Where I’d Eat in Dubai Right Now: 2026 Visits by Occasion

Dubai has no shortage of places to book. These are restaurants I’d return to after visits this year, whether I’m planning a long dinner, meeting friends, or keeping things easy. I’ve grouped them by the occasion I’d choose them for, with links to the fuller account of each visit.

Menus, teams, and prices can change. The linked stories describe my meals, rather than promising the same experience today. Some visits were hosted; I’ve noted those here and in the original posts. Some full reviews are for paid newsletter subscribers.

A special occasionDinner into the eveningA relaxed plan

For a special occasion

Takahisa

For omakase with the kind of service that makes me clear my calendar. My 2026 dinner was a collaboration with Racine, so the dishes in that account were specific to the event, but it captures why I keep returning to the original Takahisa. The visit was hosted. Read the Takahisa × Racine review ↗

FZN

For a meal that feels like an event. My November return visit reminded me how special the experience is, from Chef Torsten’s team to a chawanmushi I’m still thinking about. The visit was hosted. Read my November FZN update ↗

Taiga

For a splurge built around Japanese ingredients and teppanyaki cooked in front of you. I liked the progression from delicate seafood to the grill, and would return when the budget allows. Read the Taiga review ↗

For dinner that turns into an evening

Soul Kitchen

For friends who want cocktails, a lively room, and food that gives everyone something to talk about. The Levantine and Latin American menu felt thoughtful during my May visit, with a soundtrack that shifts as the evening goes on. This visit was hosted. Read the Soul Kitchen review ↗

VNTG

For a long dinner with wine as part of the plan. At JW Marriott Marquis, the room feels polished but comfortable, and the wine team makes exploring the list approachable. Read the VNTG review ↗

Girl and the Goose

For a social dinner with friends. My June industry-night visit was a full room, excellent food, and the pleasure of catching up with people I hadn’t seen in a while. Read the Girl and the Goose visit notes ↗

For a more relaxed plan

Hanu

For Korean barbecue over lunch. My September visit reminded me how lovely the experience can be; I especially liked the Hansang lunch and the highball. The visit was hosted. Read the Hanu visit notes ↗

Mythos

For a reliably comforting dinner and an easy catch-up. My July visit was a generous industry-night experience courtesy of the team. Read the Mythos visit notes ↗

11 Woodfire

For a fire-led meal with friends. On my August visit I tried the Fire & Ash tasting menu, and the grilled oyster mushroom was the dish I wanted to tell people about. The visit was hosted. Read the 11 Woodfire visit notes ↗