All that glitters is not gold.
Dubai is home to gold, glorious gold. You can wear it and see it, but have you ever eaten it? Here are 20 places to go for an Insta-worthy culinary experience where you can quite literally eat gold.
Armani/Lounge
Enjoy the most eye-catching cappuccino you may ever lay your eyes on at the only hotel inside the Burj Khalifa. Armani/Lounge overlooks the Dubai Fountain, where you can sip on this unreal-looking signature drink (AED 75) of blended coffee beans, deliciously topped with a layer of 23-karat gold. Tear through the golden flakes to unleash one of Dubai’s most well-known gold beverages.
GO: Call 04 888 3666 for reservations and more information.
Armani/Ristorante
Armani/Ristorante is situated in the world’s tallest building and has high-end food and views. Indulge in fine-dining Italian food with a sideshow of the Dubai Fountains. The Exclusive Journey, an eight-course tasting menu paired with grapes, explains the MICHELIN magic of this restaurant. The dishes range from pan-seared Hokkaido scallops and foie gras terrine to the Golden Burrata (AED 129), an effortless combination of creamy Italian cheese with heirloom tomatoes, peach tartare and basil pesto.
GO: Call 04 888 3666 for reservations and more information.
Bombay Borough
Bombay Borough in DIFC is home to the most expensive biryani. The Royal Gold Biryani platter features Kashmiri lamb seekh kebabs, old Delhi lamb chops, Rajput chicken kebabs, Mughlai koftas, and malai chicken served over saffron-infused biryani, and it is garnished with 23-karat edible gold. It’s a dish best shared considering the portion size and AED 1,000 price tag.
GO: Email reservations@bombayborough.ae for reservations and more information.
Bosporus Turkish Restaurant
Bosporus Turkish Restaurant’s regal take on their popular menu items features six dishes wrapped in edible 24-karat gold. Foodies can enjoy the gold Asado burger, gold baklava cheesecake, gold cappuccino, gold bar kebab, and the magnificent gold ribeye and tomahawk steaks. Savour the taste of Ottoman cuisine and feast like a king with these unique menu items priced from AED 85 to AED 950.
GO: Call 04 380 8090 for reservations and more information.
Burj Al Arab
If you’re craving a taste of luxury and sweetness, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah has introduced just the thing for you — a Golden Tiramisu. This indulgent journey starts with a Butler service buggy ride at Burj Al Arab and takes you to the 25th floor through a stunning glass elevator. Here, you can explore the grand Atrium, Experience Suite, and Observation Lounge while enjoying some traditional Gahwa and sweet dates. Your experience concludes with a Golden Cappuccino and a richly layered Golden Tiramisu, dusted with edible gold and cocoa. AED 469 per person.
GO: Visit https://insideburjalarab.com for reservations and more information.
Buur
Hidden inside Pavilion at The Beach in JBR, this German restaurant offers various cuts of meat, including a Wagyu Steak covered in flakes of 24-karat gold. Available for dinner, guests can relish the bling-eriffic dish for AED 850. The new spot also offers food, music, shisha, appealing views and the option to eat gold.
GO: Follow @buur_dubai/ Instagram for more information.
Dhaba Lane
The exclusive Gold Kulfi that was sold exclusively at the Al Nahda branch of Dhaba Lane is now available at all outlets of the Dhabas-inspired establishment (Garhoud, JLT and Karama). Expect a generous layer of 22 Karat gold leaf placed meticulously across the frozen dairy dessert which is both decadent and delicious.
GO: Visit https://dhaba-lane.com for reservations and more information.
Doors Freestyle Grill
Doors Freestyle Grill boasts a stunning waterfront location that creates the perfect atmosphere for a memorable meal on the banks of Dubai’s historic creek. The restaurants may specialise in seafood and grilled meat, but for a truly decadent meal, the gold striploin steak (AED 786) is a must-order. This luxurious dish features a thick slice of prime striploin steak coated in a thin layer of edible gold that is fit for a king.
GO: Visit www.doorsdubai.com for reservations and more information.
Enigma
The modern Persian restaurant at Palazzo Versace Dubai sees the restaurant’s signature dishes receive the Midas touch by incorporating touches of gold. The Enigma Gold Menu presents four sharing courses including Kabab Sultani, a delicious lamb loin skewer prepared over charcoal and wrapped with 24k gold. The meal culminates with an orange blossom tart served with golden clouds and berries. Available daily, from 12pm to 11pm. AED 1,500 for two people.
GO: Email enigma@palazzoversace.ae or call 04 556 8830 for reservations and more information.
