Where to eat and drink in Dubai with incredible Burj Khalifa views
Dubai's Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, standing at an impressive 828 metres. It's no wonder it's a must-see attraction for both visitors and residents.
To marvel at it in all its glory, there are plenty of restaurants and bars with Burj Khalifa views around Downtown Dubai, Souk Al Bahar, The Dubai Mall, Business Bay and more.
So if you want to eat dinner or sip with a beautiful Burj Khalifa backdrop, we've rounded up the best Dubai restaurants and bars with Burj Khalifa views.
Note: Dubai Fountain is currently closed and will remain so until at least October due to a major renovation.
Best restaurant and bars with Burj Khalifa views
Amaya
Located in the Dubai Mall, Amaya is a perfect pit stop after a day out shopping. The venue offers stunning views of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. But the food doesn't play second fiddle. Here, you'll get a fusion of Mediterranean, American and Arabic cuisine with dishes like pizzas, flatbreads, fresh salads, tacos, burgers, sushi and more. Plus, these can all be paired with mocktails of your choice.
Open Mon-Thu 10am-1am and Fri-Sun 10am-2am. The Waterfalls Side, Dubai Mall, 1st Floor, Downtown Dubai (04 587 1000).
Asado
Credit: Asado
Asado is a sophisticated fine dining experience in Dubai, offering outstanding views of the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain, and Argentinian fare. Dishes include signature mixed grills including chicken, beef ribs, lamb chops, sirloin, rib-eye and tenderloin steak, along with sweetbread and chorizo.
Open daily 6pm-11.30pm. Palace Downtown, Downtown Dubai (04 888 3444).
Check out our full Asado review here
BiCE Mare
With top views of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain, BiCE Mare makes for a fun date night spot and the pretty terrace is a lovely spot to while away a weekend afternoon. The longstanding Italian seafood spot in Souk Al Bahar offers a pleasant al fresco ambience and reasonably priced dishes such as calamari, bruschetta, spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) and grilled yellowfin tuna steak.
Open daily noon-11pm. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai (04 423 0982).
You might also like: Best Business Bay restaurants: 21 spots that are worth the hype
Check out our full BiCE Mare review here
CÉ LA VI
The world-famous CÉ LA VI opened its doors at the beginning of 2020, and with it came stunning Burj Khalifa views. Its Dubai outpost is the sixth location globally for the restaurant and it can be found on the 54th floor at the brand-new Address Sky View Hotel in Downtown Dubai. The swish spot also boasts a huge infinity pool in which guests can soak up the sun, and get a prime spot for endlessly gawking at the world's tallest tower.
Open daily noon-3am. Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai (056 515 4001).
Check out our full CÉ LA VI review here
Eden
Sat atop the Dubai Opera with Burj Khalifa overlooking it, the tranquillity of Eden's garden setting beautifully combines the natural world with a sense of modernity. To get to this tucked-away terrace in the heart of Downtown, you must make your way through Belcanto – the latest restaurant on Dubai Opera's top floor. A top spot for pre-show drinks, dinner and stellar views when you're at the Opera.
Open daily 7pm-3am. Inside Belcanto, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai (04 456 0936).
Check out our full Eden review here
GAL
The contemporary Turkish-Mediterranean spot has jaw-dropping views of the Burj Khalifa. GAL is home to the most Instagrammable art including Richard Orlinski's Stiletto, and Rachel K's Wings of Joy and the GAL Moon, which all appear as some of Dubai's leading Instagram locations. The GAL Moon is a popular Instagrammable spot that receives more than 10 million interactions on social media every year, is inspired by the blood moon eclipse and is made of onyx.
Open daily 7pm-3am. The Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai (04 589 7883).
Check out our full GAL review here
GIA
Found at the Fashion Avenue in The Dubai Mall, GIA boasts an outdoor terrace that offers views of both the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain. The restaurant prides itself on the concept of La Dolce Vita, and dishes (which were created by Tuscan-born chef Tommaso Gonfiantini) are a combination of traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist, focusing on fresh, tasty ingredients. Head here for Italian food – and service – as it should be.
