Dubai’s Crown Prince knows the city’s dining scene inside and out…
From upscale steakhouses to charming seaside Greek spots, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s Crown Prince, is often spotted enjoying the best the city has to offer. Here, we’ve rounded up 38 restaurants that have earned the Fazza seal of approval. We’ll have what he’s having…
NEW: The Cullinan
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HH Sheikh Hamdan recently visited the fine-dining steakhouse The Cullinan at the newest luxury destination in Dubai, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. The restaurant shared the moment on their Instagram, saying, “The Cullinan was honoured to host His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (@faz3). It was a true privilege to serve him, and we warmly welcome him to return anytime.”
Ninive
Just a month after visiting Gigi Rigolatto at J1 Beach, Sheikh Hamdan returned, this time opting to dine at the luxurious Ninive. The seafront version of the popular Middle Eastern restaurant is the third location of Ninive in the city. Offering a stunning pool and beach experience, it also boasts an aesthetically rich, two-floor dining space. Sharing a photo of Sheikh Hamdan with Ninive’s Brand Director, Dragan, the venue expressed it was an “honour” to host Dubai’s Crown Prince.
Berenjak
Berenjak Dubai has quickly become a go-to hotspot for lovers of Iranian food, serving up next-level versions of traditional home-style dishes. Word clearly got around—Sheikh Hamdan himself was recently seen dining there, giving the spot some serious clout.
Gigi
Sheikh Hamdan’s latest foodie outing took him to J1’s buzzworthy spot, Gigi, on Monday, December 9, 2024. The Dubai Crown Prince was all smiles posing with the Rikas Hospitality crew, who called his visit a ‘privilege’ in an Insta post that quickly caught attention. Straight outta St. Tropez vibes, Gigi channels chic Italian beach house energy, dishing out elevated Italian classics in a stunning open-air setting.
Kinoya
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Once a supper club and now a full-blown ramen hotspot, Kinoya—recently named Restaurant of the Year at the What’s On Dubai Awards 2024—was Sheikh Hamdan’s lunch pick this past September. The restaurant shared a proud moment on Instagram, calling Fazza’s visit an ‘honour’. The post featured a cheerful snap of the Crown Prince with Kinoya’s founder and chef Neha Mishra, alongside GM Adrian Chow, outside the cozy, tucked-away gem in The Greens’ Onyx Tower.
11 Woodfire
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Back in early January 2022, Dubai’s Crown Prince dropped by 11 Woodfire, just days after it fired up its grills for the first time. The open-flame dining concept quickly made waves in the city’s foodie scene, led by renowned chef and restaurateur Akmal Anuar. Sheikh Hamdan swung through to explore the buzzed-about newcomer, and the restaurant gave him a shoutout on Instagram, thanking him for the visit.
Alaya
A known fan of Chef Izu Ani, Sheikh Hamdan paid a visit to Alaya in September 2022—a stylish new spot in DIFC blending Eastern Mediterranean flavors with rich Middle Eastern influences. Created by the powerhouse duo Chef Izu and Evgeny Kuzin, Alaya serves up a culinary journey that travels from the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean to the vibrant souks of the Middle East.
Alhajarain
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Sheikh Hamdan and his crew are all about adventure, often making their way to Dubai’s scenic mountain escape, Hatta. On one of their trips, they stopped by Al Hajarain in the heart of Hatta Heritage Village to enjoy a hearty meal together in a setting full of charm and tradition.
Alhajarain, Heritage Village, Hatta, Dubai, open daily 8am to 11pm, Tel: (0)50 696 0331, @alhajarain
Alici
With its flawless Italian seafood, beautifully designed interiors, and a terrace boasting unbeatable views, Alici has quickly become one of Dubai’s standout dining spots—earning the title of Newcomer of the Year at the 2019 What’s On Awards. And clearly, we’re not the only ones who think so—Sheikh Hamdan is known to be a regular at this Bluewaters Island gem.
Alici, Bluewaters Island, daily noon to 3.30pm and 7pm to midnight. Tel: (0)4 275 2577. @alicidubai
Avli by Tashas
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Sleek Greek restaurant Avli by Tashas is a regular haunt for HH Sheikh Hamdan. The Crown Prince of Dubai has been seen in this stunning DIFC dining room on more than a few occasions.
