7 of the best restaurants in Dubai this weekend: May 2 to 4
If your plans revolve around what's for lunch and dinner at the best restaurants in Dubai, this weekend's lineup is worth making room for. We've rounded up seven of the best restaurants in Dubai doing something a little different this weekend – think lively brunches, chef collabs, and new menus. Whether you're in the mood to try something new or just looking for a solid go-to, here are 7 of the best restaurants in Dubai worth adding to your weekend group chat. SUSHISAMBA
What: A one-night-only four-hands dinner collaboration between Chef Dani García (Leña) and SUSHISAMBA's Chef Kitak Lee, blending Spanish wood-fired finesse with SUSHISAMBA's bold style.
Vibe: High-energy, tropical glam and theatrical – set against Palm Jumeirah's views.
When: 7.30pm, Saturday, May 3
Menu: À la carte diners can enjoy six Leña signature dishes woven into SUSHISAMBA's menu for the night. Highlights include: The Foie That Wanted To Be An Apple, Grilled Avocado, The Burger That Gave Meaning To Everything, Chilean Seabass by SUSHISAMBA, and Torta di Rose. A limited Four-Hands Dinner (Dhs1,200 with beverage pairing).
Where: Private Dining Room (seating 13 guests), SUSHISAMBA Dubai, 51st Floor, St. Regis, Palm Jumeirah. @ sushisambadubai Ling Ling
What: Ling Ling at Atlantis The Royal has launched a new menu with over 30 fresh dishes, spanning Japan, Indonesia, Korea, Canton and Thailand. There's also a new late-night bites menu available into the early hours on weekends.
Vibe: lively, late-night energy.
Menu: New highlights include wagyu beef sando, jumbo tiger prawns with Balinese sambal, Korean BBQ short rib, and wok-fried lobster with a choice of sauces. Desserts include mango sticky rice and a Thai tea crème brûlée. Late night bites range from bao buns and okonomiyaki fries to mochi and caviar. Drinks get a creative update with new cocktails inspired by Madame Ling Ling's travels.
When: Daily from 6pm to 1am. Late Night Bites every Friday and Saturday, 12.15am to 2am. Over 21s only after 9pm.
Where: 22nd and 23rd floors, Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah. @linglingdubai Cutfish
What: Cutfish, the contemporary Japanese izakaya at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, launches Chōshoku – Breakfast of the Rising Sun, a new breakfast concept inspired by Japanese morning traditions and elevated with modern flair.
Vibe: A sleek, upscale take on Japanese breakfast culture – blending zen-like calm with contemporary Dubai style, perfect for slow mornings with a luxurious twist.
Menu: Highlights include Tornado Eggs (Dhs35), Matcha Pancakes (Dhs55), Hokkaido Goma Toast (Dhs45), Saikyo Avocado Toast (Dhs45), and Asa Buns with truffle and ikura (Dhs79). Drinks feature Floating Coconut Matcha (Dhs40), Matcha Highball (Dhs40), and Iced Matcha Latte (Dhs35).
When: Available daily from 8am to 12pm.
Where: Cutfish, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Marina, Dubai. @cutfishdubai Thiptara
What: Thiptara has launched a new Saturday Thai brunch, From Siam to Isaan, bringing together flavours from across Thailand – from street markets to royal kitchens – right in the heart of Downtown Dubai.
Vibe: Laid-back but elegant, with front-row views of Burj Lake and the Dubai Fountain. A serene spot for a long, lazy afternoon with great food and good company.
Menu: Expect colourful plates packed with authentic Thai flavours, spanning classics and regional specialities. Think street food favourites and refined dishes served family-style.
When: Every Saturday, 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
Where: Thiptara, Palace Downtown, Downtown Dubai. @ thiptaradubai Fi'lia
What: Fi'lia, the region's first female-led Michelin Select restaurant, has launched a new à la carte menu inspired by Chef Célia Stoecklin's travels through Italy. It's a fresh take on classic dishes, with handmade pasta, shareable plates, and a few French coastal touches.
