The foodie: Unique dining experiences to impress the gourmandise in your life

Fusion Ceviche: A homegrown Peruvian gem in JLT

Tucked away inside Dubai’s Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) you will find Fusion Ceviche – a hidden homegrown gem bringing the best of Perú to Dubai. Founded by the passionate and talented Chef Penelope Diaz, Fusion Ceviche is small and cosy, featuring a Chef’s Table counter, an open kitchen, and seating options for small and medium groups. If your foodie loves ceviche, trust us – run, don't walk…

Moonrise: Chef Solemann Haddad's rooftop omakase on Sheikh Zayed Road

The brainchild of talented Dubai-born chef Solemann Haddad, Moonrise is a unique, homegrown, omakase experience located on the rooftop of sleek residential tower Eden House on Sheikh Zayed Road. First opened in September 2021, in 2023 Moonrise had a sleek makeover, transforming it from an 8-seater to a 12-seater restaurant – with arena-style seating to catch all of the mouthwatering action. Complete with a licensed bar and changing, seasonal menu, no two visits here will ever be the same.

Ossiano: A bucket-list-worthy progressive fine dining experience in Dubai

Ossiano offers a progressive fine dining experience inspired by the ocean at the famous Atlantis Hotel. Awarded one Michelin star, here you can enjoy edible works of art whilst enjoying the views of the aquarium, as sharks, fish, and stingrays swim right past your table. Led by the award-winning chef Grégoire Berger, Ossiano is the ideal place for a romantic date or a special occasion such as a birthday or an anniversary. The experience is inspired by Chef Grégoire’s Berger’s lifelong respect for seasonality, terroir, and sea foraging and it is one for the bucket list…

Iki Sushi: A stunning omakase experience in Dubai

Named after the Japanese word for “coolness” and “rarerity”, ‘iki’ is often used when describing desirable things. Tucked away inside KOA by Canvas, Iki Sushi is one such desirable “thing” – an ultra-exclusive, omakase restaurant seating just eight diners a session, and a maximum of sixteen guests a night. Fully licensed, it hosts two dinner sessions an evening; one at 6 and one at 9 pm. With the intimacy of an upscale, private dining room, Chef Koji Sagawa – who has over four decades of experience – takes centre stage in the kitchen, crafting each dish by hand before delivering them (also by hand) to his guests. All of the ingredients used here are flown in straight from Japan and strictly only the highest quality, seasonal produce.

Itadaku: An authentic homegrown Japanese experience

Tucked away along Al Wasl Road in Dubai’s Jumeirah 1, you will find Itadaku – a homegrown, family-run restaurant offering an authentic Japanese experience. Short for the word ‘itadakimasu’, which means “gratitude for receiving” in Japanese, is an alcohol-free, homegrown restaurant led by Chef Masaru Sakagami, here you will find authentic Japanese cuisine (not fusion) with a passionate focus on provenance and ingredients.

Uchi: A tiny Japanese fine dining gem with a specialist whisky bar

With the coziness and exclusivity of a secret members club or upscale bar, this tiny Japanese fine dining gem is the brainchild of Carole Moawad, the Lebanese expat and entrepreneur behind the UAE’s first homegrown mochi ice-cream brand, M’OISHI. Sultry and sophisticated, Uchi encompasses a small (licensed) bar area alongside an intimate dining room for small to medium group sizes. There is also a chef’s counter and if your foodie friend happens to love whisky, you are going to be in the right place.

Tresind Studio: The world’s smallest and most exclusive Indian restaurant?

Looking for something really special, bucket list-worthy, exclusive, and impressive? Then look no further… You’ve arrived at the right place. Seating just 20 diners an evening, Trèsind Studio is quite possibly both the world’s smallest and most exclusive Indian restaurant…

The name ‘Trèsind’ is a reference to the French word for ‘very’ (très) and an abbreviation for Indian (‘ind’) – a.k.a. “very Indian”. The ‘studio’ aspect of the Trèsind Studio name is likely because dining here is exactly what it might be like dining at a fine-dining chef’s studio. This one is helmed by the talented Chef Himanshu Saini.

Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara: Spectacular seafood in a sublime setting

Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara is the brainchild of renowned chef Andrea Migliaccio whose restaurant Capri L’Olivo received 2-Michelin stars in Italy. It started life as a pop-up but became a regular fixture thanks to its roaring success. Expect sophisticated vibes and luxurious furnishings (it is the Burj Al Arab after all), and prepare to be awed by the surrounding live aquarium…

K’iin Supper Club: A trip to Mexico in Downtown Dubai with a talented Chef

Conceptualised by Chef Jonathan Collin and inspired by his Mexican heritage and experiences at culinary greats such as La Petit Maison and Zuma, K’iin Supper Club is a unique experience all sociable foodies should try…

Held in Chef Jon’s home in Downtown Dubai, the experience goes beyond a stunning 7-course dinner menu (priced at 450 AED per person) – from the plates imported from Uayma, Yucatán to the hammock from Tulum you will feel as if you’ve been transported to Mexico and back, all in one memorable evening.

Hawker Boi: From coveted supper club to fully-fledged restaurant

Located on the second floor of The Park JLT, Hawker Boi started life as one of Dubai’s most coveted, and hard-to-book supper clubs. Featuring an elusive “boi” and delicious, South East Asian hawker food, the fire-fuelled evenings took social feeds by storm. Fast-forward to the Spring of 2023 and Hawker Boi became one of the first supper clubs to open a bricks and mortar restaurant in the city. Foodies will love this rags to riches-esque story as much as they love the roast duck…

Leña: The world's most beautiful steakhouse?

Whilst impressive in and of itself, it is Leña’s chef’s table restaurant within in a restaurant that will impress even the fussiest foodie. The Omakase experience is called Smoked Room and offers space for just 14 diners to explore delicious food and a unique, fully immersive experience. Featuring a menu crafted by Chef Dani García, this is a perfect option for a special occasion or a birthday – especially if your foodie appreciates meat and fire cooking…

Dinner By Heston Blumenthal: A London fine dining icon on the Palm Jumeirah

Led by the famed Chef Heston Blumenthhal – a pioneer of multi-sensory cooking, food pairing, and flavour encapsulation, this upscale restaurant offers an immersive journey through historic British cuisine dating back to the 1300s. A solid option, this award-winnning London-born restaurant is located inside an iconic hotel (The Atlantis Royal). Fully licensed, there's an impressive wine cellar plus a glass-framed, bustling kitchen that will entice you with its gourmet action from dozens of talented chefs.

3 Fils: A tiny little Asian gem in the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour

An award-winning contemporary Asian restaurant and a favourite with those in the know, 3 Fils first opened its doors in November 2016. Since then it has been wowing visitors with its faultless food, impeccable service, and relaxed, welcoming vibes. Overlooking the picturesque Fishing Harbour, it is first come, first served (no reservations), alcohol-free and offers a menu featuring Japanese favourites alongside delicious burgers, super spicy and crispy wings and other delights including some rather epic desserts. Perfect for a casual but 10/10 meal.

11 Woodfire: A homegrown restaurant celebrating all things wood and fire cooking

Located in a converted villa on Jumeirah Beach Road, this alcohol-free, chef-led restaurant is a must-visit for all fire cooking foodies. Conceptualised by the Singapore-born Chef Akmul Anuar (a.k.a. the talent behind HUNTR fave 3Fils), 11 Woodfire is a collaboration with Atelier House Hospitality and offers delicious food, all cooked by fire, using different wood types to complement the different ingredients.

