14 Best DIFC Restaurants You Might Just Book Now

---

BOCA

Location: Gate Village 6, DIFC, Dubai

Next on the list of absolutely recommended DIFC restaurants is the European restaurant best known for its fusion dishes, with a lot of emphasis on sustainability, BOCA. 

The thing that sets BOCA apart from other DIFC restaurants is that its dishes are inspired by French, Italian, and Spanish cuisines, but all the materials are locally sourced. While most restaurants in the desert region boast about importing luxuries from all across the world, BOCA uses desert plants from the region along with locally grown vegetables and a mixture of kingfish from the Arabian Gulf and Dibba Bay oysters.

You can choose delicious dishes from their menu, from tortilla de patatas to grilled octopus and beetroot quinoto & crispy duck. They also have an award-winning wine menu that combines 460+ new and old labels of viniculture along with cocktails inspired by local and regional ingredients. If you are wondering about their desserts, they have delectable Pan con chocolate & aceite with lemon and grapefruit tart combined with Tocino Del Cielo and much more.

If you are concerned about the planet and want a sustainable dining experience, you should definitely choose BOCA among other DIFC Dubai restaurants.

---

Bombay Borough

Location: Gate Village, Building 3 – towards DIFC Parking – opposite Gate District 2 – Trade Centre – DIFC – Dubai 

If you are a fan of Indian cuisine and rejoice in the unique flavors and spices of India, then you should not forget to visit Bombay Borough, which is an all-day Indian bar & eatery. 

It is included in the list of those DIFC restaurants that not only deliver traditional flavors but also promise a chic and classy dining experience. You should definitely try their Aam papad paneer, Bambaiya Vada Pao, Fiery thecha prawns, Dum ki kali dal, and Mutton dum biryani.

Indian desserts are very rich and toothsome, and Bombay Borough offers some authentic Indian sweets like Amritsari kulfa, Ras-e-Aam, and Anglo-Indian bread pudding, which you can pair with karak cutting or masala chai.

Bombay Borough should be your DIFC dining choice if you are looking for flavors and ambiance, all under the same roof. 

---

Carnival by Trèsind

Location: The Buildings by Daman – 312 Al Sa’ada Street – Za’abeel – DIFC – Dubai

While the conversation about the best Indian restaurants is going on, it is hard to miss Carnival by Trèsind, which is also one of the DIFC restaurants you should check out.

With an emphasis on giving a modern touch to traditional Indian dishes, Carnival by Trèsind has a variety of veg and non-veg options, all with a unique thematic twist. You can choose their refined A la Carte menu or pick to have a carnival experience that offers everything from Panipuri Kohlrabi tacos to Scallop balchao, Tortellini, and much more.

Their seasonal tasting menu is one of a kind and uses unique serving ideas like dishes served in a book: a pumpkin creation in ‘Fifty Shades of Pumpkin,’ and a pie in ‘Life of Pie.’

This is on the list of those DIFC restaurants that experiment with traditional flavors while entertaining your pallete and should be tried to give a twist to your regular tastebuds.

---

CLAP Dubai

Location: 677M+Q3X – Trade Centre – DIFC – Dubai 

Next on the list of the best DIFC Dubai restaurants is CLAP, which promises a sensory Japanese dining experience. Located in the heart of DIFC, CLAP combines innovation with authenticity while setting up a perfect ambiance by offering stunning views of the city’s skyline while their skillful chefs create wonderful culinary creations in the open kitchen.

If you love Japanese food, you must try their Sashimi, Black cod miso, Premium Nigiri, and much more.

Not only can you find a wide variety of sweet and savory Japanese dishes, but you can also cherish passionately created cocktails that are made from authentic Japanese ingredients and if you are a non-alcoholic drinker, don’t worry because they also offer refreshing mocktails so you don’t miss out on the fun.

CLAP has the largest rooftop terrace in DIFC and is the spot to soak in the breathtaking views of the city while you devour deliciousness. 

---

Hutong

Location: Ground Floor DIFC – Gate Building 6 – Al Sukook Street – Trade Centre – DIFC – Dubai 

While a lot of people love Japanese food, there are a lot of lovers of Chinese food, too. If you are looking for DIFC restaurants that offer an elevated Chinese dining experience, Hutong is your place.

The restaurant is stunning, the bar is stylish, and there is an option to choose indoor dining or be mesmerized by the beautiful outdoor terrace. Hutong’s menu is inspired by the Silk Route and combines flavors of Northern China along with West and Arabia. 

