There’s no shortage of Indian restaurants in Dubai, but not all of them hit the mark. Some lean traditional, others experiment, but the best ones strike that rare balance – familiar enough to comfort you, surprising enough to keep you coming back.
From laid-back spots that serve up seriously good daal to refined places where every plate feels like a story, Indian cuisine in this city is having a moment. Whether you’re here for the heat, the richness, or just a really well-made dosa, these restaurants deserve a place on your list.
A Cultural Lens on Food: Our Perspective at World-Arabia
At World-Arabia, we don’t just explore what’s trending – we dig into what makes it meaningful. For us, Indian cuisine in Dubai isn’t just about flavors or presentation. It’s about how culture travels, adapts, and stays rooted at the same time. Whether it’s a family-run spot in Karama or a fine-dining venue on Sheikh Zayed Road, every restaurant tells a bigger story about tradition, migration, and identity. We see food as part of the broader lifestyle conversation that shapes this city – much like fashion, art, or architecture.
That’s why we keep coming back to Indian dining spots when covering Dubai’s evolving cultural landscape. They offer more than a good meal – they offer a glimpse into how heritage can stay alive in a fast-paced, global city. When we write about wellness, places, or design, we’re often reminded that the best experiences are the ones that feel personal. And honestly, few things feel more personal than the smell of fresh curry leaves or the sound of a sizzling tandoor behind the counter.
Leading Indian Restaurants to Check Out in Dubai
Dubai’s Indian food scene is as diverse as it is dynamic. From high-rise dining rooms with curated tasting menus to hotel-based classics that keep things steady, the city has a mix of restaurants that suit different tastes without forcing a one-size-fits-all approach. Some focus on regional authenticity, others lean into modern reinvention, and a few just aim to do the basics well in a comfortable setting. Here’s a look at the most standout options that approach Indian cuisine in very different, but equally thoughtful ways.
1. Jamavar
Jamavar is part of a global restaurant group known for high-end Indian dining, and their Dubai outpost follows that same direction. Set in the Address Residences in the Opera District, the interior mixes luxury design elements with Indian cultural motifs, offering a formal space that leans into visual drama. The kitchen is led by a Culinary Director who pulls recipes and styles from both northern and southern India, resulting in a menu that covers a broad regional range with a focus on presentation and refinement.
This isn’t a casual dining spot. The structure of the meal, the service, and even the plating all lean upscale. It’s the kind of place that builds an experience around the food rather than just serving it. While the restaurant carries a Michelin star, the emphasis feels more on consistency and precision than trend-chasing. Guests should expect familiar Indian flavors, but through a high-end lens that focuses on detail.
Key Highlights:
- Located in Dubai’s Opera District
- Formal fine dining setup with pan-Indian menu
- Michelin-starred restaurant
- Interior inspired by the Viceroy’s house in New Delhi
- Indoor dining, bar area, and outdoor terrace
Best For:
- Special occasions or formal dinners
- Guests looking for Michelin-recognized Indian cuisine
- Pan-Indian tasting menus in an upscale setting
- Travelers or residents exploring refined regional dishes
- Business dinners in Downtown Dubai
Contacts:
- Website: jamavarrestaurants.com
- E-mail: reservations@jamavardubai.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jamavardubai
- Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
- Phone: +971 (0) 4 553 7852
2. Chokhi Dhani
Chokhi Dhani brings a very different vibe to Indian dining in Dubai. Instead of formality, they focus on atmosphere and immersion, drawing heavily from Rajasthani culture. The restaurant combines regional cuisine with entertainment, handcrafted decor, and retail spaces that sell Indian textiles and crafts. It’s not just about eating here – it’s about the whole environment around the meal.
The menu covers a range of dishes from across India but leans toward traditional recipes and hearty regional plates. There’s also a separate outdoor section styled after Indian street food stalls. Chokhi Dhani feels more like a cultural stop than a typical restaurant, offering a setting where families, groups, or curious diners can get a multi-sensory glimpse of India under one roof.
