Dubai does business lunch differently. While half the world is still grabbing a sad sandwich at the desk, here people close million-dirham deals between the appetiser and the main course. The trick is finding places that look impressive but still let you hear the conversation, serve food fast enough for tight schedules, and – crucially – won’t have your guest staring at a bill that needs its own financing round. After years of being dragged to (and hosting) these lunches, here are the tables that consistently work.
World Arabia: Explore the Key Points of Arab Life
World Arabia keeps its editorial pulse in the thick of downtown Dubai, right where the Burj Khalifa scrapes the sky and every second person you bump into is either closing a deal or just flew in to close one. Our magazine is the media outfit that’s been mapping out the city’s power lunches for years, so the team knows exactly which tables get booked solid when something big is brewing. They’re the ones quietly pointing out where the real conversations happen over coffee or a quick plate, without turning it into a circus.
Being based here means they’re steps away from the spots everyone name-drops, giving them a front-row seat to how Dubai actually does midday business – the handshakes that start at noon and the quiet corners where NDAs get skimmed between courses. It’s not flashy tourist stuff; it’s the kind of insider lens that comes from sitting in those same rooms week after week, watching who sits where and why.
Top 14 Places For Business Lunch In Dubai
We offer a list of best restaurants to opt for when it comes to a business lunch in Dubai. Different locations, menu, and vibes are included for a greater choice.
1. Cipriani
Cipriani sits right in the middle of Dubai’s financial district, pulling in folks who need a spot that feels put-together without trying too hard. This place draws from old-school Italian roots, but it’s all about keeping things straightforward – think plates that land on the table warm and ready, with enough quiet to talk shop. Staff move around like they’ve got the room’s rhythm down, not hovering but always there if a drink needs topping up. It’s one of those venues where the terrace catches the afternoon light just right, letting conversations stretch without the rush.
Inside, the setup nods to 1930s elegance with wood accents and soft seating that makes longer lunches bearable. Outdoor tables overlook the skyline, adding a layer of city pulse without the noise. They handle groups smoothly, from quick two-tops to bigger tables for team catch-ups, and the menu sticks to classics that don’t demand much explanation. It’s practical for days when the morning ran long and the afternoon’s stacked.
Key Highlights:
- Menu includes beef carpaccio with a light dressing, creamy baked tagliolini, spring risotto with seafood, and vanilla meringue for dessert
- Terrace seating with DIFC views
- Indoor spaces with plush furnishings and nautical touches
- Valet parking available
- Flexible areas for business gatherings
Who it’s best for:
- Finance pros needing a central spot close to offices
- Teams hosting low-key client meets
- Anyone after Italian staples in a polished setting
- Groups that value attentive but unobtrusive service
Contacts:
- Website: www.ciprianidubai.com
- E-mail: dubai@cipriani.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ciprianidxb
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/CiprianiDubai
- Phone: +971 4 347 0003
2. Elaia Dubai
Elaia occupies a prime spot on Pier 7, where the water laps close enough to notice during a lull in talk. It leans into Mediterranean vibes – Greek and Italian mixed – with dishes that come out fresh and portioned for sharing if that’s the play. The crowd here mixes locals with visitors, but it stays steady, not chaotic, even on busier days. Views stretch across the marina, turning a standard meal into something with a bit more backdrop, and the terrace lets in that sea breeze without the full sun blast.
The indoor area keeps it modern with open counters for watching the kitchen hum, and a wine setup that pairs simply with whatever’s on the plate. Pizzas hit the table crisp, pastas handmade but not fussy, and seafood shows up bright from the counter. It’s set up for efficiency – orders move quick, and the bar area shifts gears later if lunch runs over. One thing that stands out is how the space balances open energy with pockets for private chats.
Key Highlights:
- Accent on Italian-Greek dishes like wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and fresh seafood
- Business lunch runs Monday to Friday, 12 to 3 p.m.
