3 Best Restaurants in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

You know that saying about the mountain and Mohammad? Dubai's first pop-up only restaurant opened in January 2016, and brings the world's best chefs to Dubai for three-month stints. The intention is to fill it with "World's 50 Best" and Michelin stars, and so far, it's progressing very well. Expect 14-course dégustation menus, dishes that look like science experiments, stories about the food, quirky fusions, and an intelligent waitstaff. There is an excellent core team, but most of the restaurant staff revolves with the chef in residence. All is set in the confines of the Palazzo Versace hotel, which is appropriately bombastic, but the venue changes slightly with every rotation. Alcohol served.

The original Fumés (there are now two in the city), this location is in Pier 7, a swanky tower overlooking the Dubai Marina, with seven restaurants serving seven different cuisines on seven levels. They are licensed to serve alcohol, which is done either in the bright and lively restaurant, or at the dark and brooding garage-style bar. The menu is varied, with fried foods partnered with piquant Asian flavors, pulled beef brisket, and banoffee pie. Drinking is a pleasure here—reasonably priced, with plenty of cocktails and mocktails to sample. Staff are casual and usually fairly friendly—just watch for busy times (Thursday and Friday night) when the service can't quite keep up with the crowds. Look for great business lunch and brunch deals; it's possible to eat here for less than AED50.

Positioned a short walk from Umm Suqueim seashore, Surf Cafe is always packed with smiling patrons refueling after some serious beach activity. Sand on your shoes is not a prerequisite though, and you'll also find school mums enjoying a veggie breakfast, travelers chowing down one of the only good steaks in Dubai for under 150 dirhams, and families heading in for some kid-friendly yet healthy food. Offerings include a range of burgers, salads, and sushi, great coffee and smoothies, and plenty of superfoods for those who need more than starch and caffeine. The atmosphere is clean, wholesome and lively, and service friendly, if a little slow during busy hours. No alcohol served.