From Leña to Miss Lily’s, discover the restaurants visited by Cristiano Ronaldo, Jennifer Lopez and Kanye West.
In Dubai, we are more accustomed to seeing Hollywood A-listers and sports superstars on our screens than on our streets. The city’s booming restaurant scene has recently seen an influx of celebrity diners, from Ed Sheeran to LeBron James. So, if you want to make like the superstars, here are the restaurants you need to frequent if you want to dine like a celebrity in Dubai.
African Queen
Lindsay Lohan visited African Queen at J1 Beach in December 2024 and shared a photograph on Instagram with the caption “Lunch date with my hubby.” The restaurant traces its origins to the South of France, where the original opened in 1969. Its Dubai outpost combines French and African influences, with dishes including Artichoke with Vinaigrette, Filet au Poivre and Salade Niçoise. The beachfront setting makes it an appealing choice for a leisurely lunc
Where: African Queen, J1 Beach, Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: @africanqueen_dubai
Amazónico Dubai
Will Smith caught up with radio presenter Kris Fade over dinner at Amazónico Dubai in November 2025. The DIFC restaurant takes its culinary cues from Latin America, with Asian and Mediterranean influences also reflected across its menus. Sushi, grilled dishes and cocktails accompany tropical interiors, while resident DJs and percussionists keep the atmosphere lively into the evening.
Where: Amazónico, DIFC Pavilion, DIFC, Dubai
Contact: www.amazonicorestaurant.com
Angel Cakes
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and DJ Khaled stopped by Angel Cakes at Dubai Mall during Ramadan 2026. The café shared their visit on Instagram with the caption “Look who joined us for a sweet Ramadan evening.” Located on the second floor of Fashion Avenue, the venue serves high-protein bowls, superfood smoothies and ceremonial matcha, alongside signature desserts made without gluten or refined sugar. It offers a lighter option among the city’s celebrity dining destinations.
Where: Angel Cakes, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
Contact: @angelcakes.dubai
At.mosphere
Mariah Carey visited At.mosphere in February 2017, posing for a photograph that the restaurant shared on Instagram. Located on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa, the Downtown Dubai venue pairs skyline views from the world’s tallest tower with modern French cuisine. Diners can settle in for a meal or head to the lounge and bar for drinks high above the city.
Where: At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
Contact: www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com
AURA Skypool
Cristiano Ronaldo and DJ Martin Garrix are among the famous faces who have visited the FACT Award-winning AURA Skypool. Suspended 200 metres above Dubai, the venue features the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool. Panoramic skyline views provide the backdrop for swimming and lounging, while an Asian-inspired menu caters to guests settling in for a poolside meal.
Where: AURA Skypool, The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: https://auraskypool.com
Bâoli Dubai
French Montana visited Bâoli Dubai in February 2025, earning an enthusiastic welcome from the J1 Beach venue. Its Instagram post read: “It was an absolute pleasure welcoming @frenchmontana at Bâoli Dubai! Thank you for your visit!” The restaurant and beach club combines French-Mediterranean cooking with East Asian influences, offering a setting where lunch, poolside lounging and evening entertainment can become part of the same outing. The restaurant has seen a long list of celebrity visits including Charles Leclerc, Gunna, Jason Derulo, Jude Bellingham, Patrice Evra, Post Malone and Ronaldinho.
Where: Bâoli, J1 Beach, Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: https://baoli-restaurant.com
Bar Du Port
Ahead of his debut Coca-Cola Arena show in November 2025, Teddy Swims found time for dinner at Bar Du Port. The singer settled onto the waterfront terrace, enjoyed shared plates and cocktails, and posed for photographs with the team. The venue described him as “the most fun guest.” With its French Riviera influences and Dubai Harbour setting, the restaurant suits an unhurried evening beside the water.
Where: Bar du Port, Dubai Harbour Pier Club, Dubai Harbour
Contact: https://barduportdubai.com
Bordo Mavi
Seafood takes centre stage at this Jumeirah Fishing Harbour restaurant from the team behind 3Fils. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience as a fisherman and fishmonger along Türkiye’s coastline, Chef Ersan serves dishes including Grilled Octopus with Crushed Hazelnut, Kingfish Casserole and Marinated Gambero Rosso with Caviar. Waterfront views complete the experience. Steve Harvey and former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov both visited in March 2024.