Hampstead Bakery and Café
Almost as impressive as its view of the Burj Khalifa, Hampstead Bakery and Café’s stunning addition to its menu has managed to garner the attention of many. A mixture of white chocolate and berries coats the soft-textured French toast brioche, which is seductively wrapped in 24-karat gold. The most expensive French toast in Dubai City comes with a price tag of AED 220.
GO: Visit www.thehampsteadbakery.com or call.050 583 0155 for reservations and more information.
Hard Rock Café
Have you ever seen a burger wrapped in 24-karat gold, let alone eaten one? Visit Hard Rock Café at Dubai Festival City Mall or Dubai International Airport to try the ‘Gold Leaf Steak Burger’, which headlines the café’s new menu. Dive into the mouthwatering burger and surprise yourself with its Insta-worthy appearance.
GO: Visit www.hardrockcafe.com for reservations and more information.
Marea
If there are two things that Dubai diners can’t get enough of, it’s gold and burrata. Thankfully, the Italian hotspot Marea in DIFC has both. The 24-karat Golden Burrata (AED 220) comprises handmade burrata flown in from Southern Italy, coated with 24-karat gold leaves and accompanied by fresh tomato, taggiasca olives and salsa verde. The dish is another fantastic reason to visit the restaurant, which is known for its fresh handcrafted pasta and opulent interiors.
GO: Call 04 583 6366 for reservations and more information.
Nusr-Et
Nusr-Et steakhouse at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach is owned by Instagram sensation and Turkish celebrity chef Salt Bae. The always-bust restaurant offers a luxurious tenderloin steak coated with 24-karat gold leaf for AED 1,250. Expect a show that begins with the chef presenting a large block of gold before sprinkling salt down his arm and stabbing a knife into the table.
GO: Call 04 407 4100 for reservations and more information.
O’Pao
O’Pao is an Indian street restaurant in Karama. This diner offers nostalgic meals and has newly released the world’s first 22-karat Gold Vada Pa Roll. Exploding with textures and flavours, sink your teeth into the fried cheese, potato and creamy butter wrapped in gold leaf and served with crisp fries. For added theatrics, the dish is served in a wooden box amidst plumes of liquid nitrogen.
GO: Visit www.opaodxb.com for reservations and more information.
Rhain Dubai
A visit to Rhain Dubai inside Conrad Dubai is a must for a steak like no other. The signature steak comes wrapped in edible 24-karat gold, claiming its unequalled title of Gold Steak. This prized cut of Wagyu beef is priced at AED 895 and is enhanced by the promise of a lively environment.
GO: Follow @rhainsteakhouse on Instagram for more information.
Sahn Eddar
Step into the grand lobby lounge of Sahn Eddar on the first floor of the Burj Al Arab. Providing the perfect place to have breakfast or afternoon tea overlooking the Dubai coastline. Enhance this experience with Burj Al Arab’s most well-known beverage – the Gold Cappuccino. The sparkling beverage uses pure arabica coffee beans, whilst a sail-shaped design disguises the 24-karat gold coating that tops the divine drink. Priced at AED 85, it’s a great excuse to take your coffee drinking to the next level.
GO: Visit www.jumeirah.com for reservations and more information.
Scoopi Café
Scoopi Café is ideal for year-round ice cream options. Yet, the ‘Black Diamond’ is an outlandish creation that includes a scoop of creamy ice cream that’s aesthetically topped with 23-karat gold flakes. The AED 2,999 dish is presented in a matching gold and black pot, with a gifted spoon to enhance the venue’s glamorous intentions.
GO: Visit https://scoopicafe.com for reservations and more information.
The Pods
Eat gold while taking in Dubai’s stunning skyline from the comfort of an Instagrammable pod on Bluewaters Island. The Pods offers 23 private dining spaces that come in different sizes, seating up to six, eight and 14 people. For a novel experience, the ‘goldies’ menu consists of main courses and desserts, each topped with 24-karat gold leaf. The dishes include Yellow Tail Carpaccio (AED 230), Black Cod Miso (AED 345), Wagyu Tenderloin Steak (AED 575) and Dark Chocolate Fondant (AED 175).
GO: Visit https://thepods.ae for reservations and more information.
Yalla Samosa
Yalla Samosa includes a fitting addition to Dubai’s list of golden creations. The restaurant offers a variety of delicious snacks, including their recently introduced 24-karat gold samosa. Served on a golden dish with sides of marshmallows, ice cream, popcorn and sauces, you can choose your own filling for this marvellous sweet treat (AED 100 for two).
GO: Follow @yallasamosa on Instagram for more information.
