Dubai's top 11 upbeat Indian restaurants

Dubai is famed for its stunning portfolio of upscale Indian restaurants, all for good reasons.  Expert chefs through the medium of experimentation with newer gastronomic styles have brought their expertise to new levels, taking eating out business to heights like never before. This combined with vibrant interiors, spectacular views and impeccable service have made Dubai a home to the most opulent Indian restaurants in the world. Here’s a pick at the top ten upbeat Indian eating houses in the bustling metropolis of Dubai.

JODHPUR

Jodhpur is a nostalgic fine dining Indian restaurant, launched in early 2016 with a promise to bring back childhood memories for its visitors. With the food and beverage industry constantly growing in Dubai, and most Indian restaurants jumping on the contemporary cooking bandwagon, Jodhpur takes the road less travelled. Under the able guidance of talented Executive Chef Pradeep Khullar, Jodhpur recreates some of India's beloved dishes with multiple textures and the layering of flavors in the most coherent and clever way.

Cuisine- Retro-innovative 

Location-   Roda Al Murooj Hotel, Downtown Dubai

Type of décor-  Distinctive Indian-inspired interior 

Approx. cost for a meal for two- AED 500

TRESIND

Trésind is an award winning, progressive fine dining concept that serves an astute translation of authentic Indian cuisine with a modern twist. It is a brainchild of Bhupender Nath, who wanted to revolutionize and redefine the concept of traditional Indian food by introducing never seen before culinary techniques to the world.  As an avid- traveler and fervent foodie, it was his dream and passion to start a chain of restaurants. True to his origin, Nath was always inspired by the exotic flavours of his home country and was determined to promote authentic taste and aroma in a revolutionary fine dining experience that would bring a modern twist to the traditional style.

With the opening of Trésind in 2014 and its phenomenal success, Bhupender has achieved his goal to make progressive Indian fine-dining more accessible to the diners. His modern approach to Indian food is putting him in great demand and making him the ‘face of modern Indian gastronomy’ and ‘elite fine dining’. In less than a span of three years, Tresind has received seve prestigious awards including the Best Indian restaurant for BBC Good Food ME and Best Indian restaurant for Time Out Dubai 2017.

Cuisine – Modernistic Indian cuisine that experiments with molecular gastronomy.

Location –Nassima Royal Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road.

Décor – Modern Chic

Approx. cost for two – AED 500

RANG MAHAL

Discover the sensational New India, courtesy of Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar, presenting an exciting menu of modern Indian cuisine into a unique dining concept that appeals to all epicureans – from fine dining connoisseurs to lovers of traditional Indian food. A theatre kitchen showcases the glowing hot tandoor and charcoal grills where each dish is expertly prepared. The Rang Mahal bar is effortlessly cool, with pulsating beats building a unique energy and stylish venue vibe. To reflect the relaxed, lounge atmosphere there is a house DJ spinning Asian and European inspired music.

Cuisine- Traditional and modern Indian cuisine

Location- JW Marriott Marquis Hotel

Décor- Authentic Indian with modern interpretation

Approx. cost for a meal of two- AED 350 to 400

CARNIVAL BY TRESIND

Brief - Catering to the myriad cultures that flaunt the bustling corporate hub of DIFC, Carnival by Tresind is a celebration of Indian food, where it comes of age to shed its erstwhile glamorous modern avatar and takes leaps ahead to enter the postmodern era. Dining at Carnival is a gastronomic fiesta that pushes the boundaries of fine dining to transcend into a nostalgic culinary experience which evokes childhood memories and takes one back to the days of yore. The idea behind Carnival is to revisit the past and celebrate the timeless recipes that are so intrinsic to India and introduce the world to Indian food beyond the modern era. With one foot set firmly into the history and a vision looking straight into the future, the Carnival experience offers a roller coaster ride of emotions with every dish, where there is something for everyone!

