Where sun & shopping lovers go | Dubai
The best Restaurants and bars in Dubai picked by tastemakers
By The Bearleaders
Pop-up restaurant Zuma | one hour from Dubai in Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah
From the best coffee to unique outdoor cooled terraces and fine dining, let Gastronomist Jorane Cuppen, Hotelier Heinz Strobl, Film Producer David Bijker and Taiko chef Schilo van Coevorden guide you through the majestic city of Dubai. These hospitality experts and tastemakers are well-versed in luxury travel and are bound to have the best recommendations for where to eat, drink and what to do.
What to do
VISIT THE AL WADI DESERT AND GO TO THE POP-UP RESTAURANT ZUMA IN RITZ CARLTON RAS AL KHAIMAH
Fantastic hotel in the middle of the Al Wadi Desert. Each villa is an architectural marvel that blends Bedouin heritage with modern comforts, infinity pools, and panoramic views of the stunning landscape. Guests can enjoy the resort's on-site spa, horseback riding, archery, and falconry, connecting with the spirit of the desert. The hotel and the Zuma restaurant pop-up are worth making a trip for. Choose signature dishes like miso-marinated black cod, freshly prepared sashimi, and robata-grilled delicacies (till April 30, 2025).
VOX CINEMA
If you go to the cinema here, you can choose between sweet and salty popcorn. Sounds familiar, right? The best popcorn you can find at this cinema when mixing it with a 20% sweet and 80% salty ratio. Maybe a random tip, but wait until you taste it.
BIKE TOUR
It is really easy to rent a bike to get around and see as many things in a small period of time. In the photo, you can see us riding the bikes in the Marina. I recommend it.
favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
FLY EMIRATES
Top flight, top service, top food, bar, bathroom with shower, limousine which brings you to and from the airport, clublounges which look like Michelin star restaurants. All in all a great experience.
favourite of Heinz Strobl, Senior Hotel Executive
Where to get coffee
% ARABICA
This is where you go to for real good coffee. The brand is originally from Japan, hence the minimalistic yet thoughtful design. The store is a feast for the eyes, arranged to let the staff take you to ‘see the world through coffee’
NIGHTJAR COFFEE ROASTERS
When you drive through the barrier when entering this industrial area, you have no idea that it is a playground where start-ups and cool hip places are gathered. This is the place to be for a good coffee and amazing cakes
MOKHA 1450
Mokha is one of the oldest brands and one of the first to filter coffee in this area. They are known for the fact that you can get some of the most sought-after Arabica in the world (Jamaica Blue Mountain and Geisha) here to enjoy or take home.
Where to eat & go for a drink
ATLANTIS THE ROYAL
This hotel offers many Michelin-starred restaurants. From the dazzling creations of Heston Blumenthal to authentic Peruvian by Gaston Acurio. All of these are notoriously difficult to get a reservation at, as this is the number one hotspot of Dubai right now. But it is so worth it. Heinz had lunch at Moma, top chef, top lunch.
instagram | maps | favourite of Heinz Strobl, Senior Hotel Executive
COYA
Situated at the Four Seasons Hotel (next to the famous Nusr-Et Steakhouse, better known as #Saltbae), COYA is an excellent place to enjoy Peruvian cuisine.
Authentic flavours, modern touches, and some interior elements are imported from Peru.
WAFI GOURMET
The hummus and kebabs are the best. Wafi also has the first open-air terrace with air conditioning, where you can smoke shisha.
SOMEWHERE
Want to get a feel of Dubai? Go to ‘Somewhere’ in the Dubai Mall. Good concept, great views and fantastic food. Tel Aviv style, sharing food and fresh cocktails.
Would really recommend it for lunch, before or after the shopping spree. The food is very Instagrammable, and you will love the desserts.instagram | maps | favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist and Schilo van Coevorden, Chef
TAIKO DUBAI
The dream of chef Schilo van Coevorden became reality in ‘Contemporary Asian cuisine by Schilo’. All the Asian style food that you can think of, but better.
The interior is Asian inspired, but also feels young and vibrant.instagram | maps | favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist and Schilo van Coevorden, Chef
KOKO BAY
The perfect place to sit on the beach, on Ibiza-style boho daybeds or cabana and have decent service and good food. Their menu is extensive and inclusive, definitely meant for an all day experience. We tried. It worked. Located on the palm.
SHABESTAN
This is the oldest and most authentic Persian restaurant in Dubai. A rare slice of the true Dubai, timeless and amazing.
You will mainly find locals at this place. On the menu is Saffron rice, Mirza Ghasemi (eggplant) and Pistachio ice cream that seems to come from another planet.
CÉ LA VI DUBAI
This restaurant boasts unbeatable views from a rooftop terrace on a skyscraper that defies imagination.
instagram | maps | favourite of Heinz Strobl, Senior Hotel Executive
TWIGGY BEACH CLUB
Part of the Park Hyatt complex that also hosts the Dubai Open golf tournament, this is the Saint-Tropez of the east. A place for the local elite to relax and party in a casual yet classy atmosphere, while enjoying French and Italian cuisine.
instagram | maps | favourite of Heinz Strobl, Senior Hotel Executive
BEACH BY FIVE
A beach club by the water in the city stretches out around the majestic architecture of the Five Palm Jumeirah Hotel. A great spot to relax.
BUDDHA BAR DUBAI
An iconic destination for the jet set worldwide, the Buddha Bar has become legendary for its eclectic lounge music and casual Asian fine dining. The location in Dubai is no different, and a great place to relax and dine.
instagram | maps | favourite of Heinz Strobl, Senior Hotel Executive
ZUMAI DUBAI
Chique Japanese fine dining right in the city's financial heart, under the long shadow of the Burj Khalifa. Great sushi and teppanyaki, served in an interior that can best be described as a futuristic library - grand but cosy.