Key Highlights:
- Focus on traditional Rajasthani and regional Indian food
- Live performances and folk art decor
- Features a craft store and Indian textile shop
- Separate deck area for street food dining
- Located in Al Seef, Dubai
Best For:
- Cultural dining experiences
- Families or large groups
- Guests interested in Indian decor and handicrafts
- Tourists looking for traditional cuisine with entertainment
- Casual dinners with a cultural twist
Contacts:
- Website: www.chokhidhani.ae
- E-mail: info@chokhidhani.ae
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChokhiDhaniDubai
- Twitter: x.com/ChokhiDhani
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/chokhi-dhani
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/chokhidhanidubai
- Address: 7874+Q2, Al Seef St, Dubai
- Phone: +971 43 232425
3. Zafran Indian Kitchen
Zafran is a more modern and laid-back option in Dubai’s Indian dining scene. It’s a homegrown brand that focuses on North-West Frontier cuisine and offers a more everyday kind of experience. Their branches are located in malls like Dubai Hills and City Centre Mirdif, making them easy to reach for locals and shoppers. The design is clean, the food is familiar, and the prices are reasonable for what’s on offer.
The menu sticks mostly to popular northern Indian staples, with a few southern dishes added for variety. You won’t find theatrical presentation or elaborate storytelling here, but what you will get is solid food, fast service, and a reliable place to bring friends or family when you want something satisfying without the extras. It’s efficient, clear, and focused.
Key Highlights:
- Casual Indian restaurant with multiple UAE locations
- Menu rooted in North-West Frontier cuisine
- Simple interiors with quick service
- Known for biryani, curries, and grilled meats
- Delivery and takeaway available
Best For:
- Quick casual Indian meals
- Shoppers or families dining in malls
- Regular weekday lunches or dinners
- People looking for familiar Indian dishes without fine dining
- Group dining with reliable service and no-frills setup
Contacts:
- Website: zafranrestaurants.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ZafranIndianKitchen
- Address: Mirdif City Centre, Level 1, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd, Dubai
- Phone: +971 56 188 4739
4. Asha’s Restaurant
Asha’s brings together North-West Indian cuisine with a polished international setting. With multiple locations worldwide, their Dubai branch continues the brand’s original goal: serving classic Indian dishes with a modern dining sensibility. The menu leans heavily on traditional recipes, but there’s a noticeable emphasis on balance and refinement over novelty. Dishes like butter chicken, mutton curry, and saffron biryani are prepared with attention to detail, while the cocktail list adds an extra layer with Indian-inspired infusions.
The restaurant’s connection to Indian music legend Asha Bhosle is more than just branding. It shapes the atmosphere, which is sleek but grounded in heritage. The space is styled for comfort but doesn’t feel generic. While clearly designed for a global audience, the restaurant still carries that unmistakable connection to India’s culinary roots without over-explaining or over-decorating it. It’s more about consistency and reliability than theatrics.
Key Highlights:
- Located in WAFI City, Dubai
- Global Indian restaurant brand
- North-West Indian cuisine with classic and modern dishes
- Known for signature cocktails and curated menus
- Interior blends tradition and modern hospitality
Best For:
- Group dinners with diverse tastes
- Guests seeking familiar Indian flavors in an upscale format
- Fans of Asha Bhosle looking for a cultural connection
- Business lunches or casual celebrations
- Travelers wanting a consistent, well-known Indian dining option
Contacts:
- Website: ashasrestaurants.com
- E-mail: info@ashasrestaurants.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/AshasOriginal
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashasrestaurant
- Address: Oud Metha Rd, Umm Hurair Second, Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 324 4100
5. Gazebo
Gazebo is one of those places that has quietly built a loyal following over the years without trying to be trendy. With over two decades of presence in the UAE, it focuses on Mughlai-inspired dishes and serves them in a style that feels straightforward but still special. The menu is heavy on tikkas, kebabs, biryanis, and rich gravies, which are all done in a way that doesn’t try too hard to be different. It’s just solid, well-made Indian food.
With multiple branches across Dubai, Gazebo keeps things accessible without dropping the quality. The dining rooms are simple and comfortable, more about efficiency and ease than decor. It’s the kind of place you can visit often without it feeling like a big night out. The consistency and familiarity make it a go-to for many residents who want to get their Indian food fix without much fuss.
Key Highlights:
- Longstanding Indian restaurant brand in the UAE
- Focused on Mughlai and North Indian cuisine
- Offers a large, traditional menu across many outlets
- Dine-in, delivery, and catering options available
Best For:
- Repeat visits for familiar Indian dishes
- Biryani and curry lovers
- Families and casual dining
- Large group orders and catering
- Customers looking for value and consistency
Contacts:
- Website: www.gazebo.ae
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/gazeborestaurant
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gazeborestaurant
- Address: Al Wasl, Al Safa St, Dubai
- Phone: 04 5534580
6. Bombay Bungalow
Bombay Bungalow offers a more relaxed and design-forward take on Indian dining in Dubai. Listed in the Michelin Guide, the restaurant blends bold, flavorful food with a beachfront atmosphere that feels less formal than many fine-dining spots. Their menu includes both traditional staples and updated versions of regional Indian dishes, served in a space that balances style with approachability.
