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
- Tasca by José Avillez – Dubai
- Trèsind Studio – Dubai
- NIRI Restaurant and Bar – Abu Dhabi
- Moonrise – Dubai
- 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.
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.
