Dubai is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world. The classy architecture, the unique culture, the over-the-top attractions, and the innumerable shopping experiences are some of the reasons that people love visiting this city. The numerous Dubai tour packages available today are proof of its popularity. Apart from all this, food is another reason Dubai is popular among tourists. Dubai is a city that celebrates world cuisine. A cosmopolitan city with people from all around the world living here, it is no surprise that Dubai has restaurants and eateries from all over the world as well. From Emirati cuisine to Asian and African cuisines, the city has a gastronomical fare like no other. One of the best cuisines to try here is Mediterranean cuisine. Dubai has plenty of restaurants; both fine dining and casual ones, where you can try the rich and delicious Mediterranean fare. Here we will give you a detailed guide to the best Mediterranean restaurants in Dubai.
What is Mediterranean Cuisine?
The dishes, cooking methods, and food traditions of all the countries along the Mediterranean Sea entail for the Mediterranean cuisine. This includes countries like Greece, Spain, Italy, and France in Southern Europe; Turkey, Israel, and Lebanon in the Middle East; and Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco in North Africa. Mediterranean cuisine involves a variety of flavors and cooking methods. Mediterranean cuisine heavily relies on fresh vegetables, grains, seafood, lamb, chicken, legumes, cheese, yogurt, and a variety of herbs and spices. Olive oil is the most important ingredient used in most Mediterranean dishes.
Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Dubai
Dubai is one of the places outside the Mediterranean region where you get to enjoy the most authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Here are some of the best casual and fine dining restaurants in Dubai where you can enjoy the delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Zala
Zala is a restaurant that serves Eastern Mediterranean restaurant, with the dishes influenced by Turkish and Greek flavors. A part of the desert resort Bab Al Shams, Zala is a cozy restaurant, perfect for a meal with family, friends, and even a romantic date. Zala offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the Sunday brunch at Zala is extremely popular.
Location: Bab Al Shams
Timings:
- Breakfast: 7 AM to 11 AM
- Lunch: 12.30 PM to 3.30 PM
- Dinner: 6.30 PM to 10.30 PM
Dishes to Try: Cold and Hot Appetizers, Pasta, Oven Pizzas, Lamb Chops, Mixed Grill, Mushroom Risotto, Eggplant Miso, etc.
Helios
Dreaming about chilling with a delicious meal and drink while soaking in the beauty of Greece’s Santorini Island? You do not have to travel all the way to Greece for this. Rather, Anantara’s Helios, a beach terrace restaurant, will give you the chance to experience just this. This stylish, yet casual restaurant not only offers some of the most delicious Greek dishes but also gives you an incredible view of the Dubai skyline. You can also enjoy shisha here.
Location: Anantara, The Palm Dubai Resort
Timings: 12 PM to 11.30 PM
Dishes to Try: Greek Salads, Grilled Dishes, Pita Bread, Mezzah, Seafood dishes, etc.
Armani Mediterraneo
A fine dining restaurant in the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa, Armani Mediterraneo is where classy flavors meet chic decor. The restaurant is known for both its buffet and a-la-carte dining style, where you will get to enjoy dishes and flavors inspired by Italian, Greek, and Levant cuisines along with some continental dishes as well. You can either choose to sit indoors or outdoors, from where you can watch the Dubai Fountain Show every evening.
Location: Hotel Armani, Burj Khalifa
Timings:
- Breakfast: 7 AM to 11 AM
- Lunch: 12.30 PM to 3 PM
- Dinner: 6.30 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday Brunch: 1 PM to 4 PM
Must-Try Dishes: Gourmet Salads, Fresh Seafood, Kebabs, Hot and Cold Mezze, Homemade Pasta, Gelato, Tiramisu, Baklava, and other Mediterranean Classics.
Table Otto
Not very far from Burj Khalifa is Table Otto, a restaurant that serves Italian, French, and Mediterranean cuisines. Located in the Fashion Avenue section of Dubai Mall, Table Otto has stylish decor and a cool vibe. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner in this amazing restaurant. You get to enjoy authentic French, Italian, and Mediterranean dishes along with some delicious fusion dishes as well.