The dining experience here feels more modern in tone, with interiors that mix local design with Indian influences without being over the top. There’s a clear attempt to make the space feel social, even informal, while still delivering carefully prepared food. For those who like the idea of good Indian food without the heavy formality, Bombay Bungalow strikes that middle ground well.
Key Highlights:
- Located by the beach with open, casual interiors
- Michelin Guide listed Indian restaurant
- Mix of traditional and reimagined Indian dishes
- Designed for shared meals and relaxed dining
- Focuses on visual experience and strong flavors
Best For:
- Casual meals with friends or family
- Visitors looking for a modern Indian dining space
- Diners who enjoy a mix of traditional and updated Indian flavors
- Tourists wanting a well-located spot with reliable food
- Social settings without heavy formality
Contacts:
- Website: www.bombaybungalowdxb.com
- Address: Unit 2301, The Beach Mall, in JBR Walk, Dubai
- Phone: 800 692 8779
7. Avatara
Avatara is a vegetarian fine dining restaurant located in Dubai Hills that takes a focused, tasting-menu approach to Indian cuisine. They don’t serve meat or seafood, and that’s entirely by design. Their kitchen leans into lesser-seen regional recipes and turns them into multi-course meals, crafted with care and attention to balance. The head chef, Omkar Walve, builds dishes around traditional vegetarian roots but isn’t afraid to experiment with flavors or structure, often incorporating elements suited for vegan or gluten-free diners.
Unlike many places that treat vegetarian menus as an afterthought, Avatara is built around the idea that plant-based food can stand entirely on its own. The dining experience is quiet, polished, and paced. The interior is refined without being over-decorated, which keeps the focus on what’s being served. It’s a place for people who like to pay attention to their meal and are open to a slower, more layered take on Indian food.
Key Highlights:
- Fully vegetarian tasting menu
- Located in Dubai Hills Estate
- Offers vegan and gluten-free options
- Michelin-starred experience
- Led by award-winning Chef Omkar Walve
Best For:
- Plant-based and vegetarian diners
- Guests who enjoy slow, multi-course meals
- Fine dining without heavy meat or seafood focus
- Foodies interested in non-standard Indian dishes
- Special occasions with a quieter setting
Contacts:
- Website: avatara.ae
- E-mail: avatara@passionfandb.com
- Address: Dubai Hills Estate, Business Park 1 Dubai Hills, Dubai
- Phone: +971 44998000
8. Indego by Vineet
Indego by Vineet is set inside Grosvenor House and brings together modern Indian cooking with a bit of presentation flair. Headed by Vineet Bhatia, the restaurant mixes street-style dishes with more refined plates that draw from regional traditions. While it’s definitely a polished space, the menu still feels grounded. You’ll find things like grilled lobster, cauliflower steak, or creative chaat setups, all served in a way that highlights ingredients without going too far off track.
The space is smart-casual, not overly formal, but still styled to fit the location. Cocktail service is strong, and there’s a private dining area for those who want something more discreet. Indego’s approach is less about reinventing Indian food and more about cleaning it up for a contemporary table. It’s not trying to be edgy – just good, composed, and consistent.
Key Highlights:
- Located at Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina
- Menu designed by Chef Vineet Bhatia
- Mix of classic and modern Indian dishes
- Weekend lunch and dinner service
- Cocktail bar and private dining area
Best For:
- Guests who like modern Indian without it feeling too niche
- Small private events or date nights
- Cocktails with upscale Indian plates
- Fans of Chef Vineet’s approach to flavor
- Business dinners or smart-casual outings
Contacts:
- Website: www.indegobyvineet.com
- E-mail: resbook.grosvenorhouse@theluxurycollectionhotels.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/indegobyvineet
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/indegobyvineet
- Address: Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Phone: +971 4 317 6000
9. Trèsind
Trèsind blends traditional Indian flavors with modern techniques, often using presentation as part of the dining experience. Set at the One&Only Royal Mirage, it has become known for leading Dubai’s “progressive Indian” food scene. The menu is built around creative reinterpretations of familiar ingredients, sometimes introducing non-obvious pairings or experimental plating. It’s not street food, and it’s not strictly traditional either. It lands somewhere in between – ambitious, but still approachable.