Avli by Tashas, Four Seasons DIFC, Gate Village, DIFC, daily 12pm to 3pm, 7pm to 1am. Tel: (0)4 356 0008. avlibytashas
BeYou Cafe
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Sheikh Hamdan’s love for coffee is no secret—his followers know he often shares his caffeine rituals and behind-the-scenes brews on Instagram Stories. In one such moment, he casually posted a snap of a takeaway cup from BeYou Café, which the specialty coffee spot proudly reshared on their own feed.
BeYou Cafe, Bluewaters Island, Dubai, @beyoucafe
Bordomavi
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Making waves since its debut in November 2023, Bordo Mavi—anchored on the shores of Jumeirah Fishing Harbour—is the latest gem from the team behind 3fils. With laid-back vibes, oceanfront views, and a menu that’s as fresh as the sea itself, it’s the perfect weekend escape. And if Sheikh Hamdan’s early visit is anything to go by, this spot definitely deserves a place on your foodie radar.
Bordo Mavi, Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, daily from 12pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (0)4 341 3844 @bordomavi.ae
Bungalo34
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“The chic, Greek-inspired beachfront eatery Bungalo34 recently welcomed His Highness for a laid-back lunch. As the latest concept from the renowned Tashas Group, the restaurant shared their excitement on Instagram, calling it an honour to host Sheikh Hamdan.
Bungalo34, Nikki Beach Resort and Spa, Pearl Jumeirah, open daily 9am to 11.30pm and 12pm to 12am. Tel: (0)4 238 1780 bungalo34.com @bungalo34
BB Social Dining
Sheikh Hamdan has been seen enjoying meals at BB Social Dining more than once. During his first visit, he gave his followers a taste of the experience by sharing mouthwatering snaps on Instagram—featuring BB’s signature bao, cauliflower popcorn, crispy sprouts, and edamame hummus.
Gate Village 8, DIFC, Dubai, Sat to Wed noon to midnight, Thu and Fri noon to 1am. Tel: (0)4 407 4444. @bbdifc
Carine
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It seems the Crown Prince is clearly a fan of this Dubai chef, with Izu Ani’s Carine, at the Emirates Golf Club also on Sheikh Hamdan’s hit list. Expect a French-Mediterranean accent to the menu, with delicious breakfasts on weekends.
Carine, Emirates Golf Club, Sun to Thu noon to 3pm, 7pm to 10.30pm, Fri and Sat 9am to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. @carine.ae
Caviar Kaspia
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Sheikh Hamdan dropped by Caviar Kaspia Dubai in October 2021, just days after it opened its doors. The Paris-born hotspot is a celebrity magnet—counting Rihanna, Katy Perry, and the Kardashians among its fans. In a photo shared by the restaurant on Instagram, the Crown Prince is seen holding one of their signature Matryoshka doll-shaped chests, gifted to him by the team and filled with their famed caviar.
Caviar Kaspia Dubai, Gate Village 2, DIFC, Saturday to Wednesday 12pm to 1am, Thu and Fri 12pm to 2am. Tel: (0)4 243 5633. @caviarkaspiadxb
Clay
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“In May 2022, Sheikh Hamdan stopped by one of our personal favourites—Clay, the sleek Nikkei dining destination blending Japanese and Peruvian flavours. The restaurant took to Instagram to share their excitement, saying they were ‘honoured and privileged’ to host His Highness. With its striking floor-to-ceiling interiors and a menu that spans from ceviche to sushi and more, Clay continues to impress.”
Clay, Bluewaters Island, open Sun to Thu 12pm to 12am, Fri and Sat 12pm to 2am. Tel: (0)4 422 5600 @clay_dubai
CznBurak
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The Turkish-Middle Eastern restaurant is owned by its namesake, celebrity Chef CznBurak, who has amassed a huge following on TikTok and Instagram for his culinary videos. The chef himself cooked for Sheikh Hamdan when he visited on December 25 2021.
CznBurak Dubai, Boulevard Point, Downtown Dubai, open daily 12pm to 3am. Tel: (0)58 108 1800. @cznburakdubai
Gaia
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It’s no secret the royal family are big fans of Chef Izu Ani’s culinary creations—but if their regular visits are any indication, Gaia might just be their top pick. Both HH Sheikh Mohammed and HH Sheikh Hamdan have been spotted there on multiple occasions, enjoying Izu’s signature take on Greek-Mediterranean cuisine.
Gaia, Gate Village 4, DIFC, Dubai, daily 12pm to 3pm and 7pm to 2am. Tel: (0)4 241 4242. @gaia__dxb
Katsuya
Katsuya, the stylish Japanese eatery at Hyde Hotel Dubai, made its debut at the end of last year—and by February 9, 2022, Sheikh Hamdan had already dropped in to sample dishes crafted by Head Chef Pavel Nigai. The vibrant hotspot serves up everything from inventive sushi rolls and sashimi platters to delicate dumplings and expertly grilled robata meats.
