Best Business Bay restaurants: 21 spots that are worth the hype

Time Out Dubai

06-05-2025

Live in Business Bay and fancy a dinner in your neighbourhood? Or want to experience one of the best restaurants in the city to enjoy a post-work feast?
From amazing high-end restaurants to cool and casual budget eateries, Business Bay has all the best dining spots. Here are the best restaurants in the area to book a table at and pronto.
Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for its own meals, which means that every restaurant on this list has been tried and tested. No free lunches here.
The best restaurants in Business Bay 2025
Askim
There's a broad menu at Askim but underpinning everything are the flavours of Turkey and the Levant. Salads are colourful and fragrant (the Askim salad with dried figs, beetroot, pecans, feta, balsamic and orange is almost too good to share), grilled kebabs come perfectly charred, the manakish is thin and generously topped and the pida are huge.
You'll have to somehow save space for a dessert – from ice cream, cotton candy to Snickers cake, these are an indulgence not to be swerved here. Sit on the terrace during the cooler months and take your time.
Unlicensed. Boulevard Heights, Downtown Dubai, askim.ae (04 266 7099).
Carna
Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Carna.
This modern steakhouse sits on the 74th floor of the SLS Dubai, meaning the views from the dining room are eye-popping. Not only that, the steaks are excellent too.
The brainchild of famed Italian butcher Dario Cecchini, there's a meaty nose-to-tail menu that will appeal to carnivores. Cuts include picanha, tenderloin, striploin, rib-eye and tomahawk.
Interiors are plush, views are wow-worthy and the dishes shine, making this not only one of the best restaurants in Business Bay but also one of the best steakhouses in Dubai.
Licensed. SLS Dubai, Business Bay, @‌carnadubai (04 607 0737).
Check out our full Carna review here
Couqley French Brasserie
Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Couqley French Brasserie
One of the best – and most affordable – French restaurants in Dubai, Couqley in Business Bay is a delightful spot for a Parisian-style meal. The menu boasts all the French classics – beef tartare, tuna tartare, moules frites and an excellent steak frites, swimming with a glorious signature steak sauce.
Veggies are not left out here though, as there's a top-notch cheese plate, as well as pappardelle aux champignons et truffes, burrata salad and one of the tastiest sides in town – grilled Portobello with Parmesan. With plenty of deals and a relaxed vibe, there's a lot to like about Couqley.
Licensed. Pullman Dubai Downtown, Business Bay, couqley.ae (04 514 9339).
Check out our full Couqley French Brasserie review here
Em Sherif Café
Credit: Em Sherif Café
Known in Beirut as one of the most elegant restaurants in the city, Em Sherif comes with lofty expectations. And here in Dubai it lives up to those high hopes. The menu in Dubai is a more casual, home-style experience than the Beirut original, and the food is utterly delicious. Start with creamy hummus and sesame-studded falafel before moving onto cheese pie and a perfectly cooked mixed grill. A charming experience with generous, tasty plates – it's no one wonder Em Sherif is the best Lebanese restaurant in Dubai.
Unlicensed. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, emsherif.com (056 577 7900).
Check out our full Em Sherif Café review here
Fi'lia
Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Couqley French Brasserie
Looking for a top-notch dinner with panoramic views? Fi'lia is the spot for you. Serving up Italian-leaning Mediterranean dishes, the menu is broken down into three sections: nonna – traditional Italian flavours your grandmother would make, mamma – contemporary twists on a classic, and figlia – a daughter's modern approach to a generational masterpiece.
There's also a selection of both classic and special pizzas with margheritas, burrata bresaola and more as well as 'la famiglia' sharing dishes. Set on the 70th floor of the hotel, there are 360-degree views across the city, while indoors is bright and airy with plenty of foliage.
Licensed. SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, Business Bay (04 607 0770).
Check out our full Fi'lia review here
Günaydin
Credit: Günaydin
If you're looking for somewhere to eat Turkish food in Souk Al Bahar, Günaydin is the one for you. This fancy Turkish steakhouse has prime views of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain show, so it's an impressive place to tuck into the tasty grills.
Having started life as a butcher's shop in Istanbul, there are plenty of meaty mains to try including steaks and a separate lamb menu. Pick on hot and cold mezze while you ponder which cut you want.
Licensed. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, gunaydindubai.com (04 554 0700).
Check out our full Günaydin review here
Honeycomb Hi-Fi
Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Fi'lia.
Time Out Dubai's Bar of the Year 2023 is not only the number one place for a brilliant night out, but it also serves some of the best bar food in Dubai. One of the coolest spots in town, Honeycomb Hi-Fi is a hit with music-lovers.
