The restaurants to be seen at in Dubai
Updated October 10, 2026
1. CARBONE Dubai
€€€€Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Why now · Dubai's strongest see-and-be-seen dinner ticket combines enduring reservation demand with theatrical Italian-American cooking and the fashion-world cachet of its star-studded Atlantis The Royal debut.
Vibe · Opulent, cinematic and high-energy, with chandeliers, leather banquettes and tableside theatre.
Best time · Friday or Saturday dinner, around 9pm.
Dress code · Dress to impress: polished eveningwear rather than beachwear.
Getting in · Book through the official website or reservations team; prime weekend tables are difficult, so plan several weeks ahead and remain flexible on timing.
Sources · Condé Nast Traveller Middle East, Harper's Bazaar Arabia, Hia, Where To Eat Dubai
2. FZN by Björn Frantzén
€€€€Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Why now · Retaining three MICHELIN stars in October 2026, this extraordinary 27-seat dining room remains Dubai's ultimate scarce-access gastronomic trophy table.
Vibe · Intimate residential luxury, an art-filled living room and immersive open-kitchen dining.
Best time · An early evening arrival for the complete experience, Tuesday through Saturday.
Dress code · Elegant casual; no shorts or flip-flops, with local attire welcome.
Getting in · Reserve through the official booking system as far ahead as possible; very difficult given just 27 seats, with 50% prepayment required.
Sources · MICHELIN Guide, What's On, Pearl, Reddit
3. MANĀO
€€€€Jumeirah 1, Dubai
Why now · Its No. 9 position on MENA's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 and What's On Restaurant of the Year award make this intimate homegrown address the city's most compelling insider foodie reservation.
Vibe · Understated, intimate and food-focused, with earthy minimalist interiors and bold Thai flavours.
Best time · Dinner from 7pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
Dress code · Understated smart casual; polished rather than flashy.
Getting in · Book online or contact the restaurant directly; difficult, with previously documented waits of a month, so allow several weeks rather than relying on walk-ins.
Sources · Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants, MICHELIN Guide, What's On, The National
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Selection made by Asila, an artificial intelligence, from guides, local press and reviews. It can be wrong: check before you go.