The restaurant scene in Dubai has a strong global influence. Here, you’ll find chefs and brands from all over the world clamouring for a piece of the proverbial pie. When it comes to steak, this translates as top international names and innovative newcomers all offering mouth-watering cuts of prime beef in impressive locations, from leafy terraces to Mad-Men inspired monochrome eateries. And while there are some top-tier steakhouses here, you’ll also find affordable, low-key spots that are perfect for family dining. These are our favourite steak restaurants in Dubai.
1. Beefbar Dubai
Beefbar Dubai insists it’s not a steakhouse – instead, it describes itself as an ‘elevated street food’ offering. Either way, it’s delicious. At this international chain, you’ll find everything from cuts of Japanese Wagyu with kobe mashed potatoes to raw beef bites with praline, and kobe beef bao buns. In other words, it’s steak but not as you know it. There are two locations in Dubai, the main restaurant in Al Naseem and a smaller version in DIFC. At both, the staff are knowledgeable, the decor is upscale and dotted with leafy plants, and the food…delicious.
2. Seafire Steakhouse
Seafire Steakhouse and Bar at Atlantis, The Palm is big on details. Here, you get a bespoke experience, meaning you can pick everything about your steak, from the age to the cut, even the marble score. Oh, and the kind of knife you’ll use to cut it. Whichever cut you choose, expect generous portions, beautifully cooked meat, and attentive service. If steak isn’t your thing, the ‘sea’ element of the menu includes oysters, rock lobster and various fish. Decor is heavy on the wood, with views into the kitchen and bar.
3. Gaucho Dubai
Order up some prime Argentine steak at Gaucho Dubai in DIFC, where folks in finance book in for post-work dinner (it’s hugely popular at weekends too). Here, you’ll find upmarket surroundings, with a central glass lift, valet parking and monochrome furnishings with huge silver pendant lights. The menu is all about the meat, natch. Try a tasting plate of top cuts, a fillet steak with a variety of sauces, and get stuck into sides including truffle chips (a must-have). If you’re not into beef, the restaurant does a handful of non-steak options as well as fish dishes including ceviche, which is delicious.
4. The Ninth Cut
This is not your average steakhouse – we’re talking speakeasy vibes and butcher shop surroundings. An ideal option if you’d like a fun break from the norm without compromising on taste. Tucked away on the ground floor of the Novotel in Al Barsha, you’re welcomed into the butchery area as you enter. Glass displays full of prime beef in every type of cut you can think of are laid out before you and each diner chooses their favourite. Then, it’s all about the seasoning.
Choose from several options depending on your taste, advise the chef how you’d like it cooked, and take a seat at your table to await the meal of a lifetime. There are plenty of delicious sides to choose from too. The warm and welcoming team will walk you through every aspect of your evening – feel free to ask about the prep and cooking techniques. And the steak? Potentially the best you’ll ever have.
5. The Cullinan
If it’s a special occasion or even if you just fancy a solo evening of elegant refinement, make your way to The Cullinan. Named after the famed Cullinan diamond discovered in South Africa in 1905, this restaurant has perfected all the finer details and is truly a gem in the Dubai dining scene. Located in the luxurious resort Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the decor is sleek, monochromatic and refined, with a huge open kitchen that takes centre stage. And naturally the star of the show is the steak.
The Cullinan work with high-end, individual suppliers rather than big brands and even have a meat sommelier on hand to discuss your preferences. Expect perfectly cooked cuts that need no adornments. The service is impeccable without feeling stuffy. Enjoy your meal with a side of jaw dropping skyline views and ask for a table on the terrace – prepare to be wowed by the gleaming Burj Khalifa.
6. Relais de L'Entrecôte
If there’s one place that’s unashamedly all about the steak, it is French chain Relais de L'Entrecôte, at ME Dubai Hotel. The menu is simple and to the point – French bread, salad to start, followed by steak and chips. The only question you need to answer is how you want the steak cooked, and what you want to drink. Don’t bother asking for anything off book (and that includes butter for the bread) - they don’t do it.
The steak is delicious, comes with the Relais secret sauce, and is served in two ‘sittings’ so that your food doesn’t get cold while you eat the first half of your meal. The service is slick, the restaurant has this menu down to a ‘T’, and hits the same high standards every single time. Just don’t ask for butter.
7. Rare Brasserie and Bar
Part French bistro, part New York hotspot, this steakhouse on City Walk Dubai is chock full of choice. The menu ranges from an impressive array of cuts of steak (from Chateaubriand and Porterhouse to Wagyu striploin) to unique offerings such as bone marrow on toast, Wagyu tartare, charcoal cabbage and Hokkaido scallops. The atmosphere is pretty buzzy, with live music on Friday nights and diners encouraged to stay for another drink rather than feeling rushed out to secure more covers.
