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 Best Restaurants in DubaiFew places on earth are as compactly cosmopolitan as Dubai - and
that translates into an astonishingly varied cuisine for diners.
You can find everything from shawarma joints serving delicious
kebabs for under US$1, to 7-course tasting menus prepared by
Michelin-starred chefs. Seafood is typically good value and the
sushi frequently excellent. If you want an aperitif or wine with your meal you will need to
eat at one the big hotels as no independent restaurants can serve
alcohol. Friday brunch has become something of a ritual for both
expats and locals so book ahead. During the Islamic holy month of
Ramadan only the big hotels will serve food between sunrise and
sunset. However once the cannon fires to signal the official
sundown people flood into the caf?©s and restaurants to break their
fast. A festive and convivial atmosphere prevails making this a
great time to meet the locals. Sales tax of 10% is added to meal bills, and a 15% service
charge may also be levied. If not, a 10% tip is generally
expected. |
Ravi
This popular Pakistani restaurant in Dubai is famous for its
good food and relaxed atmosphere. A cheap and cheerful takeaway
with outdoor tables attracts both locals and tourists, rich and
poor for its excellent slow-cooked beef nihari, lamb haleem, and
fresh, buttery naan bread. There's also a family room and
cafeteria. Ravi is open daily from 5am to 3am. CUISINE: Pakistani Address: Al-Satwa Road, Satwa |
Ginseng
CUISINE: Asian STYLE: Trendy Address: Wafi City Mall Website: www.ginsengdubai.com/site.html |
Carters @ Wafi Mall
CUISINE: Gastropubs Address: Wafi Mall |
Trader Vic's
CUISINE: Creole Address: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road Website: http://www.tradervics.com/rest-dubai.html |
QD's
For shisha and cocktails QD's (Quarterdeck's) at Dubai
Golf & Yacht Club is
place to be seen.
This super chilled out, funky venue is hugely popular, particularly
with young Emiratis who flock here on Friday and Saturday night to
enjoy the vibe. Guests can choose to sit on the raised deck by the
waters edge or, to occupy their own personal shisha tent, complete
with couches and beanbags, and order their favourite flavour
Â?hubbly bubbly' from the menu. Flavours include apple, grape,
strawberry and mint. Shisha waiters are constantly on hand with
more hot coals to keep the pipes bubbling and the air filled with
the sweet smoky smell that has become synonymous with Dubai at
night. Guests can also buy shisha pipes and tobaccos to take home
as a memento CUISINE: Local STYLE: Trendy Address: Dubai Creek Golf Course, Deira, Dubai Website: www.dubaigolf.com/dcgyc/Dining/Qds |
The Aquarium at Dubai Golf and Yacht Club
The Aquarium is one of five restaurants situated at
the exclusive Dubai Golf & Yacht Club. Located at the end of an
impressive drive way, lined with immaculate gardens and enviable
creek-side villas guests arrive at the water's edge to superb views
of the creek and the arguably the best seafood in town. The
Aquarium is aptly named; featuring ceiling to floor windows, an
aqua-blue interior and an almost 360 degree panorama, the
experience is rather like dining in a giant fishbowl. A large
aquarium in the centre of the dining area displays a range of
exotic looking fish, however it's the one's on the menu that keep
reeling in diners time and again. CUISINE: Seafood STYLE: Trendy Address: Dubai Golf and Yacht Club Website: www.dubaigolf.com/dcgyc/Dining/TheAquarium. |
Spectrum on One
CUISINE: Modern Eclectic STYLE: Trendy Address: 1st Floor, Fairmont Dubai Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai Website:
www.fairmont.com/dubai/GuestServices/Restaurants/SpectrumonOne |
Al Muntaha at The Burj Al Arab
The Friday Brunch has become synonymous with the ex-pat
lifestyle in Dubai in the last few years. Endless platters of
seafood, meat, salads and deserts are offered at restaurants across
the Emirate but, for really exclusive dining you can't beat the
famous Burj Al Arab Hotel. On Friday 10.00 to 14.30, (Please be
informed that the buffet is open until 16:00 hrs) guests can dine
two hundred metres above sea level in the Al Muntaha restaurant
whilst taking in the stunning view of the coastline. With
spectacular views over the new Palm Islands and a plethora of
mouth-watering dishes 'Brunch at the Burj' is fast becoming the
most sought after venue. The dress code in the restaurant is Smart
casual. Gentlemen are requested to wear a shirt with collar, long
trousers or smart jeans and closed shoes (no trainers). UAE
national dress is welcomed. Guests are advised to book well in
advance. CUISINE: Contemporary European Buffet STYLE: Trendy Address: Burj Al Arab, Beach Road, Dubai Website: www.burj-al-arab.com/dining/al_muntaha |
The Meat Co.
