Dubai has become one of the most exciting food destinations in the world. With more than 13,000 restaurants, serving a population in which almost 80% is made up of expatriates, there is incredible variety in the city. European cuisine has a special place in Dubai’s dining scene. From traditional French Bistro’s to cozy Italian Trattorias, from vibrant Spanish Tapas bars to refined Greek Tavernas – the choices are endless. If you’re looking for the best European restaurants in Dubai, you’re in for a treat. The city has world-class chefs who bring genuine flavors from across the continent.
In 2025 and 2026, European cuisine Dubai has seen exciting developments. According to Time Out Dubai, over 100 new restaurants opened across the city in 2025, with many European concepts among them. Spanish favourite Barrafina made its international debut here and Italian hotspot Gloria Osteria opened at the Ritz-Carlton DIFC. This Dubai European food guide includes 12 outstanding places. Whether you are looking for fine dining with gorgeous views or casual dining with friends, there is something for all tastes and budgets.
Also Read: Top Cruises to Europe from UAE
12 Best European Restaurants in Dubai
1. La Petite Maison – French
La Petite Maison, known as LPM, is a Dubai institution. This French restaurant has been serving diners in DIFC for over 15 years now. It brings the spirit of the French Riviera to Dubai’s financial district.
What to order: The lamb chops are legendary. The potato gratin has faithful fans that return year after year. Don’t miss the snails that are gloriously garlicky. The salad Niçoise is faithful to its Mediterranean origins.
Ambience and vibe: Sophisticated but not stuffy. The terrace is like an escape into the sun. Inside expect a buzzing atmosphere where business lunches blend with anniversary dinners.
Price range: AED 400-600 per person.
Why it made the list: Named Time Out Dubai’s Restaurant of the Decade, LPM sets the benchmark for French restaurants in Dubai. Best for business meetings, romantic dinners, and friends who appreciate quality.
2. Pierchic – Italian Seafood
Few restaurants have a setting like Pierchic. Located at the end of a private pier extending out into the Arabian Gulf, this Italian restaurant has panoramic views of the Burj Al Arab.
What to order: Italian coastal food by the hand of Chef Beatrice Segoni. The lobster ravioli is creamy and buttery. Grilled octopus comes out perfectly charred. Fresh oysters and Caviar Are Available for Celebrations.
Ambience and vibe: At the sunset, the views are magical. White-clothed tables, elegant service and the Burj Al Arab shining away in the background create unforgettable moments.
Price range: Minimum AED 250 per person for dinner.
Why it made the list: Featured in the MICHELIN Guide Dubai, Pierchic is a favourite for engagements and anniversaries. Best suited for romantic dinners and milestone celebrations.
3. Ossiano – French Fine Dining
Dining at Ossiano is like entering another world. This one-MICHELIN star restaurant is tucked away behind floor to ceiling windows overlooking an aquarium containing 65,000 marine animals. Sharks and rays swim by as you eat. It’s theatre, fine dining and unforgettable experience rolled into one.
What to order: The 10 course tasting menu tells stories of explorers of the Atlantic Ocean. Each dish is inspired by the ocean and prepared with theatrical table side presentations. Expect creative French techniques, exceptional seafood, dishes prepared right before your eyes. The attention to detail in all the courses is amazing.
Ambience and vibe: Walk down a marble spiral staircase to a dimly lit, intimate room. The peaceful atmosphere is interrupted only by the elegant movement of marine life outside of the glass. Service is friendly but precise – attentive without being intrusive.
Price range: Tasting menus begin from around AED 1,200 per person.
Why it made the list: Ossiano is the winner of the Art of Hospitality Award at MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025; and No. 3 on Middle East & Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024. Best for marriage proposals, milestone birthdays and a bucket list dining experience.
4. Nammos – Greek Mediterranean
If you’ve dreamed of eating on Mykonos, Nammos Dubai brings that experience to Jumeirah Beach. This sister restaurant to the famous Mykonos original is a combination of stunning sea views, Mediterranean cuisine and beach club vibes.
What to order: The Greek salad with barrel-aged feta is a classic. Black Angus beef tartare presents high-quality ingredients. Fresh seafood with Greek and Japanese influences is a reflection of the creative spirit of the menu.
Ambience and vibe: By day it’s relaxed and sun-drenched. Evenings bring DJ sets and celebration. The beachfront terrace has Arabian Gulf views.
Price range: AED 500-800 per person.
Why it made the list: Nammos is Mykonos luxury. Best for beach lovers, groups celebrating, and all those seeking Mediterranean cuisine Dubai style. Book ahead for sunset tables.
5. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal – British
Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal took his famous Dinner concept to Atlantis The Royal in 2023. This British restaurant pays tribute to historical dishes re-created using modern techniques.