The space reflects the same mix: sleek, thoughtful, and meant to feel elevated without crossing into stiff territory. Guests who enjoy layered flavors and don’t mind a bit of storytelling in their meal will likely appreciate the flow. Trèsind doesn’t rush the experience. It’s structured, timed, and designed for those who like dinner to feel like a sequence, not just a meal.
Key Highlights:
- Located at One&Only Royal Mirage
- Focus on “innovative Indian cuisine”
- Recognized in Michelin Guide and Gault & Millau UAE
- Modernist approach to traditional flavors
- Quiet, upscale dining environment
Best For:
- Guests looking for creative Indian food
- Special dinners with a slower pace
- Modern fine dining with Indian flavors
- Culinary tourists interested in tasting menus
- Couples or groups exploring progressive cuisine
Contacts:
- Website: tresind.com
- E-mail: tresind@passionfandb.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tresinddubai
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/tresinddubai
- Address: One&Only Royal Mirage, Arabian Court – Dubai Marina – Dubai
- Phone: 8001604
10. Mumtaz Mahal
Mumtaz Mahal is located inside the Arabian Courtyard Hotel in Bur Dubai and focuses on North Indian and Mughlai dishes. The restaurant runs on a mix of traditional cooking and evening entertainment, with live performances featured most nights. The space itself is themed and leans into classic decor and color, which gives it a slightly nostalgic feel that seems to work well with the menu style. It’s one of those places that doesn’t change much year to year, and that familiarity is part of the draw.
They serve standard regional favorites like biryani, butter chicken, and tandoori plates, alongside a few house specialties. The crowd is a mix of Indian residents, tourists, and hotel guests who want something predictable and solid. The long evening hours and group-focused offerings also make it a common choice for casual events and get-togethers. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be.
Key Highlights:
- Located in Arabian Courtyard Hotel, Bur Dubai
- Serves North Indian and Mughlai dishes
- Themed interior with live music performances
- Open daily for lunch and late-night dinner
- Group offers and event hosting available
Best For:
- Traditional North Indian meals in a classic setup
- Families or groups looking for entertainment with dinner
- Tourists staying in or near Bur Dubai
- Casual gatherings and celebrations
- Late-night Indian dining options
Contacts:
- Website: mumtazmahalrestaurant.com
- E-mail: info@mumtazmahalrestaurant.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mumtazmahalrestaurant
- Address: Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa, Mezzanine Floor, Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai, UAE
- Phone: +971555231639
11. Masti
Masti is a modern Indian restaurant that plays with flavor, presentation, and global influences. It’s based in The Dubai Edition Hotel and operates on a sharing-plate concept that blends Indian spices with non-traditional ingredients. The menu is built around reinterpretations rather than straight-up classics, so don’t expect a standard butter chicken. Instead, think fusion dishes with recognizable roots but a different feel altogether.
The restaurant also puts a lot of effort into its bar, with a big gin selection and a cocktail menu that reflects the same experimental approach. The space is colorful and modern, not overly polished, and the overall atmosphere leans toward casual-luxe. Masti isn’t trying to appeal to traditionalists. It’s more suited for diners who are open to seeing how far Indian food can stretch while still keeping its identity.
Key Highlights:
- Located in The Dubai Edition Hotel, Downtown
- Indian-inspired global menu with fusion dishes
- Emphasis on shared plates and cocktails
- Modern interior with casual vibe
- Michelin Guide listed
Best For:
- Foodies looking for something off the traditional path
- Gin lovers and cocktail-focused evenings
- Social dinners with friends
- Travelers interested in New India-style cuisine
- Casual upscale nights out
Contacts:
- Website: www.mastidubai.com
- E-mail: info@mastidubai.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mastidubai
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mastidubai
- Address: 1st floor, The Dubai Edition Hotel, Downtown, Dubai
- Phone: 043-444-384
12. iZ
iZ is based at the Grand Hyatt Dubai and offers a simplified take on North Indian food with a modern setup. The menu includes staples like tandoori grills, curries, and breads, and they focus on clean execution rather than heavy reinvention. It’s not a large or overly designed space, and that seems intentional. The open kitchen and live cooking stations are central to the experience, adding some activity to what is otherwise a fairly straightforward setup.
What makes iZ different is the balance between casual and refined. It doesn’t lean into the fine-dining side like some of the others, but it still holds its own in terms of quality. With limited opening hours and a focus on dinner, the restaurant targets hotel guests and residents looking for dependable Indian food without a long wait or complex tasting menu.
