Restaurants

Looking for traditional Emirati food with contemporary presentation in Jumeirah 1? Step into Al Barza Restaurant & Café where you’ll be served some of the most authentic biryanis and curries in the city. Or choose between an Arabic breakfast with halloumi cheese or sumptuous grilled meats.

For a healthy kick to your morning, look no further than this atmospheric concept store and café occupying a Jumeirah villa. Their health-boosting menu echoes the eclectic theme and décor, and uses nutrient-rich, organic ingredients while employing cooking and preparation techniques that promote digestion and maximum nutrition intake. Taste is not compromised at all in dishes such as the buckwheat pancakes (sweet and savoury); crème Budwig (pureed fruit with lemon juice, topped with nuts and seeds); and chia seed pudding. Wash it down with a dairy-free, superfood-boosted smoothie, and you’ll be set for the day.

This holistic haven is one of the city’s hidden gems. The dedicated wellbeing centre also boasts a plant-based café amidst its tranquil zen-like garden complete with cobbled pathways, rustic log tables and colourful decor. The slow pace attracts visitors who are keen to catch up on their reading or relax with friends over a cup of freshly-brewed coffee. With health as the key focus, all the food served here is free from gluten, sugar, dairy and artificial ingredients, but doesn’t compromise on taste. Their chocolate porridge will convince you of that.

You’ll get traditional, good quality dishes from across Italy at Luciano’s, the poolside restaurant based out of the Habtoor Grand in the Marina. Enjoy the mains and starters—and make sure you try the thin-crust pizzas before you leave. You can also choose from seafood, meat and pasta dishes, all served in generous portions. If the temperature permits, ask for a table outside underneath the palm trees bedecked with fairy lights.

Stop by Jumeirah Beach Hotel for a casual and affordable al fresco meal at this cosy restaurant, situated right on the beach with a fresh sea breeze. Dig into large portions of affordable pizza, pasta and seafood, and take in the surrounding marina views while lounging under the sun. Children are well catered for, which makes this restaurant a favourite for families, with typical treats like burgers and fish fingers available on the menu.

By referring to themselves as the Indian Pavilion, the owners certainly live up to expectations with their umbrella range of pan-Indian cuisine. Located in Safa 2 in Jumeirah, alongside Spinneys Centre, Indian Pavilion plays host to a variety of foods from across India. Choices including Lamb Dhansak, with its Parsi blend of lentils and cumin, Malabar Vegetable Curry and its spices hailing from the south, and plenty more reveal the restaurant’s loyalty to diversity.

This bright and breezy restaurant with an ocean view is perfect for a lazy lunch or an intimate evening meal. Enjoy the stunning sea views from the outdoor terrace by day, and the sea breeze and sound of the waves crashing at the shore by night. Select from the large fish-themed menu, from classic Moules Mariniere to Arabic-inspired dishes including same nayeh, carpaccio of hammour, or the spicy oven baked pomfret.

If you’re looking for a fun night out with friends, head to Frevo. This lively Brazilian steak house offers the authentic churrascaria experience where waiters arrive at your table with skewers filled with succulent cuts of meat. A large selection of exotic salads are available to accompany the mains, or you can ask for your own personal creation to be prepared. To put you in the carnival mood, there’s live music every night.

If you’re looking for a buzzing, centrally located restaurant, head to Flavours On Two on Sheikh Zayed Road. It’s a bustling restaurant, especially on weekends when expats in the emirate join in the weekend revelry. Flavours On Two is great for an evening out with friends, with the fixed price for beverages and food meaning there’s no bickering about the bill. Theme nights include curry and seafood and have proven to be extremely popular.