Experience distinctive dining at these concept restaurants in Dubai!
With so many new restaurants constantly popping up across the city, it can be hard to keep track of them all — ranging from fine dining to more casual fare. Luckily, MyBayut has you covered, with some fantastic concept eateries and themed restaurants that you should try the next time you want to upgrade your dining experience. Here’s our pick of some of the coolest concept restaurants in Dubai.
Popular Concept Restaurants in Dubai
These fascinating restaurants represent intriguing dining experiences, including carefully curated menus created by experienced chefs.
XVA ART CAFE
Dubbed as “Dubai’s best-kept secret”, this quaint yet serene cafe is known for its fresh vegetarian fare inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine. Located in the historic Al Fahidi District, the XVA Cafe resembles an opulent yet traditional Emirati home.
Dine at any of the three shaded courtyards for an ultimate gastronomical experience. It’s without a doubt one of the most popular spots to enjoy vegetarian food in Dubai.
- Location: XVA Art Hotel, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Meena Bazaar
- Timings: 07:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Average cost for two: AED 200
- Contact: +971-4-353-5383
COMPTOIR 102
Next on our list of concept restaurants in Dubai is Comptoir 102. It’s not only one of the sought-after organic cafes with delicious pancakes in Dubai; it’s also a store where shoppers can buy jewellery, high-street fashion outfits, accessories and much more.
- Location: 102, Beach Road, Jumeirah 1
- Timings: 08:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Average cost for two: AED 190
- Contact: +971-4-385-4555
KULTURE HOUSE
On the lookout for a cosy spot to unwind? Kulture Cafe is one of the most popular options for concept restaurants and cafes in Dubai. The Boho vibes, Insta-worthy ambience and the elaborate menu make Kulture House a must-visit.
The expansive Kulture House menu has vegan options as well as other healthy snacks and munchies to suit all tastes. There is indoor and outdoor seating along with a secluded private dining area. Kulture House is considered one of the top coffee shops in Jumeirah, perfect for those who’d like to stop for a fresh brew whilst shopping.
- Location: 106 Beach Road, Opposite Beach Centre, Jumeirah 1
- Timings: 01:00 pm to 02:00 am
- Average cost for two: AED 195
- Contact: +971-56-515-0500
SEVA
SEVA is a homegrown wellness centre and a concept cafe in Dubai. Tucked away from Jumeirah Beach Road, this eatery is a tranquil oasis where you can enjoy guilt-free light bites and a wide range of hot and cold beverages. It’s one of the best spots for vegan desserts in Dubai too.
The cafe also offers yoga to soothe your senses. It offers various yoga, barre, meditation and pilates classes. Additionally, there is an array of treatments, such as kinesiology and sound therapy, along with workshops for the entire family.
SEVA is one of the Dubai wellness community’s secret retreats that is worth a visit. The menu here focuses on local and organic produce and they even have a detox menu.
- Location: Behind Jumeirah Centre, Street 27 B, Jumeirah 1
- Timings: 10:00 am – 08:00 pm | Closed on Tuesday
- Average cost for two: AED 215
- Contact: +971-56-534-2899
KOHANTEI
Experience the elegance of a traditional Japanese “Kaiseki” fine dining experience in the heart of Downtown Dubai at Kohantei. Counted amongst the most expensive restaurants in Dubai, Kohantei has three private dining rooms where patrons can indulge in intricately crafted dishes from distinctive menus curated by Executive Chef Hisao Ueda.
Have your pick of impeccable dishes from five menus, namely Sakura, Aoi, Kaeda, Tsubaki and Botan. Each menu features 6 to 8 courses as well as a la carte options.
- Location: Dubai Opera, Plaza Unit 6, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
- Timings: Lunch 12:00 pm – 03:30 pm (Last Order: 02:30 pm) | Dinner 06:00 pm – 12:00 am (last order for set menu 09:30 pm) | Sunday closed
- Average cost for two: AED 1,055
- Contact: +971-4-243-4951
MASTERCHEF – THE TV EXPERIENCE
This is a concept restaurant in Dubai where you can experience the thrill and drama of the MasterChef Kitchen. Indulge in a culinary feast like no other with dishes prepared by previous MasterChef Champions from the UK and the Australian versions of the popular show.
MasterChef – The TV Experience in Dubai has an a la carte menu, a special MasterChef Junior inspired menu for the little ones, Happy Hour and a Ladies Night special menu. Try the Reality Bites Brunch on Fridays starting from AED 199 per person with soft beverages.
