Dubai's Best Restaurants 2026: MENA's Top Picks and New Hotspots
Dubai's food scene in 2026 dominates with seven restaurants in MENA's Top 50, including Kinoya at No.2, Trèsind Studio at No.3, and Orfali Bros at No.4.[1][3][8]
These spots blend global flavors with Arabic influences, making Dubai restaurants a must for food lovers. Homejourney verifies this vibrant scene to help travelers plan safely, just as we ensure trust in Singapore property journeys.[1]
Why Dubai's Food Scene Captivates Global Foodies
Dubai ranks second globally as a dining destination in 2026, boasting 21 entries on MENA's Top 50 list.[1]
From fine dining Dubai experiences to casual Arabic food gems, the city's multiculturalism shines. Singapore travelers appreciate this energy, similar to our hawker centers but elevated with skyline views.
Best time to visit: October to April for cooler weather ideal for outdoor brunches. Direct flights from Singapore take about 7 hours via Emirates or Singapore Airlines.
Top MENA's 50 Best Restaurants in Dubai
Kinoya (No.2) offers Japanese-inspired seafood in a sleek setting. Trèsind Studio (No.3) delivers progressive Indian tasting menus. Orfali Bros (No.4) mixes Syrian staples with Asian twists, a three-time top contender.[1][3]
Other standouts: Sufret Maryam (No.7) for Levantine sharing plates, Jun's (No.8) fusing North American, Indian, and East Asian flavors like tempura za'atar chaat, Manao (No.9), and Moonrise (No.10).[1][3]
- Insider Tip: Book Orfali Bros 4-6 weeks ahead; walk-ins rare due to demand.[3]
- Woodfire (No.14) for smoky grills; 3 Fils Dubai (No.17) for modern Middle Eastern.[1]
Exciting New Restaurant Openings in Dubai 2026
2026 brings fresh spots like ZEA in DIFC, featuring Wagyu Tomahawk via open-fire Mediterranean techniques.[2]
Pavyllon Dubai at Mandarin Oriental Downtown by Michelin-starred Yannick Alléno offers steamed cheddar soufflé and grilled lobster.[2]
Barrafina in DIFC serves Spanish classics like tortilla; Osaka Nikkei on the 35th floor fuses Peruvian-Japanese with skyline views. Window in Alserkal Avenue emphasizes live-fire, alcohol-free dining; Hikiniku To Come in Al Quoz grills daily-ground beef over rice.[2]
Best for Fine Dining Dubai and Arabic Food
Fine dining Dubai peaks at Trèsind Studio's 12-course menu (AED 950++, ~SGD 350). For Arabic food, try Sufret Maryam or Gaia (No.33) for authentic mezzeh.[1][3]
LPM Dubai (No.27) excels in French-Mediterranean like salt-baked sea bass, consistently booked out.[3]
Dubai brunch highlight: Row on 45 (No.36) with Burj Khalifa views, unlimited packages from AED 350 (~SGD 130).[1][7]
Practical Tips for Dubai Food Adventures
Visa: Singaporeans get 30-day visa-on-arrival. Use Careem or Uber for taxis; metro for budget travel (Nol card ~AED 2/ride).
Safety: Dubai prioritizes visitor security, much like Homejourney's user safety focus. Dress modestly in public; alcohol served in licensed venues only.
Money-saving: Brunch deals offer best value; exchange SGD to AED at 1:2.7 rate. Check Bank Rates for real-time conversions via Homejourney.
3-Day Dubai Food Itinerary
- Day 1: DIFC crawl – ZEA lunch, Orfali Bros dinner.
- Day 2: Alserkal Avenue – Window for fire-cooked dishes, Jun's fusion tasting.
- Day 3: Downtown brunch at Row on 45, evening at TakaHisa (No.23) for omakase.
Walking distances: DIFC spots 5-10 mins apart. Total cost: SGD 500-800/person excluding flights.
From Dubai to Singapore: Lifestyle and Investment Links
Many Dubai visitors explore Singapore for property diversification, drawn by stability and proximity. Singapore's food scene rivals Dubai's, from Michelin-starred Odette to hawker gems.
For expats or investors, check Property Search on Homejourney for verified Singapore homes. Compare financing at Mortgage Rates ; view projects at Projects .
Homejourney supports AED-SGD conversions, aiding second-home buyers. Read our full Dubai Food Scene 2026: Ultimate Restaurants & Eats Guide | Homejourney ">Dubai Food Scene 2026 pillar guide for deeper insights.[1]
FAQ: Best Food and Restaurants in Dubai Food Scene
What are the top Dubai restaurants in 2026?
MENA's Top 50 features Kinoya (No.2), Trèsind Studio (No.3), Orfali Bros (No.4).[1][3]
Best fine dining Dubai spots?
Trèsind Studio for Indian tasting menus; Pavyllon for French elegance.[1][2]
Where to find authentic Arabic food in Dubai?
Sufret Maryam (No.7) for Levantine plates; LPM for Mediterranean twists.[1][3]
Top Dubai brunch recommendations?
Row on 45 for views; many offer unlimited deals AED 300-500.[1][7]
How to book popular Dubai restaurants?
Use Resy or restaurant sites 1-2 months ahead; Homejourney verifies safe planning tools.
Explore more with Homejourney's trusted guides. Search Singapore properties safely at Property Search or connect for personalized advice. Your secure journey starts here.