Vibe: Warm and welcoming, with skyline views and an open kitchen that keeps things lively but relaxed.
Menu: Highlights include lemon tagliolini, truffle mafaldine, and a show-stopping 600g veal Milanese. Pizzas are baked in copper ovens, and desserts like the amarena gelato and Torta della Mamma bring it home. There's also an extensive wine list and cocktails to match.
When: Available daily – lunch and dinner.
Where: Fi'lia, 70th Floor, SLS Dubai, Business Bay. @filiadubai Café de Palma family brunch
What: A new weekend brunch at Dubai Creek Harbour, bringing together fresh flavours, skyline views, and family-friendly fun. Choose from four set menus – Green, Meat, Bruschetta, or Kids – each with 5 dishes.
Vibe: Relaxed and welcoming, perfect for families, groups, and friends, with entertainment for kids and a sea breeze setting.
Menu: Highlights include green crepes with salmon, beef tartare brioche, shrimp bruschetta, and matcha pancakes. Kids get their own menu with burgers, noodle soup, and gelato. Green brunch priced at Dhs350 (soft), Dhs450 (cocktail), meat or bruschetta brunch priced at Dhs300 (soft), Dhs400 (cocktail), kids brunch priced at Dhs175
When: Every Saturday & Sunday, 12pm to 4pm. Live violin and kids' workshops on Saturdays; kids' shows and activities on Sundays.
Where: Café de Palma, Dubai Creek Harbour. @cafedepalma.uae ROKA
What: ROKA Dubai launches its ROKA Family Brunch, an indulgent yet family-friendly Saturday brunch where adults enjoy signature Japanese flavours while kids are entertained with games, toys, colouring, and live entertainers.
Vibe: Lively yet serene – a stylish, high-energy brunch with upbeat DJ sounds, paired with a relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere that makes it perfect for families.
Menu: Dhs295 per person includes live stations with starters, soups, makis, nigiris, and Robatayaki grill favourites. Mains are served tableside, with an option to upgrade to premium robata dishes like black cod in yuzu miso and beef fillet with chili, ginger, and spring onion for an extra Dhs60.
When: Every Saturday from 12pm onwards.
Where: ROKA Dubai, Business Bay. @rokadubaiofficial
Images: Supplied/Instagram
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
What's On
18 hours ago
- What's On
12 romantic restaurants in Dubai for date night
Looking to impress your date? From first sparks to forever moments, these romantic restaurants in Dubai serve up sky-high views, beachfront charm, and candlelit ambience that turns every dinner into something special. Swipe through the gallery CÉ LA VI Dubai 3 of 12 Elevated in every sense, this rooftop restaurant, sky bar, and club lounge delivers a dose of Southeast Asian flair with breathtaking Burj Khalifa views. Born in Asia and rooted in celebration, CÉ LA VI lives up to its name 'This is the life', with dramatic décor, refined menus, and a seductive rooftop ambiance made for romantic nights under the stars. Location: Level 54, Tower 2, Address Sky View Hotel, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai Times: Daily, 12pm to 3am Contact: 04 582 6111 @celavidubai Above Eleven A rooftop romance with a Nikkei twist. Perched 14 floors above the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Above Eleven blends Japanese precision with Peruvian soul, offering a date night experience that's both elevated and electric. Sip on signature Pisco cocktails, share inventive fusion plates, and soak up panoramic views of Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab, and beyond. From golden hour sunsets to vibrant late-night energy, this is where the evening begins and maybe never ends. Location: Above Eleven, Marriott Resort, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Times: Sun to Thurs: 4pm to 1am, Fri: 4pm to 2am, Sat: 1pm to 2am Contact: 04 666 1420 @aboveelevendubai TATEL Dubai A lively love letter to Spain in the heart of Downtown, this is one of the most romantic restaurants in Dubai. It blends bold flavours, timeless recipes, and a cosmopolitan edge for a date night that dances between tradition and modern luxury. Expect fine Spanish cuisine, a dash of global flair, and live entertainment that turns dinner into