Jun’s: A must-visit licensed restaurant by Chef Kelvin Cheung

Born in Canada, raised in Chicago, and currently based in Dubai, Chef Kelvin Cheung showcases his culinary prowess at Jun’s, his debut UAE restaurant and bar situated in Downtown Dubai. As a third-generation Chinese-Canadian, Cheung brings a wealth of experience from his roles at some of the finest establishments in Canada, America, and India to this wonderful Downtown Dubai gem.

Bonus: HUNTR Members receive a complimentary signature dessert when dining at Jun's. Not a member? There a limited number of memberships available via The HUNTR: City Guide app here

LILA Wood-Fired Taqueria: Mexican delights in Umm Suqeim

Tucked away inside Umm Suqeim, this tiny Mexican gem is a must-visit for all taco lovers. With a strong focus on provenance (grass-fed, organic where possible, sustainable), a husband and wife team are behind this cosy little taqeuira – offering casual, homely vibes, alongside incredible, best-in-class fare.

Bonus: HUNTR Members receive LILA's coveted churros free of charge when dining for lunch or dinner. Not a member? There a limited number of memberships available via The HUNTR: City Guide app here

Chongqing: A homegrown noodle house serving no-frills, 15AED plates that are a 9 out of 10

A little rough around the edges, Chongqing is as authentic as they come. There are just nine main courses to choose from, ranging from 10AED to 38AED in price. Each main course comes in a small or medium size, so you can order according to your appetite and you can also choose between three levels of spiciness.

Mama’esh: Delicious Palestinian fare in Al Manara

One of the best places in the country to enjoy mana'esh (or manakish)– the delicious flatbread that’s a Middle Eastern cuisine staple, Mama’esh Al Manara is just one of several Mama’esh outlets in Dubai. This homegrown Al Safa gem serves, as you might have guessed, one of the city’s best mana’esh, plus fatayer, soups and salads, appetizers, wraps, and desserts

Kinoya: A licensed homegrown ramen and izakaya restaurant

If your foodie friend is a Ramen fiend then be sure to swing by Kinoya, which serves one of the best in the city and recently opened a branch in Harrods in London. Complete with a licensed bar and a chilled, minimal vibe, there are private dining rooms and chef's table experiences available also, if you want to elevate the experience beyond a standard restaurant visit.

Marmellata: A father and son led pizzeria in Abu Dhabi

Marmellata is a father and son led neighbourhood pizzeria in Souq Al Mina. Charming and chintzy, this humble little restaurant first started life as a once-a-week pop-up, created by New Yorker called Raj and his teenage son Sebastian. Intended as a family project to give his son some work experience, Marmellata quickly became the hottest pizzeria in the capital, and provided they are not gluten-free, your foodie pal is sure to love it.

Erth Restaurant: A gorgeous homegrown ode to Emirati culture

Located in the capital’s historic landmark – Qasr Al Hosn, Erth is inspired by “local values, creative modern techniques, and genuine authentic energy”, and a unique, homegrown ode to Emirati culture. Encompassing a stunning space designed by BONE Studio, the vibes here are earthy, inspiring, and cosy. Inspired by a traditional majlis, the team at Erth has commissioned many local Emirati talents to create artistic elements for this project – including Aljoud Lootah and Khalid Shafar. There are also private dining rooms available for pre-booking, if you want to add an element of exclusivity to your experience.

Kopitiam by Chandy’s: Delicious authentic Malaysian cuisine

One of the few casual dining spots on the list, Kopitiam by Chandy’s is a fantastic, frills-free eatery tucked away on Al Falah Street in Abu Dhabi. Offering authentic Malaysian cuisine, Kopitiam is owned by Malaysian-born, Abu Dhabi-based chef Chandy, who spent many years working in the hospitality industry before opening the doors to his own restaurant. Opened in March 2022, Kopitiam features a small inside dining room that can seat up to 22 people. Cosy and quaint, the decor has been inspired by Chandy’s Peranakan culture. Expect hearty, delicious food, with reasonable prices, generous portion sizes and a bustling dining room…