Dubai’s culinary menu is packed with delicious food and drink options for visitors to try and the city’s gastronomy scene is a fusion of global flavours and always on trend. From viral chocolate and taste hunting to immersive venues and the latest street food concepts, we pick out some of Dubai’s biggest food trends in 2025.
Dubai’s viral chocolate
In Google’s year in search for 2024, the term ‘Dubai chocolate bar’ was one of the top five worldwide trends for food and drink – and it looks like the viral craze is set to continue throughout 2025. Created by British-Egyptian Dubai expat Sarah Hamouda, FIX Dessert Chocolatier’s decadent range of desserts have taken social media by storm with unique flavour combinations including ‘Can’t Get Knafeh of It’ (crispy knafeh with pistachio and tahini paste), ‘Mind Your Own Buiscoff’ (crunchy lotus cheesecake encased in white chocolate), and ‘Butter to Be Safe than Salty’ (baked sweet cinnamon filo pastry combined with vanilla custard, caramel and peanut butter). Visitors can pick up a bar at the dedicated FIX stand at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 or order off Deliveroo while in the city. The Dubai chocolate trend has also inspired other sweets and desserts, including the Baskin Robbins Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream Stick, a one-of-a-kind creation with rich chocolate, golden kunafa, and pistachio sauce. Visitors can buy in store or order from talabat.
‘Taste hunting’ in Dubai
From quirky convenience store snacks to street food sensations, ‘taste hunting’ has become the ‘new frontier for culinary explorers’, according to British Airways Holidays’ 2025 Travel Trends Report. Food is now one of the most important factors when choosing a holiday destination and travellers are ‘crafting entire itineraries around viral dishes and local specialities’. Visitors who are keen on walking to find the tastes of Dubai should book a food tour with Frying Pan Adventures. Options include the ‘Dubai Souks and Creekside Food Walk’ (four hours; AED435 per person) and the ‘Middle Eastern Food Pilgrimage’ (3.5 hours; AED435 per person).
Cultural dining
To get a real flavour of Dubai, and to embrace the city’s culture, head to Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and enjoy Emirati cuisine. Al Khayma is both a restaurant and museum that reflects the city’s rich culinary heritage. A new addition to Dubai’s cultural dining scene is Gerbou, which means ‘welcome to my humble abode’ in Arabic. Located in Nad Al Sheba, this homegrown restaurant concept offers a fusion of art and gastronomy and celebrates Arab and Emirati culture.
Dining ‘on the move’
Restaurants and dining experiences are not only limited to bricks and mortar venues. These days, visitors in Dubai can choose to eat while ‘on the move’ – both on land and on water. For a different fine dining experience, Bustronomy is a high-end, luxurious double-decker bus which travels through the heart of Dubai passing by landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, The Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah. A slower dining option while on the move are BBQ Dubai’s barbecue boats. Visitors can enjoy tasty barbecue food while sailing along Dubai Creek.
New multi-venue destinations
In Dubai, visitors can go to just one destination and enjoy multiple venues for eating and drinking. One such example is J1 Beach in Jumeirah, which has luxury beachfront dining experiences include African Queen (French Riviera), Almayass by the Sea (Lebanese-Armenian), Bâoli (East Asian), Chouchou (French), Gigi Rigolatto (Italian), GITANO (Mexican), Kaimana Beach (Asian-Polynesian), La Baia by The Beach (Italian), LÚNICO (Spanish-Mediterranean), Ninive Beach (Middle Eastern and North African), Sakhalin (Mediterrasian), and Sirene Beach by GAIA (Greek-Mediterranean). Another high-profile opening in the city with multiple offerings is the new five-star Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab hotel. Dining experiences include Iliana (Greek), Rialto Restaurant & Bar (Venetian), The Bombay Club (Indian), Umi Kei (Japanese), Madame Li (Pan-Asian), Mirabelle (Mediterranean), Orizonta (Eastern Mediterranean), Kinugawa (Japanese-French), The Cullinan (gourmet steakhouse), KIRA (Mediterranean-Japanese), and the LITT Bar Club. Meanwhile, outside the hotel, the Marsa Al Arab Marina will have six dining destinations: Feels Café, Meat the Fish, Public, CutFish, Salt, and Heaf.