The Meat Co. at the Madinat Jumeirah is
place to go for top quality steak in Dubai. So far this
South-African chain has just the one restaurant in the Emirate but
it's never short of patrons and booking is essential on Friday and
Saturday evenings.The restaurant prides itself on delivering A
Grade Angus beef, 'wet-aged to perfection' and basted to create
succulent melt in the mouth steak. The menu doesn't cater solely
for meat lovers, other highlights include the skewered grilled
salmon and flame-grilled king prawns. In winter the best tables are
outside alongside the Madinat's man-made canals, where diners can
watch the boats transporting guests along the water. CUISINE: International STYLE: Trendy Address: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Shop 148, Jumeirah Beach
Road Website:
http://www.themeatco.com/middle_east/dubai/madinat_jumeirah/ |
JW's Steakhouse
The award-winning steakhouse is the finest in Dubai with steaks
that 'cut like butter' and the freshest Maine lobsters, Dungeness
crabs and oysters in town. It is popular for business entertaining
as well as for romantic dinners. Begin with lobster bisque or
seafood chowder, enjoy steaks, chops or seafood as a main, and
finish with New York cheesecake or apple pie. D?©cor is New York
style with lots of wood and leather, and the service is
excellent. CUISINE: American Address: JW Marriott Dubai Website: www.marriottdiningatjw.ae |
Al Dawaar
Situated on the 25th floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Al Dawaar
Revolving Restaurant boasts the best views in the city while you
dine. The restaurant revolves giving diners spectacular views of
the Arabian Gulf, the Creek and the city of Dubai while enjoying a
variety of international cuisines. The buffet is the most popular
option, including Chinese stir-fries, spring rolls, sushi and local
dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner. CUISINE: International Address: Hyatt Regency Website: www.dubai.regency.hyatt.com |
Al Mahara
The signature restaurant of the Burj Al Arab, one of the top 10
hotel restaurants in the world, gives diners a unique experience. A
mock submarine ride takes guests to the dining area, where tables
are situated around a huge floor-to-ceiling aquarium full of fish.
Al Mahara specialises in unforgettable first impressions and fresh
seafood and was voted one of the top 50 restaurants in the world.
Dinner guests will also be serenaded by harpists, adding to the
underwater atmosphere. Jackets are required for men, and
reservations essential. Open daily for lunch and dinner. CUISINE: Fish Address: Burj Al Arab Website: www.burj-al-arab.com |
The Noodle House
This laid-back venue offers delicious, contemporary South East
Asian fare at surprisingly affordable prices. Diners sit at long
communal tables and don't need to wait very long for the region's
usual favourites to appear, such as spring rolls, noodle soup, or
vegetable, chicken and meat dishes served with noodles or rice. The
open show kitchen allows diners to watch the food being prepared.
Reservations are not accepted, and the place is busy, but the
turnover of diners is high so the wait shouldn't be long. Open
daily for lunch and dinner. CUISINE: Asian Address: Emirates Towers Hotel Website: www.jumeirahemiratestowers.com |
Caf?© Chic
Michelin star chef Philippe Gauvreau creates fresh, innovative
French cuisine in a comfortable, elegant setting that is widely
acknowledged to be one of the best restaurants in town. As Le
M?©ridien Dubai's signature restaurant, it was also honoured with a
'Best of Award of Excellence' for its extensive wine list. Diners
should not miss the renowned signature dessert, the chocolate
souffl?©. Open daily for lunch and dinner. CUISINE: French Address: Le Meridien Hotel Website: www.dubai.lemeridien.com |
Casa Mia
Located within the Le M?©ridien complex, Casa Mia is thought by
many to be the best Italian restaurant in the city, known for its
home-cooked Italian cuisine. The menu also includes delicious
wood-fired pizzas, and in 2007 the restaurant was also honoured
with an 'Award of Excellence' for its unique and extensive wine
list. Open for lunch and dinner daily. CUISINE: Italian Address: Le M???ridien Hotel Website: www.dubai.lemeridien.com |
Verre
British Chef Gordan Ramsay has firmly established his restaurant
in the chic Hilton hotel as one of the classiest dining venues in
Dubai. The minimalist d?©cor and discreet service focuses attention
on the food, which is superb. The contemporary menu includes meat,
seafood, chicken and delicious desserts. The sommelier will choose
a different glass of wine to complement each course. CUISINE: International Address: Hilton Dubai Creek, Beniyas Road |
The Lemongrass
Voted Best Thai Restaurant by Time Out Dubai, The
Lemongrass in Oud Metha serves up traditional Thai food in a
relaxed, modern setting. Decor is subtle and calming and seems
designed to keep the chi flowing while visitors savour delicious
Thai fare. Seafood features heavily on the menu and the grilled Red
Snapper in red curry sauce is an alternative to the traditional
Thai Green Curry. Also worth sampling is the interesting take on
the Pad Thai Noodles. The Lemongrass is a 'dry' venue; however try
the freshly squeezed juices and smoothies instead. The peppermint
smoothie is popular among return visitors. The Lemongrass offers
affordable, appetizing, authentic Asian food. Visitors arriving by
taxi, should direct the driver to Lamcy Plaza. CUISINE: Thai STYLE: Trendy Address: Oud Metha, Nr Lamcy Plaza Website: www.lemongrassrestaurants.com |
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| Travel guide by (c) Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. |
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