Dubai Guide

Restaurants in DIFC: 21 Hot Picks to Book Now

best Restaurants in DIFC

DIFC is where Dubai’s food scene goes upscale. From award-winning fine dining to trendy fusion spots, these 21 best restaurants in DIFC serve up unforgettable flavors, stylish vibes, and top-tier experiences. Perfect for date nights, business lunches, or a luxe night out. Scroll down to know more about these restaurants.

Check out these brilliant restaurants in DIFC

1. ZUMA, Gate Village 3

Zuma Dubai

A multi-level Japanese restaurant in DIFC izakaya where contemporary sushi counters, robata-grilled meats. Moreover, an open kitchen with three distinct stations (sushi, main prep, robata grill) creates theatre alongside precision Japanese technique. 

  • Opening Hours: 12 pm to midnight
  • Ongoing offers: Zensekai cocktail menu available on weekdays from 4 pm, where you can choose five signature cocktails from around the globe. Apart from this, there is a Saturday baikingu brunch and, business lunch. 
  • For Reservations: +971 4 425 5660
  • Location: Gate Village 06, DIFC, Dubai

2. Amazónico, DIFC Pavilion

Amazónico restaurant

A three-level rainforest sanctuary blending Latin American and tropical cuisine. The restaurant has an open kitchen, dedicated sushi bar, resident DJs, and a stunning Paraíso rooftop terrace perfect for your winter evenings in Dubai. 

  • Opening Hours: 12 pm – 3 am every day
  • Ongoing offers: Friday, Nov. 21st | Pablo Fierro live at Paraíso Rooftop. 
  • For Reservations: +971 45713999
  • Location: Amazonico Dubai, DIFC Pavilion

3. IL Gattopardo, ICD Brookfield Place

IL Gattopardo Dubai

A skyline-facing Italian restaurant in DIFC evoking La Dolce Vita with intimate dining rooms adorned in honey, amber and azure hues. A Crudo Bar, a Terrazza terrace for seasonal dining, and refined Southern Italian cuisine. 

 4. GAIA, Gate Village 4

GAIA Dubai

A refined Mediterranean restaurant in DIFC named after the Greek Goddess of Earth. It showcases pristine seafood carpaccio, grilled octopus and authentic Greek flavours in a contemporary taverna setting with whitewashed walls.

  • Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 12 pm to 12:45 am | Sat – Sun: 12:30 pm to 12:45 am
  • Ongoing offers: Wine Dinner event on 19th November, 2025
  • For Reservations: +971 4 241 4242
  • Location: Street 4, Zaa’beel Second, DIFC, Dubai

5. CLAP, Gate Village 2

CLAP Dubai Reopens Its Terrace With Birkin Bar From October 22

It is an upscale Japanese fine-dining restaurant in DIFC with the largest rooftop terrace. It offers 180-degree city views perfect for your winter in Dubai. Experience omakase, Tokyo-inspired cocktails at the Bar, and a hidden speakeasy called Ongaku. 

6. LA Nina, ICD Brookfield Place

best Restaurants in DIFC

It is a Latino-Iberian restaurant in DIFC serving modern fusion cuisine that blends Portuguese, Spanish and South American techniques. 

  • Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 12 pm – 2 am
  • Ongoing offers: every Sunday from 2 pm onwards, enjoy a lively brunch experience with DJs and a menu with elevated daytime bites.
  • For Reservations: +971 4 395 1300
  • Location: ICD Brookfield Place, Al Mustaqbal St, DIFC, Dubai

7. Sexy Fish, Innovation One

Sexy Fish Dubai

A Japanese-inspired concept famed globally for award-winning cocktails, sushi, sashimi, and seafood. From the robata grill and creative late-night experience-led dining to an electrifying, art-filled setting, this is one of the best restaurants in DIFC is a must-visit for a perfect Japanese experience. This restaurant is even His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s favourite. As of November 12, 2025 he was spotted dining at Sexy Fish.

  • Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 12 pm – 3 pm | 6 pm – 2 am, Friday 12 pm – 3 pm | 6 pm – 2:30 am, Saturday 7 pm – 2:30 am & Sunday 6 pm – 2 am
  • Ongoing offers: they offer a business lunch menu at AED 167 and brunch every Saturday at AED 480
  • For Reservations: +971 4 381 9000
  • Location: Level 11, Innovation One, Dubai

8. Chic Nonna, Gate Avenue

Chic Nonna Dubai

An Italian love letter featuring handcrafted pastas and wood-fired creations. It is also one of the vaulted cellars housing one of the region’s largest wine collections. This is one of the best restaurants in DIFC with a sophisticated terrace with Burj views, and contemporary takes on Tuscan heritage.

  • Opening Hours: every day 12 pm to 11:30 pm
  • Ongoing offers: Fri, 28th November, Exclusive multi-course tasting menu with curated Krug pairings option at AED 3,500
  • For Reservations: +971 4605 2000
  • Location: Chic Nonna, DIFC, Gate Avenue Mall Zone D, Dubai

9. Birch, The Ritz Carlton DIFC

Birch restaurant in DIFC

A chef-owned gastronomic restaurant in DIFC under Chef Arslan Berdiev. The menu has a blend of global techniques and seasonal ingredients across European, Asian cuisines.