Third culture cuisine
Home to nearly 200 nationalities, Dubai’s multicultural society is reflected across the city’s food scene. Whether it’s French fine dining, South American flavours or Asian delicacies, you can find it in Dubai. One emerging trend is the growing number of ‘third culture cuisine’ establishments across the city. These restaurants and cafes offer a fusion of culinary traditions from different parts of the world, creating unique and innovative dishes that reflect the diverse experiences of those who create and enjoy them. One popular example of third culture cuisine in Dubai is Moonrise, a one-MICHELIN-starred 12-seater restaurant located on the rooftop of Eden House in Satwa which serves a multi-course omakase menu. Led by French-Syrian chef Soleman Haddad, the menu is an homage to his Dubai upbringing. Another place on trend is Jun’s in Downtown Dubai. Chef Kelvin Cheung, who has Chinese heritage, a North American upbringing, and spent 10 years in India before Dubai, offers an 11-course tasting menu of inventive third culture cooking.
Celebrity chef-led restaurants
Dubai is home to several top celebrity chef-led restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience. Chef Björn Frantzén’s Studio Frantzén, located at Atlantis, The Palm, serves a blend of French and Asian gastronomy with a Nordic influence, set in a sophisticated and elegant ambiance. Chef Himanshu Saini’s Trèsind Studio, also on Palm Jumeirah, offers a two-MICHELIN-starred culinary journey through Indian cuisine in a vibrant and energetic setting. Other popular places include Brasserie Boulud, a classy French restaurant from celebrated chef Daniel Boulud, and Row on 45, a two-MICHELIN-starred restaurant by Jason Atherton.
Villa cafes and casual concepts
Dubai has seen a surge in the popularity of villa cafes, offering a cozy and intimate dining experience away from the city’s bustling streets. These cafes, often nestled in residential areas, provide a relaxed atmosphere where patrons can enjoy a cup of coffee or a light meal in a serene environment. Many are housed in converted villas, maintaining a homely feel with lush gardens and charming interiors. Enhancing the city’s coffee scene with artisanal menus and a focus on communal spaces, the trend caters to those seeking a more personal and laid-back setting. New restaurant Gerbou, located in a beautifully renovated building from 1987 in Nad Al Sheba, offers a contemporary Emirati dining experience. Meaning ‘welcome to our humble abode’ in Arabic, Gerbou showcases Emirati artistry and design and the space alongside nostalgic Emirati cuisine and culture.
‘Dinnertainment’
The fusion of fine dining and spectacular entertainment continues to be a growing trend in Dubai. Originating in Barcelona, popular dinner-show experience Gatsby Dubai is the latest restaurant to open on the rooftop of Palm Jumeirah’s Nakheel Mall. Inspired by The Great Gatsby, guests can take a trip back to the ‘roaring 20s’ at this restaurant, lounge and club. Other venues in the city that host theatrical on-stage performances and live entertainment include Babylon and Josette in DIFC, Address Beach Resort’s DREAM, Billionaire Dubai at the Taj Hotel in Business Bay, TABŪ at The St. Regis Downtown Dubai, and Guy Manoukian’s The Theater at The Fairmont on Sheikh Zayed Road. Quincy Jones’s Q’s Bar and Lounge at Palazzo Versace Dubai is the place to go for live music – the venue showcases world-class performances from emerging artists who are handpicked by the music legend himself.
‘Play and eat’
Entertainment and food is not just limited to stage shows – Dubai also boasts various ‘play and eat’ venues. Spanning more than 60,000 square feet with a rooftop terrace, Topgolf Dubai offers interactive golf games, live music, and dining. The three-level entertainment venue at Emirates Golf Club promises plenty of fun for every visitor, whether you’re a golfer or not. Located at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Five Iron Golf Dubai is an indoor golf and entertainment venue with golf and sport simulators, mini golf, augmented reality darts, pool, and shuffleboard. Other fun places in Dubai where adults can enjoy a bite while also taking part in games and activities include retro-themed The 44 at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City (bowling, billiards, darts, pinball); Bedrock at Pier 7 in Dubai Marina (indoor golf, darts); Boom Battle Bar at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Dubai Marina (augmented reality axe throwing, crazier golf, augmented reality darts, shuffleboard); Lucky Voice at Grand Millennium Hotel in Barsha Heights (karaoke); Brass Monkey in City Walk (bowling, VR racing car simulators, games arcade); and Wavehouse at Atlantis, The Palm (bowling, surfing, games arcade).
