Discovering Great List: Curated Guide to Dubai's Best Restaurants and Hidden Gems

Khaleej Times

21-02-2025

Whether you're searching for the latest fine dining hotspots or local hidden treasures, the expert- reviewed guide provides a curated selection of Dubai's best restaurants
Dubai's dining scene is ever evolving, and Great List is here to help food lovers navigate it. Unlike traditional guides, Great List features a handpicked selection of top restaurants, reviewed anonymously and categorised for every occasion. WKND sat down with Alexander Sysoev, founder of Great List, to uncover why it's set to become Dubai's go-to dining guide.
Great List has already gained recognition as a go-to dining guide in other markets, and now it has finally arrived in Dubai. Can you tell us more about the concept?
We have created a guide for true foodies who travel frequently. We realised that it is difficult to compare completely different places, whether it's a chef's table or a street food café. That's why we adopted a more meticulous selection process, putting candidates through an extensive review before making the cut. Our selection process is handled by a team of 57 people who visit restaurants anonymously and conduct at least two to three visits before making a decision.
To make things easier for guests, we have categorised restaurants for different occasions, from fine dining to coffee spots. In addition to this, we offer several key features: we track the best new openings, produce a wealth of video content where chefs personally recommend dishes (check our Instagram account @greatlistguide), and even publish restaurant playlists on Spotify.
With this approach, we have created the perfect selection for those who love dining out, frequently visit F&B places, and appreciate the highest level of quality in every aspect - from food to atmosphere.
Can you tell us more about the chef tours?
Of course! I want to start with tours featuring Dubai's top chefs—their level of expertise is exceptionally high, and I am eager to showcase this in other countries. The goal is twofold: to introduce HNWI clients to the best dishes and personalities from Dubai and to provide another compelling reason to visit the city.
It's my dream to introduce Dubai's top chefs to international audiences. In mid-March, we will begin negotiations with Orfali Brothers, Moonrise, Bait Maryam, Kinoya, Mimi Kakushi, Alaya, Brix, Arabian Tea House, Fish Market, Teible, and other leading homegrown concepts.
What are some of the key features that make Great List stand out from other dining guides?
At https://greatlist.com, we answer many of the key questions that guests often ask. For example, when visiting a new restaurant, diners may not always know what to order. To help with this, each restaurant profile includes recommendations of four to five signature dishes personally suggested by the chef. We also provide guidance on dress codes and even suggest the best tables to book.
Moreover, we value the people behind each restaurant. That is why every listing includes profiles of chefs and restaurateurs, along with their connections to other projects. This
allows users to discover, for example, that the incredible chef Salam Dakkak not only runs Bait Maryam but also Sufret Maryam - both featured in our guide.
Great List is known for its selective approach. How do you determine which restaurants make the cut?
We evaluate a wide range of factors: first and foremost, the food, but also service, atmosphere, design, and the overall customer journey. We believe that dining should always be an exceptional experience, so every restaurant on our list is a standout, stylish destination with an outstanding ambiance.
Our team also conducts repeat visits and closely monitors staff changes. For instance, if a restaurant's head chef leaves, we immediately remove the venue from the list until we reassess it.
One of our most important sections is NEW, where we feature candidates for the guide. These are brand-new openings that have demonstrated phenomenal performance within their first month. After six months, our team re-evaluates whether the restaurant has maintained its quality and decides whether to officially include it in the guide. This way, even frequent visitors to Dubai can always stay updated on the best new dining spots.
Does Great List cater to all types of diners, from fine-dining enthusiasts to those seeking hidden gems?
We appreciate all types of dining establishments, as they collectively shape the city's gastronomic scene. Street food and casual cafés are just as important as grand fine dining venues. Of course, hidden gems are a special discovery for foodies as well.
That is why we seek out cosy cafés inside boutiques (like Villa Margot or IYKYK), recognise the iconic sandwiches at Rascals, and stand in line for a table at ZaZa or Bkry. Each of these places fully meets our criteria within its segment, ensuring a high-quality experience no matter the price point.
For someone new to Great List, what's the best way to use the platform to discover and enjoy the best dining experiences in Dubai?
Users generally follow three main approaches when navigating the platform:
1. Browsing by category – For instance, those searching for a date night spot often explore sections like Smart Casual or Fine Dining.
2. Exploring by chef or restaurateur – Many users start by looking up their favourite restaurants and then explore other venues by the same chef or hospitality group. If someone loves Mimi Kakushi, for example, they are likely to be interested in other Rikas Hospitality Group establishments.
3. Using the map feature – Another convenient way to find great spots is by opening the map and seeing what's nearby.
What has the response been like from Dubai's restaurant community since Great List launched in the city?
I am truly grateful for the warm reception we have received from the industry. Many restaurants have already displayed our metal award plaques at their entrances, and posts about Great List are frequently reshared by both industry professionals and users.
Beyond that, we have seen a surge in user-generated content (UGC) from guests who discovered restaurants through the guide, which is incredibly rewarding!