Dubai’s dining scene is not only delicious but also full of meaning

KARACHI:

Dubai doesn’t do things in half-measures— like its skyline is a bold statement, its food scene follows suit. Every dish feels like it’s trying to outdo the last, and the city isn’t shy about showcasing its culinary chops.

But beneath all the imported truffles, edible gold leaf, and menus longer than furniture assembly instructions, there’s one undeniable truth: this city knows how to eat. Whether you’re spending your rent money on a tasting menu or scraping coins together for a late-night shawarma, Dubai delivers.

 

Tapas with a tan

First stop: Ginger Moon at W Hotel Mina Seyahi. It calls itself a ‘no-beach beach club,’ probably because it overlooks an infinity pool rather than the beach, but said view stretches from Ain Dubai to Dubai Harbour, so yes, you’ll want a table outside.

The menu leans pan-Asian, but honestly, it’s more like global tapas with a tan. The salmon on crispy rice from the sushi menu is exactly as advertised. Crispy rice, fresh fish, zero complaints. The sweet potato fries are the kind of addictive where you start politely sharing and end up speeding up so you can eat more than your hungry companions.

Next, we’ve got OIA Greek Restaurant at JA Ocean View Hotel which is a true sanctuary for those seeking the essence of Greece in Dubai. If you’ve ever fantasised about a Greek island vacation but your bank account said “not today,” OIA is your consolation prize. It’s all white-washed and blue decor and an unreasonable amount of feta. Many dishes are inspired by the Blue Zones, regions known for their residents’ longevity, such as the island of Ikaria.

The watermelon and feta salad is one of those dishes you order thinking it’s a light starter, only to spend five minutes whispering, “Why is this so good?” The sweetness of the watermelon paired with the saltiness of the feta is what works. You’ll soon find that no meal is complete without fries for the table, and the ones here were drizzled with lemon and sprinkled with feta with a feta dip on the side. Too much feta? Other times yes, but not this time.

The Greek meatballs are another hit—juicy, well-seasoned, and lazily lounging in a marinara sauce, served in a portion size that immediately has you cursing your appetite because why can’t you indulge in several starters and an entire main course without popping a button?

 

A taste of Italy

 

In the world of Dubai dining, Franky’s Pizzeria is the cool kid who studied abroad and came back with stories and an inexplicable collection of linen shirts. Located in JLT, Franky’s is a rooftop hangout with interiors that look eerily similar to if Karachi’s Loco had a love child with Café Flo.

For starters, we went with Franky’s signature stracciatella service—a chaotic but delicious mix of bresaola, olives wrapped in melon, pickles, rocket, basil pesto, confit garlic, and fermented chili. There’s even a table-side performance where someone expertly mixes the pesto right in front of you.

For mains, the clear standout was the Chorizo Pizza. Smoky chorizo, a drizzle of honey, and a generous sprinkle of Parmigiano created the kind of sweet-savoury combo that makes you stop mid-conversation and nod approvingly at your plate. Close behind was the Black Truffle and Mushroom Pizza, rich and earthy in all the right ways. The Margherita, while technically excellent, felt like a well-behaved child in a room full of chaotic geniuses—good, but overshadowed.

Dessert stayed true to classic Italian roots with tiramisu and, more importantly, sinister little donut holes filled with white and dark chocolate. They arrive looking harmless, but one bite in and you’ll find yourself clutching the bowl that was supposed to be shared, muttering “mine” under your breath.

 

With a side of history

For a taste of the past, Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe is the place to be. It’s less about flashiness and more about traditionally good food. The restaurant revives memories of Dubai, as a small town on the shore of the Arabian Gulf. At the time, cafes and social venues were cosy and developed alongside residential areas.

Visitors enjoy sitting in the al fresco courtyard, with seating arranged around a tree. Inside you can spot Arabian paraphernalia from the period dotting the walls and shelves.

The beef kafta is tender, seasoned perfectly, and pairs beautifully with rice dishes that taste like they’ve been cooked by someone’s grandmother. Weirdly enough, the fresh salad stole the show. There was nothing to it – just fresh leaves, but the dressing was a mystery concoction that makes it the best salad you will ever encounter.

Technically not solely a dining experience, ARTE Museum Dubai at Dubai Mall delivers an immersive art experience that blends technology, visuals, and sound into a multi-sensory spectacle. Covering 2,800 square meters, the space is divided into 14 zones under the theme ‘Eternal Nature’, featuring digital forests, cascading waterfalls, and atmospheric soundscapes that feel straight out of a luxury meditation playlist.

At the end of the exhibit, the ARTE Tea Bar offers a dessert break that doubles as an art installation. The cheesecake, shaped like the iconic wedge of cheese Jerry would risk life and limb to steal from Tom, is light, creamy, and perfectly balanced in sweetness. Everything you hope a cheesecake will be when you order one.

Every detail leans into the experience—when dessert arrives, the table lights up, and glowing floral wreaths surround the plate. It’s theatrical and entirely on brand for a city that treats dining as an extension of performance art.

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