Dubai’s awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa stands proud as the tallest building in the world at an incredible 828 metres above the ground.
There are plenty of spots to gawk at the iconic landmark including restaurants and bars around Downtown Dubai, Souk Al Bahar, The Dubai Mall, Business Bay and more and we’ve rounded up the best places to eat and sip all while marvelling at the glittering sight.
Asado
Asado is a sophisticated fine dining experience in Dubai, offering outstanding views of the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain, and Argentinian fare. Dishes include signature mixed grills including chicken, beef ribs, lamb chops, sirloin, rib-eye and tenderloin steak, along with sweetbread and chorizo.
Open daily 6pm-11.30pm. Palace Downtown, Downtown Dubai (04 888 3444).
BiCE Mare
With top views of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain, BiCE Mare makes for a fun date night spot and the pretty terrace is a lovely spot to while away a weekend afternoon. The longstanding Italian seafood spot in Souk Al Bahar offers a pleasant al fresco ambiance and reasonably priced dishes such as calamari, bruschetta, spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) and grilled yellowfin tuna steak.
Open daily noon-11pm. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai (04 423 0982).
CÉ LA VI
The world-famous CÉ LA VI opened its doors at the beginning of 2020, and with it came stunning Burj Khalifa views. Its Dubai outpost is the sixth location globally for the restaurant and it can be found of the 54th floor at the brand-new Address Sky View hotel in Downtown Dubai. The swish spot also boasts a huge infinity pool in which guests can soak up the sun, and get a prime spot for endlessly gawking at the world’s tallest tower.
Open daily noon-3am. Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai (056 515 4001).
GIA
Found at the Fashion Avenue in The Dubai Mall, GIA boasts an outdoor terrace that offers views of both the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain. The restaurant prides itself around the concept of La Dolce Vita, and dishes (which have been created by Tuscan-born chef Tommaso Gonfiantini) are a combination of traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist, focusing on fresh, tasty ingredients. Head here for Italian food – and service – as it should be.
Open Sun-Wed 10am-midnight, Thu-Sat 10am-1am. The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai (04 234 9986).
Iris
Okay, we know you can see the Burj Khalifa from all over the city, meaning a huge scope for bars piggybacking on to this list. But with a clear line of sight out from across Meydan, we reckon Time Out-acclaimed Iris is a worthy entry. The bar oozes cool, and with the world’s loftiest perch glittering in the distance, boasts a full-Dubai skyline vista that few manage to replicate.
Open Sat-Thu 6pm-3am, Fri 1pm-3am. Meydan Grandstand, irisdubai.com(04 334 3355).
Karma Kafé
This cool, dimly-lit spot has long been popular with tourists and residents alike. Overlooking The Dubai Fountain and with stellar views of the Burj Khalifa, the setting of this dark, sleek venue is enviable. The terrace is where it’s at, so take a seat here in cooler months and enjoy the menu of pan-Asian bites. There’s also a daily happy hour from 3pm until 7pm with half price select grape and hops, which is worth taking advantage of, too.
Open Sun-Thu 3pm-2am, Fri-Sat noon-2am. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai (04 423 0909).
Luna
This relatively quiet spot at the Four Seasons Hotel DIFC is a beautiful, low-lit terrace with small pockets to get cosy in and heaps of drink options, too. There’s usually a mix of after-work tables, couples on date night and expats showing friends and family the views. Speaking of views, they’re terrific with a full moon at soaring in the skyline at one end and the towering Burj Khalifa glittering at the other. The stunning terrace is dotted with sprawling corner sofas, so get comfy.
Open daily 5pm-3am, DIFC, lunadubai.com (04 506 0000).
NEOS
If you’re looking for a spot to take in views of the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain along with some cracking offers, this is one for you. There’s also a daily happy hour from 5pm to 8pm, which offers 50 percent off both drinks and bar bites, including a number of small plates for sharing (or scoffing all to yourself).
Open daily 5pm-3am. Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai (04 888 3444).
The Loft
This swanky bar is conveniently located in the Dubai Opera and if you visit on a show night you’ll be greeted with the buzz of chatting theatregoers, clinking of glasses and live cooking action from the open kitchens. The terrace area is a gorgeous spot with plenty of greenery, as well as top views of Burj Khalifa. The bar is open from 4pm with a daily happy hour until 7pm with select drinks for Dhs35 making it ideal a spot for a drink with stellar views.
Open daily 4pm-midnight. Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai (04 362 7312).
Thiptara
If you’re feeling hungry and have a penchant for Thai food then Thiptara should be top of your list. And if you’re looking for somewhere with stellar views – even better. Situated in the lush gardens of the Palace Downtown, the terrace of the stunning restaurant overlooks The Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa. The food here is excellent, so go hungry and choose from appetisers like dim sum and mains including curries, seafood and meat dishes and rice and noodle plates.
Open daily 6pm-11.30pm. Palace Downtown, Downtown Dubai (04 888 3444).
Time Out Market Dubai
Without doubt this place should jump to the top of your must-visit list if seeking tip-top Burj Khalifa views. Looking the world’s tallest tower directly in the foot, Time Out Market Dubai backs up its unbelievable vantage point with live music twice a week, a delicious weekend breakfast feast, and the kind of rock star vendors that don’t come around every day. It’s also got three bars and a ridiculously cool terrace to drink in. Welcome.
Open Sat-Wed noon-midnight, Thu-Fri noon-1am.Time Out Market Dubai, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai.
Treehouse
We always talk about a destination’s ability to tempt us down from our tree, but this rooftop spot in Business Bay is very much trying to keep us up there. Elevated not too far from the ground but with enviable views direct to the Burj Khalifa, this is one treehouse we all dreamed about having as kids. A real party vibe, the only thing pausing the good times is selfies with the famed skyscraper. Sat-Wed 6pm-2am, Thu 6pm-3am, Fri 1pm-3am. Taj Dubai, Business Bay tajhotels.com (058 827 2763).
