Best Dubai restaurants for a really good gossip with friends
While the shocking revelations pouring in from the family seated next to yours at a restaurant might be really good tea, sometimes, all we want is to actually hear our friend in peace and in private — a cosy nook will do.
Or if you're the ones with some secrets to spill, there are plenty of Dubai spots ideal for a chin-wag.
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From booths with stunning city views to cosy tables tucked under leafy canopies, we've rounded up a few of those restaurants where you can find a secluded space to settle into.
Best restaurants for an overdue catch-up with friends
Mimi Kakushi
Credit: Mimi Kakushi
Mimi Kakushi is the uber cool spot at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach that took home the award for Best Japanese in Dubai at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025.
The setting is reminiscent of 1920s Osaka, from the dark colour palette to the mish-mash of expensive-looking furniture, tasseled hanging ceiling lamps and a classy curved bar.
It does an excellent brunch and an omakase menu, however gathering here for a drink pre- or post-dinner is a total vibe, too.
Grab yourself and your bunch a seat booth or a secluded two-seater.
Open Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Sat-Sun noon-2am. Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah, mimikakushi.ae (04 379 4811).
Jetty Lounge
Credit: Jetty Lounge
This Dubai Marina lounge is where you'll feel pure holiday vibes. So if you and your co-workers are looking to get far, far away from the desk, give it a visit.
Located in One&Only Royal Mirage, Jetty Lounge is a chilled out beachfront bar offering delicious bites open daily from 5pm to 1am.
Its super spaced-out seating on the sand affords plenty of privacy and whether you're laughing out loud or sharing the juiciest bit of gossip, rest assured only your friends will hear it (and the sea).
Open daily 5pm-1am. One and Only Royal Mirage, oneandonlyresorts.com (04 315 2412).
Nola Eatery & Social House
Tucked away at the base of Armada Avenue Hotel, this New Orleans-inspired bar and restaurant is a hipster's dream.
The vibe is retro-urban-chic with serious character. Inside, you'll find a long marble-topped bar, narrow teal booths lining the wall, and dining tables that spill out onto a cosy little patio.
The food is unmistakably Cajun, staying true to its Louisiana roots. So, expect a Cajun glaze on just about everything, big, juicy prawns, jambalayas and steaks.
There are a variety of seating options – so whether it's a perch under a canopy of trees outdoors or in the teal booths by the bar – you'll have an (uninterrupted) good time.
Sun-Thu noon-1am, Fri-Sat noon-2am. Armada Avenue Hotel JLT, noladubai.com (04 399 8155).
Koko Bay
Credit: Koko Bay
Craving toes-in-the-sand beach vibes? This dreamy Palm Jumeirah hangout on West Beach is perfect with its Bali feels, drenched in lush greenery and laid-back boho décor.
You'll be surrounded by macramé swings, bamboo details and umbrellas – all in calming ivory and wood tones.
Whether you're lounging indoors or catching rays right on the beach, you'll be able to find a lone table by the floor-to-ceiling windows or by a palm tree.
Perfect for lounging with a site of chitchat, be sure to order a mountain of Koko nachos loaded with creamy guac.
Open Sun-Thu 10am-1am, Fri-Sat 10am-2am. West Beach, Palm Jumeirah. kokobay.co (04 572 3444).
Prime68 Steakhouse
Crowned Best Steakhouse in the city, Prime68 sits high up on the 68th floor of JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai.
It's the go-to spot when you're after a bit of private dining with a stunning view of the glittering city.
The space is modern and surprisingly simple, with cream-hued circular booths framed by delicate string curtains that will keep you tucked away.
Prime68 serves up top-tier cuts from around the globe. Go for the tomahawk if you're feeling generous and want to share. And with mid-range prices for top-quality steak? We tip our hats to them.
Open daily noon-midnight. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, marriott.com/prime68 (04 414 0000).
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Drift Sea Lounge
Set right on the sun-soaked beach at One&Only Royal Mirage, this cosmopolitan beachside restaurant and bar serves up French-Med flavours with spacious seating to match.
Beyond the main dining area near the bar, you'll find cosy two-seaters lining the windowed pathway, poolside tables, and a variety of tucked-away spots that offer privacy.
If you're visiting on a Saturday, don't miss the Riviera Brunch, a Mediterranean affair complete with lemon and lavender baskets.
Open daily 10am-10pm. One&Only Royal Mirage, oneandonlyresorts.com (04 315 2200).
Big Chill Café
Big Chill Café at Dubai Hills Mall is fashioned after a trattoria with a cottage-esque vibe.
This Delhi favourite has a strong dose of nostalgia, thanks to its cinema-themed interiors.
Vintage film posters from the '60s line the brick archways while the menu is peppered with quotes and characters that'll make you smile.
There's a mix of seating too – some tables sit by floor-to-ceiling windows, while others are tucked into a quieter section framed by 19th-century wrought iron grills and comfy leather booths. So you'll find it easy to find yourself a spot away from the crowds.
Food is classic Italian, so expect to fill up on pastas, roasts and salads – all delicious.
Open daily 8am-11.30pm. Dubai Hills Mall, @thebigchillcafeuae (056 424 7543).
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