In a city where every new opening competes to be more spectacular than the last, Dubai has transformed dining into an art form. Beyond their Michelin star-worthy menus, the emirate’s most sought-after eateries are destinations in their own right, with stunning architecture, striking interiors and elegant ambience that ensure their diners’ memories are not limited to what’s on their plate.

Whether you’re planning a special occasion, searching for your next Instagrammable reservation or simply want to enjoy the region’s luxury dining locations, GRAZIA has you covered.

Sexy Fish

Sexy Fish first opened its doors in London in 2015, and has since launched three more locations across the globe. Inspired by Japanese cuisine, the restaurant is known for its pastel oceanic interiors designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio with artwork by Damien Hirst, curated to personify mid-century glamour and opulence.

Row On 45

Row On 45 is a penthouse-style fine dining spot with intimate seating and a refined tasting menu that is British at its core, elevated by Japanese ingredients and French techniques. The interiors were inspired by chef Jason Atherton’s dream to serve guests out of his apartment, which is why the spot also features an open kitchen and minimalist seating.

Sirene By Gaia

This Greek spot harmoniously integrates Aegean-inspired beaches with renowned Mediterranean flavours and coastal elegance. Getting its name from mythological mermaids, the space embodies their mesmerising qualities. Expect an Athenian courtyard, beautifully designed mosaics, heritage stone walls and intricate tapestries encapsulated by pristine foliage.

Carbone

Serving upscale Italian-American food inside Atlantis The Royal, Carbone features opulent 1950s Manhattan-inspired interiors designed by Bishop Design. Think rich crimson velvets, deep jewel tones and warm golden-lit pools. The walls are Damask-embellished, walls are enhanced by Venetian glass mirrors; the architecture features sculptural banquettes, and the sleek bar sits alongside a striking aquatic installation.

Gigi Rigolatto

Take your pick from a restaurant, two terraces or a garden. The epitome of Italian indulgence, Gigi is designed by French-Mexican architect Hugo Toro. The decor integrates Italian heritage with the country’s Dolce Vita philosophy. Toro’s French roots are also reflected in certain refined elements of the beach house. More than just a restaurant, Gigi is a charming sanctuary for those who revel in life’s pleasures.

Barrafina

Head to this crimson spot for authentic Spanish tapas. Designed by Boem Studio, the intimate space centres around an open kitchen. A sleek marble counter lined with iconic ruby-red leather stools surrounds the chefs, and the signature colour runs through arched alcoves and a glossy canopy paired with Travertine walls.

Amazonico

Building on its name, Amazonico boasts rainforest-inspired interiors with swathes of greenery and elements of a tropical paradise. Highlights include glass-encased Mariposas and their hand-painted counterparts hanging from the ceiling, the extravagant preserved-plant chandelier, and the iconic staircase enveloped by woven lamps and tribal patterns.

Mimi Kakushi

Built to reflect the menu’s integration of traditional Japanese cooking with modern concepts, Mimi Kakushi celebrates authentic Oriental Art Deco. The design is timeless and rooted in the shadows and effects of light, which is layered with textures, contrast and natural materials to lend to the nostalgia of the 1920s vibe.

Nobu

With a flagship restaurant at Atlantis, The Palm, a beach location at Atlantis, The Royal, and a recent opening at One Za’abeel, this world-class sushi bar is striking. Inspired by the water, features of the restaurant imitate waves, crashing surf, and the ocean’s reflective nature. The colour palette effortlessly reinforces the restaurant’s luxurious vibe, with classic off-white decor, burnt sienna bar stools and green quartzite tables.

Maison Revka

Designed by Laleh Amirassefi, Maison Revka is a refined retreat within Delano on Bluewaters Island. Expect Middle Eastern influence on the interiors, artfully paired with Parisian elegance and Slavic heritage. The spot combines visual richness with spatial serenity to create a dialogue where East meets West.

Siena

Located in the heart of DIFC, Parisian glamour meets Tuscany’s timeless elegance in this enchanting atmosphere. The restaurant blends elements of its Parisian fountainhead with Middle Eastern warmth. Rich colours and tactile fabrics are cleverly balanced with intricate detail and bespoke sculpted form to create a welcoming environment you will have a hard time leaving.

EUGÈNE EUGÈNE

French brasserie Eugène Eugène is hard to distinguish from a forest, in the best way. The stunning interiors mimic a lush greenhouse that is fresh and sophisticated. Features of the French spot include plants as far as the eye can see, an outdoor terrace with a view, plush sofas and other seating options, a green marble-top bar and a glass-walled solarium.

Kira

Japan meets the Mediterranean in this chic Jumeirah venue. KIRA celebrates the power of graceful femininity in a unique illusory realm brought together by Verhaal Studio. The interiors are inspired by the Lunaria plant, known for its silver dollar-like seed pods. The design also nods to Kintsugi – a Japanese concept in which broken pottery is renewed with a metallic finish to symbolise the beauty of imperfection – through its gold leaf accents.

SĀN Beach

This African-inspired luxury beach club and restaurant in Palm Jumeirah combines a luxurious feel with natural materials and textures. Through the use of curves, arches and soft edges, the space is made to feel like it has been moulded by hand out of ancient clay. All the artwork and furniture is made in Africa to lend to the authenticity of the space and pay homage to its roots.

Gloria Osteria

The Ritz-Carlton DIFC’s fabulous Italian spot is kitschy and playful. Seamlessly reflecting the cinematic interiors of 1970s Milan, it is packed with striking details like its walls laden with colourful bottles, sunset-red Murano glass chandeliers, archival fashion posters, 300 hand-painted vases, vintage lamps and a maximalist garden.