As the weekend of May 16 to 18 approaches, food enthusiasts in Dubai can look forward to an array of exquisite dining experiences. From innovative brunches to intimate dinners, the city is alive with gastronomic delight. Here are 7 of the best restaurants in Dubai this weekend, each offering unique atmospheres and delectable menus that will tantalize your taste buds.
TATEL
What: Entre Amigos Brunch
Vibe: Stylish, buzzing, and entirely Spanish
Menu: Kick off with starters like crispy Andalusian-style squid and garlic shrimp, then enjoy mains such as creamy seafood rice or beef tenderloin with chimichurri. Don’t forget dessert—Basque-style cheesecake and a rich chocolate cake with sea salt await. The Valencia package (non-alcoholic) costs Dhs355, while the Madrid package (with Cava) is Dhs455, and the Dubai package (with Champagne) comes in at Dhs725.
When: Every Saturday, 2 PM to 6 PM
Where: TATEL, Downtown Dubai, Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection @tatel.dubai
Observatory Bar & Grill
What: A Friday night brunch in full cosmic mode. STARGAZE is a new, after-dark concept featuring a three-course sharing menu with free-flowing drinks for three hours, enlivened by DJs and dancers.
Vibe: Picture luxury sci-fi meets intergalactic lounge, complete with panoramic views and sleek lighting.
Menu: Begin your evening with a selection of Sake Maki Rolls and Beef Dumplings. Mains emphasize sharing platters featuring Wagyu Sliders and Chicken Chimichurri, finishing off with delightful Churros. Pricing ranges from Dhs295 for the Soft Package to Dhs2,500 for a VIP Booth accommodating up to 6 guests.
When: Every Friday, 8 PM to 11 PM
Where: Observatory Bar & Grill, Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel, Dubai Marina @observatorydubai
Bab El Bahr
What: A revitalized Downtown icon, Bab El Bahr showcases a bold Mediterranean menu fusing Levantine roots with coastal flair.
Vibe: The venue exudes Mediterranean elegance with soft stone textures and olive trees—ideal for sunlit lunches or vibrant dinners with Shisha.
Menu: Discover freshly shucked oysters, Tuna tartare with Mediterranean notes, grilled whole fish, and a selection of hot and cold mezze.
Where: Bab El Bahr, Boulevard 29 Bld., Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai @babelbahr.alhallab
SHI
What: Experience rich Chinese cuisine with stunning views of Bluewaters.
Menu: For Dubai Restaurant Week, enjoy curated lunch and dinner options featuring sushi, dim sum, spicy seafood, and smoky meats. Lunch is priced at Dhs125, while dinner is Dhs250. Standouts include Sake Truffle Maki and Jasmine Tea Smoked Ribs.
When: May 9 to 25
Where: SHI, Bluewaters Island @shi.dxb
Duck & Waffle
What: Elevated sky-high dining featuring British-American classics. Duck & Waffle DIFC offers signature flavors from dusk till dawn.
Menu: For lunch, savor Duck & Waffle and Lobster Roll, moving to dinner highlights like Foie Gras Crème Brûlée and Roasted Baby Chicken. Lunch is priced at Dhs125; dinner costs Dhs250.
When: May 9 to 25
Where: Duck & Waffle, DIFC @duckandwaffledubai
Loona
What: Discover fine dining infused with a modern Italian essence. Loona’s dinner-only menu showcases bold textures and flavors in a sleek Downtown environment.
Menu: Expect prawn and salmon tartare to start, followed by veal cheek risotto and crab polpetta for mains. End your meal with a duo of ganache and tiramisu, all for Dhs250.
When: May 9 to 25
Where: Loona, Downtown Dubai @loona.uae
Couqley Downtown
What: Enjoy a relaxed Sunday ritual with French cuisine. Couqley Downtown serves a two-course menu featuring beloved dishes like Steak Frites and Free-Range Chicken.
Vibe: The atmosphere is elegant yet easygoing, perfect for sharing good food and good company.
Menu: A two-course meal with soft drinks is priced at Dhs218, while free-flow grapes increase the price to Dhs268, and adding hops boosts it to Dhs347. Dessert can be added for Dhs33.
When: Every Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM
Where: Couqley Downtown @couqleyuae
Images: Supplied