From Alaya to SushiSamba, dine like a royal at these Sheikh Hamdan approved restaurants in Dubai.
If it’s good enough for His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, it’s good enough for us. The Crown Prince’s Instagram account – @faz3, in case you want to join his 14 million followers – leaves behind a trail of breadcrumbs that we have followed. The result: glamorous restaurants, celebrity chefs and humble eateries.
Sheikh Hamdan has gone around Dubai, sometimes alone and sometimes with dining companions, to give restaurants his royal seal of approval. A-listers and locals have got a seat at his table, from footballer Christiano Ronaldo to his cute kid sidekick, Maj. So, if you want to eat like royalty, here are the Sheikh Hamdan-approved restaurants in Dubai.
11 Woodfire
Not only did 11 Woodfire gain a MICHELIN-Star, but it also had the royal superstar, Sheikh Hamdan, visit the restaurant. Akmal Anuar has contributed to Dubai’s dining scene with 3Fils and Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori, so it’s no surprise to find that Sheikh Hamdan would want to check out Akmal’s latest creation. Akmal posted: “Thank you for visiting us HH @faz3 it was our honour and pleasure to serve you”. At the open-fire restaurant, dishes are grilled to perfection and include seabass with tamarind, wagyu kebabs and burnt cheesecake – intentional, of course.
GO: Follow @11woodfire on Instagram for reservations and more information.
Alaya
Sheikh Hamdan is clearly a huge fan of Chef Izu. The royal visited the newly-opened Alaya in DIFC in September 2022, enjoying a meal of Mediterranean cuisine featuring Middle Eastern influences. The menu is an ode to fresh herbs and spices, plus plenty of prime meat and seafood dishes. We sure hope Sheikh Hamdan enjoyed it as much as we did. Read the full FACT review here.
GO: Follow @alayadubai on Instagram for more information.
Alici
The views from Alici on Bluewaters Island are so beautiful, Sheikh Hamdan had to share them on his Instagram. Make like the Crown Prince and sit on the first-floor terrace, which has Insta-worthy vistas of the JBR skyline. On Sheikh Hamdan’s visit, he made time to pose for a picture with Piero Giglio, operations director of Orange Hospitality. We’d recommend making time for the Italian seafood menu, which includes pastas, risottos and sharing platters – note, the platters can take up to 40 minutes to cook.
GO: Follow @alicidubai on Instagram for reservations and more information.
Ammos
Sheikh Hamdan visited Ammos back in March 2019, and posed with the head chef Dimitris Lazarou and the general manager Tony Lina. Following the Crown Prince’s visit, the restaurant posted: “It was a great honour having HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, with us at Ammos Greek this afternoon.” Ammos is currently undergoing a renovation and reopens in September. Once it’s back in action, try great Greek dishes ranging from chicken souvlaki to orzo seafood.
GO: Follow @ammosgreekdubai on Instagram for reservations and more information.
Avli by Tashas
Sheikh Hamdan is clearly a fan of Avli by Tashas, as he has been spotted here a few times. On his last visit in December 2020, the restaurant posted: “As always, truly delighted and honoured to have HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum join us for lunch”. The Greek restaurant is located in DIFC, and the set menu includes beef souvlaki, geminsta tomato risotto, and, of course, a Greek salad.
GO: Visit www.avlibytashas.com for reservations and more information.
BB Social Dining
When Sheikh Hamdan first visited BB Social, he shared images on the gram of BB baos, cauliflower popcorn, crispy sprouts and edamame hummus. Following his visit, the restaurant posted: “What an honour it was to have @faz3 back for lunch yesterday! Always a privilege and blessing to have your support.” The menu is divided into BBQ, bites, baos and bowls, all of which are Asian-inspired.
GO: Follow @bbdifc on Instagram for reservations and more information.
Bordo Mavi
Fresh from the oceans and steeped in tradition, Bordo Mavi arrives in Dubai from the team behind 3Fils and is already making waves. In December 2023, the Crown Prince dined at the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour restaurant. With over 25 years of experience as a fisherman and fishmonger along the coasts of Türkiye, Chef Ersan serves up Grilled Octopus with Crushed Hazelnut, Kingfish Casserole and Marinated Gambero Rosso with Caviar.