a full-on sensory celebration. Location: TATEL Dubai, Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai Times: Daily, 5pm to 2am Contact: 04 215 2121 @ Dubai A date night quite literally above the clouds. Nestled on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, is the world's highest restaurant from ground level and easily one of the most romantic. With candlelit tables, floor-to-ceiling views over Downtown Dubai, and a refined menu to match the setting, this is where unforgettable evenings unfold. Ideal for a special celebration or an elevated night out, it's sky-high romance at its finest. Location: Grill & Lounge, Burj Khalifa, 122nd floor, Downtown Dubai Times: Daily, 7am to 12am Contact: 04 888 3828 @atmospheredubai Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia Intimate, vibrant, and full of soul, Atrangi reimagines Indian fine dining with a modern touch. Tucked inside the palatial Jumeirah Al Qasr, it's the perfect spot for a cosy yet flavour-forward date night. This season's 'A Taste of Summer in India' menu brings fresh ingredients like mango, yoghurt, and coconut into the spotlight, making each bite feel like a journey home, with a twist. Location: Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah Times: Daily, 6:30pm to 11:30pm Contact: 800 323232 @ La Petite Maison (LPM) Nestled in the heart of DIFC's Gate Village, La Petite Maison (LPM) Dubai offers an intimate escape with its French-Mediterranean cuisine and elegant setting. The restaurant's airy interiors, adorned with whitewashed walls and contemporary art, create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening. Dishes like the roasted lamb with aubergine caviar and yellowtail carpaccio are designed for sharing, encouraging a convivial dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a quiet dinner, LPM provides a sophisticated backdrop for cherished moments Location: Gate Village 08, DIFC, Dubai Times: Daily, 12pm to 3:30pm & 6pm to 1am Contact: 0 4 439 0505 @lpmdubai Mimi Kakushi A love letter to 1920s Osaka, wrapped in moody lighting, velvet textures, and soft jazz. Mimi Kakushi is effortlessly romantic, intimate enough for whispered conversations, yet stylish enough to impress. Tucked inside the Four Seasons in Jumeirah, it's a hidden gem where Japanese classics meet timeless elegance. Ideal for couples who appreciate good taste, sultry ambience, and a little mystery with their evening. Location: Mimi Kakushi, Four Seasons, Jumeirah 2, Dubai Times: Daily, 12pm to 2am Contact: 04 379 4811 @mimikakushi Salvaje Dubai For couples who crave something wild, bold, and a little theatrical, Salvaje is a date night with flair. From its dramatic interiors to show-stopping Japanese fusion dishes, this Downtown hotspot turns dinner into a spectacle. Located in the heart of the Opera District, it's where jungle luxe meets skyline views, making it perfect for a night of romance, rhythm, and just the right amount of drama. Location: The Address Opera Residences, Opera District, Downtown Dubai Times: Sun to Thurs: 12pm to 1am, Fri & Sat: 12pm to 3am Contact: 04 570 3653 @ TOTÓ An ode to old-world Italy with a touch of modern elegance, TOTÓ brings the soul of Italian-Mediterranean cuisine to the heart of Downtown Dubai. The atmosphere is cosy yet refined, think soft lighting, timeless interiors, and the charm of live music on weekends. Perfect for slow dinners, shared plates, and moments that feel like they're straight out of a classic film. Location: TOTÓ, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai Times: Daily, 12pm to 1am Contact: 04 215 2121 @totorestaurantdubai RARE Brasserie & Bar Old-school romance meets modern edge at this award-winning brasserie in City Walk. With its sultry Art Deco interiors, low lighting, and a menu that's both indulgent and inventive, RARE is tailor-made for date nights. Think oysters, succulent skewers, and perfectly seared steaks, served in a setting that channels vintage New York with Parisian soul. Sophisticated, stylish, and just the right amount of bold. Location: City Walk Dubai, C2 Licensed District Times: Sunday to Thursday: 12pm to 1am, Friday & Saturday: 12pm to 2am Contact: 04 287 4604 @theraredxb INA Dubai Set on the shores of J1 Beach, INA is one of the most romantic restaurants in Dubai, where fire-cooking is reimagined through an African lens. With an open-flame grill at its heart, handcrafted wood, soft lighting, and ocean air all around, this is a date night that sparks all the senses. Helmed by acclaimed chef Glen Ballis, INA brings the freshest seasonal ingredients, fish, meats, grains, and more – flame-kissed to perfection. Add in an open-air retractable roof and beachfront views, and you've got a setting built for romance, from sunset dinners to starlit celebrations. Location: INA, J1 Beach, Dubai Times: 6:30pm to 1am Contact: 04 570 4766 @ Amelia Restaurant & Lounge Where steampunk romance meets Art Deco glamour high above Downtown Dubai. Amelia's moody, aviation-inspired interiors create an intimate escape, think vintage propellers, textured leather booths, and a mezzanine dining space that feels like a secret hideaway. Perfect for couples seeking a dramatic yet cosy date night filled with immersive storytelling and timeless elegance. Location: Amelia Restaurant & Lounge, Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai Times: Daily, 7pm to 3am Contact: 04 328 2805 @ Images: Archive
What's On
a day ago
- What's On
Best dishes to try in Dubai this weekend: August 1 to 3
Dubai's dining scene is ever-evolving, and this week we're spotlighting six standout dishes you need on your radar. Think melt-in-your-mouth wagyu served straight from the pot, a Peruvian-inspired dessert that plays with texture and spice, and pasta perfection that brings the coast of Italy to your plate. Whether you're in the mood for bold, creative, or comforting, here's what to order right now. Wagyu Kamameshi at Matagi A comforting Japanese classic done with flair, the Wagyu Kamameshi at Matagi features premium tender beef slow-cooked in a traditional iron pot. Each grain of rice is infused with deep umami richness, and it's served straight from the pot for maximum flavour and warmth. Location: Matagi, Raffles The Palm Times: Daily, 6pm to 11.30pm Contact: 04 248 8888 Lucuma Fruit Puree at Clay Dubai An adventurous blend of textures and flavours, this standout dessert at Clay Dubai layers lucuma purée with homemade cinnamon ice cream , a togarashi cracker , quinoa crumble , manchego cream , and a touch of berry jam . It's sweet, spicy, creamy, and completely unforgettable. Location: Clay Dubai, Bluewaters Island Time: Daily, 12pm to 12am Contact: 04 422 5600 Spaghetti alle Vongole at TOTO A must-try for seafood lovers, Spaghetti alle Vongole at Toto Dubai is a simple yet elegant dish that lets the delicate flavours of the sea shine. Fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of white wine create a classic that's both comforting and refined. Location: Toto, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Times: 12pm to 1am Contact: 04 215 2121 Image: Instagram > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Emirates Woman
2 days ago
- Emirates Woman
9 fabulous activities to book in Dubai this weekend
Your ultimate weekend guide in the UAE, August 1 to August 3,2025. Experience a matcha workshop For all the matcha lovers, this is a new experience to try. AVANTCHA, the global avant-garde tea house, has launched an immersive Matcha Workshop at its Concept Tea Bar in Al Quoz, inviting guests to explore the vibrant world of Japanese Matcha. Designed for tea lovers and curious minds alike, the 60–90-minute session is led by in-house experts and offers a deep dive into the origins, craftsmanship, and ceremonial preparation of Matcha, including the art of traditional whisking using ceremonial-grade tea. It takes place from Monday to Saturday 9am to 7pm and can be booked via WhatsApp. For more information visit Feel sculpted at this Pilates session As part of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab's ongoing commitment to redefining luxury wellness, Talise Spa has introduced new Reformer Pilates Classes in collaboration with HWH Studio, offering a precision-driven, results-focused approach to fitness. Designed for both in-house and external guests, the sessions take place at Talise Spa. Classes are