Where to book when the setting is just as important as the food
For those looking for a restaurant that is not only delicious, but beautiful too, these spots deliver on both. Dubai isn’t short on places to eat, but these stand out for their thoughtful design, statement décor, and art-filled spaces that make you want to stay all night (while taking mental notes for your dream home).
From African glamour to Parisian decadence, here are five Dubai restaurants where the setting is just as memorable as the food.
Ofelia at The Arts Club Dubai
Newly opened inside the members-only The Arts Club Dubai, Ofelia is Dubai’s latest ‘it’ restaurant. A bold celebration of maximalism, it pairs animal print and gilded furniture with rare art, patterned wallpaper, embroidered curtains, and decadent chandeliers.
Designed by Italian architect Giuseppe Porcelli, it spans a restaurant, bar, and terrace, recreating the warmth of a home with whimsical opulence. The fine dining Italian menu complements the grandeur of the space, ensuring every corner tells a story.
Visit: www.theartsclub.ae ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC
Flamingo Room by tashas
Few restaurants capture a sense of place quite like Flamingo Room by tashas. Perched beside Jumeirah Al Naseem’s turtle lagoon, it channels a dreamlike version of Africa, where brass-framed doors are embossed with flora and fauna, zebra-print cushions line plush seating, and sculptural baobab light installations glow overhead. The palette is a soft symphony of blush pink and gold with turquoise details, effortlessly glamorous without feeling excessive. The menu is seafood-focused, designed for sharing, starring the Calamari Mozambique, a dish so iconic it has become part of Dubai’s culinary fabric.
Visit: www.flamingoroombytashas.com Jumeirah Al Naseem
Soul Kitchen
This Beirut-born concept blends Levantine and Latin American influences, both in design and on the plate. The art-filled space is layered with symbolic installations telling stories of migration and resilience, from the silk-and-steel threads of Feathers of Migration to the beautiful Migrating Birds that narrates the journey of Levantine people seeking a sense of home.
The menu continues the narrative with dishes such as the ceviche tabbouleh, chicken shawarma empanadas, and tamarind lamb chops offering a modern take on heritage flavours.
Visit: www.soulkitchendxb.com Marasi Drive, Business Bay
La Niña
Hidden inside DIFC’s ICD Brookfield Place, La Niña transports guests to the Iberian Peninsula with elegant yet intricate design. Blue and white hand-painted azulejo tiles imported from Portugal adorn the walls, telling the maritime journeys of sailors and explorers.
Overhead, dramatic chandeliers glint in the glow of candlelight, while floor-to-ceiling windows and dark wood floors provide a grounding contrast to the ornate surroundings. The menu, a blend of Iberian and Latino flavours, is as considered as the surroundings, with lobster paella, flame-grilled steaks, and coconut and caviar ice cream making a strong case for slow, lingering meals.
Visit: www.laninarestaurant.com ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC
Maison Revka
Maison Revka is a tribute to old-world glamour, drawing inspiration from early 20th-century Parisian townhouses and the sun-drenched villas of Saint-Tropez. The interiors are maximalist yet intimate, with antique rugs, flickering candles, floral patterns, and double-height ceilings framed by stained glass windows.
Crisp white tablecloths and vintage crockery set the scene for a Slavic-inspired menu, featuring caviar-topped starters, wagyu carpaccio, and delicate pastries best paired with Champagne. Outside, the pool terrace with private cabanas is made for golden-hour cocktails overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
Visit: www.maisonrevka.com Delano Dubai, Bluewaters
SHI Restaurant
From the moment you step inside SHI, every detail demands a second glance. A large Chinese zodiac mural anchors the staircase, while bold canvas artworks punctuate in corners, offering playful discoveries at every turn.
The furnishings strike a careful balance - luxe yet warm - inviting you to linger as sculptural lighting and the sweeping Bluewaters Island view frame the experience.
Visit: shirestaurant.com Bluewaters Island, Dubai
China Tang Dubai
Timeless and refreshingly modern China Tang Dubai brings the iconic charm of its renowned London counterpart to the scenic waterfront of The Lana Promenade, part of the Dorchester Collection. Spread across two stylish levels, the restaurant is known for its refined take on classic Cantonese cuisine and glamorous Art Deco interiors inspired by 1930s Shanghai, offering an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Downtown Dubai.
Curated by Head Chef Li Zhenjun, the menu features classic China Tang dishes, including the signature Beijing duck, cooked to perfection, along with new exclusive creations crafted.
Visit: chinatang.com Downtown Dubai
