Dubai Kitchens Are in Their Summer Era – Here’s Where to Book This Week
This week, Dubai’s culinary landscape is heating up as the city showcases its top dining spots for summer. From newly launched seasonal menus to creative specials from renowned chefs, we’ve compiled a list of five of the best restaurants in Dubai this week: June 30 to July 3. These establishments are offering extraordinary flavors and experiences that are simply unmissable.
TOTÓ
Guests can kick off their meal with the refreshing insalata di polpo, featuring chilled octopus paired with green beans, tomatoes, and violet potatoes drizzled in a citrus dressing. For a tasty bite, the bruschettone al pomodoro is a must-try—grilled sourdough topped with garlic, ripe tomatoes, and basil, while seafood enthusiasts will love the garlicky sauté di cozze, inspired by Naples.
When it comes to pasta, options like the beef-stuffed ravioli di brasato, tagliatelle alla bolognese, and a vibrant shrimp risotto finished with Amalfi lemon are highlights of the menu. Don’t miss the gnocchi alla sorrentina, baked in a tangy tomato and mozzarella sauce, and the calamarata allo scoglio, featuring an array of fresh seafood. For the main course, savor Mediterranean-style grilled prawns or the ultra-tender veal cheek, slowly cooked and served alongside seasonal grilled vegetables.
Chef Angelo Santi, a luminary in Italian cuisine, has curated this menu, ensuring that each dish is a masterpiece.
Location: TOTÓ Dubai, Hotel Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
Times: Daily, 12pm to 1am
Contact: (0)4 215 2121. @totorestaurantdubai
ALAYA
Start your culinary journey with creamy muhammara and zesty fattoush salad, and then dive into warm starters like fried calamari with za’atar and spiced potato harra. For the main course, indulge in shish kofte simmered in rich tomato sauce, a Mediterranean pasta filled with eggplant and cheese, or expertly grilled shish chicken served with seasonal vegetables.
One standout dish is the comforting maqlouba rice, beautifully layered with golden fried eggplant and cauliflower, rich in flavor and nostalgia. End your meal on a sweet note with an apricot tart or pistachio ice cream, sprinkled with pomegranate seeds.
Location: ALAYA, Gate Village, DIFC
Cost: Flavours of Sayf menu, AED 250 per person
Times: Daily, 4pm to 8pm
Contact: (0)4 323 5654. @alayadubai
Three Cuts Steakhouse
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Situated on the rooftop of Nakheel Mall, this understated restaurant prioritizes quality meat and expert preparation in a relaxed atmosphere. The business lunch features a straightforward yet satisfying menu with one starter and one main, offering elevated selections like beef carpaccio, mushroom risotto, and perfect steak frites. At just AED 135, it provides a fulfilling midday escape that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Location: Rooftop, Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah
Cost: AED 135 for one starter and one main
Times: Monday to Friday, 12pm to 4pm
Contact: (0)4 395 6000. @threecutsdxb
Babel
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For a midweek respite, take advantage of Babel’s weekday lunch that showcases the delights of Lebanese comfort food. The heart of Babel’s menu centers around the Tabkha, offering traditional Lebanese home-cooked dishes served authentically. The “plat du jour” business lunch changes regularly, featuring hearty options such as kibbeh shish barak with yogurt dumplings, siyadieh, a fragrant fish dish with caramelized onions, and mulukhiyah, a slow-cooked jute mallow dish bursting with flavor. This nostalgic culinary experience is not to be missed.
Location: Babel, The Dubai Mall, Fashion Avenue, 1st Floor Financial Ctr St, Downtown Dubai
Cost: The “plat du jour” weekday business lunch is priced at just AED 45
Times: Monday to Friday, 12pm to 5pm
Contact: (0)4 431 2333. babeldubai.com. @babeldubai
TATEL
Enjoy vibrant performances from artists like Keko Fontana and Fernando Gutiérrez against a backdrop of deep reds and sultry rhythms, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails. The menu features bold flavors including red tuna tartare with fried egg, rich seafood bisque rice, and the renowned TATEL cheesecake.
This weekly event promises a spirited evening that captures the essence of Spain—no passport required.
Location: TATEL, Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection, Downtown Dubai
Cost: À la carte Spanish menu and live entertainment
Time: Every Thursday, from 8.30pm till late
Contact: (0)4 215 2121. @tatel.dubai