We went tandoor-to-door and found the 5 best Indian restaurants in Downtown Dubai!
Downtown Dubai is more than just glittering skyscrapers; it’s also home to some of the city’s most exceptional Indian restaurants.
Whether you’re seeking the refinement of Michelin-starred dining or the warmth of familiar comfort food, the city center offers an impressive mix of culinary experiences.
Here, the rich flavors of India meet Dubai’s cosmopolitan energy, creating unforgettable meals that appeal to both locals and tourists.
Don’t believe me? Check out these best Indian restaurants in Downtown Dubai, and you’ll know exactly what I mean.
What’s the average cost of dining at an Indian restaurant in Downtown Dubai?
The average cost of dining at an Indian restaurant in Downtown Dubai is usually AED 100 – 200 per person at mid-range spots. Fine dining venues in prime locations can range from AED 250 – 500+ per person.
1. Patiala
Website: https://patiala.ae/
Address: Level 3, Souk Al Bahar – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 451 9151
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday, 12pm – 12am
- Friday – Sunday, 12pm – 12:30am
| Menu Selection | 5/5 |
| Ambience | 5/5 |
| Customer Service | 5/5 |
| Bookings & Reservations | 4.9/5 |
| Location & Accessibility | 5/5 |
| Pricing | 4.7/5 |
What makes Patiala a top Indian spot in Downtown Dubai is the perfect balance between premium food quality and elegant yet comfortable ambience.
We love its warm interiors and attentive service that make every visit feel special. Its stylish yet cozy atmosphere works well for an intimate dinner or a relaxed gathering with friends.
Add in its proximity to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, and it easily becomes a go-to for both locals and visitors.
We found the menu to be a highlight in itself. It celebrates authentic North Indian flavors with a contemporary twist.
Signature dishes like the butter chicken and dal makhani are our favorites. We also found the tandoor selections really great as they seem to perfectly capture the essence of Indian cuisine.
For those who enjoy variety, the restaurant also offers well-curated vegetarian options. This makes it inclusive for different dietary preferences.
When it comes to pricing, expect it to be on the higher end, so it’s more of a splurge than a casual meal. Also, take note that reservations are required, so be sure to make your bookings in advance.
Customer Reviews
Flavorful food. Nice, comfortable vibe.
“Great experience at Patiala Restaurant! The food was delicious. Everything was full of flavor and freshly made. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the place has a nice, comfortable vibe. One of the best Indian restaurants I’ve tried in Dubai. Highly recommend!”
– Monyen Cañada, Google Reviews
High-end quality and beautifully presented food.
“Loved the high end quality of food along with the way it was presented and served!
They have a variety of dishes and flavors in their menu, I especially loved the starters and rasmalai! The chef explained to us each dish and asked us about our allergies etc just to make such the best food that was served to us! I’d surely visit again!”
– Athulya Ranjit, Google Reviews
2. Bombay Borough
Website: https://www.bombayborough.com/dubai.html
Address: Gate Village, Building 3 – towards DIFC Parking – Trade Centre – DIFC
Contact Details: [email protected], +971 54 995 8296
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday & Sunday, 12pm – 12am
- Friday & Saturday, 12pm – 1am
| Menu Selection | 4.9/5 |
| Ambience | 5/5 |
| Customer Service | 5/5 |
| Bookings & Reservations | 5/5 |
| Location & Accessibility | 5/5 |
| Pricing | 4.7/5 |
Bombay Borough has quickly become a favorite in Downtown Dubai. This is mainly thanks to its modern take on traditional Indian flavors and its chic, contemporary vibe.
The menu is designed for sharing, which makes it perfect if you like to sample a little bit of everything.
The small plates made a memorable impression. The aam papad paneer offered a delightful interplay of tangy sweetness against creamy textures, while the cheese chilli kulcha offered an extraordinary twist to an everyday Indian bread.
The mains, such as the biryanis and curries, showcase Indian cuisine with an inventive flair in their unique, contemporary presentation.
