Dubai's Best Indian Restaurants: From Traditional to Modern

Where can you find the perfect butter chicken and experience the Indian cuisine of the future? Our guide has the answers.

If there’s one cuisine that truly reflects the soul of modern Dubai—a vibrant, multifaceted, and ever-perfection-seeking spirit—it’s Indian cuisine. Thanks to the UAE’s largest diaspora and millions of tourists (over 17 million in 2023!), the city has become a true Mecca for lovers of Indian gastronomy. Here, the aromas of cardamom and saffron drift from both luxurious Michelin-starred dining rooms and tiny eateries where recipes have been passed down through generations. This guide will help you navigate the delightful diversity and choose the perfect spot for your occasion—whether it’s an authentic lunch or a dinner that becomes the highlight of your trip.

Gastronomic avant-garde: When dinner is a performance

For those seeking not just food, but a true spectacle, these restaurants push the boundaries of what’s possible, transforming traditional Indian dishes into objects of contemporary art. Here, you’ll encounter unexpected textures, innovative techniques, and presentations worthy of an art gallery.

Trèsind Studio: A theater of taste for 20 guests

Two Michelin stars and the status of a gastronomic icon in Dubai. Trèsind Studio is not just a restaurant; it’s an immersive theater for 20 spectators, offering only one performance each evening. The main act is a tasting menu consisting of 16 dishes-acts that will take you across India: from Mumbai street food reimagined beyond recognition to forgotten recipes from the royal courts of Rajasthan. Each serving is a story told by the chef, and every dish is a discovery.

• Perfect for: The most special occasion, where price doesn’t matter and impressions are everything.

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Carnival by Trèsind: A festival of imagination

A brighter, more playful, and creative project from the creators of Trèsind. "Carnival" fully lives up to its name: here, an atmosphere of fantasy and endless celebration reigns. The menu, built around the concept of "seasons," constantly surprises guests with creative fusion, while the cocktail list resembles an alchemist's laboratory. Expect edible "rocks," smoking spheres, and flavors you never imagined.

• Perfect for: Dinner with friends who want to experiment and get a burst of vivid emotions.

Indian accent Dubai: a global take on Indian classics

A branch of the legendary brand that has captivated foodies around the world. Chef Manish Mehrotra masterfully juggles familiar Indian flavors, combining them with the world's finest ingredients and techniques. This is cuisine for the discerning palate: imagine a potato sphere of "chaat" that bursts in your mouth with a thousand textures, or a classic "chettinad" duck served alongside the most tender foie gras.

• Perfect for: An elegant date or an important business dinner, designed to leave a lasting impression.

Modern interpretations: The soul of India through a chef’s unique vision

Here, renowned chefs share their personal take on Indian cuisine. This isn’t about chasing sensationalism; it’s a deep respect for tradition presented in a contemporary, refined style.

Kinara by Vikas Khanna: a heartfelt dinner from a star chef

The personal project of the celebrated chef Vikas Khanna, whose name is synonymous with modern Indian cuisine. The restaurant fully reflects his philosophy: food should be heartfelt, accessible, yet infused with exquisite, original touches. There’s no unnecessary pomp here, and the serene atmosphere overlooking the gardens invites you to enjoy a leisurely meal. Be sure to try his signature Shakarkandi ki Chaat—a sweet potato chaat that perfectly balances homely comfort with haute gastronomy.

• Ideal for: A calm and memorable evening when you crave quality without unnecessary complexity.

The premier league of classics: Luxury of tradition in palace interiors

These restaurants are veritable palaces, where centuries-old culinary traditions of India are presented amidst impeccable service and the lavish interiors of five-star hotels. Here, everything speaks of status and respect for heritage.

Amala: Treasures of the Great Mughals' cuisine

Located in the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotel, Amala transports guests back to the opulent banquets of the Great Mughals. Authenticity reigns supreme here: from interiors featuring carved wooden panels and soft lighting to a menu where dishes like the rich lamb curry Nalli Qorma are prepared with historical precision. This is not just dinner—it's an immersion into the golden age of Indian cuisine.

• Perfect for: A luxurious romantic dinner in an atmosphere reminiscent of an oriental fairy tale.

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Varq: Modern chic and impeccable taste

Varq at the Taj Dubai plays by its own rules: here, they prove that classics don't need gilding to shine. The interior is restrained, almost minimalist, ensuring nothing distracts from the main focus—food. And the food here resembles jewelry art: imagine lamb ribs adorned with edible silver leaf ("varq"), or a palette of several lentil varieties presented as a contemporary art installation. This is a respectable atmosphere for those who value substance over superficiality.

• Perfect for: A special-occasion dinner for connoisseurs of aesthetics and modern design.

Little Miss India: A dinner with a story

Get ready for a dinner hosted by Little Miss India—a fictional yet incredibly charming hostess who seems to have traveled across India, collecting the best recipes in her whimsical home. The legend comes alive in every detail: from the vibrant, eclectic décor reminiscent of a colonial mansion, to the spice truck right in the dining area. This warm, slightly theatrical ambiance, according to thousands of enthusiastic reviews, is the main secret ingredient that captivates visitors from the very first visit.

• Perfect for: An atmospheric get-together with friends or a family celebration in an unusual setting.

The heart of India in Dubai: Authentic classics for every day

The foundation of Dubai's gastronomic scene lies in restaurants where you can taste genuine, unaltered Indian cuisine. These places are beloved by both Indian expats and tourists eager to experience authentic culture at an affordable price.

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Khazana by Sanjeev Kapoor: A guarantee of quality from a legend

In India, everyone knows the name Sanjeev Kapoor. His restaurant is an island of stability and predictably high quality. Here you’ll find impeccably prepared classics that are familiar and beloved by millions. The chef’s brand serves as a solid guarantee of authenticity and flavor, so feel free to bring along anyone trying Indian cuisine for the first time.

• Perfect for: A family dinner or your first introduction to Indian cuisine when you want to be confident about the quality.

Flavours of India: Classics at an honest price

Reliable and straightforward, just like a recipe from your favorite grandmother. Flavours Of India offers exactly the North Indian classics you’ve been looking for: rich and creamy butter chicken, fragrant lamb biryani, and melt-in-your-mouth naan bread fresh from the tandoor. No surprises or experiments—only time-tested favorites at an honest price. The perfect spot for a hearty family lunch.

• Perfect for: A filling family lunch or dinner.

iZ: Casual family atmosphere

iZ is a place where locals feel right at home. It’s a small family café that focuses on dishes cooked on the grill and in the tandoor. Their main highlight is the open kitchen, where you can watch juicy kebabs sizzling over the fire and fish browning in a spicy marinade. The atmosphere here is supremely relaxed: come in whatever’s comfortable, order plenty of diverse food "to share," and enjoy it with friends.

• Perfect for: Everyday dinners and gatherings with friends.

How to choose your ideal Indian restaurant in Dubai?

To help you navigate, we’ve compiled key information into one convenient table. Just decide what kind of experience you're looking for tonight!

Your journey through the flavors of India begins

Indian cuisine in Dubai is like a mirror reflecting the city itself: its history, its cosmopolitan spirit, and its bold ambitions. From sophisticated world-class tasting menus to heartwarming dishes at an affordable family restaurant, Dubai offers Indian cuisine to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. The evolution of the local gastronomic scene fully reflects the development of the emirate itself: from an expat hub to a global hotspot setting worldwide trends in luxury and innovation.

We hope our guide will help you find not just any restaurant, but that very dish whose taste you'll take home with you as one of your main memories of Dubai. Enjoy your meal, or as they say in India, kripaya bhojan kā ānand lijiyē.