5 of the best special occasions restaurants in Dubai

If you’re after an ensemble of fine international cuisine in Dubai, then Maison de Curry in the Souk Al Bahar building in downtown Dubai Marina is a great place to start. Located right in front of the famous Burj Khalifa skyscraper and the Dubai fountains, it’s the perfect viewpoint for fireworks and fountain shows. Eclectic choices like Indian cuisine, sushi, classic Italian dishes and Mexican fare dominate the impressive menu. Check out the lamb rogan josh or chicken makhani curry platters with rice, daal and a paratha or the Ottoman spiced chicken with roasted red pepper hummus for some tasty delights.

Mina Brasserie located in Dubai’s DIFC, is a sophisticated dining spot perfect for a special romantic night out. Specializing in European cuisine and in partnership with award-winning celebrity chef Michael Mina, the restaurant offers a menu inspired by classic brasseries from across Europe. Known for its elegantly crafted dishes, standout options include the tuna tartare as well as the truffle gratinée, Creekstone Farm steaks and king crab spaghetti. The atmosphere blends timeless charm with contemporary style, making Mina Brasserie a top choice for couples seeking an unforgettable dining experience, enhanced by its carefully sourced ingredients and artistic presentation.

Right in the heart of Dubai’s DIFC you can find the award-winning Italian fine-dining restaurant, The Artisan. The perfect place for a fancy business lunch to impress your prospective clients, get ready for traditional Italian cuisine in a classy setting, boasting a tantalizing menu along with exquisitely crafted cocktails. Start off with a classic such as the burrata with basil pesto and roasted tomato or fried calamari, chili and lime mayo, and follow that up with the linguine “Mancini” with half Canadian lobster, tomato and fresh basil or the risotto with black truffle and chives to get the best out of The Artisan.

SoBe – W Dubai The Palm shows off its candidacy for being one of the best special occasion restaurants in Dubai purely by being the only rooftop bar in the city with 360-degree views, providing an unrivalled view of the sunset. This is the ideal venue for some birthday celebrations within a lively Latino setting, enjoy sharing food platters, unlimited drinks for two hours, a birthday cake and special festive setup. Get comfortable in the classy lounge and enjoy some drinks with Peruvian and Mexican style cuisine such as short rib and bone marrow tacos, as well as the classic chicken pastor tacos, or if you’re a ceviche fan, the sea bass ceviche goes down a treat.

Akira Back – W Dubai The Palm is the romantics choice for a great meal out sampling modern and creative Japanese cuisine in a vibrant setting with moody lighting. Another impressive spot for scenic views, special occasions don’t get much better than chef Akira Back’s dynamic menu of his modern take on Japanese food mixed with Korean and International flavours. Check out the wagyu beef, with Tobanyaki and Ishiyaki style cuts, the diverse array of signature sushi rolls, nigiri and sashimi as well as lamb chops and galbi short rib from the Robata, and the miso black cod.