With a music listening station, a vinyl record store and a roster of top DJs, it's a popular spot for a hip evening with your friends, with creative mixed drinks, too. When it comes to food, it's an izakaya-style idea so try plates such as chicken karaage, lamb gyoza, garlic prawn udon and stuffed wings.
Licensed. Pullman Dubai Downtown, Business Bay, honeycombhifi.com (04 412 6666).
Check out our full Honeycomb Hi-Fi review here
La Maison Atelier Sucré
Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: La Maison Atelier Sucré
Love waffles? La Maison Atelier Sucré should be on your list. This Belgian pastry shop specialises in Liège waffles – made with brioche-style dough and sugar pearls that caramelise when baked.
A sweet, chewy waffle La Maison does a range of flavours from vanilla to cinnamon, chocolate-filled, pistachio, speculoos, cherry, apple and cinnamon, vanilla custard and pineapple and more. Buy them individually, or splash out for a box of four. Whether you share or not is up to you.
Unlicensed. Bay Square, Business Bay, la-maison.ae (04 446 9014).
Long Teng Seafood Restaurant
Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Long Teng Seafood Restaurant
Long Teng is renowned for its Chinese seafood dishes, which it does extremely well. Set over several floors in Business Bay, this authentic spot is the go-to when it comes to traditional, fresh seafood dishes.
There's also a wide selection of dim sum – from crystal prawn to veg, as well as cute little chick-shaped custard buns. From noodles to stir-fries, there is everything you could want, making it one of the best Chinese restaurants in Dubai. It's so good there's even a location in Time Out Market Dubai.
When it comes to the best restaurants in Business Bay, this is a must try.
Unlicensed. U-Bora Business Tower, Business Bay, @‌longtengseafood (04 241 1666).
Check out our full Long Teng Seafood Restaurant review here
Jun's
(Credit: Jun's)
Hailed as one of the most creative Asian restaurants in Dubai, Jun's comes from acclaimed chef Kelvin Cheung and proudly serves up 'third culture cooking'.
A blend of flavours from around the region, with some North American influences, expect everything from lobster pani puri and red-hot chicken kaarage and waffles through to Jamaican-Chinese lamb neck, jalapeño onion burger and bone marrow shrimp fried rice. And of course, the now infamous rainbow heirloom carrots, the only vegetarian dish we've ever eaten that tastes like actual smoked salmon.
Try them, and a heap of other signatures when you're there. Innovative, fun and thoroughly delicious – with top-notch service and Burj Khalifa views to boot.
Licensed. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, junsdubai.com (04 457 6035).
Check out our full Jun's review here
Mama'esh
Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Mama'esh
Mama'esh is one of the best budget restaurants in Dubai and one that we can't get enough of. A Palestinian restaurant that has spread to various locations throughout the city, the food is excellent and authentic wherever you go.
For a cute date night or lunch out with the family, head to the Business Bay branch for charming décor and a delightful little terrace. Dig into freshly baked manakish laden with gooey, molten cheese, or Palestinian hummus and spinach fatayer. The breakfast platters are ace, and for traditional Palestinian food, there's no better place in Dubai.
Unlicensed. Bayswater Terrace, mamesh.com (600 548 287).
Check out our full Mama'esh review here
Prime68
Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Prime68
An oldie but still a very goodie – Prime68 is a stalwart on the Dubai dining scene with valid reason. Officially the best steakhouse in Dubai – again – Prime68 not only serves delicious, expertly cooked meat, it also offers some of the best views around.
As you'd expect from the name, you'll find this steakhouse on the 68th floor of the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai with stunning skyline views. Inside it's a pretty classic setup in terms of steakhouses, but lifted with modern touches.
When it comes to meat, enjoy cuts from all over the world, including a tomahawk if you're in the mood to share. Expertly cooked and full of flavour, meat-eaters will love Prime68. These guys are steak specialists – they know what they're doing and they do it well every time while keeping the prices in the mid-range, and for that, we applaud them.
Licensed. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, @‌prime68dxb (04 414 3000).
Check out our full Prime68 review here
Rang Mahal
Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Rang Mahal
This smart-casual restaurant at JW Marriott Marquis works well whether you're after a date night or catching up with friends, plus offers plenty of deals throughout the week to draw you in. Dishes span across the country, ranging from Kerala fried chicken to Mangalorean ghee roast prawns to Punjabi lamb, so whatever you're in the mood for all bases are covered here.
Licensed. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, @‌rangmahaldubai (04 414 3000).
Check out our full Rang Mahal review here
ROKA
Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: ROKA
The sister restaurant of Zuma, from chef Rainer Becker, ROKA is focused more on robata than sushi, though you'll find plenty of both on the menu at this Japanese restaurant in Dubai's Business Bay.
