If you’re anything like us, the glittering skyline of Dubai calls your name more often than not — and lucky for us in Bahrain, it’s practically next door. Whether you’re hopping on a quick 1-hour flight or road-tripping across the causeway and beyond, getting to Dubai is easy, breezy, and worth every mile — especially when there’s food involved.
From breezy beachfronts to buzzy backstreets, the city has something for every kind of foodie. Here’s our curated list of top restaurants we keep returning to — each tried, tested, and very much loved.
Our Travel page is brimming with guides on what to do and where to go outside of Bahrain. This guide, however, answers a very crucial question: where to eat in the city that never sleeps? Scroll to find out.
Dubai’s J1 Beach is already on everyone’s radar, and Sakhalin is one of the shiniest new jewels in its culinary crown. The brainchild of Russian restaurateur Boris Zarkov, this sleek seafood spot blends Mediterranean, Asian, and Russian influences in a way that feels both elegant and unexpected. Think black caviar on buttery blinis, delicate sashimi, and flavour-packed dishes designed to impress — all served against the soundtrack of the sea.
Socials: @sakhalin.dubai
If you haven’t dined at Zuma yet, are you even doing Dubai right? Perched in the DIFC, this modern Japanese dining institution is more than just sushi and sake, although both are excellent. With accolades like a spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars and the MENA restaurant list, Zuma nails that perfect balance of cool and consistently good. Don’t forget to head upstairs after dinner for cocktails and DJ sets — the kind of nightcap that makes you book a table again before even leaving.
Contact: +971 (4) 4255660
Socials: @zumadubai
Chef Salam Dakkak’s Bait Maryam doesn’t feel like a restaurant. It feels like a warm hug, a Friday family lunch, and a love letter to the Levant. Nestled in Jumeirah Lake Towers, it’s the kind of place where flavours come with stories. The food is soulful, the portions are generous, and there’s a real sense of purpose — showcasing Palestinian cuisine with pride and heart. Order the musakhan, stay for the knafeh, and don’t be surprised if you get emotional in between.
Contact: +971 (54) 7044774
Socials: @bait.maryam
Live jazz, low lighting, and cocktails that hit just right — Nola is the sort of spot where the evening slips away in all the best ways. This Southern-inspired speakeasy-style restaurant channels the spirit of 19th-century New Orleans, with a splash of Caribbean spice and French finesse. Whether you’re in the mood for shrimp po’boys or slow-cooked short ribs, there’s always something comforting on the menu — and the music? Always on point.
Contact: +971 (4) 3998155
Socials: @noladubai
Hidden in plain sight in DIFC, BOCA is the cool kid of the Spanish food scene in Dubai. It’s got a relaxed, buzzy vibe with dishes that are inventive without being over the top. The focus here is big on sustainability — from locally sourced ingredients to a wine list that celebrates organic vineyards. It’s the kind of place where you come for tapas and end up staying for hours, nibbling through the menu and chatting over natural wine. Bonus points for their funky art and no-fuss charm.
Contact: +971 (4) 3231833
Socials: @bocadubai
Next time you’re in Dubai (which could be next weekend, let’s be honest), bookmark this list. Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or just hungry and curious, these spots deliver something special every single time. Oh, and if you discover a new favourite of your own, send us a tip. We’re always planning our next bite.
