Best European restaurants in Dubai 2025: 10 highly-rated spots to try next
Here's a list of the best European restaurants in Dubai, as chosen by the Time Out Dubai team.
Check out the full list of Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025 winners here
Here at Time Out Dubai, we celebrate diversity and deliciousness, with the best European restaurants in Dubai offering the best of the continent.
Time Out Dubai reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here.
These are the best European Restaurants in Dubai, as recognised by the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025.
The best European restaurants in Dubai 2025
WINNER
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
(Credit: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal)
One of the most famous chefs in the world, Heston Blumenthal, opened a restaurant in the eye-popping Atlantis The Royal in 2023.
And two years later, it still hits all the high notes. A stunning experience from start to finish, the service is impeccable, grape list wide ranging and dishes creative and expertly prepared. You'll have seen the Insta posts of the famed 'meat fruit' and if you're a carnivore it's well worth trying.
As is everything else on the British menu, especially the steak and a dessert from circa 1810. Quirky, fun and elegant at the same time, this is one for a special occasion that will be truly memorable.
Licensed. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, dinnerbyheston.com (04 426 2444).
Check out our full Dinner by Heston Blumenthal review here
Highly Commended:
Bull & Bear
(Credit: Bull & Bear)
This formerly North American restaurant (New York-inspired to be exact) has completely shifted its focus to a European offering led by British chef Marc Hardiman. The lovely grown-up vibes and slick service, however, have stayed the same.
It's a truly refined dining experience with a short and sweet menu that features just 19 thoughtfully crafted dishes, which highlight local ingredients and sustainability. Some unmissable dishes include a purple potato wrapped in seaweed and caviar, a sustainable crab sandwich and a satsuma wagyu steak with duck fat fries.
To really get a deeper experience, make sure you go for one of the three tasting menus on offer starting from Dhs295 per person.
Licensed. Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, DIFC, bullandbeardifc.com (04 515 9888).
Check out our full Bull & Bear review here
Lana Lusa
(Credit: Lana Lusa)
We've long been fans of Lana Lusa's traditional Portuguese cuisine (that's why you'll find it in Time Out Market Dubai), but in its new home at the Four Seasons Private Residences, both the food and the dining experience have levelled up.
It's a gorgeous space for a start, with a dreamy terrace overlooking Dubai Canal, and while there's still that home-cooked vibe, with recipes from the founder's grandmother, the menu also includes more diverse Mediterranean dishes.
It's licensed as well, with Portuguese grape and mixed drinks to pair with your meal.
Licensed. Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai, Jumeirah 2 lanalusa.com (04 380 1515).
Check out our full Lana Lusa review here
Shortlisted
carine
A cute Mediterranean restaurant from famed chef Izu Ani, carine is a charming space for a catch-up with friends or a romantic date night.
With chic interiors full of neutral tones and delightful accents such as bowls of lemons and bottles of olive oil, there's a low-key, friendly vibe, while the large outdoor terrace overlooks the rolling greens of the golf course.
Coming from chef Izu, the food is particularly impressive with standouts including watermelon salad, tuna tartare, onion tart, lobster linguine and perfectly grilled lamb chops. Save room for dessert – the tarte tatin is a buttery, sweet plate of joy.
Licensed. Emirates Golf Club, Sheikh Zayed Road, @carine.ae (04 417 9885).
Check out our full carine review here
City Social Dubai
(Credit: City Social Dubai)
Coming from renowned British chef Jason Atherton, this is a sister to his popular City Social in London. Set on the 43rd floor of Grosvenor House Dubai, City Social Dubai is one of the best European restaurants in Dubai and affords stellar views across the Marina to Bluewaters and the Palm.
The vibe is elegant and the menu is modern European, with a hint of Asia thanks to ingredients such as Hokkaido scallops, which are served with charred corn and red pepper confit for a delicious combination.
Other hits include stuffed tomato, shellfish raviolo, while the grills shouldn't be missed either – especially the tender steaks. While at City Social, be sure to stop into Atherton's cool speakeasy bar 7 Tales for a drink, too.
Licensed. Grosvenor House Dubai, Dubai Marina, citysocialdubai.com (04 402 2222).
Check out our full City Social Dubai review here.