Bungalo34
The Crowne Prince visited the new Mediterranean restaurant at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai for lunch on Thursday 2 January 2023. The venue posted his visit to its Instagram account with a caption that reads: “We are delighted and honoured to have hosted His Royal Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for lunch this afternoon.” Curated by restaurateur Natasha Sideris, the menu at Bungalo34 brings a touch of Greece, France and Italy onto each plate while honouring the custom of enjoying leisurely meals with friends and family. The chic terrace, where it appears that Sheikh Hamdan dined, features wood-fired pizzettes, baked on the spot, topped with truffle, artichokes or stracciatella.
Carine
It seems we are not the only fans of Chef Izu, as Sheikh Hamdan has been spotted at many of the chef’s restaurants, and often with a smile on his face. He stopped off at FACT Award-winning Carine in Emirates Golf Club in November 2019, and we can only imagine that he enjoyed the French-Mediterranean food as much as we did. The menu includes crispy calamari, creamy burrata and tuna carpaccio.
GO: Follow @carine.ae on Instagram for reservations and more information.
Caviar Kaspia
Dubai loves luxurious ingredients ranging from truffle to gold leaf, so it makes sense to find Sheikh Hamdan swinging by a caviar restaurant. Caviar Kaspia was first established in Paris in 1927 and can count Beyonce, Rihanna, Katy Perry and now the Crown Prince as some of its admirers. After his visit, the restaurant posted: “Delighted to have welcomed His Royal Highness Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum to Caviar Kaspia Dubai”. The seafood heavy menu includes fish, pastas, risotto and, of course, caviar. Plus, the Kaspia potato, which sees the humble baked potato adorned with a generous helping of caviar, is a must.
GO: Follow @caviarkaspiadxb on Instagram for reservations and more information.
Clay
Sheikh Hamdan clearly likes a wide range of cuisines, as he was spotted in May 2022 at the Japanese Peruvian restaurant, Clay. The fusion menu ranges from sushi to ceviche. The Crown Prince visited with a group of diners, who sat indoors by the floor-to-ceiling windows. The restaurant shared: “We are honoured and privileged to have HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visit us. We hope and look forward to having him back another day.”
GO: Follow @clay_dubai for reservations and more information.
CZN Burak
What better way in Dubai is there to say that you are open for business, than having Sheikh Hamdan come through the doors? The Crown Prince arrived with a group of diners, who watched the Chef CZN Burak in action and then ate their way through the Turkish meets Middle Eastern cuisine. The restaurant posted: “H.H. Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum @faz3 has honoured us on our first opening day”.
GO: Follow @cznburakdubai on Instagram for reservations and more information.
Eugène Eugène
Let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of spotting royalty enjoying a meal just like us regulars. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, graced the newly opened Eugène Eugène with his presence in December 2023. Situated inside Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Eugène Eugène has become the talk of the town, especially after the restaurant proudly shared a snapshot of Sheikh Hamdan’s visit on its Instagram account. The caption read, “Honoured to welcome His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to Eugène Eugène. It’s always a pleasure to serve you.”
GO: Visit https://eugeneeugene.ae for more information.
Flow
While we are used to seeing Sheikh Hamdan at fine dining restaurants, he is partial to a cup of coffee. In 2017, he and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited the cool café Flow in Emirates Towers and were spotted chatting to staff. The menu includes vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free dishes and an extensive range of hot and cold drinks.
GO: Follow @flowdubai on Instagram for more information.
GAIA
We told you that Sheikh Hamdan is a Chef Izu fan. GAIA is by the famed Dubai chef and is popular with the Crown Prince and the royal family – even HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been spotted here – as they have returned for seconds, thirds and more. We’d like to think that the royals dug into the Greek Mediterranean cuisine, which includes lamb cutlets, spinach pies and baby goat.
GO: Follow @gaia_dxb on Instagram for reservations and more information.
Gohan
When it comes to Sheikh Hamdan-approved restaurants in Dubai, look no further than Gohan. a Japanese speakeasy by the team at La Cantine du Faubourg offers an intimate dining experience ideal for the royal family. The name ‘Gohan’ has humble and affectionate connotations; it translates to “meal of any sort” and is often used colloquially to refer to any cooked rice dish. Gohan is personal, traditional and intimate. Fazza visited and gave his royal seal of approval in late 2021.
GO: Visit https://lacantine.ae/events/gohan for reservations and more information.