Key Highlights:
- Located inside Grand Hyatt Dubai
- Focus on classic North Indian flavors
- Live cooking stations and open kitchen
- Minimalist design and calm atmosphere
- Limited dinner hours
Best For:
- Hotel guests wanting a reliable Indian meal
- Visitors who prefer familiar dishes with no surprises
- Business dinners or quiet one-on-one meals
- Small groups not looking for a long sit-down affair
- Diners who like to see food prepared fresh in front of them
Contacts:
- Website: www.hyattrestaurants.com/en/dubai/restaurant/iz-dubai
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/hyatt
- Twitter: x.com/Hyatt
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hyatt
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/hyatt
- Address: Grand Hyatt Dubai Convention Centre, Sheikh Rashid Rd, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Phone: +97143172221
13. Mint Leaf of London
Mint Leaf of London is perched on the 15th floor of the Emirates Financial Towers and offers a mix of modern Indian food with a city view that plays a big role in the overall experience. The space is set up with a sleek, lounge-style interior that leans toward upscale without feeling stiff. The menu is designed with a fine-dining format, but it brings in regional Indian dishes that have been reworked with a contemporary edge, often adding twists you wouldn’t expect from a traditional restaurant.
The kitchen team focuses on seasonal menu updates, sometimes highlighting personal stories and regional memories through the food. Dishes like reimagined butter chicken or curated tasting menus show up alongside cocktails that try to match in creativity. It’s not the place to go if you’re looking for classic recipes unchanged. This is a spot for people who want a more stylized version of Indian food, served with some attention to design and rhythm.
Key Highlights:
- Located in DIFC with views of Burj Khalifa
- Modern Indian cuisine with seasonal and chef-driven menus
- Cocktail-focused bar and curated drinks menu
- Business lunch options and tasting menus
- Lounge-style seating in a polished, high-floor setting
Best For:
- Business lunches or corporate dinners in DIFC
- Diners looking for a fresh take on Indian dishes
- Visitors who want a view with their meal
- Couples or groups looking for stylish but relaxed dinner spots
- Cocktail pairing with modern Indian food
Contacts:
- Website: mintleaf.ae
- E-mail: reservations@mintleafdubai.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/MintLeafDXB
- Twitter: x.com/MintLeafDXB
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mintleafdxb
- Address: Emirates Financial Towers, 15th Floor, South Tower, DIFC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Phone: +971 4 706 0900
14. Bombay Brasserie
Bombay Brasserie is part of the Taj Dubai and brings a more classic feel to Indian fine dining, while still offering a modern, well-composed setup. The restaurant features an open kitchen, but the overall layout remains calm and refined. The focus is clearly on the food rather than theatrical presentation. They serve dishes from across India, but with a careful hand that leans more traditional than experimental.
You won’t find much fusion here, and that seems intentional. The menu stays within the frame of recognizable Indian cuisine, with depth added through quality ingredients and balance in flavors. The decor matches the tone – elegant without being flashy. It’s the kind of place you can bring guests who value quiet consistency over novelty. While it sits within a luxury hotel, it doesn’t come across as overly polished or stiff.
Key Highlights:
- Located in Taj Dubai, Business Bay
- Traditional Indian dishes with refined execution
- Open kitchen design and smart casual setting
- Consistent lunch and dinner service throughout the week
- Option for private dining and group bookings
Best For:
- Guests who prefer a more classic Indian menu
- Special dinners in a quiet, upscale setting
- Travelers staying in or near Business Bay
- Business or diplomatic meals needing a formal space
- Diners avoiding heavy fusion or experimental dishes
Contacts:
- Website: www.tajhotels.com/en-in/hotels/taj-dubai/restaurants/bombay-brasserie-dubai
- E-mail: fbreservations.dubai@tajhotels.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/TajHotels
- Twitter: x.com/TajHotels
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/taj-hotels
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/tajhotels
- Address: Burj Khalifa Street, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
- Phone: +971 4438 3222
Final Thoughts
Dubai isn’t short on Indian restaurants, but the ones that stand out know how to get more than just the flavor right. They understand pacing, presentation, atmosphere – all the small details that make a meal stick in your memory. Whether it’s a long tasting menu with unexpected vegetarian turns or a dinner with views of the skyline and a familiar bowl of biryani, each place brings something different to the table.
The best part is, you don’t need to pick one style over another. You can chase the modern one night, stick with the classics the next, or land somewhere in between. That’s the beauty of eating Indian food in Dubai – it’s not just one thing, and it doesn’t have to be.