Best-of Guides Dubai

The Best Dubai Restaurants for Solo Diners

5 Restaurants
When it comes to solo dining, it can usually be perceived as an uncomfortable or daunting experience; however, in most cases, it is actually quite an enjoyable one, once the initial worry subsides. MICHELIN Inspectors, who tend to dine alone more than anyone, have narrowed down some of the best spots in Dubai to eat solo. Discover their recommended list below!
Updated on 21 December 2023
Jun's
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai
$$$ · Asian

Located in the swish Downtown area of the city, this MICHELIN-selected restaurant run by Kelvin Cheung, who is bursting with personality as is his restaurant and its menu. The dishes are fun and different, Char Siu short ribs almost has a cult following and the desserts are flamboyant - mango with tapioca is delicious. Kelvin personally sees that all of his diners are happy visiting every table, pouring some wine or water, chatting to everyone and bringing dishes. There were single diners and many ladies here from the nearby shops, he really is a professional restaurateur and chef!

21 Grams
2nd Floor, Meyan Mall, Al Thanya Street, Dubai
$$ · Balkan

Housed away from the city centre is small upmarket shopping mall, where this restaurant cum café offers diners a lovely, relaxed vibe. Start the day with some delicious breakfast dishes, the grab some classical Balkan dishes, some Mediterranean influences as well, but make sure to save room for desserts: the walnut strudel is a winner. Everything here is fresh, homemade and full of flavour. The owner and patronne Stasha is ever present and is so hands on. Because of the relaxed nature of the restaurant it is appealing to shoppers popping in for a snack or a full meal. The whole atmosphere is very conducive to single dining.

L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Gate Village 11, DIFC, Dubai
$$$ · French Contemporary

Located in Gate Village DIFC, this restaurant is in the heart where creativity, commerce and cuisine come together in a fascinating space. A large public space where diners can also visit art galleries and commercial spaces. Here, Joel Robuchon offers a very "soignèe" atmosphere to put it in French. Refined context that plays on the colors red and black, solo guests can choose to eat directly on the counter in front of the kitchen to directly see the chefs at work or opt for the beautiful outdoor terrace.

Kinoya
The Onyx Tower 2, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
$ · Japanese

An authentic Japanese Izakaya with wood and paper screens and located in the Onyx Tower in The Greens. In this restaurant, solo diners can choose where to sit: at the ramen counter, at the chef's table, in the lounge, at the outdoor tables or in one of the two highly appreciated tatami rooms to taste fun and authentic Japanese cuisine. The ramen are a "must" of the place and are unmissable; There is also sushi, tempura and many other classic dishes prepared simply but with excellent care and good ingredients.

Hōseki
Bulgari Resort Dubai Hotel, 4th Floor, Jumeirah Bay Island, Jumeirah 2, Dubai
$$$$ · Japanese

A place where Italy meets Japan. This refined Japanese restaurant, inside the luxurious Bulgari Resort Dubai. If it is true that there is also a kind of privèe room, it is equally true that the main seats are right at the L-shaped counter where solo diners can sit for a very high level experience, even gratified by the beautiful night view of one of the many skylines of Dubai (the room is in fact on the fourth floor). Practically, for every three customers there is a chef in front, who prepares and serves the delicious Japanese delicacies from the tasting menu (two versions, long or very long), describing them with generosity of detail. A unique experience for only nine – ten customers at a time.