Dubai population consists of over 80% expats, many of whom come from non-Muslim countries. This often sparks conversations about the alcohol rules in Dubai’s restaurants. With many tourists seeking a luxurious vacation in the city, questions arise about the Islamic laws and customs related to alcohol consumption. Dubai offers a wide range of top-notch Arabic and international restaurants, inviting bars, clubs featuring famous DJs, and many other food experiences. Indubaimall will guide you to the best Dubai restaurants serving alcohol and drinking spots in Dubai.
Understanding Alcohol Licensing in Dubai
Is alcohol legal in Dubai? Alcohol is legal just in some restaurants and bars in Dubai. Recently, Dubai Police announced that restaurants can only serve alcohol at tables. Restaurants in hotels and those that are independent, which have an alcohol license, can start serving drinks again. They must follow social distancing rules, operating at 30 percent capacity and keeping two meters between tables.
Alcohol can only be served with food at these restaurants. Standing at bar counters is not allowed, and service is limited to tables. Additionally, there are updated hours for a mass disinfection program in the emirate. The disinfection take place from 8pm to 6am every day. Previously, it was from 10pm to 6am. The choice was made after observing that people were not keeping social distance around alcohol counters and pool bars.
Top Restaurants in Dubai Serving Alcohol
Dubai dining scene is a dream come true for food lovers. You can discover a range of options, from local dishes to global flavors, and find the best places that also serves alcohol in the following part.
OIA
- Location: JA Ocean View, JBR
- Phone: 054 997 9881
OIA at JA Ocean View offers stunning views of Ain Dubai, a relaxing poolside atmosphere, and beautiful Greek-inspired décor. This new place has a lot to offer. It is a quiet restaurant; therefore, it’s perfect for a cozy date or a relaxed get-together. You should just keep in your mind that you won’t find plate throwing or zorba dancing like in other Greek restaurants in Dubai. You should start with the mezze selection. You have many tasty options to pick from. The servings are big, so if you want just drinks and snacks, there’s plenty to share. Unwind and enjoy the view while sipping a cool drink after your meal to finish off your time. OIA is one of the Dubai restaurants serving alcohol.
Akabeko
- Location: Voco Dubai The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
- Phone: 050 561 8288
Akabeko is a custom full-service Japanese Yakiniku restaurant in Dubai. It offers top-quality Japanese A5 Wagyu, with each piece expertly cooked at your table by their talented staff. The restaurant follows a nose-to-tail approach, using all parts of the animal, including those often overlooked, to respect their exceptional ingredients and support sustainable dining. In Japanese folklore, Akabeko is a legendary cow that brings good health and luck to those who encounter it. It is one of the best restaurants in Dubai that serve alcohol. Akabeko offers a unique dining experience where you can enjoy top-notch Japanese food, especially premium Wagyu beef. With options like interactive Yakiniku grilling and special Teishoku lunch sets, Akabeko provides a genuine and upscale atmosphere that attracts both food enthusiasts and professionals.
RARE Bar & Modern Brasserie
- Location: City Walk, Al Wasl
- Phone: 04 287 4604
RARE Brasserie & Bar is situated in the heart of City Walk, offering a modern wood-fire dining experience that blends the sophistication of Art Deco Paris with the lively spirit of New York. With its eye-catching suspended gantry, luxurious Rosso Levanto marble accents, and a cozy yet chic vibe, Rare is perfect for those who love great food and drinks. The menu features bold, charcoal-grilled meals, high-quality steaks, and fresh seasonal produce, ensuring a dining experience that is both welcoming and elegant. At the bar, skilled mixologists craft unique cocktails that complement Rare’s extensive selection of grower champagne and wines. Rare is a great spot for celebrating special occasions and enjoying the pleasures of life.
Oche Fountain Views
- Location: Fountain Views, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
- Phone: 04 570 9118
Oche Fountain Views, located behind Address Fountain Views in Dubai Mall, brings energy to Downtown Dubai’s nightlife. This contemporary venue combines the excitement of high-tech darts with a dining experience, creating a lively setting for fun and food. It features 13 game booths, a bar, and VIP areas, making it ideal for casual gatherings or special events. The menu offers street food from different cultures, designed for sharing to encourage social interaction. Guests can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes along with a wide selection of cocktails, beers, and wines. With its chic industrial design and lively atmosphere, it’s a popular choice for those looking for a great night out in Dubai. It is one of the restaurants serving alcohol in dubai mall.
High Society
- Location: The Lana, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 541 7755
It’s quite common to enjoy from breathtaking views of the city skyline while you are dining or having a drink in Dubai restaurants with alcohol. High Society, situated on the rooftop of The Lana – Dorchester Collection, is a standout feature of the Business Bay hotel that has quickly gained attention since its opening. With 180-degree vistas of Downtown Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, and glimpses of the Dubai Creek, this venue boasts a stunning infinity pool that wraps around a sunken bar. High society is in the list of restaurants that serve alcohol in Dubai. Mixed drinks are inventive, using ingredients like bell peppers, clarified lime, and red cabbage, each carefully crafted with its own unique backstory.
Agatha
- Location: Al Habtoor, City Boulevard, Sheikh Zayed Road
- Phone: +971 4 883 2118
Agatha is not just one of the restaurants with alcohol Dubai. It’s a place where creativity flourishes, offering guests an extraordinary culinary experience. They prioritize exceptional service and memorable moments, striving to be the top dining spot in Dubai. The ideal time to visit Agata and order your meal and drink is on a Friday or Saturday. After midnight, the late-night dining venue transforms into a lively club atmosphere. This isn’t the right setting for intimate chats or lengthy reunions. Instead, you’re there to enjoy from a meal, have a few drinks, and dance.
TATEL
- Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 215 2121
The TATEL menu features a mix of Spanish dishes combined with global flavors, highlighting the restaurant’s goal to teach guests about Spanish food. It is unmistakably a Spanish menu, offering a variety of items such as cecina de León, paella, and gazpacho. For the main course, choose the slow-cooked beef ribs with paella-style rice instead of the popular lobster paella. Priced at nearly half, this option offers great value, and the beef is well-marinated and tender. If you are looking for restaurants with alcohol in dubai, on weekends, Tatel comes alive with dancers moving about and musicians singing in Spanish. The lively music and DJ performances can sometimes overpower conversations, making it harder to enjoy a quiet meal.