What to order: The Meat Fruit – chicken liver parfait disguised as a mandarin – is iconic. The Hereford rib-eye drips with fat and bone marrow. Triple-cooked chips are perfection.
Ambience and vibe: Situated in Atlantis The Royal, the restaurant has Palm Jumeirah views.There are glimpses of culinary magic through the open kitchen. Staff are knowledgeable on the history behind each dish.
Price range: AED 200-500.
Why it made the list: Featured in the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025. Best for food enthusiasts who want to have memorable experiences and British culinary history.
6. L’Amo Bistro del Mare – Italian Seafood
This Italian seafood restaurant at Dubai Harbour has been named as the best Italian restaurant in Dubai for the year 2025 by Time Out Dubai. With views over Ain Dubai, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina, the location is spectacular.
What to order: Fresh catches with simple preparation. The seafood risotto is creamy and flavoured. Handmade pasta is a trademark of Italian craftsmanship. The raw bar has oysters and crudo.
Ambience and vibe: Sophisticated, yet relaxed. The waterfront location gives it a holiday feel. Large windows fill the area with natural light.
Price range: AED 300-500 per person.
Why it made the list: L’Amo proves that Italian restaurants in Dubai can be both classy and casual. Best for date nights and anybody who loves Italian seafood with a view.
7. Boca – Modern Spanish
Boca is unique in the Spanish tapas scene in Dubai due to its commitment to sustainability. This DIFC restaurant has a MICHELIN Green Star and has been the winner of Gault&Millau’s Sustainable Kitchen of the Year. But sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour – the contemporary Spanish menu is brash and delicious.
What to order: The refreshing green herb gazpacho is a standout – perfect for Dubai’s warm weather. Sharing plates foster the notion of trying several dishes, which is the best way to experience Spanish tapas Dubai style. The croquetas are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Grilled Octopus demonstrates great technique.
Ambience and vibe: Fresh, funky and sophisticated. The space is bright and welcoming – ideal for groups. The relaxed atmosphere promotes lingering over wine and conversation. It’s casual European restaurants at their best.
Price range: AED 200-350 per person.
Why it made the list: Featured in the MICHELIN Guide Dubai, Boca appeals to eco-conscious diners who would like to eat great food without compromising on their values. Best for groups who want to share, for those who are sustainability-conscious eaters, and for those who want a lively yet elegant Spanish dining experience.
8. Avli by Tashas – Greek
Avli brings modern Athenian cuisine to DIFC’s Gate Village. Run by restaurateur Natasha Sideris, this elegant spot serves nice Greek food in a contemporary setting. The menu celebrates Mediterranean flavours with sophistication and warmth – true to the Greek traditions, but with modern touches.
What to order: Start with classic dips – tzatziki, taramasalata and melitzanosalata – served with warm pita. The chicken souvlaki is tender with a good taste. Moussaka comes beautifully presented, a layer upon layer of flavour. Grilled octopus is a perfectly charred technique with a tender interior.
Ambience and vibe: Chic, elegant and stylish. Mediterranean interiors are bright airy spaces with whitewashed walls and natural textures. The setting is equally good for business lunches and special celebration.
Price range: AED 250-400 per person.
Why it made the list: Avli has gained a loyal following for its standard of quality and friendly environment. It’s proof that Greek cuisine can be comforting as well as sophisticated. Best for Greek food lovers, business entertaining and anyone who wants good, refined Mediterranean food in a beautiful setting.
9. Lola Taberna Española – Spanish Tapas
For authentic Spanish tapas Dubai style, Lola delivers. This lively spot is full of the spirit of a traditional Spanish taberna – warm, welcoming and full of flavour. It’s regularly ranked as one of Dubai’s favourite Spanish restaurants for a reason.
What to order: Traditional tapas done right. Patatas bravas and spicy sauce, gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns) and jamon ibrico sliced thin – all the favourites are here. The paella is generous and loaded with seafood, enough to be shared. Accompany everything with Spanish wine or a pitcher of sangria.
Ambience and vibe: Informal and full of energy.Expect friendly service and a crowd that’s there for a good time. The atmosphere is genuinely Spanish – conversations seem to flow freely and evenings seem to last longer than expected.
Price range: AED 150-250 per person.
Why it made the list: Lola proves that great European dining doesn’t have to be expensive or formal. It’s the kind of place where you can turn up without a reservation on a weeknight and have a fantastic meal. Best for friends catching up, or casual dates, and anyone who is craving some authentic Spanish flavours without the formality.
10. Il Ristorante Niko Romito – Italian Fine Dining
Located within the Bulgari Resort Dubai on Jumeira Bay Island, this restaurant is from self-taught Italian chef, Niko Romito. His meteoric rise involves several awards and accolades from around the world. The Dubai outpost offers sophisticated modern Italian cuisine in a uber-exclusive environment that is commensurate to the brand’s reputation.
