As Dubai lights up to celebrate Diwali, the city’s restaurants are turning up the flavour and the flair. This season of sparkle isn’t just about fireworks and fairy lights, but about gathering and finding joy in food that’s made with care.
Across the UAE, chefs are reimagining traditional Indian flavours by swapping extravagance for experience, and proving that sustainability can be the most dazzling ingredient of all.
From all-vegetarian feasts with locally sourced ingredients, these Diwali menus shine a light on plant-forward plates.
Whether it’s a five-course Punjabi spread, a fire-to-table tasting menu, or a chocolate-infused culinary collaboration, each one invites diners to celebrate the Festival of Lights in the most deliciously ethical way.
Kinara by Vikas Khanna x Forrey & Galland
Celebrate Diwali in true culinary style at Kinara by Vikas Khanna, located at JA Lake View Hotel — part of JA Resorts & Hotels, one of the UAE’s most sustainability-focused hospitality groups. From October 17–21, the award-winning restaurant presents Diwali by Design, a five-day dining experience in collaboration with Parisian chocolatier Forrey & Galland. The set menu uses locally sourced ingredients with artisanal chocolate, co-created by Chef Vikas Khanna, Chef Ashish, and Forrey & Galland’s Master Chocolatier. Each evening features a rotation of sweets inspired by the festival’s daily themes, from saffron-marigold confections to pistachio praline chocolates.
October 17–21, 2025 | Kinara by Vikas Khanna, JA Lake View Hotel, Jebel Ali | AED 350 pp
Pincode by Kunal Kapur
For a festive night out with flavour, Pincode by celebrity chef Kunal Kapur is celebrating Diwali with a nostalgia-filled vegetarian menu that reimagines classic Indian street snacks. Available from 20th to 22nd October at Dubai Hills Mall and The Galleria Abu Dhabi, the limited-edition dishes include Avocado 5 Spice Puchka, Masala Kanjivada, Bhutte Ki Kachori, and Soya Chapli Kebabs, all designed for sharing. With prices starting at AED 45, it’s an easy, flavourful way to relive the joy of Diwali card parties while supporting a chef-led brand that celebrates Indian ingredients and regional recipes.
October 20–22, 2025 | Pincode by Kunal Kapur, Dubai Hills Mall & The Galleria Abu Dhabi | From AED 45 per person
The Permit Room
For a relaxed night out to celebrate Diwali, The Permit Room at Majestic City Retreat in Mankhool is serving up festive cheer with a complimentary Baklava Cheesecake for all diners from 17th to 20th October. Known for its inventive vegetarian-friendly menu and retro Indian vibe, the restaurant combines nostalgic comfort with creative flair. On Friday, 17th October, guests can also enjoy a Desi Singing Night featuring popular Indian artist Asees, making it the perfect way to celebrate with friends without the excess.
October 17–20, 2025 | The Permit Room, Al Mankhool | Complimentary Baklava Cheesecake |
Revolver by Chef Jitin Joshi
Step out and celebrate Diwali through flavour, not fireworks, at Revolver, the modern Indian grill in Business Bay known for its bold, fire-to-table cooking and inventive vegetarian plates. From October 20–25, Chef Jitin Joshi presents a specially curated Diwali menu (AED 395 per person) that reimagines Indian classics with a creative, sustainable edge. Vegetarian highlights include Yoghurt Dumplings with Smoked Pepper, Sunchoke Chaat with Pomegranate, Fresh Paneer Do Piyaza, and Jackfruit & Wakame Claypot Rice. With its open-flame kitchen, locally sourced produce, and focus on craftsmanship over excess, Revolver offers a Diwali dining experience that’s as contemporary as it is conscious.
October 20th to 25th | Revolver Dubai, The Opus, Business Bay | AED 395 per person
A Festival of Light at Radisson Blu Deira Creek
This October, the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek transforms into a golden haven of lights and laughter for A Festival of Light by Studio Bollywood. On 17 October 2025, guests can enjoy the magic of Diwali with an all-vegetarian Indian buffet celebrating the country’s rich culinary traditions from aromatic biryanis and fragrant curries to sizzling tandoori favourites and street-style chaat. The evening glows with festive décor, live Dhol and Bhangra performances, and a Bollywood band that keeps the energy soaring long after the diyas are lit. A joyful celebration of light, culture and community, it’s Diwali dining done the Dubai way.
October 17th | Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek | AED 99 per person
A Patakha Feast at Dhaba Lane
This Diwali, food takes centre stage at Dhaba Lane, where flavour, nostalgia, and a little desi drama collide. From 15–22 October, the award-winning Punjabi-inspired restaurant is serving up a special five-course sharing menu that celebrates the vibrant soul of Indian cooking, all for just AED 65 per person. Expect a mix of chaat, tandoor-grilled starters, and warming mains that capture the festive spirit. If you’re Team Veg there’s plenty to love: think Panchporan Paneer Tikka and Sizzling Kadhai Paneer. And because no Diwali is complete without something sweet, the meal ends with syrupy Jalebi-Rabri and traditional mithai.
With four branches across Dubai, Dhaba Lane promises a feast that’s festive, affordable, and full of flavour.
October 15–22, 2025 | Dhaba Lane (Karama, Garhoud, JLT & Al Nahda) | AED 65 per person