Open Mon-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sun 10am-1am. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai (04 234 9986).
Check out our full GIA review here
Helipad by Frozen Cherry
Helipad by Frozen Cherry,
Beirut export, Helipad by Frozen Cherry sits on the (you guessed it) helipad of Dubai Festival City Mall. From here you're afforded stellar views of the Burj and Downtown Dubai skyline. The bar has a boho theme and puts on weekly entertainment including DJ sets, so expect vibes and views when visiting here.
Daily from 5pm-1am. Dubai Festival City Mall (052 469 7349).
High Society by Jean Imbert
Credit: High Society
Located on the hotel rooftop with a concept developed by Jean Imbert, High Society serves The Lana Dubai, Dorchester Collection guests at the pool during the day. In the evening the mixed drinks bar transforms into a nighttime venue with a large selection of bubbly, grape and beverages. The big draw? 180-degree views across Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa and D3. The venue, which sits adjacent to the infinity pool, gives indoor and outdoor vibes. In addition to the drinks, expect a selection of deluxe grape and a collection of bites including oysters, shiso langoustine spring rolls or another iconic, the croque-caviar.
Sun-Wed noon-3pm, 5pm-11.30pm, Thu-Sat noon-3pm, Sat 5pm-12.30am. The Lana Dorchester Collection Dubai, Business Bay (04 541 7755).
Check out our full High Society by Jean Imbert review here
Iris
Credit: Iris Dubai
Okay, we know you can see the Burj Khalifa from all over the city, meaning a huge scope for bars piggybacking onto this list. But with a clear line of sight out from across Meydan, we reckon Time Out-acclaimed Iris is a worthy entry. The bar oozes cool, and with the world's loftiest perch glittering in the distance, boasts a full Dubai skyline vista that few manage to replicate.
Open Sun-Wed 6pm-2am, Thu-Fri 6pm-3am, Sat 1pm-3am. Meydan Grandstand, irisdubai.com(04 334 3355).
Check out our full Iris review here
Karma Kafé
Credit: Karma Kafe
This cool, dimly-lit spot has long been popular with tourists and residents alike. Overlooking The Dubai Fountain and with stellar views of the Burj Khalifa, the setting of this dark, sleek venue is enviable. The terrace is where it's at, so take a seat here in cooler months and enjoy the menu of pan-Asian bites. There's also a daily happy hour from 3pm until 7pm with half-price select grape and hops, which is worth taking advantage of, too.
Open daily 5pm-1am. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai (04 423 0909).
Credit: Luna
This relatively quiet spot at the Four Seasons Hotel DIFC is a beautiful, low-lit terrace with small pockets to get cosy in and heaps of drink options, too. There's usually a mix of after-work tables, couples on date night and expats showing friends and family the views. Speaking of views, they're terrific with the towering Burj Khalifa in full view. The stunning terrace is dotted with sprawling corner sofas, so get comfy.
Open daily 5pm-3am, DIFC, lunadubai.com (04 506 0000).
Check out our full Luna review here
NEOS
Credit: Neos
If you're looking for a spot to take in views of the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain along with some cracking offers, this is one for you.
Open daily 5pm-3am. Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai (04 888 3444).
Check out our full NEOS review here
Prime68
Credit: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
Winner of the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Award's Best Steakhouse category, Prime68 not only serves up the best cuts in town, but it has views of almost every corner of the city. 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. 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 single time.
Sun-Wed 6pm-midnight, Thu-Fri 1pm-4pm, 6.30pm-midnight. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, @prime68dxb (04 414 3000).
Check out our full Prime68 review here
Txakolina
Credit: The Lana Dorchester Collection
This concept is a hidden Cuban roll lounge, serving more than 45 kinds of rolls from Cuba to the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Honduras. Take a drag while you enjoy vinyl and sip on top-shelf stuff.
Daily from 6pm-2am. The Lana Dorchester Collection Dubai, Business Bay (04 541 7755).
