As the Festival of Lights approaches, Dubai transforms into a vibrant hub of celebrations, where the warmth of tradition meets culinary excellence. Diwali, a festival synonymous with feasting, is the perfect opportunity to indulge in the rich flavours of Indian cuisine. With an impressive array of dining options to choose from, here are 18 exceptional restaurants in Dubai where you can truly celebrate Diwali this year, each offering unique culinary experiences that honour the heritage of the festival.
Varq at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
Kickstart your Diwali festivities at Varq with a festive set menu accompanied by themed beverages. Delight in festive entertainment and complimentary welcome drinks, all starting from Dhs275. This celebration runs from October 30 to November 15, making it an immersive experience within the luxurious setting of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa.
Where: Varq, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
When: October 30 to November 15
Contact: @varqpalmdubai
Palm Kitchen at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
If you’re all about the buffet experience, the Palm Kitchen offers a delightful spread of Diwali favourites on November 8, from 6.30pm to 10.30pm. With a price of Dhs235 for adults and Dhs120 for children aged 6 to 11, you can gather friends and family for a feast that truly embodies the spirit of the festival.
Where: Palm Kitchen, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
When: November 8
Contact: exoticadubai.tajhotels.com
Gymkhana Dubai
This Michelin-starred restaurant is marking its debut Diwali in Dubai with a specially curated tasting menu priced at Dhs495 per person. Set in plush surroundings reminiscent of elite Indian social clubs, Gymkhana invites you to savour some of its classics on November 8.
Where: Gymkhana Dubai, DIFC
When: November 8
Contact: @gymkhanadxb
Jamavar
Offering a taste of Indian culinary artistry, Jamavar presents a Diwali tasting menu in partnership with Chahar Bagh by Good Earth. From October 20 to November 11, indulge in exquisite dishes like Nazakat ke Bhalle and Bhatti ka Paneer, with vegetarian options at Dhs395 and non-vegetarian options at Dhs425.
Where: Jamavar, Address Residences, Dubai Opera District, Downtown Dubai
When: October 20 to November 11
Contact: @jamavardubai
Jodhpur
Capturing the essence of Rajasthani royalty, Jodhpur boasts a menu rich in desert traditions. Enjoy specialties like Gulab Jamun Ki Sabzi and Dal Baati Churma from Monday to Friday with varied timings throughout the weekend.
Where: Jodhpur, Hyatt Place Dubai Jumeirah hotel
When: Monday to Friday, lunch from 12pm to 3pm, dinner from 6pm to 1am; weekends, lunch from 12pm to 4pm, dinner from 6pm to 2am
Contact: @jodhpurdxb
Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia
Overlooking Jumeirah Lagoon, Atrangi offers a breathtaking setting paired with diverse Indian cuisines. With rich culinary traditions from every corner of India, it is a noteworthy stop for those looking to elevate their festive dining experience.
Where: Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia, Jumeirah Al Qasr
When: Daily, lunch from 12pm to 3pm, dinner from 7.30pm to 11.30pm
Contact: @atrangi.dubai
Carnival by Tresind
Adding a festive flair, Michelin Guide restaurant Carnival invites families for an evening of great Indian flavours, music, and joyful celebrations throughout Diwali.
Where: Carnival by Tresind, Burj Daman
When: Daily 12pm to 1am
Contact: @carnivalbytresind
Asha’s
Founded by the late legendary singer Asha Bhosle, Asha’s merges the joy of music and Indian culinary finesse, making it an ideal venue for lively Diwali gatherings with friends.
Where: Asha’s, Wafi City
When: Daily 12.30pm to 12am
Contact: @ashasmiddleeast
Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai
On November 7, Mövenpick invites you to celebrate with a festive buffet at The Oasis Terrace and Garden. Activities, entertainment, and traditional cuisines will be part of this vibrant gathering from 7pm to 10pm.
Where: The Oasis Terrace and Garden, Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai
When: November 7
Contact: movenpick.accor.com
Ishq by Chef Bhatia
Taking festive dining to an elite level, Ishq offers a 13-course tasting menu featuring tantalising dishes from various Indian states. Available on November 8, guests can choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian options at varying prices.
Where: Ishq, Raffles Wafi, Dubai
When: November 8, from 8pm onwards
Contact: @ishq.restaurant
Mausam
Nestled in Dubai Mall, Mausam combines stunning views of the Burj Khalifa with a feast of Indian flavours, including chaats and curries, for Dhs189 on November 8.
Where: Mausam, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
When: November 8
Contact: @mausamdubai
Purani Dilli
Chaat lovers will find delight at Purani Dilli, where live stations offer a vibrant mixture of flavours starting from Dhs129 per person on November 8.
Where: Purani Dilli, Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road
When: November 8 from 6.30pm to 11pm
Contact: @puranidilliszr
Avatara
As the world’s first all-vegetarian Michelin-star restaurant, Avatara invites diners to experience an elaborate 12-course lunch or 17-course dinner, showcasing experimental flavours made with familiar vegetarian ingredients starting from Dhs960 per person.
Where: Avatara, Business Park 1, Dubai Hills Estate
When: November 8
Contact: @avatara.ae
Ziya at Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel
Introducing Swad Mahal, Ziya will be serving a specially curated vegetarian menu for just Dhs99, featuring festive delights such as papdi chaat and shahi paneer from November 1 to 8.
Where: Ziya, Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai
When: November 1 to 8
Contact: anantara.com
Kairos
This newly opened café is adding festive cheer with a limited-edition cashew croissant pudding available until November 8, along with a Diwali charm-making class on November 7.
Where: Kairos Coffee Assembly, Al Quoz, Dubai
When: November 7 & 8
Contact: @kairosuae
Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort
The Rohini Food Truck at Th8 Palm is serving festive thalis packed with celebratory delicacies for Dhs108 on November 8, set against the stunning backdrop of Palm Jumeirah.
Where: Rohini Food Truck, Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort
When: November 8
Contact: @th8palm
Kinara by Vikas Khanna at JA Lake View Hotel
For a grand Diwali feast, Kinara offers a delectable set menu featuring live entertainment. Guests who book a Diwali experience will be entered into a draw to win a dinner with celebrity chef Vikas Khanna.
Where: Kinara by Vikas Khanna, JA Lake View Hotel, Mina Jebel Ali, Dubai
When: November 7 to 8 from 6pm to 10.30pm
Contact: jaresortshotels.com
Jeema at JA Hatta Fort Hotel
Celebrate amidst the stunning rugged mountains of Hatta on November 8, with Jeema’s three-course set menu featuring an array of Indian delicacies, complemented by special Diwali desserts.
Where: Jeema, JA Hatta Fort Hotel, Hatta, Dubai
When: November 8 from 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Contact: jaresortshotels.com
With such diverse and vibrant options available, making your Diwali a memorable feast in Dubai is not just desirable; it’s entirely achievable. Whether indulging in sumptuous buffets or exquisite tasting menus, these restaurants will ensure your celebrations are nothing short of spectacular.