Jara by Martín Berasategui
(Credit: Jara by Martín Berasategui)
In the hands of Spanish masterchef Martín Berasategui, whose restaurants have earned 11 Michelin stars to date, the rustic cuisine of the Basque Country gets a serious glow-up at The Lana.
Serving up some of the finest European food in the city, Jara's menu is centred around charcoal-grilled meats and seafood, from dry-aged Spanish ribeye to Cantabrian carabineros.
The anchovy duo starter and smoked brioche caviar demand your attention, as do Berasategui's signature croquettes. That's if you can take your eyes off the spectacular views.
Licensed. The Lana Dorchester Collection Dubai, Business Bay, dorchestercollection.com (04 541 7755).
Check out our full Jara by Martín Berasategui review here
Maison Revka
(Credit: Maison Revka)
Arriving in Dubai via Paris and St. Tropez, this French import is actually a celebration of food from central Europe, from Poland and Slovakia to Bulgaria and the Ukraine.
Inspired by Slavic culture and cuisine, the menu puts caviar, smoked salmon and raw dishes centre-stage and recommends ordering plates to share. Desserts are another highlight here, with four different types of pavlova begging to be tried.
More than just a restaurant, you can spend the day at Maison Revka with a plush lounger by the pool and even stock up on gourmet treats and posh tableware at the boutique.
Licensed. Delano Dubai, Bluewaters Island, maisonrevka.com (04 543 2900).
StreetXO
With StreetXO, acclaimed avant-garde chef Dabiz Muñoz has created something that shouldn't work, but that absolutely does.
A riotous mish-mash of Asian and Spanish cuisine, perhaps most easily summed up by the kimchi croquette with tuna sashimi or the crazy paella with shrimp and king crab cooked in a tom yum broth, this is food that is genuinely exciting.
Challenge your perceptions with street food amped up to the max in an uber-luxurious setting – and a surprisingly refreshing price tag. It's unlike any European restaurant you'll have visited before, and that's what makes it one of the best.
Licensed. One&Only One Za'abeel, Za'abeel 1, streetxo.com (04 666 1617).
Check out our full StreetXO review here
Studio Frantzén
(Credit: Studio Frantzén)
Hands down one of the best European restaurants in Dubai, Studio Frantzén from Swedish chef Björn Frantzén is just a really cool place to go for dinner.
The dining room is buzzing, but if you can take a seat at the kitchen counter for a more intimate experience, do it. Watch classic Nordic cuisine come to life with a dash of Asian umami, discover Scandinavian sushi (it's a thing), and pile up your plates with some of the most brilliant sides we've ever tried.
Oh, and prepare to get totally giddy in the Candy Room, where dessert is an experience all of its own.
Licensed. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, studiofrantzendubai.com (054 584 3105).
Twiggy
Credit: Twiggy by La Cantine
Perched above Twiggy Lagoon at the chic Park Hyatt Dubai is oh-so-elegant Twiggy by La Cantine. All neutral tones, rattan furnishings and gorgeous boho-chic décor, this spot is perfect for a lazy lunch or romantic dinner.
As well as views over the lagoon pool, you'll be treated to a view of Dubai Creek and the Downtown skyline, with the twinkling Burj Khalifa front and centre. From sushi to salads, a brilliant burrata, superb lobster ravioli and a range of expertly grilled meat and seafood, everything is fresh, fragrant and adds to the holiday feels. One of the best European restaurants in Dubai, with one of the best settings, too.
Licensed. Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, twiggy.ae (04 602 1105).