Cuisine - Contemporary molecular gastronomy

Location –Dubai International Finance Centre

Décor – Vibrant, Colourful, Modern, Upscale yet casual

Approx. cost for 2 – AED 500

ANANTA

Ananta is the Signature Indian restaurant at The Oberoi, Dubai which opened its doors in the last quarter of 2013. The restaurant captures India’s rich culinary heritage showcasing a variety of authentic gastronomic delights using various cooking techniques with a focus on the live culinary theatre to provide a memorable experience for every guest. The concept of the restaurant and menu entails the Traditional and Post – Modern era of Indian cooking derived from the historical importance and modern culinary approach to the cuisine. Ananta delivers a memorable dining experience with authenticity that is in keeping with The Oberoi Group’s attention to detail. Ananta has been awarded “Best Indian Restaurant – Fine Dining” in the Middle East and awarded “3 Black Hat” by the What’s on Black Hat Guide.

Cuisine –Traditional and Post Modern Indian cuisine

 Location – Hotel Oberoi, Business Bay

Type of décor - Dramatic contemporary decor

 Approx. cost for a meal of two - AED 500

ARMANI/AMAL

Armani/Amal is one of the classiest place to savor the true taste of India in an unforgettable setting. It provides a memorable dining experience featuring A-list hospitality with stunning vistas over the Downtown Dubai neighbourhood, wherein guests can enjoy the mesmerizing views of the popular Dubai fountain dance from its al fresco terrace. Fresh and innovative regional Indian cuisine is on the menu at Armani/Amal, along with an exciting beverage list and selected teas. Exotic curries and other specialties are prepared tableside, showcasing time- honoured traditional cooking methods and ingredients. At the entrance of this dinner-only restaurant, guests are welcomed by musicians playing live traditional instruments like tabla and sarangi. These live music performances amalgamated with stunning ambience and traditional authentic Indian flavors are the key contributors towards Armani/Amal’s success.

Cuisine - Regional and modern Indian cuisine

location -  Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa

Décor-  Elegant architectural interiors

Approx. cost for a meal of two - AED 550

JUNOON

Junoon is a modern Indian Michelin starred restaurant with its roots in New York. Opening its doors to the Middle East market in 2015, Junoon has set high standards of food & service with a strong beverage list. It has changed quite a few negative perceptions about Indian cuisine’s flavor profiles and beverage pairing options. Rated among the best Indian restaurants in Dubai, Junoon has not only provided the city a good selection of Indian dishes and quality service, but a single destination for a memorable dining experience. The concept of Junoon is to traditionally flavored Indian food with a modern presentation. The owner of Junoon, Rajesh Bhardwaj, wishes to expand the brand to different regions of the world where Indian cuisine lacks exposure. The success of Junoon in Dubai has been based on the consistency of food and service. In short, it is a complete package of quality food, wide selection of beverage and consistent warm service.

 Cuisine- Modern Indian cuisine

 Location -Shangri La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road

Décor- Modern with use of traditional woodwork

Approx. cost for a meal of two -500 AED

BOMBAY BRASSERIE

A vibrant, dramatic and fun restaurant with sumptuous furnishings, Bombay Brasserie is authentic but not traditional. An open theatrical kitchen celebrating three time- honoured cooking traditions: ‘tandoor’ for roasting, ‘sigri’ for open grilling and ‘tawa’ for hot searing, allows guests can see food prepared in front of them. Using premium quality and luxury ingredients combined with complex marinades, infused oils and sophisticated spice combinations Bombay Brasserie provides a menu of creative diversifications of old school Indian classics. Bombay Brasserie’s is also proud to offer hand-crafted cocktails, boutique spirits and fine wine.

The specifics of the cuisine it caters to: Bombay Brasserie caters to Fine Indian cuisine ranging from the most discerning Indian food connoisseurs to the less adventurous foodies.

Décor- This colourful restaurant and lounge bar is complemented by the relaxed, low level seating in an eclectic mix of styles, alongside bold, oversized artworks on the walls. A feature timber screen creates more secluded dining areas with splendid views of Burj Khalifa.

