Known to provide one of the best gastronomic experiences in the world, Dubai launches a list of the most sought out restaurants in the city. Here are the top five restaurants that one ought to try this year.

Recognised by the renowned Michelin guide as a world gastronomic destination of note, Dubai has a culinary reputation that is sprinkled with innovative dining experiences, hidden neighbourhood gems, and creative menus reflecting Arabian traditions, world flavours and all new-age fusion.

Here are the top 5 new tasty spots in the emirate that one should check out.

Tan Cha

Located at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai in Business Bay, Tan Cha is an upbeat restaurant that has been inspired by the energy and appetites of downtown Hong Kong meeting the traditional natural flavours and textures of provincial China and is known to provide some of the best Chinese-inspired cuisines in the town.

For those looking for a special night out featuring some of the most delicious Asian dishes in the city along with a good ambience, then this restaurant should very much be on your hit list. The moodily-lit Chinese restaurant that is most atmospheric at night will delight many visitors.

The restaurant is best known for its dramatically-presented Peking duck, which is reported to be one of the best in the city. Served on a platter alongside all its condiments, it makes for a visual impact that is sure to light up one’s Instagram post before wowing one’s taste buds.

Another  well-known must try speciality is the restaurant’s executive chef David Pang’s dim sum menu.

Aside from these specialities, traditional eats like steamed prawn dumplings alongside more adventurous truffle mushroom buns, barbecue chicken puffs and Silky crab ‘cheong fun’ rice noodle rolls should also be on one’s list.

Vaga

Best-known to provide Armenian and Arabic cuisines, Vaga, short for vagabond will take guests on a culinary journey through Middle Eastern and Armenian cultures.

Situated in the heart of Bluewaters Island, this luxurious eatery also offers up magnificent views of Ain Dubai and the city skyline. If one is looking for somewhere to impress, then VAGA ticks all the boxes with its presentation of sumptuous dishes, extravagant interiors and a stunning setting.

One’s tastebuds can surely find both familiarity and innovation simultaneously when indulging through the dishes presented by Chef Sufyan Alkebata.

Signature plates include manti beef ravioli with a yoghurt sauce, lamb-topped lahmajoon flatbread, and the khorovats mixed grill. 

Monno Ristorante

Located at 304 Al Wasl Road in Jumeirah 1, Monno Ristorante is Jumeirah’s newest artisanal Italian eatery. Presenting a wholesome and authentic Italian experience in a charming, casual and rustic space that welcomes all ages, Monno is sure to charm guests when they are greeted with music upon arrival. The chilled-out neighbourhood vibe will ensure a relaxing visit – whether it be for a leisurely lunch with family, a quick coffee break, or a romantic dinner date with a loved one.

The Italian Head Chef Federcio Bartoli presents fresh and natural ingredients imported from Italy.

From exclusively using San Marzano tomatoes to importing artisanal Italian cheeses and olive oils for handmade pasta and genuine Neapolitan pizzas, Monno’s menu features a range of antipasti, main courses and traditional desserts.

Guests can expect Italian dinner traditions brought to their table at Monno, where skilled chefs bring Dubai diners an authentic taste of Italy and dishes change seasonally to remain true to the country’s best available ingredients.

Well-loved favourites like crisp veal Milanese, gnocchi with pulled beef ragout, and homemade ricotta ravioli topped with fresh truffle are among comforting classics in the restaurant.

The Byron Bathers Club

Located on the shores of Palm Jumeirah, The Byron Bathers Club takes inspiration from Australian beaches, with a surf-style aesthetic and a menu that one can happily indulge on all day.

With its bright, airy blue and white interiors complimenting the views of the Arabian Sea, and an easy local neighbourhood vibe it ensures its visitors to become regulars.

Snack on small plates or feast on a selection of mains, with an emphasis on coastal flavours that puts the spotlight on seafood and seasonal ingredients.

Those keen to be adventurous should go straight for the huge multi-tiered seafood tower, where one will have to way through oysters, crab, lobster, sushi and more.

Jun’s

Drawing on famous social media star chef Kelvin Cheung’s French training, Canadian roots and Asian heritage, Jun has a prime location and proven pedigree.

Located at Vida Residences Downtown, Jun impresses guests with its sand-hued interiors, white-brick walls and moody lighting creating an upmarket ambience.

The best seats here are undoubtedly at the chef’s table, facing the open kitchen and offering up a finely-tuned culinary performance.

Expect North American comfort food, combined with Far Eastern and Indian flavours, served up in a comfortable yet chic setting with a stunning view of the Burj Khalifa.

Top dishes on the menu includes the tempura and sweet potato chaat, sitting alongside Cheung’s take on a carrot, labneh and furikake ‘bagel’, spiced garlic prawns with Korean kimchi served on khichdi rice, and the Macau-sauce lobster.