We’d also like to highlight the cocktail menu, as it pairs beautifully with the food and adds to the lively atmosphere.
If you wish to sample the chef’s specialties, they have a tasting menu starting from AED 295 per person with a vegetarian and non-vegetarian option. Their Sunday Brunch menu is also a great choice for special occasions.
However, take note that prices can be on the higher side compared to other restaurants. Also, the place can feel too crowded during peak hours, so it might be best to visit on a weekday to avoid the rush.
Customer Reviews
Amazing flavors and presentation. Top-notch service.
“We just visited Bombay Borough and landed up trying their Chef’s Tasting Menu, we were surprised with the flavors and presentation of each dish, it was an amazing experience. Let’s talk about their service – it was top notch, Steven was explaining every dish like a pro. We totally enjoyed our afternoon and would highly recommend trying their tasting menu.”
– Chandni Paleja, Google Reviews
Loved every minute there and every bite served!
“On our visit to Dubai we went to dine at Bombay Borough. This is an amazing place with utmost creative menu. We loved our server Ryan who went above and beyond to serve us. Loved every minute being there and every bite served. A must visit! A bit expensive but worth it.”
– Deepika Rajdev, Google Reviews
3. Punjab Grill
Website: https://punjabgrill.me/
Address: Anantara Downtown – Lobby Level – Marasi Dr – Business Bay
Contact Details: +971 50 194 1107
Hours:
- Monday – Sunday, 11:30am – 11:30pm
| Menu Selection | 5/5 |
| Ambience | 5/5 |
| Customer Service | 5/5 |
| Bookings & Reservations | 4.9/5 |
| Location & Accessibility | 4.9/5 |
| Pricing | 4.8/5 |
Punjab Grill is one of the finest Indian dining experiences to try in Downtown Dubai, as it combines royal flavors with modern sophistication. Located at the Anantara Hotel in Business Bay, it invites you to indulge in good food in a refined setting.
The menu showcases the richness of North Indian cuisine, with dishes like Kashmiri lamb chops and baked lobster tikka masala. We love that each plate is beautifully presented—it makes the dining experience far more exciting.
Apart from their à la carte menu, we like that they have tasting menus. The selection of cocktails to enjoy also elevates the experience even further.
The ambience also deserves special mention. We love how their tastefully designed interiors and warm lighting create a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.
However, take note that prices here are on the steeper end, so it’s not exactly a casual everyday spot. Also, booking a reservation is required, so visiting here takes a bit more planning.
Customer Reviews
Authentic and tasty flavors. Perfect ambience.
“We had an amazing time at Punjab Grill! The food was really tasty with authentic flavors, and the ambiance was perfect – elegant yet cozy. Celebrating my friend’s birthday here made it even more special than it already was. The staff was attentive and friendly, making sure everything went smoothly. Highly recommended for anyone looking for great food and a lovely place to celebrate!”
– Mylene Empas, Google Reviews
Simply the best!
“Simply the best Indian restaurant in Dubai! The service is by far superior and the food is even better. They arranged a full vegan Dahl Makhani for me (just call in advance and they make almost anything vegan option). Beautiful interior in a wonderful hotel, parking is validated before you leave.”
– Kay Palmer, Google Reviews
4. Jamavar
Website: https://jamavarrestaurants.com/indian-restaurant-dubai/
Address: Address Residences Opera District – Downtown Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 553 7852
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday, 12pm – 12am
- Friday, 12pm – 1am
- Saturday, 12:30pm – 1am
- Sunday, 12:30pm – 12am
| Menu Selection | 5/5 |
| Ambience | 5/5 |
| Customer Service | 5/5 |
| Bookings & Reservations | 4.9/5 |
| Location & Accessibility | 5/5 |
| Pricing | 4.7/5 |
Jamavar is another fine dining Indian gem in Downtown Dubai, set within the prestigious Address Residences Opera District. It has garnered a Michelin star, which firmly places it among the city’s finest.
Another interesting detail is that the interiors of the restaurant were inspired by the Viceroy’s home in New Delhi, giving it an absolutely regal feel. Stepping inside feels like being in a modern-day palace.