Where: Bordo Mavi, Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: @bordomavi.ae
Bungalo34
Roger Federer chose beachfront restaurant Bungalo34 for a meal in April 2023. Restaurateur Natasha Sideris’s concept draws on the cuisines of Greece, France and Italy, with dishes such as Lobster Benedict, Three Cheese Soufflé Omelette and Glyko Koutaliou, a sweet pumpkin preserve served with vanilla Greek yoghurt. Wood-fired pizzettes feature toppings including truffle, artichokes and stracciatella. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has also visited.
Where: Bungalo34, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Pearl Jumeira, Dubai
Contact: www.bungalo34.com
CARBONE Dubai
CARBONE Dubai made quite an entrance at Atlantis The Royal in October 2025. Its opening celebrations welcomed Central Cee, Naomi Campbell, Damson Idris, Alessandra Ambrosio and Rio Ferdinand, alongside Winnie Harlow, Iris Law, Lennon Gallagher, Kat Graham, Romee Strijd, Nora Fatehi, Francis Ngannou and Mona Zaki. Campbell took to the decks, while Rick Ross performed at the beach after-party. The Italian-American restaurant from Mario Carbone, Jeff Zalaznick and Rich Torrisi takes its cues from 1950s New York, with chandeliers, leather banquettes and signature dishes including Spicy Rigatoni, Veal Parmesan and Lobster Fra Diavolo.
Where: Carbone, Atlantis The Royal, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: www.carbonedubai.com
Carine
Paul Pogba visited Chef Izu Ani’s Carine in November 2021. Overlooking the fairways at Emirates Golf Club, the French-Mediterranean restaurant offers a relaxed setting for a long lunch or dinner. Signature dishes include Crispy Calamari, Burrata and Lobster Linguine, giving diners plenty of reasons to visit beyond its footballing following. A table overlooking the greens adds to the appeal.
Where: Carine, Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills, Dubai
Contact: www.dubaigolf.com
Charcoal Garden
Steven Seagal, Stormzy and Maya Jama are among the visitors to Charcoal Garden in Al Sufouh. The venue combines dining, shisha, entertainment and sports screenings, with exposed brickwork, metal accents and reclaimed wood furniture shaping the interiors. Charcoal ovens in the open kitchen give guests a view of the cooking, while the menu spans grilled meats, seafood, salads and vegetarian dishes.
Where: Charcoal Garden, Media City, Dubai
Contact: @charcoaldxb_
Chic Nonna
Floyd Mayweather Jr. visited Chic Nonna in DIFC in March 2024. The Italian restaurant pairs a fine-dining setting with dishes that reward taking your time over dinner. While the boxer’s order was not revealed, FACT favourites include Sea Bass Fillet cooked in acqua pazza sauce and slow-cooked Lamb Shank. It is a fitting destination for diners seeking Italian cooking in the heart of the financial district.
Where: Chic Nonna, Gate Avenue Mall, DIFC, Dubai
Contact: www.chicnonna.com
Cloud 22
Following his Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concert appearance in December 2025, Benson Boone visited Cloud 22 at Atlantis The Royal. The rooftop destination combines an infinity pool with floating beds, cabanas and views across Palm Jumeirah. Poolside dining and a lounge setting make it a place to spend an afternoon, especially when a quick lunch turns into a longer stay.
Where: Cloud 22, Atlantis The Royal, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: www.atlantistheroyal.com
CZN Burak
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Cristiano Ronaldo have both visited CZN Burak, the Downtown Dubai restaurant known for generous portions of Turkish and Middle Eastern food. Ronaldo was also photographed with chef and social media personality Burak Özdemir. Those visits belong to an earlier chapter: Özdemir ended his Dubai business ties in September 2025, while owner Dives Holding confirmed that the restaurant would continue operating.