Some must-have delicacies in Hutong include their Dim Sum platter, Red lantern crispy soft shell crab, Mapo tofu, and Peking duck.

Hutong is a globally loved restaurant that also offers people in Dubai a chance to experience true Chinese culinary adventures while they indulge themselves in the glamorous setting of the award-winning place.

---

La Cantine du Faubourg

Location: 1st floor, Emirates Towers Hotel, Trade Centre 2 – Trade Centre – Dubai

Next up on the list of the best DIFC restaurants to try is the extravagant French restaurant called La Cantine du Faubourg, which is a name synonymous with class and style. 

Here, you can find the perfect marriage of French and international cuisine with a lot of options to choose from ranging from business lunches to lively brunches, classy dinners, and even post-work drinks. 

You can find some of the finest French menu items like beef tartare, foie gras, truffle pizza, tuna ceviche, and profiteroles, etc., along with cocktails, DJ sets, and Live performances to step up your experience and make it more delightful. 

La Cantine du Faubourg is a beautiful and chic place you should drop by when you decide to enjoy food, art, and music while visiting the DIFC restaurants in the heart of the business district of Dubai.

---

Sucre

Location: Podium Level, Gate Village 05 – DIFC – Dubai

Founded by Chef Fernando Trocca in Buenos Aires, Sucre is set to bring out the renowned flavors of Latin America and Europe along with influences from cuisines like Italian, South American, and Spanish all in one place.

They have an ever-evolving modern menu that has some of the best traditional and fusion dishes that are a result of open-fire cooking, freshly sourced vegetables, and the perfect use of wood and coal.

At Sucre, you can choose from their exceptional À la carte menu that has Argentenian ribeye, Suckling lamb shoulder, Squid ink seafood paella, and much more. If you are a vegan and are more interested in plant-based foods, then Sucre has got you covered with their exclusive vegan menu, where you can find empanadas, salads, pasta, and ceviches to fill up your appetite.

And last but not least, you can top off your experience with their recommended desserts like Basque cheesecake and Dulce de Leche fondant and have a well-rounded culinary experience in one sitting.

---

The Nice Guy

Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Ground Level, The Boulevard, Emirates Towers – Dubai

The Nice Guy is one of the most stylish restaurants in Los Angeles, known to be the hanging spot of celebrities that opened its new branch in downtown Dubai at the end of last year. 

Included on the list of the absolutely loved DIFC restaurants, The Nice Guy is described as ‘one step above a restaurant but below a club.’ The interior is inspired by the mafia culture and retro aesthetics, and it has an outdoor extended patio terrace along with private booths.

Their major focus is on providing fine Italian flavors, which is why you must try their hand-crafted pizzas, juicy burgers, and tantalizing pasta while you cherish their exquisite dining and music.

The Nice Guy belongs on your list when you visit DIFC Dubai restaurants because it has a wholesome combination of food, aesthetics, and poise.

---

Zuma

Location: Podium Level, Gate Village 06 – Al Mustaqbal St – Trade Centre – DIFC – Dubai

The list of best DIFC restaurants is incomplete without the mention of Zuma.

Zuma is considered the “Oscars of foods” and is known for Izakaya, a Japanese form of dining that allows people to choose from a steady stream of dishes while they comfortably talk and have quality time in the cozy place.

This is one of those Gate Village restaurants that elevates your overall dining experience. You can find a wide range of Japanese classics on their menu, ranging from miso-marinated black cod fresh sashimi to freshly made sushi.

Zuma has recently brought their award-winning Baikingu Brunch, which you can enjoy every Saturday. This is the only one among the DIFC restaurants that has secured three consecutive editions of the sister list, The World’s 50 Best Bars and is said to have The Best Bar in the Middle East and Africa that boasts myriads of fruity drinks and sake-led cocktails. 

You can dine in with the crowd in the main dining area, sit in a more informal lounge, or even choose to sit at the sushi or robata counter, watching the chefs showcasing their culinary expertise. The choice is yours!

---

Cipriani

Location: DIFC Gate Village 10 – towards DIFC Parking – DIFC – Dubai

Cipriani is a glamorous Italian restaurant that is the ultimate spot for post-work dinners and lunchtime meetings. The restaurant is adorned with a warm interior, mahogany walls, marble floors, and mirrors with brown leathery chairs complimenting the overall decor. 

