Top 10 Difc Restaurants That You Must Try

Famous as the financial and business hub of the city, Dubai International Financial Center is also home to many amazing restaurants. From international to local cuisines, you’ll find all sorts of delicacies here with a diverse dining experience. 

However, we understand that it can be tricky to decide where to eat among so many excellent options available. To make the selection easier for you, Burj Diary has gathered a list of the best DIFC restaurants after trying out several eateries in the area. Explore these approved picks below and discover the best dinner and lunch places for your next visit to the DIFC. 

10 Best DIFC Restaurants 2023: 

Zuma Dubai

The first on the list of best DIFC restaurants has to be Zuma, the longstanding Japanese eatery known globally for its simple yet quality dishes served in a fancy setting. It’s famous for its business lunches, brunches and shared plates as much as it is for luxury dinner dates with dishes like signature black cod fish, sushis’ and grilled meats highlighting the menu.

After ending your meals with delicious desserts, try the excellent cocktails at the sidebar to wash down the authentic, intense flavors. Coupled with lovely DJ music, Zuma is a must-try if you prefer fine dining.

Gaia Restaurant

Specializing in Greek cuisine, Gaia is another popular eatery in DIFC launched by beloved chef Izu Ani in collaboration with hospitality king Evgeny Kuzin. The restaurant boasts an in-house fish market and open kitchen with a bar, so you’re ensured that all menu selections- seafood, pasta and meats- are prepared fresh from the highest quality ingredients.

Elegant seating adorned with beige accents and bright lighting, fantastic taste, and quick service, everything together completely justifies the higher pricing. Don’t forget to try their hit frozen yogurt dessert for a delightful ending. 

Carnival by Trèsind Restaurant & Bar

Indian food enthusiasts are ensured to be satisfied at the Michelin-starred Carnival, which is one of the best Indian restaurants not only in DIFC but all over the city. Here, you’ll be welcomed with a holistic range of seasonally influenced modern Indian delicacies catering to both vegan and non-vegan palettes. From light chaats and panipuris to scrumptious curries and biryanis, each dish served is a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavors.

If you’re watching the budget, we suggest arriving at their happy hour or ordering from the set lunch menu. Tasting and spirit menus are offered for splurging eaters, coupled with Saturday brunches. The sophisticated, chic decor and warm staff will further win your hearts, compelling you to return for more. 

Alaya Restaurant

If you want to enjoy a fusion of Middle east and Mediterranean cuisines, there cannot be a better place than Alaya. The boutique-style eatery has a unique take on coastal Mediterranean delicacies, influenced by traditional Middle East spices and flavors and serves some of the best muhammara in town. In addition to seafood and meats, Vegan-only choices are also present.

It was founded by the same duo that created Gaia, so you can expect a similar level of food quality and hospitality. The glamorous set-up with the bar makes it an ideal destination for special occasions as well as business meetings. Be prepared for higher expenditure as it’s one of the most expensive DIFC restaurants. The seating is limited, so we recommend making an early reservation for a smooth experience. 

LPM Restaurant & Bar

LPM is among the highly sought-after French DIFC Restaurants that would transport you straight to southern France with its exotic ambience, displaying bold artwork of 20th-century painters on the cream walls with a dash of greenery. The Riveria-inspired menu covers flavors from Mediterranean shores with diverse, delicious offerings, be it pasta, squids, steaks, or veggies like broccoli.

You’ll find olive oil and tomatoes at the center of every table, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to providing a true French experience. Comfortable and stylish seating with a trendy bar and charming terrace next to beautiful water scenery, No wonder it’s a popular spot for romantic dinner dates and special family celebrations. The only downside is that it’s always packed, so make sure to reserve your table beforehand.

Shanghai Me

If you’re hunting for top DIFC restaurants serving mouthwatering Asian cuisines, Shanghai Me is your perfect destination. The Shanghainese eatery lives up to its name with elevated red-themed dining and offers signature Asian specialties with a modern touch. From the popular Dim Sum’s library to Sushi, Szechuan Beef, Singapore Noodles, soups and salads, you’ll find so many delicious options to choose from.

A dedicated wine and cigar menu is also available. Great Food, rich flavors, kind staff, pleasant music, excellent service with a tropical terrace and lounge bar, there’s nothing to complain about—an optimal choice for friends and family get-togethers at a relatively lower budget in DIFC. 

Amazónico Dubai

Treat your gang to an appetizing dinner at Amazonico, a dramatic venue in DIFC Restaurants celebrating the gastronomy heritage of Amazon with its Latin American delicacies enhanced with a dash of regional flare. Apart from the delicious tropical hints, what makes it stand out is the lush-green décor, featuring over 22 preserved plant species, that gives you a rainforest vibe but a pleasant one.

Indulge in enriched charcoal grilled meats, seafood and sushi at the beautiful rooftop patio with stunning skyline spectacles or cherish mixed drinks at the cocktail bar. Accompanied by an extravagant lounge, indoor dining area, free valet parking and exclusive vegetarian options, Amazonico indeed has something to please everyone. 

Chic Nonna 

A two-story gourmet eatery with signature Italian dishes cooked with fresh seasonal ingredients, vintages coming from the biggest wine cellars of the area, a mansion-like ambience with luxury beige interiors featuring statement chandeliers and 70’s decors and attentive staff, Chic Nonna ticks everything you expect from an excellent Italian restaurant.

We loved the open theatrical kitchen and chef’s table concept on the ground floor, giving a more immersive culinary experience. The top floor has a lounge, bar and DJ booth and offers iconic Burj Khalifa and Downtown views. No wonder it’s among the hottest DIFC restaurants to savor classic pizzas and pasta, a fantastic spot for business lunches, friendly meetups, and formal dinners. 

Boca Restaurant

Known for its commitment to sustainability, Boca is a contemporary Spanish restaurant in DIFC that serves several European-inspired international dishes in a refined dining perfectly balancing comfort and sophistication. The home-grown Micheline Green Star sources locally and regionally produced ingredients, from tomatoes to oysters, ensuring each plate served is fresh and of the highest quality.

Gluten-free and vegetarian choices cater to picky waters, while business lunches and happy hours suit those under a budget. There’s a reason why this multi-award place ranks consistently among the best DIFC restaurants. 

Bull & Bear 

If you’re craving old-style Juicy American Steaks, Head straight to the Bull & Bear. Hailing from the Network, the North American eatery serves premium meat cuts cooked to perfection, including Australian cattle and New Zealand beef. Sides are equally delicious; creamy spinach, mac&cheese and steak fries, to name a few.

The dark-themed dining is softly lit with the display of golden Bull and Bear structures, resembling the vibe of conventional meat places you see abroad. Other highlights are the phenomenal presentations, live singing, swift service and downtown vistas. With set brunch menus, Bull and Bear are among the few DIFC restaurants where you can relish all three meals of the day.