What’s cooking in Dubai? This…
Dubai’s food scene is straight-up unstoppable — and if your week basically runs on what’s next on your plate, you’re so in the right place. From hot new openings and buzzy pop-ups to tucked-away gems that deserve way more hype, these 5 best restaurants in Dubai are turning regular weekdays into major foodie moments. Time to hit the group chat and lock in those reservations.
A special culinary collaboration at SUSHISAMBA
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Something truly special is going down at SUSHISAMBA Dubai this April 23–24 — and if you’re a foodie, consider this your official alert. Renowned Peruvian Chef Diego Muñoz is stepping into the spotlight for a limited-time kitchen takeover, bringing his signature flair to a six-dish à la carte lineup featuring stars like Nikkei Ceviche and Seared Scallop with coral parihuela.
But if you’re after an ultra-exclusive experience, the real gem is the Omakase-style dinner on April 24. Chef Muñoz will join forces with SUSHISAMBA’s own Kitak Lee to serve up a 12-course tasting menu paired with 3 handcrafted cocktails, all in the restaurant’s private dining room. Only 12 seats are available — an intimate, high-end culinary journey with views of Ain Dubai and Palm Jumeirah as your backdrop. This one’s a serious flex for your palate.
SUSHISAMBA, Level 51, The Palm Tower, St. Regis, Palm Jumeirah
À la carte dining: April 23–24
Four Hands Omakase Dinner: April 24
Price: AED 1,200 per person
Tel: (0)4 278 4888
Instagram: @sushisambadubai
An unforgettable culinary collab with Chef Diego Muñoz and Kitak Lee, sky-high on Palm Jumeirah — this is your sign to book ASAP.
New vibes in the jungle: NETTE opens in Al Barari
The cult-fave café from Al Quoz has officially landed in its dreamy new second home — right in the heart of Al Barari’s lush green haven. Picture sipping matcha under the trees, indulging in French-Japanese fusion with a twist, and soaking up chill garden vibes that’ll have you lingering way past lunch.
The vibe? Still effortlessly cool. The food? Just as fire. The all-day menu is packed with creative hits like the Katsu Beef Burger, Okonomiyaki Omelette, and the wildly inventive French Onion Ramen (yes, it’s real — and yes, you absolutely need to try it).
They’ve even dropped a fresh line of NETTE merch in-store, so you can bring a little of that café magic home. Between the breezy garden seating, solid coffee game, and serious slow-living energy, this new NETTE outpost is totally worth the drive.
NETTE, Al Barari. Tel: (0)4 329 4800. @nettedxb
Boats, bites & Bangkok vibes: Pai Thai’s floating market pops up at Jumeirah Al Qasr
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Something seriously cool is floating into town — literally. Every Saturday this April, Pai Thai is transforming the serene waterways of Jumeirah Al Qasr into a full-on Thai floating market, bringing major Bangkok vibes with a Dubai twist.
Hop aboard an abra, drift through lush canals, and feast your way through live cooking stations dishing out authentic Thai street eats, tropical sips, and sweet treats. But it’s not just a food fest — expect traditional Thai performances, vibrant market-style décor, and all the charm of a bustling street market, right in the heart of Madinat Jumeirah.
It’s a Saturday plan that’s got culture, flavor, and seriously chill vibes written all over it.
Pai Thai, Jumeirah Al Qasr, every Saturday April 12 until 3 May, from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, @paithaidubai
Art, moonlight & crudo: Lúnico’s got something dreamy going on
There’s something next-level happening at Lúnico — and no, it’s not just the stunning beach views. Until April 27, this seaside stunner is flipping the script on dinner with The Forest of Infinite Secrets, a mind-bending, immersive art-meets-dining collab with local visual artist RANK SSS (aka Sabrina Guechetouli). Think surreal visuals dancing across giant LED screens while you eat — it’s a full-on digital dreamscape.
To go with the show? A limited-edition three-course set menu for AED 295, or AED 350 if you’re vibing with their signature ‘AIR’ cocktail. Kick off with options like Guacamole Bombon or Salmon Crudo, follow up with seafood rice or Romesco pasta, and finish strong with Trufas or San Sebastian cheesecake.
It’s art. It’s food. It’s a whole mood — and it’s only around until April 27. Not your average dinner out, for sure.
Lúnico, J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1. Tel: (0)5 0277 6503. @lunico_ae
Loona’s new 11-course tasting menu
If you’re into Italian with a little extra flair — the good kind — then Loona’s new 11-course tasting menu is the move. Served daily in Downtown Dubai, this epic lineup brings together the restaurant’s greatest hits in one unforgettable dining experience. Think long, indulgent lunches or elevated dinners that hit all the right notes.
Priced at AED 605, the menu is packed with fan-favourites like truffle potato topped with caviar, handmade crab ravioli, and filet mignon with a silky tuna cream. It all wraps up with playful desserts, including a dreamy salted caramel tiramisu.
Bonus? Some dishes are served by the chefs themselves, adding a personal, behind-the-scenes touch that makes the whole thing feel even more intimate. Refined but totally relaxed, Loona is the kind of spot that quietly earns its spot as one of Dubai’s best-kept secrets.
Vida Residence Downtown, Emaar, Burj Khalifa Blvd, Downtown Dubai. Tel: (0)58 850 2200. @loona.uae