Gudee Pizza Café
It seems that the royal family aren’t just fans of fancy establishments, as they are also fans of the humble Gudee Pizza Café. Not only has Sheikh Hamdan been spotted here, but also Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum – that’s the Crown Prince’s uncle. Did they grab a slice of Aghani-inspired pizza? We can’t be sure, but you can try it. Plus, the breakfast menu offers an alternative start to your day, as it includes everything from Afghani paratha to Gudee scrambled eggs with smashed avocado.
GO: Follow @gudeepizzacafe on Instagram for reservations and more information.
Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
Sheikh Hamdan is not the only fan of Il Borro Tuscan Bistro, as we have made the restaurant a FACT award-winner on more than one occasion. The Sheikh visited the restaurant back in 2021, and bought along a group of diners. Il Borro Tuscan Bistro’s ingredients come straight from an organic Tuscan farm, but its first restaurant was created in Dubai and the dining concept has now been exported to Mayfair, London. We can only imagine the group tucked into the restaurant’s signature dishes covering pasta, risottos and pizzas.
GO: Visit https://ilborrotuscanbistro.ae for reservations and more information.
Katsuya
In February 2022, Sheikh Hamdan made his way over to the new Hyde Hotel Dubai’s Katsuya restaurant. The venue stated: “It was an honour to welcome HH Sheikh Hamdan @faz3 at Katsuya today. We look forward to welcoming you again soon!” The Japanese restaurant serves sushi and sashimi platters, which you can enjoy with a side of Burj Khalifa views.
GO: Follow @katsuyahydedubai on Instagram for reservations and more information.
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon is one of the upmarket dining options at DIFC’s Gate Village. Sheikh Hamdan visited the glamorous restaurant in June 2021, and the restaurant posted: “We had the honour of hosting His Highness @faz3 and @aj6544 at Atelier Robuchon today.” The fine dining French restaurant has an Insta-worthy open kitchen, and dishes are prepared in front of guests. The impressive selection includes crispy poached egg with caviar, truffle pizza, Dover sole à la plancha, as well as vegetarian ceviches and carpaccio.
GO: Visit www.joel-robuchon.com for reservations and more information.
La Maison Ani
At FACT, we love Chef Izu Ani and Evgeny Kuzin. So, we can understand why Sheikh Hamdan does, too. The Sheikh visited La Maison Ani after it opened in May 2022. The restaurant posted on Instagram: “It was a complete honour and privilege to host The Crown Prince @faz3 at La Maison Ani by Chef Izu. The first of many visits we hope.” The French-Mediterranean restaurant is located in The Dubai Mall and includes the much-loved Izu burger.
GO: Follow @lamaisonanibychefizu on Instagram for more information.
La Niña
Sheikh Hamdan gave DIFC’s new Iberian restaurant the royal seal of approval when he visited in January 2023. Located in ICD Brookfield Place, the opulent La Niña is as courageous and bold in its flavour combinations as its storied heritage and celebrated traditions. The Crown Prince enjoyed a meal exploring a fusion of flavours from the Iberian Peninsula and South America. Following his visit, the restaurant posted on Instagram: “Honored to welcome His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, at La Niña.”
Lana Lusa
Lana Lusa, in Wasl 51, serves a Portuguese-inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner. In May 2022, Sheikh Hamdan gave it the royal thumbs up by visiting the restaurant. If you want to get a taste of what the Crown Prince may have had, grab your friends and dig into the sharing-style dishes.
GO: Visit www.lanalusa.com for reservations and more information.
Loren
Sheikh Hamdan started 2023 with a visit to the newly opened Loren at Palm West Beach. Anchored in la bella vita, this opulent celebration of Italy reflects a stylish throwback to the Italian Riviera circa the 60s and 70s, serving diners coastal-style dishes composed of achingly fresh ingredients. Judging from his InstaStories, it looks like the Crown Prince took a seat on the indoor terrace amongst the potted greenery. Located at The Club, the venue posted on Instagram: “We are honoured by the special visit of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to @ristorante.loren located at The Club at Palm West Beach.”
GO: Follow @ristorante.loren on Instagram for more information.
Madeleine et Marcel
Sheikh Hamdan appears to be a fan of savoury and sweet, as he visited the patisserie Madeleine et Marcel in Jumeirah Emirates Towers. The dessert shop sells a range of French treats and delicacies, from almond shortbread with pistachio to canelés (a pastry flavoured with vanilla and filled with custard). You know you’re in safe foodie hands, as Madeleine et Marcel has been created by the same group behind FACT award-winning La Cantine du Faubourg.
