Dubai’s Top 5 European Restaurants for Authentic Flavors
Sometimes, living in Dubai feels like being at the center of the world. With the large ratio of expatriates, it’s almost like every nationality is here. But on days when your heart craves specifically European cuisine, don’t fret.
Dubai makes it incredibly easy to find Europe on a plate. Fine-dining, Michelin-star restaurants, hidden tavernas, or something more low-key, the city hosts some of the most authentic European restaurants.
No matter what cuisine you want—French, Italian, Greek, or more–-here are the top ones locals swear by.
1. La Petite Maison – French Mediterranean
– Media credit: lpmdubai
Website: https://lpmrestaurants.com/dubai/
Address: Gate Village No, 8 – DIFC – Dubai – United Arab Emirate
Contact: +971 4 439 0505
Social Media: Instagram
Hours:
- Mondays-Fridays: 12:00PM – 1:00AM
- Weekends: 12:30PM – 1:00AM
La Petite Maison (or LPM, as the locals call it) has been the city’s go-to French restaurant for more than a decade—and it makes sense, because the atmosphere immediately transports you to France. Natural light bounces off modern art and white tablecloths, making it feel elegant.
The menu leans heavily on olive oil, lemon, and herbs. They have warm prawns, burrata, sea bass, and more. The whole food spread will remind you that French cuisine is about lightness.
And then there’s the dessert. The main event is their French toast with a caramelized crust and a cloud-like center.
Pro tip:
Order family-style. The menu is designed for sharing, and this is the best way to taste all LPM has to offer.
2. Roberto’s Restaurant
– Media credit: robertosdubai
Website: https://robertosrestaurants.com/dubai/
Address: Gate Village – 1 – Trade Centre – DIFC – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact: +971 4 386 0066
Social Media: Instagram
Hours: Daily, 12:00PM – 3:00AM *temporarily closed for summer break*
Roberto’s stands tall as a celebration of Italian refinement. It gives customers the full experience: fine Italian dining, lounges, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the Burj Khalifa.
The atmosphere inside isn’t as nostalgic, with modern walls and sleek spaces, but the food keeps its roots in Italy. Some of its bestsellers are the black truffle risotto, pappardelle with veal ragu, and wood-fired pizza.
Roberto’s also comes alive at night. As the DJ spins and the skyline glitters, the vibe shifts from Italian nostalgia to full-on glamour, where people can linger long after dinner ends.
Pro tip:
Sometimes, they close during the summer. So make sure to make your reservations during the cooler months.
3. El Sur
– Media credit: elsurdubai
Website: https://www.destinationminaseyahi.com/dining/el-sur
Address: Lobby level The Westin – Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact: +971 4 511 7373
Social Media: Instagram
Hours:
- Mondays to Fridays: 5:00-10:30PM
- Weekends: 1:00-10:30PM
El Sur at The Westin Dubai brings the energy of Madrid and Barcelona straight to the city. It’s like an ode to Spain itself, with warm, welcoming, and stylish surroundings.
The tapas here are irresistible. They have croquettes that are crispy outside and creamy inside, and octopus that tastes like it’s flown from Galicia that morning. But the real highlight here is the paella. Served in a wide, shallow pan with golden saffron rice, seafood, and just the right amount of socarrat, it’s the definition of comfort food.
If you pair it with a sangria or a glass of Rioja, you’re immediately transported to a Spanish taberna.
Pro tip:
Their weekend brunch offers excellent value for money. Make sure to try it out.
4. Mythos Kouzina and Grill
– Media credit: mythosdubai
Website: https://www.mythosdubai.com
Address: JLT Cluster P – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Jumeirah Lake Towers – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact: +971 4 399 8166
Social Media: Instagram
Hours: Daily – 12:30PM -3:45PM and 6:00PM – 11:30PM
Mythos brings authentic Greek cuisine to the heart of Dubai. Tucked in JLT, this little restaurant is a crowd favorite from locals and tourists alike. The interiors are warm and rustic, with stone walls, wooden beams, and an overall cozy charm.
And the food? Perfect. They have grilled souvlaki skewers, bubbling moussaka layered with eggplant and bechamel, and fresh Greek salads topped with feta. Portions are generous and prices are friendly.
It’s one of those cozy “hidden” places where you feel like you’re being transported to a different place. And here, that place is a neighborhood taverna in Athens.
Pro tip:
Book early. Even though it’s a hidden restaurant, Mythos books out fast.
5. Reform Social and Grill
– Media credit: reformdubai
Website: https://www.reformsocialgrill.ae
Address: The Lakes – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact: +971 4 454 2638
Social Media: Instagram
Hours: Daily – 8:00AM – 12:00AM
Nestled in The Lakes, Reform Social and Grill brings British gastropub to Dubai. It offers a leafy, family-friendly escape from the city’s skyscrapers.
The menu runs the gamut of British comfort food. They offer full English breakfasts with sausages and beans, flaky steak pies, fish and chips with crispy batter, and the highlight of the show: a Sunday roast with all the trimmings. Not to mention, they also have a wide selection of beers and ciders to make the experience come together.
It’s also good for families and larger crowds since the place has long picnic tables outdoors and a children’s play area.
Pro tip:
The Sunday roast is a must-try. Arrive early because they sell out fast.