The menu is well-curated, bringing flavors from North to South India. They offer small plates, tandoor dishes, and favorites like their Old Delhi Butter Chicken and Adraki Lamb Chops.
To complete the experience, you can also pair your food with a wide selection of cocktails and wine. It’s great that they also have Golden Happy Hour daily from 4 – 7 pm, where you can enjoy small plates with drinks.
What’s more, they have tasting menus, Royal Brunch on weekends, and a celebration menu perfect for groups. To top it all off, the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain are just a short walk away.
That said, expect the prices to reflect its Michelin-star status. Also, they can be strict when it comes to reservation schedules, so be sure to arrive early.
Customer Reviews
Elegant ambience, excellent food & impeccable service.
“Had a delightful dinner at Jamavar! The ambiance was elegant, the service was impeccable, and the food truly stood out. The Daal Jamavar was rich, flavorful, and comforting – easily one of the best I’ve had. The Vegetarian Pot Biryani was beautifully presented and bursting with authentic spices and perfectly cooked vegetables. Every bite was a treat. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a refined Indian dining experience!”
– Pratibha Sharma, Google Reviews
Everything is simply outstanding!
“Surely one of the very best restaurants in Dubai! From the atmosphere to the warmth and kindness of the staff, from the incredible flavors of the dishes to the variety on the menu – everything is simply outstanding. It’s a true favorite of mine, the kind of place you want to come back to again and again. Every visit feels like a special occasion, and it never fails to impress.”
– Nathan Urban, Google Reviews
5. Mausam Dubai
Website: https://www.ubyemaar.com/ae/experiences/mausam-restaurant-at-dubai-mall/
Address: Dubai Mall – Ground Level – Downtown Dubai
Contact Details: [email protected] , +971 4 438 4001
Hours:
- Monday – Sunday, 10am – 12am
| Menu Selection | 5/5 |
| Ambience | 4.9/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.9/5 |
| Bookings & Reservations | 4.9/5 |
| Location & Accessibility | 5/5 |
| Pricing | 4.7/5 |
Mausam is a refreshing departure from the usual. Inspired by India’s seasons, flavors, and festivals, it’s a dynamic dining experience tucked inside the Dubai Mall.
The best part? It’s complete with sweeping views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain.
From the moment you enter, you’d be stunned by the combination of earthy tones and Indian design elements that meet modern elegance. Meanwhile, its spacious terrace is a prime spot, especially when the fountain is dancing.
The menu reflects Mausam’s “seasonal” concept – diverse North Indian staples, biryanis, seafood highlights, and festival-inspired specials that shift through the year.
To start your meal, we recommend trying the raj kachori. It’s a scrumptious appetizer. As for the main, try the gosht nihari. It was really savory, and the spices infused in the lamb and mutton really made the dish so much more enjoyable.
We love their refreshing mocktails, and they also have a selection of non-alcoholic bubbles and wine, plus dessert to complement your meal.
However, a downside that we noticed is that portions of some of the higher-priced mains feel a little light compared to the cost.
Customer Reviews
Truly feels like home!
“Being far from India, it’s rare to find a place that truly feels like home – but your restaurant gave us that warm, family vibe. A special thanks to Priya, who guided us so kindly, and to Ashwini, who took the time to explain the menu and served us with such grace. Also, a big shoutout to Rahul for being so humble and welcoming. And we can’t forget the chef, who was not only talented but also took the time to personally check in with us about the food. Thank you to the whole team for making our visit so memorable. You’ve built more than just a restaurant – you’ve created a space filled with warmth and heart.”
– Yeewan Benjamin, Google Reviews
My top pick for Indian cuisine in the city!
“Mausam is hands down the best Indian restaurant I’ve been to in Dubai. The food is super tasty, full of flavor, and the whole experience, from the ambiance to the service, was just perfect. Definitely my top pick for Indian cuisine in the city.”
– Fayez Tayyar, Google Reviews