Last night, June 20th 2023, Central in Lima, Peru was crowned the winner of the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants List at an awards ceremony held in Valencia. This remarkable achievement highlights the growing global interest in Peruvian cuisine, with the country’s Maido also placing highly on the list.
But perhaps even more eye-catching in this influential rundown of the world’s best restaurants was Dubai’s keen representation, with its esteemed eatery Trèsind Studio securing 11th position on the list and being named the Best Restaurant in the Middle East and Africa to boot.
Indeed, the emirate has emerged as a prominent gastronomic destination in recent years, with the standard of both its local and international food offerings now reaching the lofty heights of its famed skyscrapers. Global recognition has followed; not only on the aforementioned World’s 50 Best list, but also with Dubai’s inaugural Michelin guide, which was released last year.
We think it’s fair to say that no Dubai holiday would be complete without sampling some of the city’s most groundbreaking restaurants. Today, we’re honing in on arguably the City of Gold’s most affluent and well-appointed shopping and dining destination; the Palm Jumeirah.
We’re hitting this artificial archipelago hungry, in search of where to eat on the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.
Trèsind Studio
We had to start here, at Trèsind Studio. Located on the rooftop of flash, opulent Nakheel Mall, it has quickly become one of Dubai’s most sought-after dining destinations.
The restaurant has received numerous accolades, including two Michelin stars as well as those awards we dropped two paragraphs ago. Helmed by the talented, precocious chef Himanshu Saini, who honed his culinary skills at the renowned New Delhi dining institution Indian Accent, Trèsind Studio offers a unique and innovative take on the food of the Sub Continent which now ranks as the most acclaimed Indian restaurant on the planet.
The restaurant’s intimate, exclusive setting, with only 20 seats available per seating, provides an unparalleled theatrical dining experience. Guests are treated to a 17-course degustation dinner menu that showcases a mélange of global ingredients and modern cooking techniques combined with traditional Indian elements. Standout dishes include the blossom chaat with pumpkin mash and trio of chutneys, and the Mangalorean ghee roast crab with burnt cinnamon and curry leaf tempura. Being Dubai, of course no expense is spared when it comes to premium ingredients.
The menu is constantly evolving, ensuring that each visit to Trèsind Studio is a fresh and exciting gastronomic journey – talk about keeping those well-heeled customers coming back for more! With its exceptional cuisine, impeccable service, and stunning location, Trèsind Studio is undoubtedly one of the best places to eat, not only on the Palm Jumeirah, but in the whole of the Middle East and beyond.
Address: R002, East Wing Rooftop – near The View), Nakheel Mall – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai
Shawafel
While the Palm Jumeirah boardwalk is known for its range of food trucks peddling very capable servings of shawarma, cut inland just a little into the Avenues at Atlantis, and you’ll find perhaps the finest shawarma in the whole of the city at Shawafel, an assuming restaurant that does the simple things just right.
This order-at-the-counter eatery has gained a reputation for serving some of the best shawarma in the area since its lowkey opening back in 2015. In a city known for such fanfare and fanfaronade, a visit to Shawafel feels like a welcome tonic.
It’s not only about the shawarma here; Shawafel specialises in a variety of Middle Eastern specialities, its falafel particularly good, too. Although the surroundings and story of Shawafel may not be as grand as some of the other places on the Palm Jumeirah, its unpretentious nature and satisfying shawarma sets them apart.
Address: Atlantis The Palm – Crescent Rd – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai
Kinoya
Kinoya, located in The Onyx Tower 2 in The Greens community of Dubai, right at the entrance to the Palm Jumeirah, has quickly become the Middle East’s premier ramen specialist. This izakaya-style restaurant, founded by self-taught chef Neha Mishra, offers an authentic Japanese dining experience that has its roots in a sold-out supper club, A Story of Food.
Mishra’s passion for ramen began as a personal quest to create the perfect bowl in a part of the world where hefty noodle soups perhaps feel a little out of place. This quest eventually led her to open Kinoya in April 2021, and we’re so glad she did. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of ramen bowls, including shio, shoyu, spicy miso, and wontonmen, as well as other Japanese ‘everyday’ favourites like gyoza, yakitori, karaage, tempura, and omurice. What’s not to love?
Being Dubai, the familiar porcine notes of a nourishing ramen broth are understandably absent, but in their place, deep and rich chicken and duck broths offer an elegant richness. For those seeking something lighter to take the edge of the Emirati heat, the yuzu shio ramen is particularly fine; piquant, perky and refreshing, the famed citrus brings the perfect respite.
The interior of Kinoya is designed with a zen layout and decor, featuring monochrome colours, rice paper screens, pendant lights, and compartmentalised seating areas that include a ramen counter, an open seating area, a bar, a chef’s table, and two tatami rooms for private dining, further emphasising that sense of gentle intermission from Dubai’s profound heat.
In January 2022, Kinoya was named the One To Watch as part of the inaugural World’s 50 Best Restaurants MENA awards program, solidifying its reputation as one of the best places to eat in Dubai. A Michelin Bib Gourmand soon followed, denoting great food and even better value. Which, in Dubai, is something we could all use a bit more of…
Address: The Onyx Tower 2 – Floor P2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Ibn Albahr
One of the best places to eat on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai for 2023 is undoubtedly the Lebanese seafood restaurant, Ibn Albahr. Located at Club Vista Mare, this popular dining spot has gained a reputation for serving some of the freshest and most authentic Lebanese seafood dishes in town, with a cooking sensibility that combines the generous and the modest dexterously, appealing to Dubai diners of all stripes and statuses.
