Celebrity Favourite Restaurants in the UAE

Dubai is known for being one of the most vibrant cities in the world. While it’s best known for housing some of the most luxurious hotels, shopping malls and beachside villas, it’s also home to some of the best restaurants in the world, which are frequented by royal or A-list stars.

From ancient authentic Emirati cuisine to a diverse spread of internationally-influenced food, there’s something for everyone — it’s no wonder why so many A-list stars have enjoyed their time here and have even made Dubai some of their most frequent destinations for vacationing.

So, if you want to get up close and personal with your favourite celebrity while they take a break from their busy schedules — or if you wish to see who else is visiting — we’ve rounded up ten celebrity favourite restaurants in Dubai where celebrities, royalty and other A-listers love to eat.

Let’s get started!

There was a time when celebrities made it news when they went to eat out. Their choice of food and where they ate would determine whether you considered them “cool” or “not so cool”. To be able to dine at Nusr-Et means that you are in an esteemed group of celebrities, and even the most famous ones will think about dining here for some long time.

Nusret Gökçe’s viral Salt Bae videos have been seen by many people with internet access, especially celebrities, and has given him the moniker, “the best butcher in the world.” In case you haven’t seen it, perhaps the best Salt Bae video is the one of him slicing a piece of steak and then eating it on David Bisbal’s mouth, accompanied by some kind of dramatic soundtrack. From Ryan Reynolds to Hugh Jackman, quite a few celebrities have been fans of Salt Bae’s trademark move. If celebrities are given secret lists of things to do in Dubai, it’s not surprising that Nusr-Et would be on many of those lists.

CZN Burak is one of the most famous chefs in the world today. Known as the celebrity chef of the Instagram generation, CZN Burak has dishes that leave people in awe—and a restaurant that does the same. Chef Burak has fun with his videos, adding to his already crazy style of cooking.

With a smile that would light up any gloomy day, CZN Burak is the most down-to-earth celebrity chef you would’ve ever met. His willingness to engage his guests and talk about anything makes for a unique experience every time. Burak has a growing list of celebrities, including Christiano Ronaldo, Sheikh Hamdan, and the many people they’ve brought as guests—who have all been seen at this dining haven.

Everyone knows if they’re going to be eating at CZN, they’ll certainly be in the company of other stars. And when you take a sneak peak, you’ll instantly see why the place is so popular – it’s fast becoming the go-to destination for celebrities visiting Dubai.

Hidden away in the bars, restaurants, and clubs of Wafi, Indochine is Dubai’s ultimate celebrity find. It’s at the top of the tree when it comes to cool, glamorous haunts and is a firm favourite with the celebrity crowd.

This award-winning French-Asian eatery with provenance in New York and Paris has brought a taste of exotic decadence to the Dubai food scene since December 2019.

Indochine has attracted some of the most well-known personalities in Dubai. In the very short time since it opened, Indochine Dubai hosted several celebrities, including tennis ace Roger Federer, Dubai-based influencer entrepreneur Karen Wazen, Italian fashionista Chiara Ferragni and actress Lindsay Lohan.

Gaia is a fancy Greek restaurant in DIFC by renowned chef Izu Ani. Although it’s relatively new, it has built a loyal following among local celebs and expats thanks to its Mediterranean menu and upscale atmosphere. Gaia proudly serves up excellent Greek (or Greek-inspired) cuisine in a fun, lively and playful but unpretentious atmosphere.

Gaia looks to its avant-garde yet warm and inviting aesthetic to provide guests with a comforting, exciting and inspiring experience in each visit. The restaurant itself is meant to be explored, with unconventional elements spread throughout the venue. Those elements culminate in the presence of Gaia, which is deftly accentuated by custom-made furniture, unique lighting designs and wall treatments, hand-crafted tile work, intricate sculptures made from clay materials, exposed white brick walls and much more. Well, that sure attracts a lot of celebrities around the world.

Shanghai Me Dubai is the epitome of Art Deco elegance, located in DIFC – right next to Burj Khalifa. This multi-award-winning rooftop restaurant serves up panoramic city views and divine Shanghai-inspired dishes with its warm and inviting ambience.

This celebrity favourite restaurant, the first of its kind in the region, was first visited by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, his son HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy ruler of Dubai and Crown Prince of Dubai. Over the past years, Shanghai Me has hosted some of the most recognised names in entertainment, such as Akon, Trey Songz and Tyga.

If you’re looking for a sure-fire way to have yourself a good time, then you should definitely check out Indie DIFC. This place is almost always full of life, and we can’t think of another restaurant in Dubai that can give you the same level of energy as this place. Their service is top-notch, their staff is so friendly, and they’re known as a go-to establishment for salsa night.

When stars such as Lindsay Lohan, Miranda Kerr, and George Clooney flock to this brunch hot spot, it’s clear that the food and service must be exceptional.

Miss Lily’s is a famous Jamaican concept that originated in New York City and has now come to the Middle East! Now, you get to enjoy some fantastic Jamaican delicacies in Dubai. It’s located at Hotel Sheraton Grand in Dubai. You can even call this place the GO-TO for the stars. That’s because a lot of them visit Miss Lily’s like Ron Browz and Busta Rhymes, who have said this is their spot whenever they’re here.

Cove Beach is an iconic eatery in Dubai that screams ‘Instagram perfection’ – and the A-listers have taken notice. It’s a place that combines everything any celebrity or influencer needs: sunshine, good vibes, and of course, lots of Instagram opportunities.

It is not just a top choice by A-listers but also countless tourists from all over the world. So, it’s no wonder that you’re just as likely to see a celebrity in the restaurant as you are to nail that new ‘gram shot.

Avli by Tashas is an elegant restaurant in Dubai that offers Greek cuisine but with a Mediterranean twist. The restaurant prides itself on having been visited by more than one VIP, including His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Hamdan), the Crown Prince of Dubai.

As soon as you walk in, you realise this is not a typical restaurant as the décor is both elegant and understated. If you are looking for some quiet luxury but also want to rub shoulders with some of the most famous people in the world – Avli might just be the place for you.

When it comes to Top Dubai Bars, Buddha Bar takes the cake. Grosvenor House’s opulent Buddha Bar is the city’s most stylish nightlife destination, serving as a popular bar and lounge. The ultimate spot for both evening drinks and brunch meals, this glamorous venue flaunts an illustrious décor of high ceilings, lacy white curtains cutting through airy views of the Marina and plush golden furniture that accompany its distinctly Eastern-inspired design.

Whilst you enjoy spectacular views of Dubai Marina, the venue’s sensory experiences will delight your senses with its exceptional themed nights and live acts such as Daft Punk tribute bands. The weekend concludes on a typically high-spirited note packed with an eclectic array of performances. The Buddha Bar brings the best music in Dubai Marina to the marina itself. Famous UK singer Craig David is a frequent visitor here.

There’s no doubt that the world of celebrity is filled with luxurious extravagance, lavish mansions and private jets, but that doesn’t mean stars don’t enjoy refreshingly simple pleasures. Just like us mere mortals, A-listers have their favourite haunts for dining out – and some of the best ones in Dubai are those that are closest to your home. So, what are you waiting for?
Get your camera ready and make a reservation at these celebrity favourite restaurants. It’s a chance for you to bag a date or some publicity if you manage to grab a photo with someone famous! Who knows? You could be dining next to a film star or famous musician.
Finally, if you know of any other popular restaurants which have starred alongside celebrities in Dubai, be sure to tell us about them in the comments below.