When it comes to food, there is no place on the planet that does it like the UAE. At every turn, on every corner, you will find an eatery serving up incredible bites to eat. However, among the thousands of restaurants that tease our taste buds every day, only 14 have joined a special collection that spotlights some of the world’s most talented chefs and their critically acclaimed culinary creations – The Luminary Set.
Launched in the spring of this year, The Luminary Set is currently live in 41 restaurants across Europe and the Middle East, and with 14 spread across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, there is plenty of tasting to be enjoyed in 2025 for gastronomes in the UAE.
Theluminaryset.com
1. CITY SOCIAL
If you fancy a dinner with a view, then head to the 43rd floor of Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, where you will find the uber-cool City Social. Helmed by famed British chef Jason Atherton, the restaurant serves up stunning panoramas of Dubai’s Marina skyline alongside exquisite European cuisine that has been infused with Japanese flavours. Think mizo glazed French cod, Dover sole drizzled with Japanese citrus and seaweed butter and miso barley grilled baby chicken. The cocktail offering is just as impressive too, with stools at the stylish bar being some of the most sought-after places to spend the evening. And when Saturday rolls around, guests are invited to indulge in the Social Brunch.
2. CATCH AT ST. REGIS
There can’t be more picturesque settings to enjoy a meal than Abu Dhabi Corniche, and on this beloved landmark of the UAE capital sits the ever-popular Catch at St. Regis. As suggested by its title, Catch by St. Regis specialises in tantalising seafood plates of every sort. Nestled within the premises of the luxurious Nation Riviera Beach Club, the fine dining restaurant dishes out delectable selections of gourmet caviar and fresh sushi. However, don’t worry if you aren’t a strict pescatarian as the sophisticated venue also offers a plethora of delicious meat plates to savour.
3. AKIRA BACK DUBAI
Dubai-based connoisseurs of Japanese gastronomy have plenty of choice when it comes to satisfying their cravings. However, one restaurant that seems to be at the top of everyone’s lips when it comes to fare from The Land of The Rising Sun is Akira Back Dubai. Situated in W Dubai – The Palm, the Wabi Sabi-style venue – led by professional snowboarder-turned-chef, Akira Back – continues to delight gourmands with its bountiful menu featuring cold starters, salads, signature rolls, robata, sashimi, main and sides, smooth house beats and unapologetic coolness. Tuck into the likes of crispy calamari, AB Wagyu tacos, the famous miso black cod and sumptuous suma striploin for an evening full of gastronomic pleasure.
4. Prime68
Despite showcasing a sleek look that goes against the textbook style of a classic steakhouse, Prime68 is where you will find Dubai’s carnivores who enjoy a succulent cut of meat. After you are greeted by a corridor of wine bottles, dry-aged meats and stunning views of Jumeirah, cast your eyes on a menu that runs the gamut from USDA prime black Angus fillet mignons to the mega-sized, dry-aged Sanchoku wagyu tomahawks that weigh in at 1.2kg. Must-try sides include the truffle mac ‘n’ cheese and charred broccolini but should you be a vegetarian, sample the creamy burrata or superb black truffle gnocchi – you won’t be disappointed.
5. ATTIKO
Drawing inspiration from Asian cosmopolitan lounges, Attiko is the perfect location for those searching for a sophisticated sundowner or a late-night gathering. Placed at the top of W Dubai Mina Seyahi, this venue surrenders breathtaking views of Dubai’s cityscape and golden sunsets, making it ideal for those who want that killer Instagram shot. Self-described as a ‘HIGH ENERGY LOUNGE’, live music and DJs set the tone for an evening stacked with party vibes. And should you feel peckish, treat yourself to a refined, pan-Asian lounge menu including wagyu tartare & truffle, nigiri, maki rolls and caviar.
6. INDYA BY VINEET
A flavourful trip to India awaits at this casual setting. The brainchild of India’s first Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia, Indya by Vineet is all about the best of the subcontinent’s street food meeting sharing plates in a chilled-out atmosphere. Serving choices from the earth, land and sea, explore the signature offer of Chops & Sips, where you will receive a platter of tender lamb chops, marinated in authentic Indian spices and grilled in a tandoor, alongside a glass of Indian wine for AED 179. And if you consider yourself to be a social butterfly, head to the gorgeous gin room that is packed with incredible colours, designs and places to catch that perfect shot.
