Where the Desert Meets the Sea: Culinary Discoveries Through the Arabian Peninsula

The Gulf states are fast becoming a destination for gourmets. From the cultural melting pots of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, to the rich culinary heritage of Oman and Saudi Arabia, the region’s dining options are as diverse as they are delicious. With kitchens across the GCC showcasing the work of some truly accomplished chefs, here’s our essential guide to the GCC’s very best restaurants.

Linger over refined Japanese dishes

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai (Photo: Marriott International)

Two spots in particular are taking contemporary Japanese cuisine to the next level in Dubai. Flower-adorned Izakaya in the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is a vibrant Japanese gastrobar, offering sushi, noodles and sizzling teppanyaki. The wasabi freshly prepared table-side is a charming touch. Alternatively, go on a culinary journey of Japanese excellence in a chic fine-dining setting. Award-winning OKKU, set in the stunning Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, wows diners with tantalising sushi and teppanyaki, weekly brunch and live music events, as well as a regular bluefin tuna cutting ceremony.

Treat yourself to a Chinese feast

The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort (Photo: Marriott International)

In Oman, diners are invited to explore the stunning variety that characterises Chinese cuisine. Sample an authentic sweet and savoury feast in an opulent, mood-lit setting redolent of old-world Shanghai luxury at Ba Ban in W Muscat. Or head to The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, where Chef Alan Yau weaves a story of his childhood with an innovative twist on Cantonese food at Hakkasan, creating a culinary elegy to Hakka food culture.

Savor the soul of Latin America

Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai (Photo: Marriott International)

Channelling the spirit of the South American grasslands at Assila, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Jeddah, Pampas grills the finest cuts of steak over acacia wood fires. You’ll be torn between watching the action in the open-plan kitchen or looking out over the city skyline as you dine. Peru meets Japan in Dubai at Above Eleven, the rooftop restaurant, bar and lounge with sweeping sea views at the Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. A celebration of Nikkei cuisine and crafted cocktails, with New York-style decor, Above Eleven is ideal for sunset and dining under the stars, accompanied by DJ sets and live entertainment. 

Discover the art of fusion food

JW Marriott Muscat (Photo: Marriott International)

Experience a melting pot of influences from around the world in Jeddah. Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah Corniche houses the light and airy The Creek, fusing the flavours of the Spice Route all the way from the Far East to the Mediterranean. Or head across to Assila, a Luxury Collection Hotel, where rooftop Siddhartha Lounge blends Mediterranean and Asian cuisine pool-side. It’s the perfect spot for day-to-night dining, with laid-back cocktails and lively theme nights. Fabulous fusion continues in Muscat, Oman, where the open kitchen at Kitchen 7 takes you on a culinary journey at JW Marriott Hotel Muscat. From wok shows to Indian tandoor ovens and the Middle Eastern grill, explore a world of flavours as you look out over lush gardens.

Savour incredible Indian cooking

Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai (Photo: Marriott International)

Make a splash overlooking the Dubai Marina with an unforgettable experience at Indego by Vineet. Set in Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, chef Vineet Bhatia celebrates contemporary Indian cuisine, from colourful street food-inspired snacks to tandoor-cooked dishes, stews and grilled favourites. The surroundings are all sophisticated opulence, the dishes exquisitely presented and the cocktail list truly impressive.

Uncover the secrets of Middle Eastern cuisine

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal (Photo: Marriott International)

In Oman, Lebanese culture and cuisine unfold at Em Sherif, at beachfront The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort. Ancient Levantine traditions of hospitality mingle with modern luxury in a celebration of authentic Lebanese dishes and the region’s culinary heritage. And in Abu Dhabi, warm wood interiors flow out to a tranquil terrace at Mijana, at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. Expect authentic Middle Eastern hospitality, succulent grilled meats and inventive mezze, all rounded off with herbal teas and shisha served under the stars. 

Experience Pan-Asian perfection

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal (Photo: Marriott International)

The UAE is home to a wealth of creative chefs celebrating cuisine from across the broader Asian continent. In Dubai, Pan-Asian fine dining is reimagined at two-storey Buddha-Bar at the heart of Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, where an eclectic range of dishes is complemented by rich red-and-gold interiors, a resident DJ and expansive windows framing Marina views. Over at Michelin-recommended Li Jiang at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, meanwhile, traditional dishes are given a modern twist, with an open kitchen that competes for your attention with the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque views.

Savour flame-grilled succulence

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai (Photo: Marriott International)

For those who enjoy flame-grilled cuisine, the GCC has no shortage of refined grill restaurants serving up succulent steaks and fresh seafood. In Abu Dhabi, The Forge celebrates premium cuts and fine wines in low-lit surrounds at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi. For smoky flavours from a high-end grill accompanied by sensational, ever-changing views, head to the top of Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi for the unique Stratos Revolving Lounge Bar & Grill. Or make for the Corniche, where you’ll find Catch at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, serving up seafood and steaks within the Nation Riviera Beach Club. It’s perfect for relaxed beach vibes, sweet oysters and charcoal-grilled fish and meat.

In Dubai, Prime68 is the place to go for perfect steak. Perched on the 68th floor of the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, this elegant spot combines the highest-quality cuts with elegant interiors and panoramic views.

Over in Oman, CHAR is the signature grill at the W Muscat, where a chic indoor-outdoor lounge overlooks the pool area and expertly prepared steaks and seafood are served alongside inspired Mediterranean dishes. For meat connoisseurs, Pink Salt is a sophisticated steakhouse taking the grill to the next level at the JW Marriott Hotel Muscat. Specialising in dry-aged meat and flame-cooked seafood, the restaurant is winning awards for its distinctive dining experience.

Indulge in la dolce vita

Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi (Photo: Marriott International)

A Tuscan treat awaits at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, where Villa Toscana invites you to enjoy regional specialities, homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza in elegant surroundings inspired by the elegance of a Tuscan villa. At Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi’s Amalfi Ristorante, traditional recipes meet sleek interiors, taking you on a journey through Italy’s culinary regions, paired with fine wines.

Published: July 21, 2025

Last Updated: August 06, 2025