Best Downtown Dubai restaurants & bars to try

Downtown Dubai can easily be categorised as one of the busiest areas in the city. If you either reside here or plan to move in, it is very important to know the best dining and partying options available. So here is a list, Luxhabitat has carefully curated that covers some of the premier dining options and the most vibrant bars and lounges in The Center of Now.

Restaurants

1. Thiptara

Thiptara is an alfresco dining eatery that overlooks the Dubai Fountain. The fine dining licensed restaurant serves Thai cuisine and specialises in Bangkok style seafood. The restaurant offers an uninterrupted view of the fountain to visitors sitting indoors as well through their floor to ceiling windows. The restaurant serves one of the best Thai food in the region. Thiptara is also very famous for their Friday brunch, priced at AED 279 with nonalcoholic beverages and AED 380 with alcohol.

Location : Palace Downtown, Ground Level, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown  Dubai

Contact   :  04 8883444

2. The Restaurant Address Boulevard

The Restaurant follows a unique theme of an apartment, wherein each room depicts the alluring surroundings of a luxury home. Visitors have the option to choose from a variety of alternatives such as one could dine in the dining room or the elegant dressing room, additionally one may opt for alfresco dining at their outdoor terrace. Furthermore, as the restaurant is located inside the Address Boulevard, it is open 24/ 7 and serves breakfast throughout the day. It specialises in contemporary and Mediterranean cuisine.  The restaurant recently launched their Friday brunch called a 'Riveria chic brunch.'

Location : Address Boulevard, 3rd Floor, Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai

Contact   : 04 5618555, 04 5618153

3. Kohantei

Kohantei is UAE's only Japanese fine dining "Kaiseki" experience. The restaurant serves some of the most exquisite dishes, ingredients of which are freshly sourced from Japan. The place has a unique seating style as well called as Wahistu style. The staff is dedicated to ensuring the visitors have a great experience. The traditional restaurant takes its guest on a culinary experience like no other. Visitors can enjoy Kaiseki in an intimate setting over the course of about 2-3 hours. Food enthusiasts also have an option to choose from any one of the 5 set Kaiseki menus.

Location : Dubai Opera, Plaza Unit 6, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai

Contact   : 04 2434951

4. Kizmet

A very eclectic Dubai-homegrown bar & restaurant, Kizmet features organic fanfare sourced from local markets. The cuisine is a testament to the diversity of cultures in Dubai. This spot is perfect if you want to grab a sugar-free & syrup-free cocktail or have a full-fledged meal before attending the Opera. Between 7 & 8pm on Wednesday, they offer oysters at just AED 5 each, with a minimum spend of AED 30. Besides this, they also operate as a co-working space during the day and offer you a complimentary glass of bubbly on showing your Opera ticket. Read our review here.

Location: Dubai Opera, Unit 5, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai

Contact: 04 3388717

5. Asado

Asado is a jewel that serves age-old Argentinean cuisine in a vibrant setting. It is one of Dubai's most sophisticated restaurant with splendid views of the Burj Khalifa. Apart from the great Argentinian food, the restaurant brings one of the best steaks & kebabs. The restaurant's irresistible food accompanied with the slow music is every foodie's paradise. One may choose to sit outside or in the private dining area and enjoy shisha or a few drinks with their meal.

Location : Ground Floor, Palace Downtown, Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai

Contact    : 04 4238884

6. Gunaydin

Gunaydin is the ultimate meatery with an amazing collection of meats and cuts. Serving authentic Turkish cuisine, the restaurant also runs a butchery; ensuring fresh meat always. It offers s great selection of drinks to chose from, artistic presentation of food and a great view of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. Gunaydin is one of Turkey's most trustworthy steakhouses. It now offers authentic Turkish breakfast on weekends which is to die for!

Location : Ground Floor, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, Dubai

Contact   : 04 5540700

7. Bleu Blanc By David Myers

Bleu Blanc is vintage themed casual dining French restaurant located in Renaissance Downtown Hotel. The restaurant resembles a French countryside house. A concept designed by the 'Gypsy chef' Chef David Myers, this spot offers a cosy and warm environment. Bleu Blanc has an open kitchen and a fireplace that has been transformed into a wooded fire grill. It is a licensed restaurant with beautiful interiors and delicious food.

Location : Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai, Marasi Drive, Dubai

Contact   : 04 5125533 

8. Katana

Katana is a Japanese Robata grill and sushi bar. It brings robatayaki style cuisine with a hip and stylish vibe. The restaurant is licensed and has shisha available, thereby providing the option of outdoor seating. it has impeccable service and really good food with a dreamy view of  Dubai's most famous landmark, the Burj Khalifa. It also offers Japanese Tapas and other Japanese comfort food. 

Location : Address Downtown, Lakeside, The Promenade, Downtown Dubai, Dubai

Contact   : 04 2778808

9. La Serre

Delicious French fanfare offered at fine dining prices, La Serre is flanked over two floors at the Vida Hotel in Downtown Dubai. This round-the-clock dining concept, they are as famous for their breakfasts as they are for their elaborate dining offerings.

Location: 1st Floor, Vida Downtown, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, The Old Town, Downtown Dubai, Dubai

Contact: 04 4286969

Bars & Lounges

1. At.mosphere

At.mosphere located on the 122nd floor of the tallest building in the world. It has a separate fine dining and lounge area. Guests are expected to pay a higher minimum spend amount for the dining area. This is one of the most extravagant and lavish dining lounges in the neighborhood. The place sports dim lights and a cosy environment. At.mosphere serves European cuisine and numerous mocktails and cocktails.You will need a reservation, so make sure you call ahead.

Location :Burj Khalifa, 122nd Floor, Downtown Dubai, Dubai

Contact : 04 8883828, 04 8883444

2. Downtown Toko

A hip and attractive lounge located in Vida Downtown, Downtown Toko is ideal for someone who just wants to wind down for a shisha night or enjoy great live music. This chic Japanese lounge is famous for their ladies night. It is the perfect Thursday night spot or Friday brunch option. The lounge keeps experimenting with the textures and flavours of their dishes, which makes one want to come back for more.

Location : Vida Downtown, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai

Contact   : 04 4428383

3. Karma Kafe

Karma Kafe,is a unique nightlife and dining spot famous among tourists and residents. The lounge offers a fusion of pan Asian & international flavours accompanied with electic beats. With scintillating views of two of Dubai's most famous landmarks, the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa and the upscale ambience; this is the most common happy hours spot in the neighbourhood.  

Location : Level 3, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, Dubai

Contact   :  04 4230909

4. Buhayra Lounge

Buhayra Lounge is one of the most beautiful spots in Downtown Dubai. It features Arabian tents by the pool, which adds to the Arabian-nights theme the place follows. The lounge offers a great combination of mezzeh, drinks, shisha, and music; thereby making it one of the most sought-after places by the pool. Furthermore, hotel guests enjoy the privilege of having a personal cabana for themselves. It is also known as one of the best shisha hangouts in town.

Location : Ground Floor, Palace Downtown, Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai

Contact : 04 4238884