GO: Visit https://madeleineetmarcel.com/ for reservations and more information.
MASTI
MASTI has picked up lots of fans along the way, as it has been serving fine dining Indian food since 2018. Its most famous fan, however, has to be Sheikh Hamdan. The Crown Prince has spotted at the La Mer venue, and took a snap on its terrace. The menu reinterprets class Indian dishes, as it includes dishes like a saag paneer lasagna and five spice Angus tenderloin.
GO: Visit www.mastidubai.com for reservations and more information.
Mimi Kakushi
If Sheikh Hamdan visits your restaurant on the UAE’s 50th National Day, then you know he must think pretty highly of the place. Mimi Kakushi is such a sophisticated spot, so we can see why he chose to come here for the country’s birthday. The Japanese restaurant and bar, transports you back to the swinging jazz age of 1920s Osaka. Plus, the menu covers lunch, dinner and brunch, and the signature dishes include sushi, sashimi and tempura.
GO: Visit https://mimikakushi.ae for reservations and more information.
Moonrise
Omakase, loosely translated to chef’s choice, is the name of the game at this FACT Award-winner. The Crown Price visited the rooftop of Eden House to sample its tasting menu that spans Japanese and Middle Eastern flavours. The venue took to its Instagram account to share the news “What an absolute pleasure to have hosted His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum at Moonrise, an incredible honour for a Dubai born and raised team.”
GO: Follow @moonrise.xyz on Instagram for more information.
Mott 32
On Wednesday, 26 April 2023, Mott 32 welcomed His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai. The venue, known for its high-end Chinese cuisine and open-air terrace, offers views over Ain Dubai, Bluewaters Island and Palm Jumeirah. Following the visit, the restaurant posted to its Instagram account, “We were delighted and honoured to welcome HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to Mott 32 today.”
GO: Follow @mott32dubai on Instagram for more information.
Nammos
No matter what time of year it is, Nammos brings Mykonos magic by the hammock load. Sheikh Hamdan enjoyed the good vibes back in December 2019, and he was one of the first people to visit the restaurant. Nammos posted on Instagram: “We are very honoured to have had HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, @faz3, visit us today.” The menu places an emphasis on high-quality ingredients, and fuses the spirit of the Mediterranean with Asian influences.
GO: Follow @nammos.dubai on Instagram for more information.
OPSO Dubai
Sheikh Hamdan stopped by the modern Greek restaurant OPSO Dubai in The Dubai Mall in June 2019. OPSO posted on Instagram: “We are always blessed and honoured to have HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum dine with us.” OPSO may have started life in Marylebone, London, but it is home to traditional Arabic hospitality. Whether you want to smoke shisha or eat a mezze, we’d suggest that you sit on the terrace overlooking the Dubai Fountains and Burj Khalifa.
GO: Follow @ospodubai on Instagram for more information.
PINZA
With locations in Business Bay, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Jumeirah Village Circle, PINZA is known for its hybrid of pizza and flatbread made with a 30-hour-fermented base. Fazza did not dine in when he ordered PINZA earlier this year, instead gathering a group of friends for a pizza party on the beach in true Dubai style.
GO: Visit https://pinza.com for reservations and more information.
ROKA
We can understand why Sheikh Hamdan didn’t visit ROKA by himself. When Zuma, the Japanese restaurant giant, creates a culinary cousin – in this case ROKA – you’ll want to bring your friends and family along. The Sheikh visited in June 2020 and the restaurant posted a snap along with this caption on Instagram: “We are so humbled by the visit of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Crown Prince of Dubai, who dined with us at ROKA Dubai. Thank you to the royal family for all the support.” Not sure what to order – we’d suggest the lamb cutlets with Korean spices or the bekudopoteto (that’s a fancy baked potato).
GO: Visit www.rokarestaurant.com for reservations and more information.
SAL
Sheikh Hamdan and Mohammed bin Ahmed Jaber Al Harbi (aka Maj) have been seen at the races and restaurants. Maj even got to shake hands with Queen Elizabeth II, thanks to the Crown Prince himself. So, it makes sense that when it comes to dining out, Sheikh Hamdan invites along his little pal. The two were spotted at this restaurant, which serves Mediterranean cuisine in the shadow of the iconic Burj Al Arab.
GO: Follow @sal_burjalarab on Instagram for more information.