Location: Fashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall
Timings:
- Sunday to Thursday: 9 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 9 AM to 12 AM
Must-Try Dishes: Classic Pizza and Pasta Dishes, Roasted Eggplant Greek Salad, Coffee Sriracha Shrimp Salad, Morning Flatbread, Zaatar Burrata, Truffle Hummus Toast, etc.
GÃ…L
If you want to enjoy Mediterranean gastronomical fare while admiring the beauty of the world’s tallest building, GÅL is the place you must visit. In fact, it is one of the best restaurants to watch Burj Khalifa fireworks on special occasions. But it is not the view of the Burj Khalifa that makes this restaurant truly special. GÅL brings together food and art, creating a space that is aesthetically pleasing. Apart from trying out the Turkish and Mediterranean dishes and checking out the art pieces of the restaurant, you will also get to enjoy the live entertainment here.
Location: Lobby Level, The Address Downtown
Timings: 5:30 PM to 3 AM
Must-Try Dishes: Ottoman’s Sarma, Burrata Conadina, Fresh Oysters & Crustaceans, Lahmacun, Turkish Dumplings, Tantuni, Saslik, Gamberetti Guvec, Fresh Oysters, etc.
Yava
Yava is yet another Mediterranean restaurant that blends traditional and modern to offer fusion dishes. Here, you will get to enjoy dishes inspired by the Levant cuisine. The decor of the restaurant is modern and stylish and brings together the colors and touches of the Mediterranean coasts. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it is a great place for special celebrations as well as casual outings.
Location: 51 Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah
Timings: 8 AM to 11.30 PM
Must-Try Dishes: Flatbreads, Salads, Soups, Olive Chicken Tagine, Honey Lemon Salmon with Mini Potatoes and Asparagus, Chicken Olive Tajine, Tahini Souffle, Tiramisu, Yaffa, etc.
Iliana
If you want to enjoy the delicious Mediterranean cuisine in a romantic setting, Iliana is the place you must visit. A beachside restaurant that exudes Greek coastal charm, Iliana is known for its sun-soaked terraces, poolside lounges, and classy indoor restaurant, giving you an incredible view of the Arabian Gulf. It is one of the best romantic restaurants in Dubai which also serves the most delicious Greek food.
Location: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
Timings:
- Lunch: 12 PM to 5 PM
- Dinner: 6.30 PM to midnight
Must-Try Dishes: Cretan salad, Taramosalata with White Cod Roe, Grilled Octopus, Feta me Meli, Gemista, Psaroketdtedes, Grilled Fish, Custard Pies, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it necessary to make advanced reservations to visit the Mediterranean restaurants in Dubai?
It is always best to make advanced reservations when visiting Mediterranean restaurants in Dubai, especially the fine dining ones. This will ensure that you have the best table in the restaurant, especially in the evenings and at weekends.
- Do the Mediterranean restaurants in Dubai have vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes, the Mediterranean cuisine has a healthy dose of vegetarian dishes like salads, hummus, flatbreads, etc. So, vegetarians and vegans will easily find their preferred dishes at these restaurants.
- Do Mediterranean restaurants in Dubai serve alcohol?
Mostly yes. Restaurants that are associated with luxury hotels like GAL, Iliana, Helios, Armani/Mediterraneo do have the license to serve alcohol. However, standalone Mediterranean restaurants may not have alcohol licenses. It is best to check with the restaurant before you book a table.
- Do these restaurants have a dress code?
This will depend on the type of restaurant you are visiting. Fine dining restaurants usually require their patrons to wear smart casuals or formal, elegant attire. In such restaurants, you will have to refrain from wearing beachwear, sportswear, shorts, flipflops, etc. If you are visiting a casual Mediterranean restaurant, cafe, or eatery, you will have more leeway with your attire.
- Are these restaurants family-friendly?
Yes, most of the Mediterranean restaurants mentioned here are family-friendly, and some of them also have a child-friendly menu. However, there may be some restrictions at luxury establishments. For instance, Iliana is a restaurant that does not allow children under the age of 6 years after 7 PM. So, you need to check such rules before you make your reservations.
Conclusion
Dubai does bring a slice of the Mediterranean with its Mediterranean restaurants. Whichever restaurant you choose to visit here, you are sure to experience not just good food but also the charm of the Mediterranean.