7. INDEGO BY VINEET
Straddling the worlds of traditional plates and modern interpretation, Indego by Vineet serves up a gourmet Indian dining experience like no other. Located in Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, interiors are a spectacular spectrum of colours, designs and furnishings, with Indian statues and antiques adding to the sense of authenticity. On the menu, you will find sharing-style dishes featuring street food-inspired dishes that are prepared on a griddle, clay oven, grill and stew pot. Don’t forget to drop into the cocktail bar, where there is an eye-catching chandelier of 100 feathers above the bar.
8. RÜYA
Transporting diners to the idyllic shores of the Mediterranean and Black Sea, Rüya promises a smorgasbord of flavours from the Anatolian peninsula. Found on the third floor of The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm, gastronomes can sample caviar, mezze, cold and hot bites and larger plates of grilled seabass, Australian grain-fed rib-eye and lamb cutlets in a space designed by Conran and Partners. Offering a series of rooms featuring brass detailing, wood accentuating the natural elements of the space, as well as a sizeable outside terrace, it is a pleasant place to while away an afternoon in Dubai.
9. TORO TORO
Just moments from the bright lights of Dubai Marina, Richard Sandoval’s celebration of Latin cuisine, Toro Toro invites guests to immerse themselves in uber-chic interiors featuring flashes of foliage, tribal Latin patterns, palm leaves and dark walls. There’s plenty to get excited about with a range of tacos, salads, ceviches and chef specialities to whet the appetite. For carnivores, the Churrasco & Grill menu introduces guests to a selection of prime cuts, grilled in true Brazilian style. Pair the fare with beloved Latin spirits like Mezcal and Pisco, and gourmands are in for a fiery yet flavourful epicurean adventure.
10. ROW ON 45
The second entry on our list from Jason Atherton is the two-Michelin starred Row on 45. Set upon the 45th floor of Grosvenor House Dubai, this eatery takes guests on an adventure through Atherton’s journey around the culinary globe, incorporating the kitchens and countries in which he has worked. Serving 17 courses over three dining acts, the venue only caters to 22 diners per evening, plating up mouthwatering, innovative dishes like Norwegian Bodo scallop, aged Barbary duck and British Colston basset Stilton. Guests can also enjoy an optional drinks pairing featuring a selection of 50 wines and 60 champagnes.
11. RHODES TWENTY10
If you love perfectly grilled and piping hot, medium rare cuts of steak, then Rhodes Twenty10 is for you. Featuring a selection of the late chef Gary Rhodes’ favourite dishes from the last decade, this family-friendly restaurant is all about hearty, comfort feeding. For those who like to share, try the seared scallops, sesame glazed duck and smoked salmon and avocado cream. If you prefer to go it alone, delve into scrumptious mains like the signature Rhodes Twenty10 burger, traditional fish & chips and chicken kiev. Make sure to save room for dessert, where sticky toffee pudding, banoffee cheesecake and crisp apple tart await.
12. RHODES W1
Casual dining at its finest can be found at this dapper venue on Dubai Marina. Founded by the aforementioned Gary Rhodes and now helmed by his son Sam, Rhodes W1 dishes up British and European fare and quirky signature cocktail creations, alongside cracking views of Dubai’s giant structures. Catering for most food tribes, book a table for the much-vaunted Sunday Rhoast, and devour à la carte options paying homage to famous British Sunday dinner.
13. OAK ROOM
Ask anyone where to enjoy a fine cut of meat in Abu Dhabi and more often than not, they will respond with this British rock ‘n’ roll steakhouse in The Abu Dhabi EDITION. Place yourself in oak-panelled surroundings and soak up the sounds of British rock while tucking into the culinary stylings of Chef de Cuisine, Fernando Tapia. Crafted and served with an uncomplicated approach, order a specialty steak that is cooked to perfection alongside the oh-so-tasty triple cooked chips. Make sure to pair with a glass of wine, recommended by award-winning wine sommelier, Mile Spasov, to complete the experience.
14. MAYA BY CHEF RICHARD SANDOVAL
Discover the tastes of Mexico with this eclectic eatery on the cusp of the Arabian Gulf. Blending the earthy flavours of his native homeland with ingredients from around the globe, alongside innovative cooking techniques, Chef Richard Sandoval and his culinary team dish out a new interpretation of Mexican cuisine. Whether you love traditional guacamole, ceviches, nachos, tacos or quesadillas, you can indulge in an array of beloved Mexican plates with a twist. And what would a good meal be without a superbly crafted cocktail? Sip on a delicious mixed drink concoction from the mixology team while you enjoy good food, good company and a mesmerising sunset.