Thiptara
Credit: Thiptara
If you're feeling hungry and have a penchant for Thai food then Thiptara should be top of your list. And if you're looking for somewhere with stellar views – even better. Situated in the lush gardens of the Palace Downtown, the terrace of the stunning restaurant overlooks The Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa. The food here is excellent, so go hungry and choose from appetisers like dim sum and mains including curries, seafood and meat dishes and rice and noodle plates.
Open daily 6pm-11.30pm. Palace Downtown, Downtown Dubai (04 888 3444).
Check out our full Thiptara review here
Tapasake
Credit: Tapasake
You have to have been living under a rock to have missed the news that Dubai's longest infinity pool has opened. Well, right next to it is Tapasake, a Latin American restaurant serving up contemporary Japanese-Peruvian cuisine and mixed drinks. Primarily an eatery, but you can hire pool beds here and make a day of it. If you like your pool clubs fancy, this is the one.
Dhs1000 (Dhs400 redeemable on F&B). Daily from 10am-9pm. 27th floor, One&Only Zabeel, oneandonlyresorts.com/tapasake (04 666 1777).
Time Out Market Dubai
The view from Time Out Market
Without a doubt, this place should jump to the top of your must-visit list if seeking tip-top Burj Khalifa views. Looking at the world's tallest tower directly in the foot, Time Out Market Dubai backs up its unbelievable vantage point with live music twice a week, a delicious weekend breakfast feast, and the kind of rock star vendors that don't come around every day. It's also got three bars and a ridiculously cool terrace to drink in. Welcome.
Open Mon-Thu noon-midnight, Fri noon-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-midnight. Time Out Market Dubai, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai.
Treehouse
We always talk about a destination's ability to tempt us down from our tree, but this rooftop spot in Business Bay is very much trying to keep us up there. Elevated not too far from the ground but with enviable views direct to the Burj Khalifa, this is one treehouse we all dreamed about having as kids. A real party vibe, the only thing pausing the good times is selfies with the famed skyscraper.
Open daily, 6pm-2am. Taj Dubai, Business Bay tajhotels.com (058 827 2763).
Check out our full Treehouse review here
URLA
This gorgeous Aegean restaurant brings you a mismatch of Spanish, Greek and Turkish cuisine served along the sensational sights of the Burk Khalifa and Dubai Fountains, which it sits directly across from. Named after the town on the west coast of Turkey, drinks here are as noteworthy as the food so you can even pop in for a post-work sundowner if you're looking for a stylish spot.
Open daily, 3pm-3am. Address Downtown Dubai, Downtown Dubai, urlarestaurant.com (052 554 5997).
Check out our full URLA review here
Veranda
Credit: The Lana Dorchester Collection
The open-air space is where you can explore a lush garden bar serving signature mixed drinks, bubbly, and grape by the glass, paired with a sharing menu of tapas and international dishes with a Levantine influence.
Daily from noon-midnight. The Lana Dorchester Collection Dubai, Business Bay (04 541 7755).