Cuisine- North Indian

Location- Hotel Taj Dubai, Business Bay

Decor- Indian inspired

Approx cost for a Meal for Two-600 AED

NAYA

Naya is famous for offering the best of North Indian cuisine in the city. The Head Chef Pravish Shetty was plucked in for Naya from his previous venture in a top Indian Michelin starrer Chef Vineet Bhatia’s kitchen. Naya was launched in March 2015 as a dark horse amongst 10,000 odd restaurants in the saturated Dubai scene and since then Naya has only marched ahead. Chef Pravish’s creations at Naya are now famous amongst top food bloggers, media channels of Dubai like fooddiva.net, thenational.ae, sana.ae, Whatscooking uae, Timeout Dubai, What’s on Dubai. Naya caters to all Jumeirah properties guests and is a popular favorite restaurant among Europeans expats and local Indians and even amongst top Bollywood personalities like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who invariably visits Naya when he is in Dubai. Naya has always been nominated amongst top Indian restaurants category multiple times by Whatson, Time Out Dubai, BBC Good Food Awards and Masala Awards.

Cuisine- Contemporary North Indian Cuisine

Location - Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Decor - Vibrant and Colorful interiors within luxurious surroundings.

Approx. cost for a meal of two-AED 300.

ASHA’S

When Asha’s restaurant opened its doors in Wafi City back in 2002, it was with a purpose to share the legendary singer Asha Bhosle’s passion for great Indian food.  Since then, several Asha’s restaurants have opened around the world. The popularity and longevity of Asha’s restaurants can be attributed to the legendary Bollywood singing star and namesake, Asha Bhosle, the owner and inspiration behind the restaurant group, with many of the dishes on the menu originating from her own recipes. The popular Muscat Gosht on the menu originated when during sightseeing in Sultanate of Oman, she stopped for a lunch at a small “dhaba” and had the most wonderful Karahi Gosht. She came back and cooked the same dish to perfection which can be seen in the menu as Muscat Gosht. The 84-year-old Asha Bhosle continues to select and grind the spices from Mumbai’s famous souks, distributing her signature masala to all her thirteen restaurants at present worldwide, bearing her name. Ideal for gatherings with friends, corporate events or special family celebrations, Asha’s is both popular with local residents and tourists alike. With host of awards like Dubai 2016 Experts' Choice Award, Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2016, Time Out Restaurant Awards 2012 and Best Indian Ahlan Awards Best in Dubai 2008 – Runner Up, Asha’s has proven its mettle as one of the finest restaurants in the town.

Cuisine- North-west Indian

Location- Wafi City Mall

Décor- Contemporary decor

Approx. cost of meal for two: 350 AED

HANDI

Handi Restaurant, which opened in 2001 is the perfect place to feel like a ‘Nawab’ dining on authentic north Indian fare in the elegance of the Mughal period. Handi uses specially mixed ‘masalas’ in its traditional curry dishes, from the different regions of North India, its specialty being the culinary delights of Lucknow.The food here is cooked in handis, tawas or tandoors and consumed with Indian breads like chapattis, rotis, phulkas, naans etc.The restaurant has won several prestigious awards over the years, including ‘Best Indian Cuisine’, ‘Best Indian Restaurant’ and ‘Best Curry’ (Gosht Korma Awadhi) making it the first choice of connoisseurs of good food looking for genuine north Indian fare. Handi’s cozy atmosphere, with melodious live Indian entertainment including Gazals is ideal for a romantic evening for a couple or a relaxing dine-out with family and friends. The clientele varies from GCC nationals, European, Indian community from high-end business clients to family guests.

 Cuisine - North Indian

 Location- Jood Palace Hotel

Décor- Magnificent surroundings recalling the regal elegance of the Mughal period in India with its ornate wooden décor.

Approx. cost for a meal of two –AED 300