Visit Ras Al Khaimah
← Back
Visit Ras Al Khaimah

Time for you to discover the magic of a seat at the chef’s table in some of the UAE’s best restaurants. This truly unique dining experience offers guests an intimate trip through signature dishes, carefully curated tasting menus, and an array of à la carte selections.

Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just looking for an unforgettable night out, these chef’s tables promise to take your culinary experience to the next level.

The Top 5 Chef’s Tables Dining Restaurants in the UAE

  1. Tasca by José Avillez – Dubai
  2. Trèsind Studio – Dubai
  3. NIRI Restaurant and Bar – Abu Dhabi
  4. Moonrise – Dubai
  5. Akira Back – Dubai

Price range indicator (AED):

  • A – Budget
  • AA – Moderate
  • AAA – Expensive

1. Tasca by José Avillez – Dubai

Location: Jumeirah Beach Rd, Jumeirah, Jumeirah 1, Dubai

Operating hours: 12:30 PM – 11 PM

Tasca is a prime example of culinary excellence. Located at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira Hotel, this chef’s table experience delightfully blends Portuguese flavors with a relaxed dining atmosphere. This Michelin-starred restaurant stands out for its fun dining concept that focuses on shared small plates.

Plus, with stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and the Arabian Gulf, there’s not much bad that one can say about this restaurant.

Highlights:

  • Michelin-starred restaurant
  • Diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, chicken peri-peri, and Wagyu beef

Price range: AAA

2. Trèsind Studio – Dubai

Location: St. Regis Gardens, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Operating hours: 6 PM – 11 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Led by Chef Himanshu Saini, Trèsind Studio redefines Indian cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant challenges culinary stereotypes and offers a culinary journey through the diverse regions of India, which is why it has earned two Michelin stars. It’s quite an intimate restaurant, offering only 20 seats that allow you to properly take in the multi-course tasting menu.

With a focus on hospitality and storytelling through food, it’s no wonder this restaurant is frequently ranked among the best restaurants in the world.

Highlights:

  • Innovative tasting menu that highlights flavors from different regions of India
  • Intimate dining experience
  • Award-winning excellence

Price range: AAA

3. NIRI Restaurant and Bar – Abu Dhabi

Location: Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Al Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Operating hours: 12 PM – 11 PM (SUN – THURS), 12 PM – 12 AM (FRI – SAT)

Your Abu Dhabi culinary season hasn’t truly kicked off if you haven’t been to NIRI Restaurant and Bar. Much like Trèsind Studio, it does a good job of combining the old with the new, except this time the focus is on Japanese cuisine. Known for its intimate setting and bespoke design, the restaurant gives guests a distinctive dining experience unlike what you’d find in other Abu Dhabi restaurants.

With a focus on yakitori, sushi, and highball bar offerings, NIRI is a welcoming space for families, friends, colleagues, and partners looking to enjoy top-notch ingredients prepared over a robata grill. This is why it’s constantly mentioned among Abu Dhabi’s top restaurants.

Highlights:

  • Sushi bar
  • Minimalist wooden furnishing and a sakura tree add to the trendy ambiance
  • Robata grill preparation allows guests to watch chefs prepare food

Price range: AA

4. Moonrise – Dubai

Location: Eden House, Al Satwa, Dubai

Operating hours: 6:30 PM (Dinner one), 9:30 PM (Dinner two), Open from Tuesday to Saturday

Looking for an exclusive omakase dining experience? Look no further than Moonrise in Dubai. Led by Chef Solemann Haddad, this restaurant blends Middle Eastern and Japanese influences to showcase fine dining at its absolute best.

With only 12 seats at the chef’s table, Moonrise is perfect for an intimate dinner where diners can interact with the chef and learn about what goes into the dishes. The chef’s table menu is changed seasonally, ensuring it showcases the finest ingredients and flavors to reflect Chef Haddad’s upbringing in Dubai.

It’s worth noting that you can expect to pay quite a bit per person but the quality of the food and location on the rooftop of Eden House make any amount paid worthwhile.