- Outdoor terrace and indoor seating with marina skyline views
- Curated wine list featuring Italian and Greek options
- Open seafood counter for watching prep
Who it’s best for:
- Colleagues wanting a relaxed waterfront break
- Clients from out of town who like scenic distractions
- Smaller groups sharing plates over easy conversation
- Folks pairing lunch with a quick harbor stroll after
Contacts:
- Website: www.elaiadubai.com
- E-mail: reservations@elaiadubai.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/elaiadubai
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/elaiadubai
- Address: 4th Floor, Pier 7, Dubai Marina
- Phone: +971 58 978 1000
3. Zuma
Zuma pulls people into its orbit with that sleek Japanese edge, tucked away in a spot that’s walkable from key offices. The business lunch setup – called Ebisu – keeps it snappy, with set options or full menu picks for those dragging it out. Plates arrive balanced, from bites to bowls, and the bar nearby means drinks flow without breaking stride. It’s got that hum of activity, but tables are spaced to cut chatter bleed, making it workable for hashing out details.
The design plays with levels and lights, creating zones that feel connected yet separate – upstairs for broader views, down for closer quarters. Signature rolls and grilled items anchor the menu, simple enough to order on autopilot. Service hits a groove between sharp and casual, anticipating needs like extra soy without fanfare. Evenings shift to events, but midday stays focused on the meal at hand, with enough polish to leave a solid impression.
Key Highlights:
- Ebisu Business Lunch menu with signature Japanese dishes, Monday to Friday 12 to 3 p.m.
- Option for a la carte during the same hours
- AED 159 per person for the set lunch
- Multi-level seating with city views
- Bar counter access for quick drinks
Who it’s best for:
- Deal-makers after efficient, flavorful bites
- International teams blending work with culture
- Pairs or trios keeping things concise
- Anyone in the area eyeing Japanese without the full commitment
Contacts:
- Website: www.zumarestaurant.com
- E-mail: reservations@zumarestaurant.ae
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/zumadubai
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/zuma
- Address: Gate Village 06, DIFC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Phone: +971 4 425 5660
4. Chic Nonna
Chic Nonna fits right into the DIFC maze where everyone pretends they’re not checking emails between bites. The place keeps the Italian grandma vibe but updates it with sharper lighting and bigger wine glasses than Nonna ever owned. Tables turn fast enough for real lunch hours, and the kitchen sends out pastas and seafood that don’t need twenty minutes of explanation. It’s one of those rooms where the noise level stays civilized – you can actually hear the person across from you without shouting.
Staff know the drill: water refills happen, plates clear themselves, and nobody hovers like they’re waiting for a tip confession. The terrace catches whatever breeze is going and gives a straight view of the gate buildings, handy when someone wants to point out their office “right over there.” It works for the usual mix – quick partner catch-ups or longer client feeds that still wrap before the parking meter explodes.
Key Highlights:
- Handmade pastas and seafood-heavy Italian menu
- Indoor-outdoor setup with DIFC terrace views
- Service geared toward fast table turnover
- Wine list that covers the usual Italian regions
Who it’s best for:
- Finance crowd staying within walking distance
- First-time client lunches that need to look effortless
- Groups who want proper Italian without the full dinner commitment
- Anyone who appreciates a room that stays busy but never chaotic
Contacts:
- Website: www.chicnonna.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/chicnonnadubai
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/mine-and-yours-group
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/chicnonnadubai
- Address: Gate Avenue at DIFC, Sheikh Zayed Rd – Zaa’beel Second – DIFC – Dubai – UAE
- Phone: TEL: +971 4605 2000
5. Alaya
Alaya hides a bit off the main DIFC drag and leans into Levantine flavors with a modern twist – think grape leaves next to wagyu and nobody bats an eye. The business lunch set runs three or four courses, so people can pick how deep they want to go depending on the diary. Portions land in the middle ground: enough to feel fed but not so much you’re napping at 3 p.m.
The room mixes plush seating with warm lighting, and the music stays low enough that you’re not competing with it. Service moves at city pace – plates arrive together, coffee shows up when it should. Downstairs turns into a lounge later, but midday it’s all about the food and the deal on the table.
