With over 200 nationalities calling the Emirates home, the UAE is a melting pot of culture and cuisine from every corner of the globe. Dubai is the jewel in its crown and has myriad hidden gem restaurants dotted around town just waiting to be discovered.
You can’t scroll through Instagram for more than two minutes without seeing a post from Nobu and Nusr-Et Steakhouse, so we’ve suggested four hidden gems that gently whisper illusiveness and exclusivity into the ears of a select lucky few. Take a look at some of Dubai’s best lowkey spots below.
Gohan
You’ve likely heard of Dubai’s award-winning La Cantine du Faubourg, but did you know it has a hidden door inside that leads to another secret restaurant? Well, behind that door lies Gohan – an exclusive speakeasy kitchen whose menu consists of delicious Japanese street foods such as sushi, sashimi, octopus skewers with spicy ginger butter, and tender barbecue lamb short ribs with togarashi.
Gohan, meaning ‘meal of any sort’, only has a maximum of 50 diners at any time and guests are given a maximum of two hours on their table.
Address: 105 Jumeirah Emirates, Towers Hotel, 1st Floor, Sheikh Zayed Road
The Farm
Need a break from traffic and tall buildings? The Farm out in Al Barari is an award-winning oasis of tranquillity where guests can relax in the midst of a botanical garden and a shimmering lake. The menu is international with Thai elements and regularly changes with seasonal dishes, while the natural vibes make it a great place for families looking for some peace and quiet.
In 2018 and 2019, The Farm won the Middle East Hospitality Excellence Awards Restaurant of the Year in the healthy food category, so it provides a great deal of pampering not just for the mind & soul, but for the body too.
Address: Al Barari, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Moonrise
Dubai seems to be on a perpetual quest to come up with the newest, most unique dining experience possible. Moonrise is one such consequence of this mission, providing guests with an extraordinary omakase dining experience at the top of a residential tower in Satwa since September 2021.
26-year-old head chef/founder Solemann Haddad serves an ever-changing tasting menu to just eight guests per night, making it one of the most private dining experiences in the city. A typical meal fuses Middle Eastern cuisine with Japanese flavours, ingredients and cooking techniques.
Address: Eden House, Satwa
Lana Lusa
Traditional Portuguese food in a cosy neighbourhood restaurant – what more could you want? Lana Lusa won Best Casual Newcomer at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards in 2021 and its mellow, friendly vibe makes it a favourite amongst locals.
Leafy green foliage surrounds the peaceful courtyard as shrimp croquettes are brought to your table, followed by arroz de tamboril – monkfish stew with rice, peppers, onion and tomato.
Address: Wasl 51, Al Safa