Immersive dining
Balloon Adventures Dubai offers a memorable hot air balloon flight followed by a gourmet breakfast in a luxurious desert oasis on Royal Desert grounds curated by a MICHELIN-starred chef (from AED1,500 for children, AED1,995 for adults). Discover the works of great masters of art at Seven Paintings, an avant-garde experience that merges food theatrics, technology and multimedia art in a two-hour seven-course dinner (AED550 per person for a private table; AED450 per person for a shared table). Le Petit Chef, ‘the world’s smallest chef’, is serving up something special at La Coco Restaurant at Andaz Dubai The Palm, with an immersive culinary journey that comes to life through 3D storytelling and engaging 3D animation (from AED270 for children; AED495 for adults). Taking immersive dining to the next level, KRASOTA Dubai at the Address Downtown hotel offers two gastronomic shows – ‘Imaginary Art’ and ‘Imaginary Future’ – and accommodates only 20 guests. The package includes an eight-course set menu, selected drinks and a special gift bag (AED1,500 per person).
Sustainable and farm-to-table dining
Sustainable dining remains a major culinary focus for restaurants and cafés in Dubai, which celebrate local ingredients, zero-food wastage and eco-friendly practices. Three restaurants – BOCA, LOWE, and Teible – retained the MICHELIN Green Star for their sustainability ethos in 2024. Modern Spanish restaurant BOCA, in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), is a homegrown concept that has put sustainability at its core, with a manifesto to improve sustainable development. In 2022, LOWE was the first ever winner of the Sustainable Restaurant Award by MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, thanks to its waste reduction, local sourcing and giving back to society. Located in an arty setting at Jameel Arts Centre, Teible has a focus on seasonal, farm-to-table flavours, with up to 95% of its ingredients sourced from within the UAE.
Vertical farms and market produce
Eco-friendly vertical farming has become a reality in the UAE at UNS Farms in Al Quoz. Although you won’t see a patch of soil for miles around, all of the fresh produce is grown onsite using nutrients fed through a water-based system, with roots growing in humid air and water without pesticides. In July 2022, the world’s largest indoor vertical farm, Bustanica, was opened in Dubai near Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central. Bustanica, which means ‘your garden’ or ‘orchard’ in Arabic, is a subsidiary of Emirates Flight Catering, one of the world’s largest catering operations serving more than 100 airlines. Visitors can buy produce from a range of markets including The Ripe Market, Alserkal Avenue, Waterfront Market and Jumeirah Fish Market.
Vegetarian and vegan restaurants
Plant-based diets are now a way of life for many diners and Dubai’s eateries have adopted green-friendly recipes and added special standalone vegetarian and vegan menus. The city offers a range of options for meat-free feasts, including Seva Table on Jumeirah Road, which serves plant-based, gluten-free and cane-sugar-free dishes; Bounty Beets at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort, which has an extensive selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options; and Little Erth by Nabz&G in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, a vegan restaurant known for its approach to healthy cuisine. Defined as the ‘reincarnation of soulful Indian food’, avatāra in Dubai Hills offers an exclusive and curated vegetarian experience which has been recognised by MICHELIN, 50 Best Discovery and Gault&Millau.
Cost-effective MICHELIN restaurants
Dining at a MICHELIN-standard restaurant doesn’t need to cost a small fortune – Dubai has a number of eateries that are both award winning and pocket friendly. At Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, 3Fils has retained its MICHELIN Bib Gourmand for serving exceptional Asian-inspired dishes at affordable prices, including seaweed salad (AED35), Hokkaido scallops (AED58), and dragon shrimp tempura (AED46). Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe’s Al Seef venue was recognised in the MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2024 for its authentic local cuisine, with must-try dishes including the Al Fanar salad (AED38) and traditional Emirati machboos with chicken, mutton, shrimp or fish (from AED65). Bait Maryam in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recipient in 2024, serves home-style Levantine dishes such as the show-stopping kunafa kheshne (AED45), a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with layers of pastry filled with cream cheese. Made famous in its native Singapore for offering ‘the world’s cheapest MICHELIN-starred meal’, Hawker Chan opened its first UAE outlet at Dubai Mall’s Chinatown in 2023 with its signature dish – soya sauce chicken and rice – starting from AED21.50. Other popular affordable Asian-inspired places to try include homegrown Bib Gourmand-awarded Japanese restaurant Kinoya in The Greens and Taiwanese chain Din Tai Fung, which has outlets across the city.