What to order: The tasting menu represents the chef’s vision – cohesive, modern, beautifully done. Dishes are deceptively simple but packed with complex, authentic Italian flavours. Pasta is made by hand on a daily basis; ingredients are bought from the very best producers. Every detail matters here.
Ambience and vibe: Minimalist elegance from the original Bulgari Hotel in Milan. A beautiful terrace overlooking the yacht view marina. The vibe is exclusive but never pretentious – service is warm and knowledgeable and guides you through the menu with a real enthusiasm.
Price range: Around AED 800-1200 per person.
Why it made the list: For those who are looking for the ultimate fine dining experience in European Dubai has to offer, Il Ristorante delivers. It is the Italian cuisine at its finest. Best for special occasions, Italian cuisine purists and those who enjoy the art of gastronomy.
11. City Social Dubai – Modern European
British chef Jason Atherton brings his City Social concept to the 43rd floor in Grosvenor House Dubai. This modern European restaurant has sweeping views across Dubai Marina to Bluewaters and the Palm. The menu is a fusion of European techniques with an Asian influence for a contemporary approach.
What to order: Hokkaido scallops with charred corn are a must as a starter.The stuffed tomato is deceptively delicious – elevated comfort food. From the grill, steaks come tender and perfectly cooked. Don’t miss the shellfish raviolo which explodes with flavour.
Ambience and vibe: Elegant with great views of the skyline – especially magical at sunset. The atmosphere is sophisticated and yet brimming with energy. After dinner, head over to the connected 7 Tales speakeasy bar for creative cocktails in a prohibition era setting.
Price range: AED 400-600 per person.
Why it made the list: City Social brings chef-driven modern European cuisine with some of the best views in Dubai.It’s perfect for dinner with views, foodies who love thoughtful menus and people who want to stay out late with speakeasy cocktails.
12. Barrafina – Spanish Tapas
London’s cult-favourite tapas bar made its first international debut in Dubai’s DIFC in late 2025. Barrafina is already generating buzz among food lovers who appreciate its no-fuss approach to Spanish cooking. It’s quickly become one of the most talked-about new openings in the city.
What to order: The menu keeps things simple and traditional. Classic tapas executed with precision – tortilla española, croquetas, grilled octopus. Spanish cavas, sherries, and wines complement every dish. Quality ingredients speak for themselves without heavy sauces or complicated preparations.
Ambience and vibe: Counter seating around an open kitchen creates an immersive experience. Watch the chefs work while they chop, cook and plate. It’s theatrical, energetic and very enjoyable. The format promotes conversation with neighbours and contact with staff.
Price range: AED 200-350 per person.
Why it made the list: Barrafina’s arrival marks an exciting moment for Spanish tapas Dubai fans. It proves that there’s appetite for an authentic ingredient-focused European cooking. Best for tapas purists, solo diners who love counter seating and anyone looking for some genuine Spanish flavours without pretension.
How to Choose a Great European Restaurant in Dubai
With so many options, choosing the right restaurant depends on your mood and occasion. For romantic dinners, there are waterfront areas such as Pierchic or Ossiano to make for unforgettable settings. Spanish tapas bars such as Lola or Boca work brilliantly for sharing plates and conversation with your friends. If you’re celebrating a big milestone, try the theatrics of Ossiano or the history-inspired menu at Dinner by Heston.
Reservations are required, particularly for weekend dinners. Popular restaurants are often booked up weeks ahead – especially those with views or celebrity chef names attached. For fine dining experiences, try to go on Thursday or Friday evenings when the atmosphere is at its highest. Lunch has improved availability and sometimes set lunch menus at reduced prices – a smart way to try high-end restaurants without the whole dinner commitment.
Most European restaurants in Dubai cater for dietary requirements. Vegetarian choices are standard on the Italian and Mediterranean menus. For gluten-free or vegan needs, mention that when booking – kitchens are usually very accommodating and often make special dishes. Fine dining establishments often prepare special menus for the guest with allergies or other preferences.
Final Thoughts
Dubai provides world-class European dining to compete with any city in the world. From Michelin-starred French restaurants to cosy Italian trattorias, buzzing Spanish tapas bars to elegant Greek tavernas, the choice is impressive. Whether you are a resident trying new favourites or a visitor trying to find meals that are memorable, you will find something to love.
The finest European dining Dubai has to offer is a balance between authenticity and innovation. Chefs here respect tradition but are free to be creative. With new European openings coming in on a regular basis and tried and tested favourites keeping up their standards, now is a great time to explore. Book a table, bring your appetite and discover why Dubai is one of the world’s most exciting food destinations for European food. Whether your taste is for French sophistication, Italian comfort, Spanish energy or Greek warmth – Dubai delivers them all.