10. La Petite Maison, Gate Village 8

La Petite Maison Dubai

A Côte d’Azur-inspired brasserie with olive trees, bougainvillaea and sun-dappled terraces. This restaurant in DIFC is serving French Riviera cuisine à-la-minute, signature cocktails and Le Belle Époque.

  • Opening Hours: Mon – Thu 12 pm – 3:30 pm & 6 pm – 11:30 pm | Fri – 12 pm – 4 pm & 6 pm – 11:30 pm | Sat – Sun from 12:30 pm – 4 pm & 6 pm – 11:30 pm
  • For Reservations: +971 4 439 0505
  • Location: La Petite Maison, Gate Village 8, DIFC, Dubai

11. Avli by Tashas, Gate Village 9

Avli by Tashas Dubai

A Michelin-guide-recognised Greek restaurant in DIFC, celebrating Mediterranean simplicity, seasonal flavours and fresh ingredients. It offers you contemporary flair in an elegant yet relaxed setting, perfect for your winter outings

  • Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12 pm – 4 pm, Sunday – Thursday: 7 pm – 1 am & Friday & Saturday: 7 pm- 2 am
  • Ongoing offers: Monday to Friday from 4 pm – 7 pm, you can join AVLI SOCIAL, which celebrates the joy of connection with signature cocktails.
  • For Reservations: +971 4 359 0008
  • Location: Unit C01, Gate Village Building 9, DIFC, Dubai

12. Sucre, Gate Village 3

Sucre Dubai restaurant in DIFC

A modern brasserie specializing in open-fire “Fire Dining” with Mediterranean and Argentine influences. It features a Parilla grill, crystal chandeliers, white linens and rustic-elegant brick walls.

  • Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 2:00 am | Sunday: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
  • Ongoing offers: Monday to Friday: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Happy Hour with signature cocktails and beverages from AED 38
  • For Reservations: +971 4 340 0829
  • Location: Podium Level, Gate Village 05, DIFC, Dubai

13. The Artisan, Waldorf Astoria DIFC

The Artisan Dubai

A multi-award-winning Italian fine-dining restaurant in DIFC draws from Sicilian coasts and Tuscan recipes. Italy’s most beloved regions inspire the menu and tell a story of true Italian heritage.

  • Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm & Friday to Saturday: 12:00 pm – 11:30 pm
  • For Reservations:  +971 04 338 8133
  • Location: Waldorf Astoria, DIFC, Dubai

14. Rōhen, The Arts Club

Restaurants in DIFC

A Nikkei fusion concept (Japanese precision meets Peruvian punch) within the exclusive Arts Club membership venue. It features flamboyant cooking by Chef Michael Hoepfl with exquisite presentation and theatrical plating. 

  • Opening Hours: 12 pm to lounge until 3 am on Friday and Saturday
  • For Reservations:  +971 4 350 6506
  • Location: The Arts Club, Dubai

15. Shanghai ME, Gate Village 11

Shanghai ME Dubai

A 1930s Shanghai Art Deco fantasy blending Asian and Chinese flavours with Japanese techniques. This is one of the restaurants in DIFC that features innovative Pan-Asian cuisine, a dim sum library, and a late-night Bund Lounge hidden speakeasy.

16. Cipriani, Gate Village 10

Cipriani Dubai

A legendary Venetian brand spanning two levels, bringing Harry’s Bar heritage (est. 1931 Venice) to Dubai. You can enjoy classic carpaccio, handmade pastas, veal Milanese and iconic Bellinis in nautical elegance. 

17. Mina Brasserie, Four Seasons DIFC

best Restaurants in DIFC

A Michelin-recommended French-Mediterranean brasserie under award-winning Chef Michael Mina. It serves seasonal dishes, premium steaks and shared plates on a lounge-style terrace with live DJ entertainment. 

18. Bar des Prés, ICD Brookfield Place

Restaurants in DIFC

A sultry, low-lit Parisian import offering refined French technique with Japanese inflexions. Moreover, it is a polished service and a chef-driven approach that transforms dinner into a late-evening culinary escape. 

19. Babylon DIFC

Babylon DIFC

An elevated dining destination offering refined cuisine in DIFC’s vibrant core, hosting private events and welcoming guests daily for modern culinary experiences and sophisticated ambiance. 

  • Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 9 pm – 3 am | Sunday & Monday: Closed
  • Ongoing offers: Signature Tasting Menu available Tuesday & Wednesday from 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm at AED 450 per person
  • For Reservations: +971 4 352 7750
  • Location: Podium Level, Gate Village 05, DIFC, Dubai

20. Mint Leaf of London, Emirates Financial Towers

Mint Leaf of London dubai

An upscale Indian fine-dining restaurant in DIFC on the 15th floor serving eclectic, authentic Indian cuisine. You can enjoy modern plating, cocktails from the award-winning bar, and sweeping city skyline views. 

21. Duck & Waffle, Innovation One

Restaurants in DIFC

A British restaurant and bar concept celebrating British cuisine with signature dishes, craft cocktails, modern brunch offerings, and a vibrant, buzzy atmosphere at the concourse level with lounge seating. 

Conclusion

From power lunches to indulgent dinners, DIFC’s dining scene has something for every craving. Ready to elevate your next meal? Save these best restaurants in DIFC for your next outing and let us know your favourite in the comments section.

Images: supplied/ Wow Emirates Archives

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