Supper clubs and pop-ups
From gastronomic experimentation to pop-culture playfulness, Dubai’s supper clubs are taking diners on exciting culinary journeys. One of the city’s most popular supper clubs is hosted by chef Ahmed Halawa, who sheds light on Palestinian culture through his food. Other recommended supper clubs include Girl and the Goose, the first home-grown Nicaraguan underground dining experience in Dubai; ETT HEM by The Curry Bureau, which serves food inspired by the coastal regions of India; Haus of Vo by Vietnamese-German host Madame Vo; and Kuv’s Secret Supper Club by chef Kuvam Sharma.
Instagrammable restaurants and cafes
Scroll through Instagram and you’ll find thousands of aesthetically-pleasing plates of food prepared by both professional and home cooks. These days, restaurants and cafes themselves are also becoming the focus for camera-wielding foodies and influencers. Some of Dubai’s most photogenic places to eat and drink include Hoya Cafe & Restaurant, a hidden gem in Jumeirah which has a garden, library and secret pond; Forever Rose Cafe, a monochrome feast for the senses on Al Wasl Road; La Nena Coffee, a quaint café experience with a retail space, tucked within Dubai’s Al Quoz creative district; Mama Zonia, a jungle-inspired dinner spot in Dubai Marina; and Amazonico, a buzzing restaurant in DIFC with rainforest-inspired décor. For a trendy breakfast head to Parisian bistro Cassette in The Courtyard at Al Quoz, which boasts delicious food and well-designed interiors. If you’re seeking a traditional experience with a photogenic twist, then the Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood offers authentic Emirati cuisine in a cosy, leafy courtyard setting.
Chef’s tables and tasting menus
Customers are always keen to book the best seat in the house – and you can’t get much better than at a chef’s table. Curated by renowned chef Jason Atherton, two-MICHELIN-starred Row on 45 is a 22-seat high-end dining experience at Grosvenor House in Dubai Marina. Celebrating ‘the art of cooking’, the sommeliers and chefs are the stars of the show as they serve diners a special multi-course menu. Another two-star restaurant, Trèsind Studio, serves an immersive degustation menu, while one-star Ossiano at Atlantis, The Palm offers an ‘11-waves’ tasting menu with the stunning aquarium as the restaurant’s backdrop. Jun’s restaurant in Downtown Dubai offers an 11-course tasting menu, which features chef Kelvin Cheung’s most loved dishes.
Fashionable dining and collaborations
Food and culture have a close connection and the fashion world has jumped on the trend, especially in Dubai. Fashionable dining outlets at Dubai Mall include Blue Box Café, a chic 41-seat dining space within Tiffany & Co.’s flagship store, and Armani/Caffè on Fashion Avenue. Ralph Lauren has Ralph’s Coffee Mall of the Emirates, conveniently located next to the Polo Ralph Lauren store. Italian luxury brand Bulgari has its own resort in Dubai, featuring The Bulgari Bar which shares a space with the stylish two-starred Il Ristorante – Niko Romito. Fashion and hospitality collaborations have also been a recent trend in Dubai, with a prime example being the Dolce&Gabbana x Ounass takeover of Cloud 22 at Atlantis The Royal.
Food halls and street food
Dubai has many food halls and street food outlets where visitors can enjoy cuisines from around the world. Recently opened at Dubai Festival City Mall, Market Island is the largest food hall in the Middle East with more than 50 outlets, licensed venues, entertainment and space for 3,500 people. Inspired by Japanese eating areas commonly found in department stores and train stations, Depachika Food Hall at Nakheel Mall aims to deliver an experience beyond just providing food. Chefs at Time Out Market in Souk Al Bahar serve up signature dishes from a variety of homegrown eateries, with visitors able to dine on the wraparound terrace presenting enviable views of Burj Khalifa. Neighbourhood Food Hall in Motor City is a favourite among the regulars living nearby, with a curated and accessible food hall concept that is home to niche, owner-driven homegrown brands. The kitchens at Streetery Food Hall in Jumeirah Lakes Towers serve authentic Asian-inspired street food dishes. At Al Ghurair Centre in Deira, Flayva is a ‘street food hall’ offering a diverse lineup of global culinary delights from around the world, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, Lebanon, the Philippines and more.
To find out more about where to eat and drink in Dubai, please visit: visitdubai.com
