TOTÓ Vini E Cucina
Inspired by Italian cinema, this restaurant immediately sets the tone: soft lighting, an elegant interior, and the feeling of an evening in Rome. It serves classic Italo-Mediterranean cuisine in a luxurious style – pasta, meat dishes, and carefully selected wines. Guests almost unanimously praise the atmosphere and service, highlighting attention to detail and the quality of ingredients. Prices correspond to Dubai’s premium segment, but the experience of dining here is usually worth it.
CÉ LA VI
Located on the 54th floor of the Address Sky View Hotel, CÉ LA VI is a restaurant for special occasions. From the poolside terrace, one of the best panoramic views of Dubai and the Burj Khalifa unfolds – many guests book tables in advance specifically for this view. The kitchen is led by Chef Howard Ko, who has over 11 years of experience in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. The menu combines modern Asian and international cuisine, from Chilean sea bass to black truffle risotto. CÉ LA VI is renowned for its impressive presentation, live music, and impeccable service. Yes, prices are high and the dress code requires elegant attire, but a dinner with a view of Dubai by night is one of those occasions where the venue truly lives up to its reputation.
Arabian Tea House
Arabian Tea House is one of Dubai’s most atmospheric restaurants, where gastronomy becomes part of the cultural experience. Founded more than 25 years ago, long before authenticity became a trend, it was the first café in the city to recreate the ambience of a traditional Arabic courtyard. White furniture, cotton curtains, greenery, and soft turquoise accents create a sense of coolness and unhurried calm. The menu is based on classic Emirati cuisine – from machbous and hummus to traditional meat dishes – and tea is served as a ritual. Its most famous branch is located in the historic Al-Fahidi district and is equally beloved by both tourists and locals.
Photo: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
Kinugawa, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
Japanese cuisine with a French twist and one of the most beautiful views in Dubai. Kinugawa is a well-known French project, which made its Middle Eastern debut at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. The restaurant is set beside a circular pool with panoramic views of the Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah coastline. The interior strikes a delicate balance between Japanese restraint and Parisian elegance – nothing superfluous, yet full of air, light, and details that gradually reveal themselves. The menu features modern Japanese cuisine: miso-marinated black cod, yellowtail carpaccio with yuzu dressing and green chili, seafood, and meat dishes with precise, carefully calibrated flavors. The dishes are not overloaded, yet they linger in memory thanks to their textures and the purity of umami.
Photo: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
Studio Frantzén, Atlantis, The Palm
Studio Frantzén is located on the lower floor of Atlantis, The Palm. It is the first project in the Middle East by the renowned Swedish chef Björn Frantzén and a natural extension of his flagship, three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Stockholm. Here, Scandinavian rigor, Japanese precision, and French technique converge. The interior is intimate and warm: subdued lighting, deep armchairs, a sense of comfort, and a focus on flavor. Highlights to try include beef with smoked bone marrow and pine notes, lobster with coriander and curry, and the signature turbot with buttery sauce, anchovies, and caviar. The dinner is best concluded in the “sweet room,” where desserts become a separate, memorable experience.
The material was published in Travel+Leisure Central Asia magazine (February-March 2026)