- Location: Millennium Place Marina, Dubai Marina
- Timings: Lunch 12:00 pm – 03:00 pm | Dinner 07:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Average cost for two: AED 385
- Contact: +971-4-550-8111
THEMED RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI FOR A UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE
Here are our top picks for the best-themed restaurants in Dubai that offer something out of the ordinary.
MAMA ZONIA
When it comes to concept restaurants in Dubai, Mama Zonia – one of the famous restaurants at Pier 7, offers an experience unlike any other. This is where you can indulge in a jungle-themed menu inspired by the majestic Amazon jungles and the exotic creatures that call it home.
Its interior will transport you to the tropical forests in Latin America. Unleash your wild side and enjoy the best-tasting dishes from the Caribbean, Latin America and Asia.
- Location: 2nd Floor, Pier 7, Behind Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina
- Timings: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am (Saturday to Monday) | 12:00 pm to 02:00 am (Tuesday to Friday)
- Average cost for two: AED 480
- Contact: +971-4-240-4747
Visit the official website to learn more about the restaurant, brunch and bar and lounge timings.
SPICE KLUB
Molecular gastronomy usually utilises liquid nitrogen and tools to create standout dishes and beverages. One of the most popular spots to enjoy such cuisine is Spice Klub, located in a nondescript corner of Mankhool. This is where you can find one of the most incredible chaats in Dubai as well.
Mixing the science of molecular gastronomy with the unmistakable flavours and techniques from Indian cuisine — Spice Klub combines the best of both worlds and offers patrons a remarkable dining experience.
The mouth-watering dishes and the dining experience in gorgeous Instagrammable surroundings make it one of the popular concept restaurants in Dubai.
So if you’re looking for a molecular gastronomy restaurant in Dubai and fancy Indian cuisine, hit up Spice Klub.
- Location: Al Reffa Building, Opposite Aster Hospital, Kuwait Street, Mankhool
- Timings: Sunday to Saturday 12:00 pm – 03:30 pm | 06:30 pm – 11:30 pm
- Average cost for two: AED 180
- Contact: +971-4-393-1233
THE LIGHTHOUSE
Dubai-based celebrity chef Izu Ani is the consultant chef for this fantastic concept store and restaurant in the ultra-trendy Dubai Design District (D3) and Mall of the Emirates.
The Mediterranean-inspired menu uses fresh ingredients — in everything from the tapas (small portions perfect for a quick snack), bakery and boulangerie products to the more filling main courses.
The scintillating vibe of this eatery makes it one of the most popular concept restaurants in Dubai. The shaded outdoor garden (D3 branch), bright white interiors and thoughtfully selected music promise an unforgettable meal.
While you’re waiting for your order, explore The Lighthouse’s concept store filled — filled with artsy objects, books, textiles and design items. You can also try something from their impressive menu of adult beverages.
- Location: Ground Floor, Building 6, Dubai Design District (D3), Dubai Design District | Mall of the Emirates
- Timings: 8:00 am onwards (The kitchen closes every day from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm)
- Average cost for two: AED 440
- Contact: +971-4-422-6024 (D3) | +971-4-238-0027 (Mall of the Emirates)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE CONCEPT RESTAURANTS?
Concept restaurants or cafes are based on culinary concepts that make them stand out from the crowd. These eateries often have special menus with dishes created by experienced chefs. Concept cafes and restaurants offer a complete experience based on a theme, cuisine and an ambience to match.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST THEMED BARS IN DUBAI?
Nippon Bottle Company, Rodeo Drive Bar and Garden on 8 are some of the most prominent themed bars in Dubai. Nippon Bottle Company is based on a speak-easy style theme. Whereas the Rodeo Drive Bar, as the name suggests, is all about American rodeo. Garden on 8, on the other hand, is based on the traditional English garden theme with a menu to match.
So with that, we conclude our list of the most popular concept restaurants in Dubai. Our inventory includes cafes found at these concept stores in Dubai too. Patrons looking for more hotspots to enjoy delicious feasts in the city can visit some of the top-ranking Michelin Star restaurants in Dubai, run by internationally-renowned chefs.
There is no shortage of unique dining experiences in the emirate. For instance, you’ll find some fantastic restaurants with a view in Dubai,where you get to experience great food overlooking desert dunes, the Arabian Gulf or the iconic Dubai skyline.
