16 Unforgettable Restaurants in the UAE You Can’t Afford to Miss
From dining alongside owls to feasting in complete darkness, the Emirates goes far beyond traditional gastronomy. MICHELIN-starred establishments. Celebrity chef hotspots. Ultra-niche themed concepts. The UAE curates unusual culinary adventures for every palate. Step aboard trains, soar to sky-high venues, or meet resident cats while savoring dinner. Below, discover the country’s most distinctive and imaginative dining destinations.
1484 by Puro – Ras Al Khaimah
Perched atop Jebel Jais, 1484 by Puro claims its name from its staggering altitude—1,484 meters above sea level. A sleek cliff-side interior frames panoramic mountain vistas. Expect nourishing cuisine: wholesome soups, crisp salads, and artisanal sandwiches. Open daily, 8am–9pm.
GO Visit puro.ae for bookings and details.
Ailuromania Cat Café – Dubai
Cats roam freely, delighting every feline admirer. Pizza, pasta, waffles, coffee, tea, and milkshakes make up the comforting menu. Entrance fee AED 30. Even better—you can adopt a furry companion. Currently relocating to a new Dubai venue.
GO Follow @ailuromaniacafe on Instagram.
At.mosphere – Dubai
Fine dining at 442 meters in the world’s tallest building. Situated on Level 122 of the Burj Khalifa, it offers a refined seven-course tasting menu. Think foie gras torchon, wild turbot, and delicate apple gâteaux. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner all served with a sky-high view.
GO atmosphereburjkhalifa.com
Blume – Dubai
A couture dining journey styled as an opulent Christian Dior train. Plush carriage seating and Dior accents elevate the glamour. The global fusion menu features caviar, sushi, grills, pasta, pizza, and irresistible desserts—ample indulgence on wheels.
GO blumedubai.com
Boomah – Abu Dhabi
The first owl café in the UAE—nine magnificent owls reside here. Engage with these nocturnal beauties under professional supervision. Sip mocktails, juices, milkshakes, and specialty brews. Tickets: AED 70 adults, AED 50 kids. Open daily, 2pm–1am.
GO @boomah.ae on Instagram
BRIX – Dubai
A dessert-only tasting menu? Absolutely. Created by the innovators at 3Fils, BRIX serves layered flavor artistry: tiramisu, carrot cake, cheesecake, and bold experimental sweets. Situated in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour.
GO brixdessert.com
Cave – Abu Dhabi
A European-inspired hideaway resembling a stone-carved grotto. Ambient alcoves and textured walls set the mood. Tapas dominate the menu—from Patatas Bravas and Fried Calamari to tender Short Rib Fries. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available.
GO @caveabudhabi on Instagram
Dinner in the Dark – Bab Al Qasr, Abu Dhabi
Heighten every sense except sight. For 90 minutes, savor a secret three-course meal in pitch black. Staff equipped with night-vision goggles guide the experience. Only when candles ignite are the culinary mysteries unveiled.
GO Call 056 992 2078
Krasota – Dubai
Culinary excellence meets theatrical immersion. The award-winning Imaginary Russia 2.0 experience blends folkloric storytelling with 360° visual artistry. Chef Vladimir Mukhin crafts each course—Golden Apple with ikura, Smoked Cod with pea porridge, and a celestial yuzu Satellite Dessert.
GO @krasota.restaurant.dubai
Ossiano – Dubai
An aquatic dining dream at Atlantis The Palm. Sharks and rays glide past floor-to-ceiling aquarium walls. The seafood-driven menu showcases rare oceanic ingredients executed with fine artistry. MICHELIN-worthy and globally renowned.
GO atlantis.com
Pierchic – Dubai
Romantic dining above the Arabian Gulf at the end of a private pier. Italian finesse leads the menu—crudo selections, exquisite antipasti, and beloved handmade pasta. A serene escape with ocean breezes and elegant charm.
GO jumeirah.com
Piquant Pick Home Restaurant – Ajman
Step inside a railway fantasy. Spacious “cabins” host guests traveling through Middle Eastern and Asian flavors. Kebabs, curries, biryanis, seafood, soups—simply press a button and a porter appears. Open daily, 12:30pm–1am.
GO @piquantpick.ae on Instagram
The Pods – Dubai
Spherical, futuristic, and surprisingly intimate. Twenty-two private pods—ideal for business gatherings or cozy celebrations—rest along Bluewaters Island overlooking Dubai Marina. Dine on Pan-Asian selections: dim sum, sushi, and the unmissable beef rendang. Open 7am–1am.
GO thepods.ae
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi – Helipad Experience
An elite sunset affair atop the highest active helipad in the Middle East—restricted to just 20 guests. Enjoy live violin or saxophone, curated beverages, artisan canapés, and the sweeping skyline. Available for dinner or afternoon tea.
GO marriott.com
Transit Terminal Food – Abu Dhabi
Travel-themed dining without leaving the ground. A departure lounge, check-in counters, plane seating, and window “clouds” set the scene. International comfort favorites: fish and chips, quesadillas, currywurst. Daily 11am–midnight.
GO @transitterminalfood on Instagram
Viking Restaurant – Ajman
A revival of medieval lore. Staff in Viking attire serve dishes forged with traditional methods—named after legendary Norse warriors. Goblets, horns, music, and rustic revelry make this an epic feast. Open daily, 12pm–midnight.
GO @viking.ajman on Instagram