Dining Delights : As the weekend approaches, Dubai’s dynamic food scene promises a culinary adventure that caters to every craving. Whether you’re a brunch enthusiast, a lover of fine dining, or simply exploring the city’s latest food trends, there are countless options awaiting your taste buds. From Mediterranean elegance and upscale Chinese flavors to classic French bistros and lively rooftop brunches, Dubai is a gourmet paradise ready to be savored. For the weekend of May 16–18, we’ve curated a list of seven of the best restaurants to visit, each offering a unique ambiance and exceptional cuisine to elevate your dining experience.
1. TATEL Dubai – Spanish Sophistication Meets Weekend Brunch
Located at the Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection, TATEL Dubai offers a touch of Spanish flair infused with Dubai’s cosmopolitan lifestyle. This weekend, the “Entre Amigos Brunch” is the perfect reason to gather your closest companions for a vibrant yet refined afternoon.
Expect a symphony of flavors with starters like crispy Andalusian-style squid, garlic shrimp, and chicken croquetas, followed by show-stopping mains such as creamy seafood rice or succulent beef tenderloin served with chimichurri. The Basque-style cheesecake or a selection of traditional Spanish desserts concludes the meal on a sweet high.
Guests can choose from three carefully crafted beverage packages: the Valencia non-alcoholic option (Dhs355), the Madrid experience with Cava (Dhs455), or the lavish Dubai package with Champagne (Dhs725). The brunch runs from 2 PM to 6 PM on Saturday, making it an ideal midday retreat in style.
2. Observatory Bar & Grill – Stargaze Brunch with City Lights
If you’re searching for a brunch experience with a twist, look no further than Observatory Bar & Grill. Located in Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, this high-rise venue transforms into a dazzling spectacle every Friday night with its “STARGAZE” brunch.
Starting at 8 PM and continuing until 11 PM, diners are treated to a three-course sharing menu featuring a blend of international favorites, from Sake Maki Rolls and Wagyu Sliders to rich mains and indulgent Churros with chocolate sauce. DJs, dancers, and entertainers enhance the nightlife vibe, all set against the glittering skyline.
Pricing is flexible with packages for every preference—Dhs295 for the soft drinks option, Dhs345 for house beverages, Dhs395 for the premium experience, or a VIP booth for up to 6 guests at Dhs2,500.
3. Bab El Bahr – Mediterranean Beauty in the Heart of Downtown
Downtown Dubai’s latest culinary gem, Bab El Bahr, invites guests into a coastal Mediterranean world inspired by the Levant. The restaurant’s design mirrors a charming Mediterranean port, with whitewashed arches, sea-blue tones, and soft lighting. Olive trees and earthy textures create an immersive dining ambiance.
The menu is a celebration of the sea and its surrounding cultures. Highlights include freshly shucked oysters, yellowfin tuna tartare, grilled whole sea bass, and Levantine dips like hummus and baba ghanoush with artisanal bread. It’s a sensory escape without leaving the city.
Perfect for a romantic evening or a group celebration, Bab El Bahr is located on Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard in the Boulevard 29 Building and is already becoming a go-to spot for foodies who appreciate detail in both décor and dining.
4. SHI – Elevated Chinese Cuisine on Bluewaters Island
For those craving Asian fusion with finesse, SHI on Bluewaters Island is a must-visit. This upscale Chinese restaurant pairs contemporary elegance with authentic flavor profiles, making every visit a celebration of culinary craftsmanship.
The curated menu showcases dishes like traditional Peking duck prepared tableside, truffle shrimp dumplings, crispy soft-shell crab, and wok-fried beef tenderloin with Sichuan pepper. The setting—complete with ambient lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows—offers uninterrupted views of the skyline and sea.
Whether you’re on a date night or enjoying a meal with friends, SHI delivers a memorable experience rooted in flavor and flair.
5. Duck & Waffle – Sky-High Dining with a Twist
Occupying a striking space in the heart of the city, Duck & Waffle brings British-European cuisine to new heights—literally and figuratively. With its stunning views and playful take on comfort food, it’s become a hotspot for Dubai’s trendy crowd.
Its signature dish—the namesake duck leg confit served on a waffle with maple syrup—is both whimsical and indulgent. But the broader menu surprises and delights with options like ox cheek doughnuts, spicy ox heart skewers, and a refined take on the full English breakfast.
With its lively atmosphere, sleek interior, and 24-hour service on some days, Duck & Waffle is ideal for both early risers and night owls seeking culinary satisfaction with a view.
6. Loona – Contemporary Cool Meets Global Cuisine
Newly opened and quickly making waves, Loona brings a chic, modern aesthetic to Dubai’s restaurant landscape. Located in one of the city’s emerging cultural districts, this venue offers a dining experience that’s equal parts stylish and soulful.
Loona’s menu reflects a fusion of international cuisines with a Middle Eastern touch. Think burrata salad with za’atar pesto, grilled lamb with pomegranate molasses, and pistachio baklava cheesecake. The chef’s commitment to seasonal and local ingredients ensures freshness in every bite.
With minimalist décor, creative plating, and a buzzing atmosphere, Loona is the go-to for those who love food as much as they love Instagram-worthy settings.
7. Couqley French Bistro – Parisian Charm in JLT
Couqley in Jumeirah Lakes Towers brings the warmth of a classic French bistro to Dubai’s bustling culinary scene. With its rustic interiors, vintage posters, and candlelit tables, the ambiance echoes Parisian cafés from the Left Bank.
The menu pays homage to French culinary traditions with a focus on authenticity. Diners can enjoy steak frites with a choice of sauces, escargots bathed in garlic herb butter, onion soup topped with melted Gruyère, and crème brûlée with a perfectly caramelized top.
Affordable yet elegant, Couqley is ideal for everything from casual lunches to romantic dinners. They also offer a generous happy hour and an excellent wine list curated to complement the flavors on the plate.
Savor the Weekend: Dubai’s Ever-Evolving Food Story
Dubai’s reputation as a global culinary destination continues to flourish, and this weekend’s restaurant offerings highlight just how diverse and exciting the city’s food culture truly is. Whether you’re looking to try Spanish tapas, dig into Asian delicacies, or enjoy Mediterranean seafood with a view, there’s no shortage of experiences to relish.
As dining becomes more than just a meal—but an experience filled with design, music, storytelling, and hospitality—these seven standout spots show just how far the city has come. So, plan ahead, book your tables, and treat yourself to some of the finest dining Dubai has to offer this weekend, May 16–18.
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