Highlights:

  • Exclusive omakase experience
  • Seasonal menu changes

Price range: AAA

5. Akira Back – Dubai

Location: W Hotel, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Operating hours: 7 PM – 11:30 PM (MON – FRI); 1 PM – 4 PM and 7 PM – 11:30 PM (SAT – SUN)

The menu at Akira Back offers an exhilarating culinary experience with a fusion of Japanese, Korean, and other international flavors. It’s an internationally renowned restaurant led by Chef Akira Back, providing a vibrant and stylish setting on the fifth floor of the W Hotel. It features raised alcoves and a terrace with awe-inspiring views of the city skyline.

With a menu derived from seasonal produce and artisanal ingredients, guests can savor eclectic Japanese dishes while getting lost in the view. If you’re struggling to get a booking for this restaurant, we’d highly recommend the Orfali Bros Bistro as an alternative.

Highlights:

  • The innovative fusion of Japanese and international cuisine
  • Hosts special promotions like the Explore Menu on Tuesday evenings

Price range: AAA

FAQs

What is a chef’s table?

A chef’s table is an intimate dining experience where guests can enjoy a unique menu or tasting menu prepared, and sometimes even served, by the chefs themselves. This experience often includes a closer look at the cooking process, with guests usually located in or near the kitchen.

Do I have to book a seat at a chef’s table?

Most definitely! You’ll likely have to book a seat at a chef’s table quite well in advance due to the limited seating and exclusivity of the experience.

What can I expect from a chef’s table menu?

Guests can expect a variety of signature dishes that showcase the chef’s expertise and creativity. The menu often has an adjoined tasting menu featuring multiple courses. Some chef’s tables also have à la carte options to allow guests to customize their experience.

Final Thoughts

The United Arab Emirates offers a wide variety of dining experiences, making it hard to choose just one. This is why starting a chef’s table is probably your best bet. With the rich flavors and creative chefs in the Middle East, each meal becomes a memorable experience.

And although Dubai’s restaurants have stolen the show here, don’t forget about the dining experiences in Ras Al Khaimah. This Emirate is within a short drive from Dubai and surrounded by natural adventure venues and coastal charm. Ras Al Khaimah is a place you can relax by the beach or recharge with some stunning hikes. Remember to brush up on your UAE dining etiquette beforehand.

 

Related Articles

flamingo beach
flamingo beach

The 4 Best Beaches in Ras Al Khaimah

Table of Contents A Guide to Ras Al Khaimah’s Top BeachesWhere to Go for Sun, Sand, and Water Fun in…

Jebel Jais Night View
Jebel Jais Night View

4 Best Stargazing Locations in Ras Al Khaimah: Where to See the Stars

Table of Contents Top 4 Stargazing Spots in Ras Al Khaimah1. Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park (Ranking: 9.5/10)2. Wadi Shawka…

NYE
NYE

RAK New Year 2026: Fireworks, Festivities and More

Table of Contents Ras Al Khaimah New Year’s Eve 2026: The Fireworks ShowThe Final CountdownBest Places to Watch RAK NYE…

Celebrate in Style: Your Guide to the Top RAK NYE 2026 Accommodation Options

Table of Contents Where to Stay for RAK NYE 2026Al Marjan IslandAl HamraRas Al Khaimah’s end-of-the-year festivities have grown into…

remote work spot
remote work spot

The Digital Nomad’s Guide to Living in Ras Al Khaimah

Table of Contents The Virtual Work Residence Visa: The Visa for Remote Work in Ras Al KhaimahObtaining the Virtual Work…

waldorf
waldorf

Plan Your Dream Destination Wedding in Ras Al Khaimah

Table of Contents What Makes Ras Al Khaimah Perfect for a Destination Wedding?Stunning SceneryEasy Travel5 Spectacular Wedding Venues: Ras Al…

The Cove Rotana Resort
The Cove Rotana Resort

Top Cultural Experiences in Ras Al Khaimah: A Three-Day Itinerary

Table of Contents The History of Ras Al Khaimah: A Brief OverviewThe Earliest Ras Al Khaimah ResidentsThe Iron Age and…

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Hamra Beach Pool
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Hamra Beach Pool

Your 3-Night Retreat: Beach and Luxury Desert Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah

Table of Contents 2-Night Stay at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi DesertWildlife Feeding ExperienceArcheryFalconry1-Night Stay at The Ritz-Carlton…