Weekday Dining In UAE

The UAE is home to more than 200+ nationalities making it easy to find almost any cuisine unimaginable. However, choosing the best restaurant in terms of taste, ambiance, uniqueness and service is what truly makes the difference. We have collected our top picks for Weekday Dining in the UAE to ensure that every bite and stay is truly unforgettable.

DUBAI

THE GUILD

Inspired by the great brasseries and restaurant culture of New York and Europe. Designed as a series of interconnected spaces, it moves fluidly between morning coffee and long lunches to lively brunches and late-night gatherings. At its core, The Guild is driven by ingredient-led cooking, with a focus on premium seafood and meats, prepared with precision and simplicity. The venue has been recognised with a Michelin Plate, reflecting its consistent quality and attention to detail within Dubai’s dining scene.

Beyond food, The Guild brings together atmosphere, music and social energy, evolving throughout the day into one continuous experience at the heart of DIFC perfect for that weekday vibe.

 

JODHPUR Bar & Kitchen

Offering a refined fine-dining experience rooted in blue-hued Indian heritage, craftsmanship, and royal culinary traditions. Inspired by the palaces and forts of Marwar, Jodhpur combines architectural elegance, regal interiors, and authentic Marwari cuisine with contemporary refinement. The menu celebrates regional specialties and bold flavours, from Rajputana-inspired mains to elevated street foods and signature desserts, reflecting a sophisticated, culturally immersive experience.

Complementing the menu, the bar programme has been designed to mirror the restaurant’s sense of place. A curated selection of cocktails draws on spice, aroma and seasonal ingredients, creating drinks that are both distinctive and expressive. If you love and or like spicy with an interesting twist of Indian flavor then this restaurant is for you.

 

GERBOU

A home-grown concept, Gerbou draws inspiration from the warmth of Arab culture and the UAE’s rich artistic heritage. Dubai’s go to destination for Emirati inspired cuisine, warmly invites guests to gather with loved ones and indulge in a thoughtfully curated Emirati hospitality experience. Gerbou offers a gastronomic journey that harmoniously blends tradition, culture, and culinary artistry. Open for breakfast,lunch, dinner, and fwala, an elegant Emirati high tea experience, Gerbou presents a thoughtfully curated menu rooted in Emirati culinary traditions, alongside dishes that reflect the diverse cultures that have shaped life in the UAE. With locally sourced ingredients and time honoured techniques, each dish is crafted to honour heritage while embracing contemporary expression.

 

ABU DHABI

 DAI PAI DONG

Transported in a traditional Chinese tea house and serving an authentic Cantonese offering, with its realm in taking inspiration from the street food movement of canton cuisine. Dai Pai Dong focuses on modern interpretations of classic Cantonese specialties such as homemade noodles, dim sum and barbequed meats. The laid-back and relaxed venue is the perfect spot for a quick bite to eat, a sip at their speakeasy bar or a long lingering meal with friends.

 

L’ETO ABU DHABI

A new standalone concept shaped around live-fire cooking, sound, and atmosphere. At the core is live- fire cooking, bringing depth, theatre and restraint to a seasonally driven menu influenced by global techniques and the spirit of Mediterranean dining. Carefully sourced meats and seafood, best-of-season produce, and shareable plates are treated with precision for deep, ingredient-forward flavours. The menu moves seamlessly from vibrant starters - Yellowfin Tuna with crisp potato rösti and Red Prawns with stracciatella, yuzu, and seabuckthorn - to comforting signatures such as Beef Ragù Zita, Spider Crab omelette, and Risotto Milanese. Designed with Abu Dhabi in mind, L’ETO Restaurant reflects the city’s appreciation for craft, innovation and design - offering a space for long lunches, unhurried evenings, and nights that unfold naturally.

 

ISABEL MAYFAIR