Kyma
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Kyma, the effortlessly cool new beach club on Palm West Beach, has quickly made waves with its chic boho vibes. Just a few months into opening, it had the honour of welcoming Sheikh Hamdan. The team shared a proud moment on Instagram, posting a photo with Faz and calling it a ‘privilege and pleasure’ to host him.
Kyma, Palm West Beach, daily, 10am to sunset pool, 12pm to 1am restaurant. Tel: (0)4 666 5999, kymabeach.ae
L’Amo Bistro Del Mare
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Not long after opening its doors, the stunning Italian seafood spot L’Amo Bistro Del Mare had the pleasure of hosting Sheikh Hamdan for a refined lunch at Dubai Harbour. In a May 2022 Instagram post, the restaurant shared a photo of the visit, saying they were ‘delighted’ to welcome the Crown Prince.
L’Amo Bistro Del Mare, Dubai Harbour, 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 11.30pm Mon to Fri, 12pm to 11.30pm Sat and Sun. Tel: (0)4 278 4800, lamorestaurant.com
Ristorante Loren
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In early 2023, Sheikh Hamdan visited the elegant rooftop Italian restaurant, Ristorante Loren, perched along Palm West Beach. The restaurant shared a proud moment on Instagram, posting a photo with the caption: ‘Ristorante Loren is extremely honoured to have recently hosted His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It was our privilege to serve him and we welcome him back anytime.
Loren, The Club, Palm West Beach, The Palm, Dubai. Sunday to Thursday 12pm to 12am, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 1am. Tel:(0)4 557 8293. lorenristorantedubai.com @ristorante.loren
La Maison Ani
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Are we even surprised that another one of Chef Izu’s standout spots made the list? In May 2022, Sheikh Hamdan paid a visit to La Maison Ani, the effortlessly chic French restaurant that captures the essence of everyday Parisian living. It’s no shock that Dubai’s Crown Prince stopped by shortly after its grand debut.
La Maison Ani, open Sun to Fri 9.30am to midnight, Sat 10am to midnight. Tel; (0)4 456 1989 @lamaisonanibychefizu
La Niña
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One of the newest arrivals on the DIFC dining scene, La Niña had only just opened its doors when Sheikh Hamdan stopped by on Thursday, January 12. Known for its stunning Mediterranean-inspired interiors and elevated cuisine, the restaurant shared the royal visit on Instagram, captioning the post: ‘Honored to welcome His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, at La Niña.
La Niña, DIFC, ICD Brookfield, open daily from midday to 4pm and 7.30 to 1am. Tel: (0)50 889 8336 @laninadubai
Madeleine et Marcel
Gorgeous new boutique patisserie Madeleine et Marcel welcomed Sheikh Hamdan recently. The venue, which can be found in Jumeirah Emirates Towers, serves up a selection of delectable sweet treats, coffees, and juices.
Madeleine et Marcel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, 8.30am to 8.30pm daily. @madeleine.et.marcel
Mimi Kakushi
Mimi Kakushi whisks you away to 1920s Osaka, channeling the glamour of the avant-garde oriental era with its plush leather booths and smooth jazz setting the vibe. The menu is all about elevated sharing plates—think sashimi, sushi, tempura, and gyoza. On the UAE’s 50th National Day, Sheikh Hamdan marked the occasion with a visit to this ultra-chic dining destination.
Moonrise
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Awarded What’s On Chef of the Year 2023, Chef Solomann had the honour of welcoming HH Sheikh Hamdan for what appeared to be a truly memorable afternoon. Perched atop the luxe Eden House, Moonrise is an intimate yet powerful Omakase dining experience that’s making big waves in Dubai’s culinary scene. The Crown Prince paid his visit on Monday, March 13.
Nammos
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Just like the Mykonos original, the Dubai outpost of Nammos is a magnet for the A-list. Sheikh Hamdan was one of the first through the door when the supremely chic Greek restaurant opened in December 2019.
Nammos Dubai, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, daily 12.30pm to 12.30am. Tel: (058) 1210000. @nammos.dubai
Opso
This sleek Greek hotspot in The Dubai Mall has quickly become a favourite of Sheikh Hamdan’s. Whether it’s the modern take on classic Greek dishes or the unbeatable views of the Dubai Fountain that keep him coming back, one thing’s for sure—both are nothing short of spectacular.