Check out our full Twiggy review here
Other award-winning spots in Dubai
The 10 best Asian restaurants in Dubai to bookmark, ASAP
From sushi to pad Thai, these are officially the best spots in town
10 of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai to visit
MENA cuisine at its very best
The 10 most délicieux French restaurants in Dubai
Where to go for that je ne sais quoi in Dubai
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ITV News
23 minutes ago
- ITV News
Dame Joanne Lumley on joining Netflix's hit series Wednesday
Trading bollinger for black magic, Joanna Lumley's gone from 'Absolutely Fabulous' to 'Absolutely Frightening!' The iconic British actress has joined the cast of Netflix's hit series Wednesday as Hester Frump, Wednesday's grandmother and closest ally. Mysterious, magical and with a wicked sense of humour to match, Joanna is here to tell us all about the spooky second season, plus, when we can expect Amandaland to return to screens…
ITV News
23 minutes ago
- ITV News
White House uses viral Jet2holidays meme to promote ICE deportations
Audio from a Jet2Holidays advert that has become viral on social media this summer has been used for a White House video promoting ICE deportation flights. The clip showing people wearing handcuffs being ushered out of cars and onto planes by officials, is paired with the uplifting beat of Jess Glynne's "Hold My Hand" and the equally cheery voiceover of actor Zoe Lister, advertising Jet2's packages. "When ICE books you a one-way Jet2 holiday to deportation. Nothing beats it!," a message on the official White House X and Instagram accounts read. ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is a federal law enforcement agency which has been ramping up immigration raids under the Trump administration. Federal agents have expanded these raids to everyday locations, including hospitals, creating fear among communities, with the crackdown prompting violent protests in Los Angeles last month. Lister has expressed her disappointment at her voice being used to promote ICE's work, writing on her Instagram story: "What can be done about @whitehouse using @jet2pics sound and my voiceover to promote their nasty agenda?" ITV News has contacted Jet2, Jess Glynne and Zoë Lister for comment. While the White House has not appeared to comment on this specific clip, it has recently responded to wider criticisms of its social media strategy, which includes the use of AI generated images, trolling and memes. "Nowhere in the Constitution does it say we can't post banger memes," it wrote on its X account earlier this month. The controversy follows a sudden rise in the use on social media of the voiceover and music used in Jet2's advert. The ad's audio has been paired with clips on social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok, and has even been sampled by DJs in clubs. The ad featuring Jess Glynne's Hold My Hand, has often been used for footage of calamitous situations on holidays gone wrong. For example, it's been used for a video on TikTok viewed over 1.8 million times showing a woman almost drowning in a pool and having to be saved by lifeguards, and for clips of people fighting and being arrested on planes. The advert is often used ironically to contrast Jet2's idyllic depiction of its holidays with chaotic or disappointing. Zoe Lister, who performed the voiceover live at a DJ set by Capital Breakfast's Chris Stark, opened up to the Radio Show about how "completely nuts" it has been to go viral. "The last few months have just been ramping up, and the videos are getting funnier. I thought it just was just like, 'it's got British appeal, you know, we've got a good sense of humour', but then there's Americans, like 'hey I love your voiceover'." In a video on her Instagram profile, Lister, who played the role of Zoe Carpenter in Hollyoaks from 2006 to 2010, said she has also been getting messages from fans in Brazil, Canada, Algeria, and the Philippines. Someone has even made a Chinese version of the voiceover. The 43-year-old voice actor told the Sun: "I'd never in a million years think that that this was going to be the thing to go viral. "We're all just really enjoying it because it's just silly, it's stupid joy, and that's what we all need."
Scotsman
24 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Henry Naylor on the dark 1980s inspirations behind his new play Monstering the Rocketman
Monstering the Rocketman | Rosalind Furlong The playwright reflects upon the horrific tabloid homophobia of the 1980s in his latest work, which involves Elton John, Princess Diana and a pair of 'devil dogs'. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It's human to remember the best bits of the past, and edit out the worst. Currently there's a lot of nostalgia for the 1980s. But beneath the gaudy clothes, the big hair and even bigger shoulder pads was a darker, more scary, more violent country. There was football hooliganism, race riots, IRA bombs, the Poll Tax revolts, lengthy dole queues and crippling, brutal strikes. It was a time of massive social upheaval, as Britain strove to define itself. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I've been wanting to write a series of plays about the decade for a while, if nothing else, to contradict the demagogues selling us a romanticised view of the past. For research, I spent four months in the British library reading back issues of the tabloids, to revisit and understand the mindset of the 1980s. This was a golden era for the tabloids and The Sun was the backdrop of our lives. As the biggest selling daily newspaper in the English-speaking world, it sold nearly five million copies a day, with a readership of 12 million. It was seen on every train carriage, on every bus, and it was impossible to avoid its bold, provocative, sometimes hilarious, often offensive headlines. Reading those papers today is alarming. We often lambast the society of today for being intolerant but we've come a long way. Intolerance and hate speech were mainstream in the 1980s and racist terms were commonplace. The French were 'Frogs,' the Germans 'Krauts' and the Japanese 'Japs.' Black faces rarely appeared on the front pages and when they did, they were usually those of criminals. Monstering the Rocketman | Rosalind Furlong But the greatest invective was reserved for the gay community. When the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester, James Anderton, an evangelical Christian, spoke to a national conference about how the police should deal with AIDS, he said: 'Everywhere I go I see evidence of people swirling around in the cesspool of their own making. Why do homosexuals freely engage in sodomy and other obnoxious sexual practices knowing the dangers involved?' He was dismissed as a crank by the broadsheets. Not so by The Sun. In an editorial it declared, that it 'hopes Mr Anderton will treat these perverts with the contempt they deserve.' Coverage was relentless and overwhelmingly negative, with headlines that are shocking to modern eyes: 'Gays are Plague In Our Midst', 'MI6 Boss was Poof', etc. Furthermore, it seemed the tabloids thought it a moral duty to 'out' gay celebrities and portray them as sexual deviants. There was a particular fascination with celebrity/rent-boy stories. Russell Harty had his career destroyed in such a way, and Harvey Proctor too. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And then came Elton John. You could almost smell the glee of Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie when he was offered the 'confessions' of a male prostitute known as 'American Barry'. Mackenzie has admitted some stories were 'too good to check', and this was one of them. He published. Disastrously, he was to discover that 'Barry' was a liar. He was neither American, nor called 'Barry'. He was called 'Stephen' and worked in a dry-cleaners in Twyford, and had made the whole thing up. Elton was understandably incensed. He wasn't in Britain when the alleged orgies took place. He was in the States having a costume fitting, and he had the taxi receipts to prove it. As a member of The Sunday Times 100 Rich List, Elton had the money and the resources to fight. He also had the time, as he was taking a yearly sabbatical to rest his damaged vocal chords. But when Elton sued, Mackenzie refused to back down. Instead of admitting his mistake, he doubled down on the lie, and launched a massive campaign of media harassment against the star. Elton John performing at the Playhouse theatre in Edinburgh, June 1984 | TSPL An extraordinary tale ensued which forms the subject of my latest play, Monstering the Rocketman. It involves Ferraris, punch-ups, gangsters, bugged phone calls, a £10 million divorce suit, Princess Diana, the Vice Squad and a pair of 'devil dogs'. It resulted in Elton settling for a whopping £1 million damages, still the greatest libel payout in British history. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In an era when the tabloids were all about making money, this was a salutary lesson. I believe it was a turning point in British history, for good and bad. On the positive side, I believe the Press had to become more sensitive to minorities, which paved the way for our more diverse and tolerant Britain. On the negative side was the damage to the reputation of the media. Elton's was one of a series of high-profile legal cases and payouts by the tabloids. In 1987-88 alone, the Queen was paid £100k by The Sun; Koo Stark sued The Mail on Sunday for £300k; Jeffrey Archer by The Star for £500k. By the end of the decade, the credibility of the print media was in shreds. In 1990 a survey concluded that only 14% of the British public had confidence in the British press. It's easy to criticise the tabloids. But we, the public, played our part. We were willing to pay for thrilling stories, regardless of whether they were true or not. How else to explain the phenomenon of the Sunday Sport, known for headlines like 'World War II Bomber Found on the Moon'. Its readers surely knew they were being lied to, but they didn't seem to mind just so long as the storylines were compelling. So who would blame the 1980s popular press editors for 'hyping up' and even 'making up' stories? That was what we, the public, seemed to be demanding. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In a time of screaming TikTok influencers, vacuous OnlyFans narcissists and demagogues with orange faces, we need a strong, trustworthy source of truth. If nothing else, to dismiss the 'alternative facts' and 'firehose of falsehoods' corroding our democracy, and to stop us from retweeting the B.S. fed to us by bots. The Free Press is surely the answer. It needs to be powerful, have free rein, but above all be responsible. Above all, trust has to be rebuilt. That can only be achieved by acknowledging the mistakes of the past, and by examining where the trust was lost: in the mid-1980ss, when profits were placed before truth. It can be done, but as Elton has said, sorry seems to be the hardest word.