Where: CZN Burak, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai
Contact: www.cznburakgurme.com
GAIA
50 Cent, Black Coffee, DJ Snake and Will Smith have all visited the FACT Award-winning GAIA, alongside members of Dubai’s royal family. Chef Izu Ani’s Greek-inspired menu focuses on the appeal of straightforward home cooking, with salads, seafood and sharing dishes at its heart. A chef’s table accommodates 12 diners, offering another option for those planning a meal with friends.
Where: GAIA, Gate Village 4, DIFC, Dubai
Contact: https://gaia-restaurants.com
Giulia by the Beach
Black Coffee visited Giulia by the Beach in January 2026, with the venue sharing photographs of the Grammy-winning DJ dining beside the sea. Located at Be Beach in Dubai Harbour, the restaurant takes its inspiration from coastal Italy. Classic Italian dishes and fresh seafood anchor the menu, while the waterfront setting lends itself to long lunches that continue towards sunset.
Where: Giulia by the Beach, Be Beach, Dubai Harbour
Contact: @giuliabythebeach
Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori
Roger Federer visited Goldfish Sushi and Yakitori at The Galleria Mall in April 2023. The Japanese restaurant offers a casual alternative to Dubai’s more theatrical dining rooms, with a menu covering new-style sashimi, nigiri, maki rolls and yakitori skewers. Caviar and clay-pot dishes add further variety, making it a useful choice for a meal that moves between the sushi counter and the grill.
Where: Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori, Galleria Mall, Al Wasl Road, Dubai
Contact: https://goldfishsushiyakitori.com
Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
Hillary Clinton dined at Il Borro Tuscan Bistro in December 2023, joining a celebrity guest list that includes Shah Rukh Khan, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. At Jumeirah Al Naseem, the restaurant’s terrace overlooks the turtle lagoon, while a wood-fired pizza oven and Italian marble bar feature inside. Tuscan roots and ingredients sourced from an organic farm inform a menu of pasta, risotto, pizza and cheesecake.
Where: Il Borro Tuscan Bistro, Jumeirah Al Naseem, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
Contact: https://ilborrotuscanbistro.ae
Leña
Fire is central to Dani García’s steakhouse at St. Regis Gardens on Palm Jumeirah. Its name means “firewood” in Spanish, reflecting a menu built around cooking over embers. Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez visited in January 2024. Diners can watch the chefs in the open kitchen while choosing dishes such as The Foie That Wanted to Be an Apple, Kiwami Beef Tenderloin and Picanha Steak.
Where: Leña Dubai, St. Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: https://lenarestaurants.com
Miss Lily’s
Rihanna, Kanye West, Chris Brown, Gunna, Kevin Hart, Ne-Yo and Priyanka Chopra have all visited Miss Lily’s. It is also a favourite of FACT’s editor-in-chief. The FACT award-winning Jamaican restaurant combines colourful interiors with a soundtrack spanning Afro, Caribbean, hip-hop and R&B. Chef Richie Richards’s menu includes Curry Goat Stew and Jerk Chicken, making dinner as much a draw as the music and late-night atmosphere.
Where: Miss Lily’s, Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Contact: https://misslilysdubai.com
MYA
Previously known as AMAYA, this Dubai Mall restaurant now operates under the name MYA. Its celebrity visitors include Bobby Shmurda, Lil Durk, Ne-Yo, Rick Ross, Swae Lee and YG. Mediterranean influences sit alongside international dishes, while a selection of shisha flavours gives guests another reason to linger. Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain views add to the attraction.
Where: MYA Dubai, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
Contact: @amayadubai
NAHATÉ
Steve Aoki visited NAHATÉ in DIFC in November 2025. Located in Gate Village, the venue combines a globally inspired menu with cocktails and late-night entertainment. Baccarat crystalware and theatrical interiors lend the dining room a sense of occasion, while the club atmosphere keeps the evening moving after dinner. The DJ and producer’s visit added another music name to Dubai’s restaurant guest lists.