Opso, Fashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, daily 9am to 1am. Tel: (0)54 424 4999. @opsodubai
Pinza
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Who says you need fine dining to enjoy great food? In January 2022, Sheikh Hamdan ordered a feast from Pinza, the homegrown pizza spot loved for its creative takes on the classic dough-based dish. Available for delivery across Dubai, Pinza is a local favourite, and they shared a grateful post on Instagram, saying: ‘We are eternally grateful to be a homegrown company in this wonderful country. We appreciate your support always.’
Pinza, available for delivery around Dubai and dine in at Gate Avenue, DIFC. @itspinza
Rivas Restaurant
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Iranian Rivas Restaurant at The Mall Jumeirah has welcomed plenty of celebrities, but at the top of the list is Sheikh Hamdan. The restaurant shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, reposting a photo of the Crown Prince’s visit with the caption, ‘It’s a day that will remain etched in our memories.’ (Aww…)
Rivas Restaurant, opposite Burj Al Arab, inside The Mall, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, Tel: (0)4 391 8466, @rivas_restaurant
Roka
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Zuma’s little sibling Roka opened in the stunning ME Dubai hotel in early 2020. It didn’t take long for HH Sheikh Hamdan to explore the modern Japanese menu for himself.
Roka, Me Dubai, The Opus, Business Bay, Sat to Wed noon to 4pm and 6.30pm to midnight, Thu and Fri noon to 4pm and 6.30pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 439 7171. @rokadubaiofficial
Sal
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“With its vibes straight out of the French Riviera, Sal is the latest chic addition to Burj Al Arab. Sheikh Hamdan enjoyed a meal here with his friend Maj, indulging in French-Mediterranean seafood dishes on the stunning terrace.
Sal, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah, daily 10am to 7pm, from Dhs800. Tel: (0)4 301 7600. @sal_burjalarab
SushiSamba
Sheikh Hamdan and his close friend Cristiano Ronaldo surprised diners at the sky-high SushiSamba Dubai, located on the 51st floor of St. Regis Dubai, The Palm. The duo took a leisurely stroll around the venue, no doubt taking in the stunning views that make this spot so unforgettable.
SushiSamba Dubai, Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, lunch, Mon to Fri 12pm to 3pm, Sat and Sun 1pm to 3pm, dinner, daily 6pm to 2am. @sushisambadubai
Taverna Greek Kitchen
On November 16, 2021, you might have heard the sound of forks hitting the table at Taverna Greek Kitchen in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, as delighted diners looked on. Sheikh Hamdan, affectionately known as ‘Fazza,’ visited the stunning waterfront spot for a lunch with friends and family. Taverna offers beautifully authentic Greek cuisine in a rustic yet elegant setting.
Taverna Greek Kitchen is open from 12pm to 12am daily. Tel: (0)4 589 5665. tavernagreek.ae
The Maine Land Brasserie
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The Maine has long been a Dubai favourite for top-notch seafood and steaks, and its upscale spot in Business Bay is no exception. Sheikh Hamdan and his entourage made their way to the chic steakhouse at ME by Melia Hotel, indulging in platters of perfectly cooked meats alongside sides of Brussels sprouts and asparagus.
The Maine Land Brasserie, ME by Melia Hotel, Business Bay, Sat to Tue, noon to 11.30pm, Wed to Fri, noon to 12.30am. Tel: (0)4 577 6680. @themainedxb
TakaHisa
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In March 2022, the Michelin Guide-recognized Japanese restaurant had the honour of hosting His Highness, offering a taste of their exquisite cuisine. The restaurant expressed their gratitude for Sheikh Hamdan’s visit on Instagram, sharing their excitement to welcome him back soon. Located at the newly transformed Banyan Tree on Blue Waters, The Japanese is renowned for its luxurious atmosphere and unwavering commitment to Japanese culinary tradition.
TakaHisa, Banyan Tree Dubai, Bluewaters Island, open daily 3pm to 2am. Tel: (0)4 556 6688 @takahisa_dubai
Twiggy by La Cantine
Twiggy by La Cantine transports guests straight to the Mediterranean, and in late November 2021, Sheikh Hamdan did just that. Set along the edge of Dubai Creek at the Park Hyatt Dubai, Twiggy boasts a chic beach club and a stunning French-Mediterranean restaurant. The menu features an array of exotic drinks and mouthwatering bites, taking lunch or dinner to a whole new level.
Images: Socials
