Michelin star-winning chefs with impeccable credentials, dining rooms with a view, dishes so beautiful they will make you weep. Four restaurants in Dubai are leading the charge and cementing the city’s reputation as a major culinary powerhouse. From mouth-watering Mediterranean to Japanese-Peruvian fusion discover the four contenders for the best restaurant in Dubai.
 

Rockfish

Rockfish is all about beachfront Italian dining that’s so authentic you’d be forgiven for thinking you were on the Amalfi Coast. Located at the water’s edge at Jumeirah Al Naseem, Rockfish brings all the flavours of the Mediterranean to Dubai. Helmed by Chef Marco Garfagnini, who has won several Michelin stars at his previous restaurants, the elegant restaurant’s emphasis is on seafood and the dishes are pure Italy on a plate. Think: fresh line-caught sea bass with artichoke or grilled octopus that comes to life with a punchy black olive tapenade. Polish off your meal by unwinding on the picturesque terrace with Rockfish’s indecently good tiramisu with a cappuccino twist.

 

Zheng He’s

Like the eponymous explorer, Zheng He’s is adventurous, bold and celebrates discovery. For Dubai diners-in-the-know, Zheng He’s has long been one of the city’s most beloved Chinese restaurants. Now, with a makeover and a new menu courtesy of former Hakkasan chef, Lai Min Wei, the Jumeirah Mina A'Salam restaurant has had a renaissance. Masterfully blending classic Chinese dishes with a contemporary flourish and carefully sourced ingredients Chef Wei’s menu elevates Oriental cuisine to rarefied heights. Take the blue lobster dumplings, given a luxurious touch with caviar and lemongrass sauce, or the signature Peking Duck, shredded to perfection and ready to wrap.

  

Kayto

With sweeping ocean vistas and innovative fusion cooking Jumeirah Al Naseem’s stylish new pop-up KAYTO is currently the hottest restaurant in Dubai. Headed up by Chef Cristian Goya, the restaurant showcases his trailblazing Peruvian-Japanese cuisine called ‘Nikkei’. From the freshest ceviche and neatly rolled sushi to Wagyu beef and chicken enriched with truffle teriyaki Chef Goya's menu marries the poise of Japanese cuisine with the bold flavours of South America. His plates are for sharing and KAYTO’s buzzy ambience invites a party atmosphere. Perched atop The Palmery’s roof terrace, with sweeping views across to the Burj Al Arab, the super-chic eatery is the best place to catch the sunset as a DJ spins some funky beats.

 

Shimmers

Overlooking the rolling Arabian Gulf this exceptional Greek restaurant takes its name from the azure water it faces: Shimmers. With a cool, whitewashed colour palette the décor harmonises the authentic flavours of a traditional Greek taverna with breezy beachside vibes. Hailing from the island of Crete, Chef Nikolas Bragoudakis’ revitalised menu summons the tastiest elements of his homeland’s cooking. There’s a melt-in-the-mouth lamb fillet souvlaki with creamy tzatziki and lemon olive oil; a rich, comforting moussaka made with slow-braised beef and lamb, eggplant and a creamy béchamel sauce; but the star of the show is grilled rock lobster, charred to perfection on the josper grill.

 

Indulge in delicious and beautiful food, from mouth-watering Mediterranean to Japanese-Peruvian fusion, when you stay at Jumeirah Dubai's hotels and residences.