priced at Dhs500 each or Dhs4,500 for a 10-class bundle, with the August schedule. This elevated practice joins the wider wellbeing offering across Talise Spa, Talise Fitness, and HWH Studio, supporting guests in improving posture, flexibility, core strength, and overall physical and mental wellness. For more information visit Treat your tresses Sometimes your hair deserves all the love too. Dyson has unveiled Kanzan Pink, a limited-edition colourway of the Dyson Airwrap™ i.d., inspired by the delicate tones of cherry blossom and named after the Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan' tree. To celebrate the launch, Dyson is hosting a Friendship Day activation until August 3 at its Demo Stores in Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, inviting guests to bring a friend for a complimentary hair styling session with Dyson's expert stylists, plus a Chitosan styling sample to mark the occasion. The Dyson Airwrap™ i.d. multi-styler in Kanzan Pink is priced at Dhs2,999. For more information visit Stop up your vanity closet Burberry has now entered the beauty world. The launch features the new Beyond Wear line, including the Perfecting Matte Foundation in 35 shades and the ultra-fine Setting & Refining Powder, both designed with Trench Protect Technology and skin-smoothing ingredients like bamboo extract and raspberry stem cells for long-lasting, breathable coverage. Adding a pop of colour, the Brit Shine Lipstick collection delivers buildable shine and up to seven hours of hydration with luxurious ingredients like Rosa damascena and safflower oil. With shades like Heritage Honey and Kensington Crush, Burberry brings its signature British elegance to Dubai's beauty scene. For more information visit Experience a post-brunch galore Get ready to turn up the tempo at Dubai's most electric brunch afterparty as Jade, the hidden speakeasy at Maiden Shanghai, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, opens its doors for a no-rules Saturday night affair. Tucked inside the famed Naughty Noodles Brunch, the Jade After Party channels the sultry glamour of 1920s China with low lighting, deep tech-house beats from resident DJs, and an energy that doesn't quit. Expect handcrafted cocktails, immersive entertainment, and a crowd that knows how to keep the party going from brunch hour straight through to sunset. It's prived at Dhs120 for three drinks on Saturdays from 4:30pm to 7pm at Jade, FIVE Palm Jumeirah. For more information visit Unwind at this wellness day AWAKEN Wellness at Atlantis, The Palm invites Dubai residents and visitors to indulge in its exclusive AWAKEN Summer Wellness Daycation, available until 30th September 2025. Priced at Dhs500 per person, the experience includes a choice of a 60-minute massage blending Swedish, aromatherapy, and Reiki techniques, or a glow-enhancing signature facial, along with full access to the serene AWAKEN Spa Retreat, state-of-the-art Fitness Centre, and complimentary pool and beach access across the iconic resort. Designed to restore and revitalise, the journey includes hydrotherapy, aromatherapy steam, sauna, and a plant-powered refreshment lounge, creating a holistic escape from the everyday. Whether unwinding poolside or recharging with mindful rituals, this curated daycation promises the perfect balance of pampering and tranquillity in one of Dubai's most luxurious wellness settings. For more information visit Brunch it up With bold Tex-Mex flavors, theatrical cocktails, and an unapologetically Latin soul, Esco-bar Dubai has fast become one of Palm Jumeirah's hottest weekend destinations. Born in Beirut and now reimagined on West Palm Beach, this beachside hotspot blends Latin street energy with Dubai's signature flair serving up zesty ceviches, sizzling fajitas, and smoky margaritas in playful vessels. The weekend brunch, held every Saturday and Sunday from 2PM to 6PM, brings the fiesta full throttle with crowd-favorite plates, infectious music, and free-flowing drinks. Priced at Dhs299 for the House Beverage Package and Dhs350 for the Sparkling, Esco-bar isn't just a meal it's a full-on experience. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @ nilofaryaqoubi
