences from around the globe. Here, you can enjoy a variety of cuisines from South African to Japanese. Moreover, each restaurant serves exquisite food and offers a memorable experience through its ambiance, service, and location.
So make sure to visit them for the diverse tastes and cultures they represent. If you’re still confused, I highly recommend visiting Amazonico. Its vibrant rainforest ambiance and Latin and Japanese cuisine simply won’t disappoint.
Taste in Transit 
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