Where: NAHATÉ, Gate Village 3, DIFC, Dubai
Contact: https://nahatedubai.com
Nammos Dubai
Terry Crews visited Nammos Dubai for dinner in December 2025. The actor, known for Brooklyn Nine-Nine and White Chicks, joined the famous faces drawn to the beachfront restaurant’s Aegean-inspired setting. Mediterranean cooking and a lively atmosphere are central to the experience, with the venue offering a place to settle in for a meal beside the sea.
Where: Nammos, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah 2, Dubai
Contact: www.nammos.com
Nobu by the Beach
On his 2010 track See Me Now, Kanye West rapped, “I might walk in Nobu with no shoes.” During a visit to Nobu by the Beach in November 2023, he was photographed barefoot with chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Located at Atlantis The Royal, the beachfront destination serves dishes including Salmon New Style Tacos, Tuna Crispy Rice and Wagyu Beef Sando. West’s order wasn’t revealed, but the menu offers plenty to explore.
Where: Nobu by the Beach, Atlantis The Royal, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: www.nobudubai.com
Nobu Dubai
Jennifer Lopez visited Nobu Dubai ahead of her Autism Rocks Arena performance in November 2017, dining with her then-partner Alex Rodriguez and meeting chef Nobu Matsuhisa. The restaurant has since moved to the crown of Atlantis, The Palm, and its celebrity visitors include Jay-Z and Kendall Jenner. Sushi, sashimi and the signature Miso Black Cod remain compelling reasons to book a table.
Where: Nobu Dubai, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: www.atlantis.com
Nobu One Za’abeel
Lindsay Lohan and Gunna were among the famous faces at Nobu One Za’abeel’s launch in January 2026. Lohan also joined chef Nobu Matsuhisa for the traditional kagami biraki sake-barrel ceremony. Located in The Link at One&Only One Za’abeel, the restaurant serves Nobu favourites such as Yellowtail with Jalapeño, Rock Shrimp Tempura and Black Cod Miso. Stay beyond dinner for DJ sets, cocktails and a lively lounge atmosphere.
Where: Nobu One Za’abeel, The Link, One Za’abeel, Dubai
Contact: www.nobuonezaabeel.com
Nusr-Et Dubai
Lionel Messi and Paul Pogba swapped the football pitch for Nusr-Et Dubai in November 2018, dining together and posing with Nusret Gökçe, better known as Salt Bae. The Turkish butcher and restaurateur treated the pair to his signature tableside meat-carving routine. Located in Restaurant Village at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, the steakhouse serves dishes including Lokum, a thinly sliced grilled tenderloin, and the Nusr-Et Special, prepared at the table with butter. Finish with pistachio baklava and Maraş ice cream.
Where: Nusr-Et Dubai, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: www.fourseasons.com
OPA Dubai
Gunna visited OPA Dubai following his shows in the city in October 2025. The Greek restaurant on Sheikh Zayed Road pairs mezze and charcoal-grilled mains with plate-smashing, Zorba dancing and bouzouki music. Its blue-and-white dining room provides a suitably festive backdrop. The rapper’s Dubai dining itinerary also included Cloud 22 and Estiatorio Milos at Atlantis The Royal.
Where: OPA Dubai, Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Contact: https://opaworld.com
Orfali Bros
Ed Sheeran visited Orfali Bros ahead of his two sold-out Sevens Stadium shows in January 2024, stopping to chat with chef and television personality Mohamad Orfali. Founded by brothers Mohamad, Wassim and Omar, the homegrown restaurant opened in March 2021. Their travels inform its contemporary approach to Middle Eastern cooking, while local farmers and suppliers play an important role. Dishes include a Caviar Bun topped with Kaluga caviar.
Where: Orfali Bros, Wasl 51, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: https://orfalibros.com
Scalini Dubai
Paul Pogba and Virgil van Dijk have both visited Scalini at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. A favourite of the FACT team, the Italian restaurant combines a terrace setting with a menu rooted in Southern Italian flavours. Pizza and pasta feature prominently, with seasonal ingredients and dishes suited to sharing, encouraging diners to settle in and order another course.
