Creative Menu
The tasting menus turn modern Thai flavours into playful, carefully explained courses with plenty of surprises.
Manāo
Jumeirah
Manāo is a Thai restaurant in Jumeirah centred on creative tasting menus, with highlights including Lobster Khanom Krok and thoughtful non-alcoholic pairings.
Reputation Score
4.9
★★★★★
303 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Lobster Dish
Lobster Khanom Krok is the clearest repeat favourite, with several diners calling it an outstanding or standout bite.
Drink Pairing
The fermented and non-alcoholic pairings are designed around the food rather than treated as an afterthought.
Warm Service
Servers explain the story behind each course, with reviews describing the pacing, knowledge and attention as consistently strong.
Filling Portions
Despite the many small courses, diners commonly report leaving satisfied; the 12-course menu is substantial enough for a full dinner.
Cozy Setting
The intimate room combines a warm interior with tables that reviewers found comfortably spaced.
Tips for a Better Visit
State Spice. Tell the team your spice tolerance before starting; some courses can run hot, and reviewers say preferences can be adjusted.
Book Ahead. Reserve before visiting, as one review explicitly notes that reservations are required.
Choose Courses. Choose the 8-course menu if you are less hungry; the 12-course option is reported to be filling.
Plan Transport. Allow extra time for arrival and finding the entrance; one diner found the restaurant difficult to reach and locate.
Try Pairing. Consider the fermented non-alcoholic pairing if you want drinks matched course by course rather than ordering separately.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Wasl Vita
Jumeirah - Jumeirah 1, Dubai
| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Wed | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Thu | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Fri | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Sat | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Sun | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
Common Concerns
High Cost
One diner felt the meal was overpriced, particularly because the bill did not include alcohol.
Loud Music
Music has been loud enough at times to make conversation and the dish explanations difficult to follow.
Uneven Courses
Not every course lands equally: one review found the pomelo salad too sour and the curry puff underwhelming.
Mixed Mocktails
Although the pairing receives strong praise overall, some diners found the individual drinks inconsistent or too strong.
Small Bottles
The 400mL water bottles can mean repeated orders during a long tasting menu.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
490 aed
11-course tasting menu
“Deserves the Michelin recognition ❤️ 11-course tasting menu for 490 aed for food only but totally worth it”Google review · September 2025
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The Bottom Line
Manāo is a Thai restaurant in Jumeirah where dinner is built around a tasting menu rather than à la carte ordering. The experience typically runs to 8 or 12 courses, with dishes such as Lobster Khanom Krok, Sticky Rice Roti with short ribs, crab curry and creative desserts. It suits diners who enjoy modern interpretations, unusual textures and a meal that unfolds with an explanation behind each course.
The strongest feedback centres on the cooking and service. Lobster Khanom Krok is repeatedly named as a standout, while the fermented non-alcoholic pairing is praised for matching the food with real thought. Servers are described as warm, knowledgeable and well paced, and the cozy interior gives the lengthy meal an intimate feel.
Many diners leave full, even with the small-format courses. There are a few practical cautions. Some reviews found the experience expensive for a non-alcoholic restaurant, and the mocktails were mixed for certain palates.
Music has also been loud enough to interfere with conversation and course explanations. Spice can be adjusted if you mention your preference, and reservations are required according to one review. If you are coming by public transport, allow extra time: a diner found the restaurant difficult to reach by metro and tricky to locate.