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The Independent
10 hours ago
- The Independent
Lebanon aims to bring tourists back to its beaches as travel bans finally lift
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Now, after last year's bruising war with Israel, Hezbollah is much weaker and Lebanon's new political leaders sense an opportunity to revitalize the economy once again with help from wealthy neighbors. They aim to disarm Hezbollah and rekindle ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, which in recent years have prohibited their citizens from visiting Lebanon or importing its products. 'Tourism is a big catalyst, and so it's very important that the bans get lifted,' said Laura Khazen Lahoud, the country's tourism minister. On the highway leading to the Beirut airport, once-ubiquitous banners touting Hezbollah's leadership have been replaced with commercial billboards and posters that read 'a new era for Lebanon.' In the center of Beirut, and especially in neighborhoods that hope to attract tourists, political posters are coming down, and police and army patrols are on the rise. There are signs of thawing relations with some Gulf neighbors. The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have lifted yearslong travel bans. All eyes are now on Saudi Arabia, a regional political and economic powerhouse, to see if it will follow suit, according to Lahoud and other Lebanese officials. A key sticking point is security, these officials say. Although a ceasefire with Israel has been in place since November, near-daily airstrikes have continued in southern and eastern Lebanon, where Hezbollah over the years had built its political base and powerful military arsenal. As vital as tourism is — it accounted for almost 20% of Lebanon's economy before it tanked in 2019 — the country's leaders say it is just one piece of a larger puzzle they are trying to put back together. Lebanon's agricultural and industrial sectors are in shambles, suffering a major blow in 2021, when Saudi Arabia banned their exports after accusing Hezbollah of smuggling drugs into Riyadh. Years of economic dysfunction have left the country's once-thriving middle class in a state of desperation. The World Bank says poverty nearly tripled in Lebanon over the past decade, affecting close to half its population of nearly 6 million. To make matters worse, inflation is soaring, with the Lebanese pound losing 90% of its value, and many families lost their savings when banks collapsed. Tourism is seen by Lebanon's leaders as the best way to kickstart the reconciliation needed with Gulf countries -- and only then can they move on to exports and other economic growth opportunities. 'It's the thing that makes most sense, because that's all Lebanon can sell now,' said Sami Zoughaib, research manager at The Policy Initiative, a Beirut-based think tank. With summer still weeks away, flights to Lebanon are already packed with expats and locals from countries that overturned their travel bans, and hotels say bookings have been brisk. At the event hosted last month by the tourism ministry, the owner of the St. Georges Hotel, Fady El-Khoury, beamed. The hotel, owned by his father in its heyday, has acutely felt Lebanon's ups and downs over the decades, closing and reopening multiple times because of wars. 'I have a feeling that the country is coming back after 50 years,' he said. On a recent weekend, as people crammed the beaches of the northern city of Batroun, and jet skis whizzed along the Mediterranean, local business people sounded optimistic that the country was on the right path. 'We are happy, and everyone here is happy,' said Jad Nasr, co-owner of a private beach club. 'After years of being boycotted by the Arabs and our brothers in the Gulf, we expect this year for us to always be full.' Still, tourism is not a panacea for Lebanon's economy, which for decades has suffered from rampant corruption and waste. 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Time Out Dubai
13 hours ago
- Time Out Dubai
Take things slow: Dubai's relaxed things to do and spots to know
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Metro
14 hours ago
- Metro
Europe's ‘nowhere place' is a quiet Italian gem with flights from £17
The town sits on the tip of the Adriatic (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Aperitifs at sundown, quaint streets, and Italian sunshine. No, we're not talking about Florence or Tuscany. Hop across the Adriatic from Venice and you'll find Trieste, a unique border town that you've probably never heard of — but one you're going to want to add to your city break list. While Trieste was once forgotten, hidden away in northern Italy and even described as a 'nowhere place', times have changed. Almost entirely surrounded by Slovenia, Trieste is a melting pot of cultures. The local dialect, according to Lonely Planet is a 'strange melange of Italian, Austrian-German, Croatian and Greek.' Ever since Slovenia's star began to rise, tourism in Trieste has also picked up. There's a thriving food and arts scene, and trendy hotel chain, 25hours, is set to open in the city this year. Sign up to The Getaway newsletter Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. As our favourite review on TripAdvisor says, it's a 'beautiful place both during the day and at night, but it never feels crowded or overrun'. Recently, the FT heaped praise on the city, describing it as 'the comeback kid'. So, if you want to get ahead of the curve, here's everything you need to know