Where: Scalini Dubai, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: https://scalini-dubai.com
Shalwa
MrBeast stopped by Shalwa’s Museum of the Future pop-up in January 2026 while in Dubai for the 1 Billion Followers Summit. His visit attracted fans as he explored the concept and sampled its Khaleeji-inspired menu. All-day breakfast is central to Shalwa’s offering, placing regional flavours at the heart of the experience. Follow the venue’s updates for details of its locations and pop-ups.
Where: Shalwa, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
Contact: @shalwa.eatery
Shanghai ME
Jason Derulo and Steven Seagal visited Shanghai ME in April 2024. The DIFC restaurant takes inspiration from East Asian culinary traditions, pairing an Art Deco dining room with bamboo-filled terraces, lounges and private dining spaces. Familiar dishes receive contemporary touches, with menu highlights including Braised Beef Short Rib Shanghai Style, Sesame Prawns on Toast and Tiger Prawns in Chilli Sauce.
Where: Shanghai Me, Gate Village Building 3, DIFC, Dubai
Contact: https://shanghaime-restaurant.com
Sirene by GAIA
Jennifer Lopez visited Sirene by GAIA for lunch in February 2025. Chef Izu Ani’s beach club at J1 Beach focuses on Greek-Mediterranean cooking, with a seaside setting suited to an afternoon out. The singer’s visit added another high-profile name to the venue’s guest list and another Greek restaurant to her Dubai dining itinerary.
Where: Siene by GAIA, J1 Beach, Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: www.sirenebeach.com
StreetXO
Naomi Campbell chose StreetXO at One&Only One Za’abeel for brunch, meeting chef Dabiz Muñoz during her visit. The restaurant reflects the Spanish chef’s adventurous approach to cooking, with global influences, inventive cocktails and theatrical decor. Dishes range from lamb shanks to ribs served on banana leaves, giving diners plenty to discuss between courses.
Where: StreetXO, One&Only One Za’abeel, Za’abeel, Dubai
Contact: www.oneandonlyresorts.com
Surf Club
Future visited Surf Club with his entourage in November 2025, settling onto the beachfront terrace at Palm West Beach. Tiki lamps, sea views and the Dubai Marina skyline framed the rapper’s outing. The Mediterranean-inspired venue combines dining with a beach-club atmosphere, making it a choice for guests who want their meal accompanied by music and a view across the water.
Where: Surf Club, Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: www.surfclubdubai.com
SUSHISAMBA Dubai
On the 51st floor of The Palm Tower, SUSHISAMBA Dubai combines Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavours with panoramic views across Palm Jumeirah and the city. Cristiano Ronaldo and Sheikh Hamdan have visited at the same time, while Nick Jonas stopped by in March 2022. The FACT favourite offers a setting where the skyline commands almost as much attention as the food.
Where: SUSHISAMBA Dubai, The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: www.sushisamba.com
The Banc
The Banc pairs Mediterranean and Asian influences with indoor dining and an outdoor lounge beside the Business Bay Canal. Lil Baby visited the Dubai venue, arriving by supercar before settling onto its terrace. The restaurant shared the occasion in an Instagram reel captioned “Lil Baby Banc in those Ms,” adding the Atlanta rapper to its celebrity following.
Where: The Banc, Renaissance Hotel, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai
Contact: https://thebanc.ae
The Nice Guy
After performing at UNTOLD Dubai, G-Eazy visited The Nice Guy at Emirates Towers and took to the decks at its speakeasy, Hush Hush. The Italian restaurant cultivated a discreet atmosphere through its no-photography policy and reservations-only approach. Zomato currently lists the venue as temporarily closed, so its opening status should be checked before planning a visit.
Where: The Nice Guy, Emirates Towers, Trade Centre, Dubai
Contact: @theniceguydubai
Trove
LeBron James, Anthony Joshua, Meek Mill, Travis Scott and Ty Dolla $ign have all visited Trove at Dubai Mall. Art installations give the interiors their character, while the terrace overlooks the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa. Guests can dine in the restaurant or spend time in the shisha lounge. The international menu covers North and South American, Asian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences.
Where: Trove, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
Contact: @thetrove