With a terrace boasting Burj Khalifa views and a bar serving trendy Japanese-inspired mixed drinks, it's also a popular spot for drinks and bites for those who aren't in the mood for a full meal. Dig into a selection of robata and you'll be a happy diner.
Licensed. The Opus by OMNIYAT, Business Bay, rokarestaurant.com (04 439 7171).
Check out our full ROKA review here
Salmon Guru
Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit;: Salmon Guru.
Born in Madrid, Salmon Guru is a quirky, fun-loving bar that has more than a hint of the eccentric. Alongside neon signage, creative drinks in unusual vessels and banging beats, there's also some of the best bar food in Dubai.
With funky fusion plates such as carpaccio, bao tacos, croquettes and fried oysters, it's a menu as eclectic as the décor and drinks. Coming from world-famous mixologist Diego Cabrera, Salmon Guru is also Time Out Dubai's Best Mixed Drinks Bar 2023, so order a beverage alongside your snacks.
Licensed.The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay, @‌salmongurudubai (052 814 9537).
Check out our full Salmon Guru review here
Soul Kitchen
Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Soul Kitchen
A Beiruti-born restaurant found in Business Bay, Soul Kitchen is not only a Middle Eastern restaurant, it's also a bar that has a top roster of live music. Ideal for an entire night out, the vibe is buzzing and the venue is a popular spot late into the night.
The menu boasts a mix of Levantine and Latin American cuisine – with dishes such as crudo, ceviche and guacamole neighbouring sambousek, arayes and meaty grills.
Licensed. Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront, Business Bay, soulkitchendxb.com (04 836 0900).
Check out our full Soul Kitchen review here
Tàn Chá
Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Tàn Chá
Tàn Chá – which translates as 'to explore' in Mandarin has quickly become a must-visit restaurant for Chinese food in Dubai.
This lively moodily-lit venue also has a cool, clubby atmosphere about it that makes it a great spot for a Saturday night, while its menu comprises plenty of fan favourites including wasabi prawns, soft shell crab, and a rather extra Peking duck which we suggest enjoying out on the terrace.
Licensed. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, tanchadubai.com (056 681 8881).
Check out our full Tàn Chá review here
Tang Town
Credit: Tang Town
With a menu steeped in the thousand-year-old culture of the Tang Dynasty, Tang Town takes its Chinese seafood seriously.
An abundant selection of live seafood draws in the connoisseur, with organic fish head served 12 different ways, various cooking methods for baby lobster – from simply steamed with garlic to baked with chicken broth and cheese – and a marinated jellyfish head salad that wobbles delicately as its served.
An exceptional new addition to Dubai's Chinese dining scene, with the Tang roasted peking duck with caviar rivalling the best in town.
Licensed. Dubai Mall Fountain Views, Downtown Dubai @tangtown_dubai (04 431 2888).
The Eloquent Elephant
Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: The Eloquent Elephant
Known for its decent selection of craft hops, elegant-yet-homely gastropub The Eloquent Elephant has cool, industrial-style interiors and a small outside terrace for when the weather is cooler. With quiz nights, brunches and more, there's lots to draw you in.
Once there it's time to check out the brilliant pub food menu, which stars burgers, curries, bangers and mash and proper British puds like sticky toffee pudding and pineapple upside cake.
Licensed.Taj Dubai, Business Bay, theeloquentelephant.com (04 438 3100).
Check out our full The Eloquent Elephant review here
Thiptara
Credit: Thiptara
If you're after a wow-worthy date night location in Dubai, Thiptara ticks all the boxes with its modern décor and utterly gorgeous location, right at the foot of Burj Khalifa. You're so close to the Dubai Fountain show that you're practically in it.
The food is decent too, all the familiar dishes are on the menu, though the prime location demands higher prices. A top choice for special occasions or to impress visitors, you won't forget Thiptara in a while.
Licensed. Palace Hotel Downtown, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, @‌thiptaradubai (04 428 7961).
Check out our full Thiptara review here
Tong Thai
Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Tong Thai
This swanky restaurant at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai serves high-end Thai food and is a longstanding spot that's popular with lovers of Thai food. The restaurant itself is a cavernous space, with moody red lighting, hanging lanterns and swish interior design. The menu is also suitably high-end, with all the classics present and correct, but given an upmarket touch.
You can choose your spice levels and dishes are indulgent – they're also large so order a few to share and get stuck in. One of the best Thai restaurants in Dubai for many a year, with no signs of fading yet.
Licensed. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, @‌tongthaidubai (04 414 3000).
Check out our full Tong Thai review here
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