about Italy's next big holiday spot. Trieste is influenced by its culturally rich neighbours (Picture: Metro) How to get to Trieste Easily accessible from the UK, Trieste has an airport about 40 minutes outside the city centre. Direct flights run from London Stansted, with one-way Ryanair fares starting from £17 in July (that's based on taking the 7:35am flight on Tuesday, July 8). Best of all, the journey time is two hours. The only downside is that at the moment, direct routes are only operated out of Stansted. You can also fly from Gatwick, but that generally involves stopping in Rome or Krakow. What's the weather like in Trieste? As you'd expect from an Italian city, Trieste has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and colder winters. The best time to visit is during the summer, from June to September. The mercury reaches highs of 30°C in July. Trieste deserves some attention (Picture: Getty Images/Westend61) It's worth keeping in mind that the area often feels the effects of the Bora, a wind that blows from the mountains into the Gulf of Trieste, which on occasion, can get pretty gusty. It's said that locals like the wind because of the intense emotion it sparks; when it's a calm day, they long for it to return. Italians, eh. Where to stay in Trieste Travelling in the shoulder season, in May or October, is a good idea if you want to nab a bargain hotel stay and run into fewer tourists. prices for a 3* hotel, rated 'very good' or above, from £73 per night in September. Things to do in Trieste Any trip to Trieste should start with a wander through the historic centre, which has interesting shops and quaint cafes. This area is also home to the city's top cultural attractions, including the cathedral and the waterfront Piazza Unità d'Italia, which is said to be modelled on Venice's St Mark's. In a way, it might be even more beautiful, and is the largest square overlooking the sea in Europe. Stazione Rogers is an abandoned petrol station that swapped unleaded for aperitifs, and is now a thriving cultural centre. As well as being the perfect place for sundowners overlooking the water (with DJs and live music until 2am) there's also a space for art exhibitions and gigs. The Piazza Unità d'Italia at dusk (Picture: Getty Images) Trieste is proud of its literary heritage; he legendary Irish author James Joyce lived here while writing Ulysses, and you'll spot the plaques signaling his various homes (he was often evicted for refusing to pay rent) across the city. There's a Joyce museum, and the Literature Trieste Museum is also set to open this year. Or, head to a book shop and while away a few hours reading with a coffee. San Marco is a popular spot. For views that stretch across the sea, visit the Faro della Vittoria, a lighthouse which is open to the public (for free). Every October, the Barcolana regatta sees the waters fill up with sailing boats. Tourists should also take a trip to the must-visit fairytale castle, Miramare Castle, which sits atop a rocky cliff. From panoramic views to subterranean marvels, the Grotta Gigante is a vast underground cave about 20 minutes outside of Trieste. One of the chambers, the Grande Caverna, is 98.5m high, and 76.3 m wide. Visitors can take tours all year round. If you have enough time, you can also take a day trip over to Slovenia, and visit Lake Bled, which is less than an hour's drive away. Food and drink in Trieste Don't book a flight to Trieste expecting only to eat pizza and pasta. We know, this is Italy (and of course, you can order it here) but the influences of its surrounding nations have had a big impact on how the Trestines eat. Buffets are a big thing here, a tradition which harks back to when the city was under Austrian rule. Think cured meats, smoked sausages and cheese. It's said you haven't really been to Trieste unless you've indulged at a buffet. Jota is also a popular local dish, essentially a Slovenian soup made with sauerkraut, potatoes, and beans – often with added pancetta. Seafood is also a favourite. You're likely to spot sardine dishes on the menu, but it's always worth asking about the catch of the day. And of course, you can wash your meal down with a grappa – the notorious liqueur which hails from the north of Italy. If alcohol isn't your thing, Trieste is Italy's biggest consumer of coffee (and gets the crown of Italy's 'capital of coffee') with the famous brand, Illy, hailing from the city. But, make sure you know what you're ordering. In Trieste, an espresso is a 'nero' and a cappuccino is a 'cafelatte'. And make sure you ask for it in a glass – locals say it tastes better that way. How expensive is Trieste? According to Budget My Trip, you can expect to spend about £88 per day in Trieste, covering food, drink and activities. Trattoria alla Sorgente, a seafood restaurant popular with locals, lists its price range as around £22 – £44 per person. For the all important buffet, Buffet Da Pepi has been serving hungry customers since 1897. For one person, a mixed charcuterie platter is just €8 (£6.85). Attractions are affordable too. Many are free, and entry to the Miramare Castle, for example, is €12 (£10.30). This article was first published on 22 April 2024 and has been updated. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ Arrow MORE: Major US fast food chain to open in London Heathrow airport – a European first Arrow MORE: TUI relaunches UK flights to forgotten year-round sunshine destination after 3 years Arrow MORE: I tried to do Cannes on £30 a day – a champagne town on a Fanta budget