Key Highlights:
- Set menu mixing Middle Eastern and Mediterranean plates
- Three or four-course options weekdays only
- Opulent interior with softer acoustics
- Easy shift from lunch to after-work drinks downstairs
Who it’s best for:
- Teams that like sharing plates family-style
- Regional clients who want familiar flavors done properly
- Longer lunches where the conversation needs space to breathe
- People bored of the usual steak-and-fish rotation
Contacts:
- Website: alayarestaurants.com
- E-mail: reservations@alaya-dubai.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/alayadubai
- Address: Dubai International Financial Center – Gate Village 4 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Phone: +9714 570 6289
6. Shanghai Me
Shanghai Me plays the 1930s glamour card hard – dark wood, red accents, the whole mood. The business lunch pulls from Chinese and Japanese classics but keeps the choices simple enough to order without a ten-minute debate. Cod with yuzu miso, beef in ginger soy, decent dim sum to kick things off – nothing shocks, everything lands hot.
Private corners and booths make it easy to talk numbers without the next table listening in. The everyday lunch window runs right through the afternoon slump, and staff keep the pace brisk when you signal it’s time to wrap. Add dessert if the meeting went well; skip it if the numbers didn’t.
Key Highlights:
- Three-course Pan-Asian set with soup, starter, main
- Daily lunch window from noon to three
- Plenty of booths and quieter pockets
- Zodiac-themed cocktails if lunch runs long
Who it’s best for:
- Creative agencies and tech crews who like the vibe
- Visitors wanting Asian flavors in a polished package
- Smaller groups needing discreet corners
- Anyone who enjoys a bit of theater with their rice
Contacts:
- Website: shanghaime-restaurant.com
- E-mail: reservation@shanghaime-restaurant.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shanghaimedxb
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Shanghaimedxb
- Address: DIFC, Gate Village Building 11. Dubai, U.A.E.
- Phone: +971 4 564 0505
7. Mama Zonia
Mama Zonia sits up on Pier 7 with the marina sprawled out below like someone spilled a yacht catalog. The jungle theme could feel forced somewhere else, but here the greenery and wood actually cool the place down when the sun’s hammering the terrace. Four courses roll out quick – sushi bits, grilled meats, some plant-heavy options – nothing too heavy for the heat.
Tables outside catch the breeze and the view, inside stays darker and louder once the music kicks in later. The weekday lunch crowd is mostly office escapees who want something different from the usual sandwich run. Service keeps smiling even when the kitchen’s busy, and the set price means nobody’s doing the awkward bill dance.
Key Highlights:
- Four-course fusion menu with Amazonian touches
- Weekdays noon to three window
- Big terrace overlooking the marina yachts
- Mix of seafood, meats, and veggie plates
Who it’s best for:
- Marina-based teams needing a change of scene
- Out-of-town guests who want water views with the meal
- Groups that don’t mind a livelier backdrop
- Anyone after decent variety without breaking the bank
Contacts:
- Website: mamazoniadubai.com
- E-mail: reservations@mamazonia.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mamazoniadxb
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mamazoniadxb
- Address: Pier 7, 2nd Floor, Dubai Marina, UAE
- Phone: +971 58 559 5338
8. Sexy Fish
Sexy Fish lands in DIFC with the kind of over-the-top decor that makes people either love it or roll their eyes – Damien Hirst pieces on the walls, fish tanks everywhere, and a terrace staring straight at the Burj Khalifa. The Kanso business lunch keeps things simple on paper: Japanese plates, sushi, sashimi, stuff from the robata grill. It moves fast enough for real meetings, and the terrace is the move when the weather isn’t trying to cook you.
Inside feels like a late-night bar that accidentally opened at noon, but the tables are spaced so you’re not sharing your pitch with the neighbors. Staff handle the chaos without breaking a sweat, and the food shows up looking sharp even when the kitchen is slammed. It’s loudish, flashy, and unapologetic – exactly what some people want when they’re trying to close something big.