Cipriani is for Italian food lovers who like their food with a bit of a twist. You can enjoy their Carpaccio, Homemade ricotta gnocchi, and Pappardelle with saffron and veal bacon, along with other Cipriani’s signature dishes.

Cipriani is one of those DIFC restaurants that not only promises you quality food but top-quality service, a lively atmosphere, and hospitality to win you over.

When you visit Cipriani, you will definitely know why it has been internationally recognized and acknowledged because its standard speaks volumes and needs no explanation. 

---

BB Social Dining

Location: Gate Village 08 – DIFC – Dubai

Another one of the DIFC restaurants is BB Social Dining. 

BB Social Dining is led by Chef Alex Stumpf and offers a diverse range of dishes, from bao to bites, bowls, and barbecue delights. The restaurant’s ambiance is a delightful mix of sophistication and casual comfort, with cozy corners for you to make your own.

You can enjoy your meal in various settings, whether on the plant-filled terrace, amidst monochrome interiors accented with pops of color from yellow cushions and foliage, or beneath the stars in the garden. 

The menu is well thought out, and care is poured into each dish, featuring crowd-pleasers like edamame hummus, cauliflower ‘popcorn’ with truffle dip, and the unique Habibti wasabi soft shell crab bao.

It is one of those DIFC restaurants that goes the extra mile by offering a wide array of vegetarian and vegan options, including the delectable chestnut bao with a mushroom and chestnut croquette adorned with truffle sauce and dried mushrooms. 

Whether you’re in the open dining room, the cozy lounge bar, or anywhere in between, BB Social Dining is the place you don’t want to miss out. 

---

Bull & Bear

Location: Burj Daman – Floor 18 – Al Mustaqbal St – DIFC – Dubai

Another one of the fine culinary excellences you can have at the DIFC restaurants includes Bull & Bear, the award-winning signature steakhouse of Waldorf Astoria. 

With a strong commitment to perfection, every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to deliver an unforgettable dining experience.

The restaurant exudes a sophisticated New York charm, with its opulent black and gold interior setting the stage for a gastronomic journey that’s nothing short of exceptional. 

Situated on the 18th floor, the floor-to-ceiling windows provide captivating vistas of Dubai, while the open-plan kitchen allows you to witness the chefs at work.

Bull & Bear is renowned for its sizzling steaks, but the menu offers much more. The Alligator Pear, a delectable dish centered around avocado, is a must-try, as is their unique spin on the prawn cocktail that is a visual delight. The perfectly grilled steaks are a definite highlight, and the restaurant also excels in its selection of sides, with the crunchy broccolini and creamy potatoes standing out.

Whether you opt for the two-course business lunch on weekdays, featuring signature dishes like steak tartare and New York Cheesecake, or the Sunday breakfast with Josper-grilled meats and brunch classics, Bull & Bear is included in the DIFC restaurants that promise a dining experience that blends upscale dining with an inviting ambiance.

---

Shanghai Me

Location: DIFC, Gate Village Building 11 – Dubai

If you love Eastern flavors and are looking for some Pan-Asian culinary hits, it’s recommended you drop by Shanghai Me. 

Shanghai Me may sound like a Chinese restaurant, but it offers a delightful fusion of popular dishes. Don’t let the name fool you; this place is a crowd-pleaser, offering elevated versions of Asia’s greatest culinary dishes.

As you step inside, you’ll be transported to the glamour of 1920s Shanghai. The restaurant’s decor is a blend of rich reds, luxurious velvets, and speakeasy-inspired lighting. 

If you choose to dine on the terrace, you’ll be enveloped in lush tropical greenery, a welcome escape from the grey concrete surroundings of DIFC.

Service here is impeccable, with knowledgeable staff ready to guide you through the menu’s extensive offerings. Highlights include the umami-packed wagyu and kimchi dumplings, the delightful steamed chicken and scallop dishes, and a standout wagyu beef sandwich. 

The menu takes you on a journey through various Asian flavors, from soft shell crab sushi rolls to triple-cooked Angus short rib, a signature dish that’s a must-try.

Despite its traditional decor, Shanghai Me offers a modern dining experience. The terrace is lively with a DJ spinning tunes, creating a party atmosphere, and there’s even a hidden room (club) with its own bar and DJ. 

Whether you’re on a date or dining with a group, Shanghai Me is on the list of DIFC restaurants strongly recommended for a joyful experience.