RESTAURANTS

Restaurants

Few 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 cafés 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.

The Lemongrass

$$$$$ | Thai

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. 

Address: Oud Metha, Nr Lamcy Plaza; Telephone: (4) 334 2325

Verre

$$$$$ | International

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 décor 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.

Address: Hilton Dubai Creek; Telephone: (0)4 227 1111

Casa Mia

$$$$$ | Italian

Located within the Le Méridien 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.

Address: Le M�ridien Hotel; Telephone: (0)4 282 4040

Caf� Chic

$$$$$ | French

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 Méridien 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 soufflé. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Address: Le Meridien Hotel; Telephone: (0)4 282 4040

The Noodle House

$$$$$ | Asian

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.

Address: Emirates Towers Hotel; Telephone: (0)4 319 8088

Al Mahara

$$$$$ | Fish

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.

Address: Burj Al Arab; Telephone: (0)4 301 7600

Al Dawaar

$$$$$ | International

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.

Address: Hyatt Regency; E-mail: dubai.regency@hyattintl.com; Telephone: (0)4 209 1100

JW�s Steakhouse

$$$$$ | American

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. Décor is New York style with lots of wood and leather, and the service is excellent.

Address: JW Marriott Dubai; Telephone: (0)4 607 7977

The Meat Co.

$$$$$ | International

The Meat Co. at the Madinat Jumeriah is the 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.

Address: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Shop 148, Jumeirah Beach Road; E-mail: reservations@meatco.ae; Telephone: +971 4 368 6040

Al Muntaha at The Burj Al Arab

$$$$$ | Contemporary European Buffet

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 afternoons 12:30 to 14:30, for 450DHS per head, guests can dine two hundred metres above sea level in the Al Muntah a restaurant and enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne at the Skyview Bar whilst taking in the stunning view of the coastline.   With spectacular views over the new Palm Islands, 7* service and a plethora of mouth-watering dishes �Brunch at the Burj� is fast becoming the most sought after venue. Dress code is elegant. Men are required to wear shirts and smart trousers. No shorts or open toed shoes allowed. Guests are advised to book well in advance.

Address: Burj Al Arab, Beach Road, Dubai; E-mail: BAArestaurants@jumeirah.com; Telephone: (4) 3017600

Spectrum on One

$$$$$ | Modern Eclectic

Guests really can eat across the spectrum at Spectrum on One; located on the first floor of the Fairmont Hotel, Dubai. No less than six countries are represented on the menu, meaning diners are spoilt for choice. The culinary fare reaches from the Middle East, South Asia, Europe and Japan and food is prepared in view at workstations around the restaurant. Service is carried out with military like precision; orders are taken down and immediately patched through to the chefs via hi-tech headsets. D�cor at Spectrum on One is smart and chic and the atmosphere is too.

Address: 1st Floor, Fairmont Dubai Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai; E-mail: dubai@fairmont.com; Telephone: (0) 4332 5555

The Aquarium at Dubai Golf and Yacht Club

$$$$$ | Seafood

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.

Address: Dubai Golf and Yacht Club; Telephone: (0) 4 295 6000

QD's	$$$$$ | Local

For shisha and cocktails QD�s (Quarterdeck's) at Dubai Golf & Yacht Club is the 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 �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

Address: Dubai Creek Golf Course, Deira, Dubai; Telephone: (0)4 2956000

Trader Vic's

$$$$$ | Creole

Trader Vic�s has become something of an institution among expats in Dubai.  The vibrant atmosphere, exotic menu and interesting cocktails remain popular with diners making �TV�s� one of the Emirates best-loved eateries. Guests can feast on a wide variety of dishes including the famous Trader Vic�s fish and chips, succulent duck wantons and delicious platters. The potent TV Mai Tai is also something of a legend in Dubai. There are currently two Trader Vic�s outlets in Dubai the original branch at the Crowne Plaza and the immensely popular Souk Madinat Jumeriah location. 

Address: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road; E-mail: Souk Madinat: tradervicsmadinat@rmalhospitality.ae Crowne Plaza: tradervics@cpdubai.ae; Telephone: (0) 4 366 5646 (Souk Madinat) (0) 4 3056 399 (Crowne Plaza)

Carters @ Wafi Mall

$$$$$ | Gastropubs

One of the best-loved restaurants at the Wafi Mall, Carters offers diners great food, in a relaxed cosmopolitan atmosphere whilst enjoying fantastic, friendly service. D�cor is classic and stylish; reminiscent of a smoking lounge and in winter months the ambience extends out onto the large terrace. The menu features old standards such as Chicken Caesar salad, Chargrilled US Angus Rib Eye steak and hand cut fries, alongside alternatives to traditional dishes; marinated duck satay with honey glaze. The mouth watering Mars bar cheesecake is a firm favourite. Carters also offers a good selection of wines.

Address: Wafi Mall; E-mail: fnb.sales@wafi.com; Telephone: (0) 4 324 4100

Ginseng

$$$$$ | Asian

For Asian tapas with a twist the popular choice in Dubai is Ginseng at Wafi City Mall. Nasi Goreng, Pandan Leaf Chicken and Duck Satay are firm favourites, as are the platters which are perfect to share. The speciality cocktails are hugely popular at this funky hangout thanks to the fantastic deals on offer most nights; firm favourites are the Lychee Martini, Envy Champagne Cocktail and the Gingseng Summer Punch.

Address: Wafi City Mall; E-mail: gingseng.planet@waficity.com; Telephone: (0)4 324 8200