She Burger
Sheikh Hamdan seems to be a fan of burger joints – not just any burger joint, but She Burger. The brand has outlets in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Crown Prince stopped by the Dubai venue, which is located in Dar Wasl Mall and took a group photo with the staff. The restaurant serves chicken burgers, veggie burgers and, of course, black Angus beef burgers.
GO: Follow @she_burger on Instagram for more information.
Somewhere
Somewhere in The Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue got the Sheikh Hamdan Insta snap. Inspired by travel, the Mediterranean restaurant has some cool neon slogans lit-up on the walls. For example: “Let us take you somewhere”. Well, if the place you’re after is somewhere that you may bump into royalty, then put this on your restaurant list. Eat your way through the hummus and fatteh bar while you wait.
GO: Follow @somewhere on Instagram for reservations and more information.
SUSHISAMBA Dubai
Sheikh Hamdan has friends in high places – he proved the point when he brought footballer Cristiano Ronaldo along to SUSHISAMBA Dubai, which is located on the 51st floor of The Palm Tower. Diners were starstruck by the pair’s visit, as videos and images quickly circulated on social media. The restaurant serves up spectacular sushi, sashimi and sake, while offering views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai Marina.
GO: Visit www.sushisamba.com for reservations and more information.
TakaHisa Dubai
Known for its unforgettable combination of authentic sushi and premium wagyu beef, TakaHisa offers a Japanese fine dining experience at Caesars Palace Dubai. The Crowne Prince dined in March 2022 with the restaurant sharing the experience to its Instagram account with the caption: “Thank you so much for coming @faz3. We look forward to seeing you again!! #TakaHisa“
GO: Follow @takahisa_dubai on Instagram for more information.
Taverna Greek Kitchen
Sheikh Hamdan clearly has eclectic tastes, as he popped into Taverna Greek Kitchen. Located in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, he was spotted on its serene waterfront terrace. We can see why the Crown Prince is a fan, as the restaurant boasts a chic yet rustic vibe, plus top-notch food. The menu includes Greek dishes ranging from salads to seafood – think a spinach pie, seabream carpaccio and souvlaki skewers.
GO: Visit www.tavernagreek.ae for reservations and more information.
The Arts Club
It’s all about exclusivity at DIFC’s The Arts Club, so it’s no wonder that a VVVIP turned up in the form of Sheikh Hamdan. The club posted: “It was a pleasure to have had HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum back at The Arts Club Dubai this afternoon.” Note: “back”, which implies he’s a regular. According to the post, he enjoyed lunch at Rōhen with the CEO of the Arts Club, Ajaz Sheikh. If you’re hoping to make like the Sheikh, be warned: membership starts from AED 7,875.
GO: Visit www.theartsclub.ae for reservations and more information.
The Maine Land Brasserie
Sheikh Hamdan started off 2021 in style, as he visited The Maine Land Brasserie with a group at the beginning of the year. The Maine Oyster Bar & Grill is popular among Dubai diners for its top-quality seafood, and its newest offering is located in ME Dubai at The Opus, which has been designed by the architectural superstar, Zaha Hadid. Guests can enjoy dishes including shellfish, snails and steaks.
GO: Visit https://themaine.ae/landbrasserie for reservations and more information.
The Sib
The Sib opened in Palm Strip Mall in Jumeirah 1 and was accompanied by a royal guest. The Crown Prince and his entourage visited for lunch in May 2024. The restaurant specialises in kebabs, from classic Koobideh kebabs made with ground lamb to Jooje kebabs featuring marinated chicken. They even have combination platters for sharing, and the Kebab Soltani, which combines lamb and fillet steak, is a firm favourite.
GO: Follow @sibdubai on Instagram for more information.
Twiggy by La Cantine
Twiggy by La Cantine has a supporter in the form of Sheikh Hamdan. The Crown Prince visited the beach club back in November 2021 and soaked up the serene atmosphere. The restaurant adds some French chic to Dubai Creek and serves up a Mediterranean-inspired menu and a sushi selection. The cool spot includes 60s artwork, a 100-meter-long infinity pool and gorgeous white sand beaches.
GO: Visit https://twiggy.ae for reservations and more information.
URLA
Sheikh Hamdan and Maj were seen spending some quality time together at URLA in January 2022. Located in Address Downtown Dubai, the venue boasts spectacular views of the Burk Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. The pair were spotted on the outdoor terrace, and we can only hope that they tried the restaurant’s fresh seafood.
GO: Visit www.urlarestaurant.com for reservations and more information.
