Summary
Discover the top seven business lunch restaurants across the UAE, featuring prime locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain. This comprehensive guide details each venue’s cuisine, ambiance, and unique highlights, helping professionals secure the ideal setting for crucial business meetings.
The United Arab Emirates is known as a hub for professionals from across the globe. They flock to the UAE to strengthen business relationships, unwind, and, of course, strike important deals. So, finding the perfect venue for a business lunch is important.
Whether it’s a dedicated business lunch menu or just a spot that makes a good miso soup, the right setting can elevate any meeting. Join me on a quest through the serene deserts of Ras Al Khaimah to the busy streets of Dubai to find the best place to grab a business lunch.
The Top 7 Places to Grab Business Lunch in the UAE
- Moti Mahal Delux Restaurant – Ras Al Khaimah
- Market Kitchen at Le Royal Meridien – Abu Dhabi
- Clap Dubai (Clap DXB) – Dubai
- Al Qubtan Restaurant – Sharjah
- Gazebo – Ajman
- Address Sky View – Dubai
- Sikkat Beirut Restaurant and Cafe Umm Al Quwain – Umm Al Quwain
Price range indicator (AED):
- A – Budget
- AA – Moderate
- AAA – Expensive
1. Moti Mahal Delux Restaurant – Ras Al Khaimah
Location: Al Quwasim, East Corniche Street, Ras Al Khaimah
Operating hours: 12 PM – 11 PM (SAT – WED), 12 PM – 12 AM (FRI – THURS)
For a business lunch, Moti Mahal is arguably one of the best venues in the UAE. It’s an authentic Indian restaurant that has been offering unforgettable dining experiences since 2007. The a la carte menu offers a wide range of Indian cuisine, including vegetarian options, so there truly is something for everyone there.
Visitors always rave about how warm and welcoming the atmosphere is and they’re not wrong. Combine this with elegant interior design and a great view of the surrounding area and you have the perfect venue for your business lunch. As if there weren’t already a plethora of stellar dining spots in Ras Al Khaimah to choose from.
Highlights:
- Has Wi-Fi and outdoor seating.
- Friendly staff.
- Incredibly diverse menu with vegan dishes.
Price range: AAA
2. Market Kitchen at Le Royal Meridien – Abu Dhabi
Location: Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Street Al Markaziyah Area, Abu Dhabi
Operating hours: 12 PM – 10 PM
Market Kitchen is a popular business lunch venue for many because of its outstanding offerings. This modern American restaurant provides dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, ensuring freshness and variety. Plus, the venue’s prime location and general ambiance create a sophisticated and enjoyable dining experience that’s sure to end in that much-anticipated handshake.
We’d highly recommend indulging in a set three-course meal if you go to Market Kitchen between Sunday and Friday.
Highlights:
- Mocktails on arrival.
- Offers a picturesque setting for business lunches.
- Fresh and varied menu. Features a set three-course menu.
Price range: AAA
3. Clap Dubai (Clap DXB) – Dubai
Location: Trade Centre, Dubai International Finance Centre, Dubai
Operating hours: 12 PM – 2 AM (MON), 12 PM – 3 AM (TUES – FRI), 1 PM – 3 AM (SAT), 1 PM – 2 AM (SUN)
Forget about all the spots you’ve heard of in Dubai’s Business Bay, as not many of them can measure up to Clap. Located in the heart of the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC), Clap Dubai is the true definition of a premier dining spot. Offering a premium lunch menu, this Japanese restaurant stands out for its authenticity and sheer innovation.
The culinary concept at Clap caters to those wanting an elevated dining experience, which is why business lunches here are a sure win for many professionals.
Highlights:
- Has a fireplace.
- Innovative Omakase menu.
- Epic views of the Dubai skyline.
Price range: AAA
4. Al Qubtan Restaurant – Sharjah
Location: Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, Al Muntazah Street, Sharjah
Operating hours: 12:30 PM – 11 PM
Having lunch here won’t just be a regular business lunch; it’ll be a professional meeting that you’ll never forget. Al Qubtan is a captivating venue offering a casual beachside dining experience and refreshing fruity mocktails. The atmosphere is incredibly relaxing, making it perfect for unwinding with your colleagues or forging partnerships.
Also, the array of dining options means there’s something for everyone.
Highlights:
- Serves vegan dishes.
- Beachfront dining.
- Light international cuisine.
Price range: AA
5. Gazebo – Ajman
Location: Ajman City Centre, Ajman
Operating hours: 12 PM – 12 AM
Located in Ajman City Center, Gazebo is a well-known Indian restaurant with exquisite delicacies. It offers a diverse menu of authentic Indian dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and put your colleagues at ease. Its location in the city center also means that it’s very accessible, which is particularly useful if you have business partners coming from multiple locations across Ajman.
Highlights:
- Exquisite Indian cuisine.
- Ample seating capacity.
Price range: AA
6. Address Sky View (The Restaurant at Address Sky View) – Dubai
Location: Emaar Square Area, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Operating hours: Lunch: 12 PM – 3 PM (MON – FRI); 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM (SAT – SUN)
Anyone looking for a sophisticated business lunch should look no further than The Restaurant at Address Sky View. This upscale establishment offers a wide selection of dishes in a setting befitting of a high-stakes meeting. The attentive staff and serene atmosphere also do a good job of putting patrons at ease, so you can stay calm and collected during your pitch.
If you can’t get a booking at The Restaurant at Address Sky View, I’d highly recommend MINA Brasserie as an alternative, with their famous avocado and tomato salad.
Highlights:
- Luxurious dining setting.
- Outdoor seating.
- All-you-can-eat option.
Price range: AAA
7. Sikkat Beirut Restaurant and Cafe Umm Al Quwain – Umm Al Quwain
Location: Al Etihad Road, near Etihad Roundabout, Al Muqta, Al Muqta 1, Umm Al Quwain
Operating hours: 7 AM – 2 AM (SAT – WED), 7 AM – 3 AM (THURS – FRI)
I was torn between Sikkat Beirut and YAVA Restaurant for this spot, particularly because of YAVA’s baked honey lemon salmon – but you can clearly see which spot won. Why? Because Sikkat is a standout venue with authentic Lebanese cuisine and a welcoming ambiance.
It offers a modernized kitchen block, paired with great service, friendly staff, and affordable prices. This venue works well for professionals seeking a more laid-back atmosphere.
Highlights:
Price range: AA
FAQs
How long are restaurants open during the work week in the UAE?
Most UAE restaurants are available Monday to Friday, typically from around mid-morning to closing late in the afternoon or evening. Always check the operating hours before visiting or book in advance.
What is the best type of restaurant for having a business lunch?
To close those business lunch deals, find a setting that fosters a positive atmosphere for negotiation. Ensure it’s not too noisy and distracting in terms of its decor. You could even look for one that has a dedicated three-course business lunch.
Final Thoughts
With each of the restaurants I’ve mentioned offering unique business lunch features, professionals are guaranteed to find a venue in any Emirate that perfectly aligns with their preferences and objectives. If it’s going to be your first time dining in the UAE in general, remember to brush up on some Emirati dining etiquette so that you can really impress your lunch partner!