Key Highlights:
- Japanese menu with sushi, sashimi, seafood, and robata items
- Terrace with direct Burj Khalifa views
- Art-heavy interiors and big fish tanks
- Lunch window Monday to Friday noon to three
Who it’s best for:
- Clients who get a kick out of bold interiors
- Creative industries that don’t want boring hotel dining
- Groups okay with a bit of noise and spectacle
- Anyone who wants Japanese without the hushed temple vibe
Contacts:
- Website: sexyfishdubai.me
- E-mail: info.dubai@sexyfish.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sexyfishdxb
- Address: Level 11, Innovation One, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Phone: +971 4 381 9000
9. CLAP
CLAP sits up on the rooftop podium in DIFC and does contemporary Japanese with the volume turned up a notch. The three-course business lunch is straightforward – pick your starters, mains, dessert, done. Plates lean bold: spicy tuna rolls, miso black cod, wagyu sliders if you feel like it. The outdoor terrace is the real draw when it’s not summer; inside stays lively with the open kitchen and DJ booth that hasn’t woken up yet at lunchtime.
Service runs smooth and quick, which matters when half the table is sneaking glances at their phone. It’s got enough energy to feel different from the usual steakhouse loop, but the food is solid enough that nobody complains.
Key Highlights:
- Three-course contemporary Japanese set menu
- Rooftop location with indoor-outdoor seating
- Open kitchen and upbeat atmosphere
- Weekday lunch until 3:30 p.m.
Who it’s best for:
- Younger teams or startup crowds
- Meetings that could use some rooftop air
- Japanese food fans who don’t want stuffy service
- Groups up to fourteen without splitting hairs
Contacts:
- Website: claprestaurant.com
- Instagram: www.facebook.com/clapdubai
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/clapdubai
- Address: Dubai International Financial Centre, Gate Village Building 11, level 9, Dubai, AE
- Phone: (04) 871 8500
10. ROKA
ROKA hides inside The Opus building and keeps the robata grill front and center. The business lunch gives two tiers – classic or premium – both starting with sharing plates like the iceberg lettuce salad everyone orders anyway, then moving to grilled fish, lamb cutlets, or the baby chicken that actually tastes like something. It’s relaxed enough that you’re not whispering, but the noise never drowns the conversation.
The room has that warm wood and low-light thing going on, and the flow from bar to tables works whether you’re two or six. Staff know the menu cold and keep things moving without rushing you out the door.
Key Highlights:
- Robata-focused Japanese with classic and premium set options
- Sharing starters and grilled mains
- Sunday to Friday from noon onward
- Semi-private dining room for bigger groups
Who it’s best for:
- Teams who already know they want the black cod
- Mixed groups splitting between fish and meat
- Longer lunches that might roll into drinks
- Anyone within walking distance of Business Bay
Contacts:
- Website: www.rokarestaurant.com
- E-mail: reservations@rokarestaurant.ae
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/azumi-limited
- Address: The Opus by Omniyat – Level 1, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
- Phone: +971 4 439 7171
11. MINA Brasserie
MINA Brasserie sits inside the Four Seasons DIFC and plays the European brasserie card without getting stuck-up about it. The business lunch pulls from the regular menu – tuna tartare, crab spaghetti, decent steaks – and the terrace looks straight at the Burj when the weather behaves. Inside feels like a proper grown-up restaurant, the kind where jackets aren’t mandatory but nobody shows up in flip-flops either.
Plates come out timed right for actual conversations, and the service strikes that hotel sweet spot: attentive but not in your face. It’s the safe pick when you’re not sure what the client actually eats but you know they expect cloth napkins.
Key Highlights:
- French-Mediterranean brasserie dishes with seasonal touches
- Weekday business lunch window noon to three
- Terrace seating with Burj views
- Full bar if the meeting needs a proper finish
Who it’s best for:
- Traditional finance and legal crowds
- First meetings where nobody wants surprises
- Hotel guests or anyone staying nearby
- Steak-and-seafood people who like things done properly
Contacts:
- Website: www.minabrasserie.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/minabrasseriedubai
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/MINAbrasserie
- Address: Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre GF, Gate Village, Trade Centre, DIFC
- Phone: +971 (0) 4 270 7960
12. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon pulls in a crowd that knows their way around a set menu. The business lunch wraps up by 2:30, so it’s geared for people who can’t linger past the coffee. Starters range from burrata with tomatoes to beef tartare, and mains hit French classics like grilled salmon or Wagyu beef cheek, with options to mix and match courses. The counter seating gives a view into the kitchen action, which keeps things interesting without pulling focus from the table talk.
