TimeOut Dubai's 2026 Restaurant Awards crowned 89 venues across 19 categories. Row on 45 was named Restaurant of the Year. CQ French Brasserie won Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year. Mimi Kakushi defended Best Japanese.
We've eaten at the majority of the winners independently — paying for our own meals across 2024 to 2026 — and we have written full reviews of each. This page is the master reference: every category winner, our verdict, and the venues we think TimeOut missed.
Where we agree with TimeOut, we say so. Where we don't, we say that too.
TimeOut 2026 Category Winners — Our Verdicts
Click through to our full review of each. Award titles per TimeOut Dubai Restaurant Awards 2026.
Row on 45 — Restaurant of the Year + Best Tasting >Dhs1,000
We agree. Atherton's 17-course menu in three rooms is Dubai's most ambitious tasting concept. 9.6/10.
Read full review →CQ French Brasserie — Casual Dining RoY
We agree. Workmanlike French at AED 180pp lunch — the city's best casual French. 9.0/10.
Read full review →Mimi Kakushi — Best Japanese
We agree. Defended title two years running. Most consistent Japanese in Dubai. 9.5/10.
Read full review →Birch — Best Tasting
We agree. AED 500pp 10-course tasting is the city's best entry-level fine dining. 9.3/10.
Read full review →
We agree. AED 500pp 10-course tasting is the city's best entry-level fine dining. 9.3/10.
Read full review →Khadak — Best Indian
We agree. Ex-Dishoom London chef, Bombay-cafe-meets-fine-dining. 9.2/10.
Read full review →Your Questions Answered
Where can I find the full TimeOut 2026 list?
TimeOut Dubai's official site at timeoutdubai.com/food-drink/features/best-restaurants-dubai-2026 lists all 89 venues. We've reviewed the major winners independently.
Did TimeOut miss any restaurants?
Yes — most notably Trèsind Studio (Dubai's only 2-Michelin-star) doesn't appear on the readable portion of the list. Carbone, Estiatorio Milos, and Roberto's are also missing despite their stature.
Do you agree with TimeOut's Restaurant of the Year?
Yes — Row on 45 is the most ambitious Dubai tasting-menu opening in years and the award was earned. The only argument is whether Trèsind Studio (2 Michelin stars) deserved it instead.
Which TimeOut category winner is the best deal?
Birch (Best Tasting under Dhs1,000) at AED 500pp for 10 courses, and CQ French Brasserie (Casual RoY) at AED 180pp lunch.
Internal links: TimeOut Dubai 2026 source · Our Best Dubai Restaurants 2026