The restaurant’s name, which translates to ‘Son of The Sea’, reflects its deep connection to the ocean and its bounties. With a beautiful terrace offering stunning sea views and a décor featuring fishing paraphernalia like ropes, anchors, and even a boat, alongside some gorgeously intricate blue and white Lebanese tiles, Ibn Albahr truly captures the essence of Lebanese beach culture succinctly.
The culinary team at Ibn Albahr takes pride in using age-old recipes with a fresh twist, creating a deep connection with the motherland to the north-west.
It’s a connection that’s not gone unnoticed; Ibn Albahr is the holder of a Michelin Bib Gourmand. But perhaps even more tellingly in a city blessed with such a wealth of dining options is that Ibn Albahr is packed for lunch and dinner every day of the week, right until closing time well beyond midnight. It’s certainly one of the most fashionable places to be seen in the city.
The menu at Ibn Albahr is extensive, and features a wide variety of seafood dishes, but you can’t go wrong with the centrepiece ‘catch of the day’, which showcases the freshest seafood from local markets in a statement display, all sparkling whole fish laid over ice. Coming with two straightforward but satisfying sauces, one tahini-based, the other a light lemon and olive oil dressing, this is simplicity at its finest.
All of this can be paired with perfectly cooked aromatic Lebanese rice or a selection of flavourful mezze (or both, of course) which arrives theatrically in a large circular basket. Whole prawns, butterflied through the belly and splayed open across the grill so they catch their cashew nut dressing, are particularly good.
Address: Club Vista Mare (Palm Jumeriah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Rüya
Rüya, situated in the luxurious Grosvenor House Dubai at the Palm Jumeirah’s Marina, is one of the best places to enjoy Turkish cuisine in Dubai. This upscale restaurant has gained a reputation for offering a confident, well-drilled dining experience that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Turkey.
Rüya, which means ‘dream’ in Turkish, is the brainchild of renowned chef Colin Clague, who has expertly crafted a menu that combines traditional Anatolian recipes with contemporary techniques and presentation.
The restaurant’s stylish interior features a blend of modern design elements and traditional Turkish motifs, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the subtly innovative dishes served, of which the short rib pide – blistered and burnished in all the right places – is a clear highlight. Do leave room for the exquisite desserts, of which the baklava and künefe are especially indulgent, and as delicately crafted as we’ve had anywhere in the world.
Rüya has received numerous accolades for its outstanding cuisine, including being named the Best Middle Eastern Restaurant in Dubai by Time Out Dubai in 2021.
Address: 447Q+GV The Palm – The St. Regis – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
La Mar by Gastón Acurio
Proving that seemingly unrelated mention of Peruvian cuisine in the introduction wasn’t for nothing, we’re heading next to the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, and to La Mar by Gastón Acurio, one of the best places to eat on the Palm Jumeirah without a doubt.
As Peruvian food continues to gain popularity across the world and in Dubai, La Mar stands out as a premier destination for those seeking an authentic, exceptional dining experience.
The restaurant is helmed by the renowned chef Gastón Acurio, who has earned an illustrious reputation globally for his innovative approach to traditional Peruvian dishes. So much so, in fact, that Acurio won a Lifetime Achievement Award back in 2018, as voted for by the world’s top chefs. He is also the Ambassador of Peruvian food worldwide.
La Mar’s menu showcases the diverse flavours and ingredients of Peru, with a focus on fresh seafood and vibrantly colourful presentations. The natural start and end point here is the Cebiche Bar, which serves a lengthy list of sliced and marinated to order dishes, all impeccably, squeakingly fresh. From the larger plates, the arroz verde (green rice) with premium shellfish generously heaped on, is always a winner, too.
Address: Palm Jumierah Atlantis The Royal – Crescent Rd – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Ayamna
With the aforementioned Ibn Albahr doing its thing on the other side of this set of manmade islands, it’s tempting to think of the Palm Juremiah as something of a ‘Little Lebanon’, such is the quality of the cuisine served at Ayamna, too.
Housed in the same imposing structure as La Mar, this elegant restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Lebanon. Ayamna, which means ‘the good old days’ in Arabic, transports guests back in time with its nostalgic atmosphere, traditional recipes, and warm hospitality.
The menu at Ayamna is expertly crafted by the talented Chef Ali El Bourji, who brings over 20 years of experience in creating exquisite Lebanese dishes. The restaurant’s interior features a blend of modern design elements and traditional Lebanese motifs – all ornate white marble columns and arches, and mosaic tiling – setting the scene for a veritable feast of authentic flavours.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion (or, you know, just another day in Dubai), don’t miss out on the whole roasted lobster with saffron, which boasts just the right level of bounce and floral tang. Paired with Ayamna’s impeccably balanced freekeh salad, you’ve got yourself one of the finest, lightest lunches in the city right there. And in a city of such abundance, leaving lunch with a spring in your step sounds rather nice, don’t you think?
Address: Crescent Road, The Palm Atlantis, The Palm – Dubai – United Arab Emirates