The room stays crisp and efficient, with white linens and that quiet hum of silverware that signals things are under control. Staff handle add-ons like foie gras or black cod without batting an eye, and the wine list sticks to solid whites and reds that pair without overthinking. It’s the kind of spot where the portions leave you satisfied but not stuffed, perfect for jumping back into emails.
Key Highlights:
- Set menus combining starter, main, and optional dessert
- French dishes including poached egg carbonara, snails, and slow-cooked beef
- Kitchen counter and table seating
- Short lunch window Monday to Friday
Who it’s best for:
- Chefs and food pros who spot the technique
- Quick power lunches near the Trade Centre
- Pairs debating over wine pairings mid-meal
- Anyone who wants French without the full tasting menu price
Contacts:
- Website: atelier-robuchon.ae
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/atelier_robuchondubai
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/latelierjoelrobuchondubai
- Address: Gate Village 11 / Podium Level Al Boursa Street (Valet Service) DIFC Dubai UAE
- Phone: +971 56 992 1708
13. Avli by tashas
Avli by tashas occupies a spot that’s easy to reach from most central offices. The business lunch picks up with mezze like prawn salad or calamari, then moves to mains such as grilled sea bream or moussaka, all wrapped in two courses if you skip dessert. It’s Greek through and through – fresh herbs, yogurt dips, that kind of straightforward comfort that doesn’t demand a fork seminar. The flow works for groups sharing plates without the bill fight.
Seating spreads inside with a nod to those old Athens courtyards, open enough for hellos but tucked for side chats. Service keeps it light, refilling water and clearing as you go, and the add-on beers or wines fit if the meeting needs a casual close. Desserts like pavlova wait if things run sweet, but most folks wrap clean.
Key Highlights:
- Two-course Greek menu with mezze and mains
- Options like chicken souvlaki, beef skewers, and orzo pasta
- Indoor courtyard-style layout
- Weekday service until three
Who it’s best for:
- Marketing teams that like sharing small plates
- Mediterranean fans near Al Wasl Road
- Casual client intros over tzatziki
- Groups who appreciate the herb-forward flavors
Contacts:
- Website: www.avlibytashas.com
- E-mail: info@avlibytashas.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/avlibytashas
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/avlibytashas
- Address: Unit C01, Gate Village Building 9, DIFC, Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 359 0008
14. Cé La Vi
Cé La Vi perches on the 54th floor of Address Sky View in Downtown, where the view alone handles half the small talk. The Michelin-approved lunch runs three courses of modern Asian – think dim sum starters, robata-grilled mains, maybe a coconut dessert to finish. It’s set up for skyline distractions that break up the pitch, but the tables are wide enough for laptops if needed. The space shifts from day to night, but midday it’s all windows and white space.
Up here, the elevator ride sets the tone, and the breeze on the terrace cuts the heat when it’s open. Staff navigate the high-traffic without missing beats, and the menu holds steady for dietary swaps. It’s got that award buzz from the voters, but mostly it’s the height that sticks with people after.
Key Highlights:
- Three-course modern Asian set
- Rooftop terrace with city panorama
- Live elements and bar transition later
- Daily from noon, no holidays
Who it’s best for:
- Deal closers who let the view seal it
- Out-of-towners needing a Dubai postcard moment
- Creative directors eyeing the skyline for inspo
- Larger tables that spill into the lounge vibe
Contacts:
- Website: dxb.celavi.com
- E-mail: events-dxb@celavi.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/celavidubai
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/celavi
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/celavidubai
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the best business lunch in Dubai is the one where the food shows up hot, the conversation flows without shouting, and nobody has to fake enthusiasm for another overpriced salad. Some spots give you the skyline, others give you quiet corners or plates you actually want to finish – pick whatever matches the mood of the meeting.
What hits home every time is how fast these lunches turn into the part of the day people remember. A quick bite in the right room can shift a maybe into a yes, or at least make the no feel less painful. Keep a couple of these places in your back pocket, rotate depending on who’s across the table, and you’ll never waste another midday staring at a sad desk sandwich again.