Dubai

3 MIN
A rooftop restaurant with wicker chairs and wooden tables overlooks a city skyline at sunset, featuring the Burj Khalifa in the center and a floral arch on the right.

Here are the best places in Dubai to take your clients for a formal lunch or trendy aperitif.

Jacopo Crivellaro

He is counsel at Baker McKenzie’s Dubai office, where he mainly deals with international taxation and wealth planning for HNWIs and family offices. He is licensed to practice law in New York, England, and the DIFC. Originally from Verona, he has been living in Dubai for two years now.

A working breakfast – Delizie Caffè Gourmet

Located at the Dubai Harbour Yacht Club, this is the perfect place to start your working day, perhaps after enjoying one of the many sporting or maritime activities the city has to offer, such as a run at Kite Beach, stand-up paddleboarding or e-foiling at The Palm. The sweet breakfast is exquisite and the exclusive atmosphere of the marina provides the ideal setting for discussing business while admiring the city’s most prestigious marina.

An hour alone in a beautiful place – The Café

Il Caffé at the Bulgari Resort strikes the perfect balance between luxury and tranquility. Located on Jumeirah Bay Island, the artificial island shaped like a seahorse, it is the ideal retreat for finishing a presentation, reading important documents, or simply relaxing before your next meeting. The exclusive setting and impeccable service guarantee the privacy you need for moments of strategic reflection.

A formal lunch with a client – Atelier Robuchon

In the heart of Dubai’s financial center, the DIFC, Atelier Robuchon is synonymous with culinary refinement for high-level business lunches. French tradition blends perfectly with modern elegance under the direction of Italian chef Roberto Torre. Attentive and discreet service, combined with the quality of the cuisine, helps to consolidate professional relationships. A strategic advantage is its location: considering Dubai’s complex traffic, being able to reach the restaurant on foot from the office area is priceless.

A relaxing lunch – Orfali Bros

Voted the best restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa by San Pellegrino’s 50 Best Restaurants guide, it offers modern cuisine that reflects the gastronomic evolution of the Emirates.

The informal but refined atmosphere is perfect for relaxing lunches where you can chat freely. The innovative fusion dishes, which combine Asian flavors with Middle Eastern elements, make every visit authentic. Ideal for a long break, especially before a relaxing afternoon and then heading to the nearby beaches of Dubai.

A trendy aperitif – Honeycomb Hi-Fi

Hidden away in Business Bay, this Japanese izakaya-style speakeasy is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. With its entrance concealed behind a vinyl record store, its underground atmosphere, and its obsessive attention to detail in cocktail preparation, it’s perfect for aperitifs that are out of the ordinary. The food menu, with its strong emphasis on Asian flavors, completes an experience that wins you over with its originality. Don’t miss the music, with DJs entertaining guests with the latest beats.

An ideal place for informal meetings – The Espresso Lab

Located in the lively Dubai Design District, it represents the excellence of specialty coffee in a creative and stimulating environment. Just a stone’s throw from the Dubai Fashion Institute and only 15-20 minutes from Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai, it is the perfect place to meet colleagues or partners in a relaxed atmosphere. The various types of iced coffee are not to be missed, as is the creative energy that permeates this cutting-edge neighborhood.

A dinner to intrigue – Filia

On the 70th floor of the SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences tower, with spectacular views of Business Bay and the skyline, every dinner becomes an unforgettable experience. The dizzying height offers a unique perspective on the illuminated city, creating a magical atmosphere that will amaze any guest. It offers an excellent Italian menu, including delicious fish dishes and classic traditions, with a fine selection of wines. Don’t forget the cocktail bar on the 71st floor of the same tower.

A gourmet dinner – Tresind Studio

Located on The Palm, this three-Michelin-star restaurant takes contemporary Indian cuisine to new heights of excellence. The enchanting service accompanies guests on a journey of discovery through dishes from various Indian regions, reinterpreted with modern mastery. Signature cocktails and cuisine accessible even to novices, without excessive spices. An experience that is worth a trip to Dubai in itself, regardless of work commitments.

The latest trendy spot – The Cullinan

The new gem of Marsa Al Arab, recently opened on Dubai’s prestigious coastline not far from the Burj Al Arab, represents the latest frontier in luxury dining. With a range of innovative offerings spanning international cuisine and a particular emphasis on meat dishes, it has quickly become the go-to place for those who want to keep up with Dubai’s most exclusive trends.

The place to be and be seen – Gigi

The epicenter of Dubai’s exclusive nightlife, J1 Beach is where networking and fun come together to experience the most glamorous side of Dubai on weekends. Gigi Rigolatto stands out in this new area, a sophisticated beach bar/restaurant inspired by the luxury of the French Riviera. With an Italian menu and international seafood dishes that satisfy curious palates, it is the ideal place to spend a memorable afternoon or evening.

(Article taken from the July-August 2025 issue of We Wealth.

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