Yas Island
California meets Afghanistan at this cafe charmer where almond butter and chia pancakes are offered alongside borani banjon (oven-baked aubergines with…
Must-see restaurants in United Arab Emirates
Marina Breakwater
A fine-dining Levantine feast awaits. Scoop up Lebanese mezze classics of moutabel (purée of aubergine mixed with tahini, yoghurt and olive oil) and…
Dubai
Singaporean chef Akmal Anuar turns out innovative yet unpretentious Asian-influenced small plates at this tiny, unlicensed spot – a perfect foil to Dubai…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
The contemporary Peruvian cuisine with its flavour-fusion of Latin American and Asian is a tastebud sensation. Dig into the menu of sharing plates…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
All cosy alcoves surrounding an open kitchen, Dai Pai Dong's award-winning Chinese is where Asian foodies chase Cantonese roasted duck, spicy braised…
Al Bateen & Al Mushrif
Housed in a three-floor villa, this cafe is run by a Lebanese arts enthusiast, Aida Mansour. Vast breakfast choices from avocado toast to shakshuka …
Downtown Dubai
Every dish speaks of refinement in this perennially popular bi-level restaurant that gives classic Japanese fare an up-to-the-minute workout. No matter if…
Abu Dhabi
Amid a cluster of Middle Eastern snack and grill outlets, a short walk from the Qasr Al Hosn, the Lebanese Flower is a local legend, attracting a…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Romantic and elegant, this place hums with appreciation for the complex cuisine of India, brought to the United Arab Emirates by a large expat community…
Marina Breakwater
Meaning 'old door lock', Mezlai delivers a rare chance to enjoy traditional Emirati cuisine in an upmarket and airy Bedouin-tent-inspired atmosphere. The…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
Prepare for a culinary journey along the Spice Road at this theatrically decorated restaurant, which is entered via a candlelit corridor that spills into…
Downtown Dubai
A pioneer of the local-organic-fresh maxim in Dubai, this London import offers a seasonal bounty of dishes, prepared in-house and served amid charming,…
Abu Dhabi
Open for breakfast on weekends and lunch and dinner otherwise, this restaurant, with its emphasis on sunny Mediterranean flavours (think slow-cooked…
Dubai
This funky Emirati cafe is a great introduction to contemporary local cuisine. It's popular for breakfast dishes such as shakshuka (poached eggs in a…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
It may be hard to concentrate on the food at this marina-adjacent al fresco pavilion, with its stunning skyline views. Come for nibbles and cocktails in…
Dubai
Always packed to the gills, this simple eatery is a Dubai institution famous for its dock-fresh fish and shrimp, marinated in a 'secret' masala curry…
Abu Dhabi
You can't beat the beachy atmosphere of this restaurant, surrounded by narrow water-feature canals and looking out towards the sand. The pan-Asian…
Al Ain
This restaurant at the Danat Al Ain Resort will have your taste buds doing cartwheels. Tandoori (clay oven) specialities like tandoori fish tikka and…
Yas Island
This restaurant-bar with its terrace opening out onto the reed-covered coastal dunes is one of the most pumping places on Yas Island. Order up a pumpkin…
Deira
With its mix of traditional and modern Emirati cuisine, this stylish restaurant ticks all the boxes. Many dishes feature a local spice mix called bezar …
Bur Dubai
The chef here has Dorchester and Ritz cred, and studied under nouvelle cuisine guru Michel Guerard. Kickstart your menu with the dahi puri (stuffed crispy…
Bur Dubai
Escape Dubai’s bustle at this lovely courtyard cafe where the menu eschews meat in favour of a daily rotating menu of innovative vegetarian dishes, such…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
Three-Michelin-starred Yannick Alléno brings his culinary magic to Dubai in this subtly theatrical vaulted dining room accented with black crystal…
Dubai
Looking for a place to drop an engagement ring into a glass of champagne? Make reservations (far in advance) at this impossibly romantic seafood house…
Bur Dubai
Enjoy dazzling views while floating down the Creek aboard this fancily outfitted, air-conditioned, glass-roofed dinner boat with panoramic windows, linen…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Asia's multi-layered, spice-tinged flavours are presented amid a red-toned dining room replete with gorgeous Thai textile detailing. Malaysian, Thai and…
Deira
A Dubai restaurant serving Syrian food to adoring crowds since 1980 must be doing something right. A perfect meal would start with hummus and a fattoush…
Dubai
An abra ride, a canalside table and candlelight are the hallmarks of a romantic night out, and this enchanting spot sparks on all cylinders. If your date…
Liwa Oasis
You really don't get more romantic than sitting on Suhail's terrace with the rolling dunes as your backdrop. The Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort's fine-dining…
Sharjah
This chic space serves up contemporary Levantine dishes with creative flourishes. The mezze is what you want to focus on here, with beetroot and walnut…
Ras Al Khaimah
Don't be put off by the humble looks of this hospitable haunt: its mandi (slow-roasted chicken or lamb served with rice and chilli sauce) is among the…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
How good is this 1920s Chicago–inspired steakhouse at Four Seasons Abu Dhabi? We don't have enough space to tell you. American chef Marshall Roth sources…
Abu Dhabi
Book ahead for a table at this trendy pan-Latin restaurant-bar, an anchor of the dining and nightlife tower inside the World Trade Center Mall known as…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
Chef Darren Velvick flies the flag for modern British cooking at this relaxed restaurant with an open kitchen and spacious terrace overlooking the lights…
Abu Dhabi
Despite the mall location this is a classy, dim-lit joint that takes the flavours of the subcontinent and adds contemporary tweaks. Get stuck into masala…
Downtown Dubai
Italy's popular shop-cum-cafe has landed in Dubai Mall, bringing artisanal morsels from around the Boot to discerning palates. Stock up on pesto from…
Deira
Take in the skyline on this moving feast aboard a traditional wooden dhow (cargo boat) decorated with bands of twinkling lights. Soulful Arabic song…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
The summit of Japanese cuisine in Abu Dhabi. Book ahead to enjoy the superb sushi and sashimi, the signature miso-marinated black cod or a hunk of meat…
Downtown Dubai
With its live cooking stations, open kitchens, fruit-filled baskets, colourful lanterns and graffiti-covered steel shutters, Zaroob radiates the urban…
Al Bateen & Al Mushrif
Named after the degree of 'lean' in Abu Dhabi's famous Capital Gate skyscraper, in which it's situated, this restaurant takes inspiration from the cookery…
