Dubai
Salt started life as a roaming food truck serving delicious mini-burgers, before graduating to two silver Airstreams parked permanently at Kite Beach…
Must-see restaurants in Dubai
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
Thanks to whitewashed walls, flagstone paths and breezy blue and white decor, this charming beachfront restaurant conjures up thoughts of summer on the…
Dubai
Despite the name, this hip home-grown chain doesn't stop at falafel, here served with a side of creamily nutty tahini or tucked into a pita or saj …
Dubai
Tucked away in the Arabian Ranches suburb, this European-style brasserie is a favourite with expats, especially at the weekend, so be sure to book ahead…
Downtown Dubai
Milas is how Emiratis pronounce majlis – the traditional guest reception room. This particular majlis has a sleek contemporary look (wood, glass, neon)…
Deira
This huge spot is all lofty ceilings and a palette of blues, greys, whites and golds. A buzzy open kitchen adds atmosphere indoors, or you can sit outside…
Brunswick Eatery, Bar & Terrace
Dubai
This former sports bar has rebranded into a hip new eatery, though there is still at least one sport-on-the-telly screen. The decor is cool industrial…
Dubai
Tucked inside The Square, the only licensed retail space in City Walk, this swanky spot is the brainchild of the Galvin brothers, one of whom is a…
Downtown Dubai
Downtown residents regularly swing by the downstairs boulangerie (bakery) for buttery croissants, toothsome pastries or petit déjeuner (breakfast) on the…
Dubai
Surrender helplessly to your inner carnivore at this canalside meat temple where yummy cuts of aged steaks range from Australian grain-fed Angus to New…
Bur Dubai
Sheikhs to shoe shiners clutter this funky, been-here-forever (since 1978, to be precise) kebab joint formerly known as Special Ostadi. Amid walls…
Downtown Dubai
This two-floor industrial-style and plant-filled cafe with outdoor seating roasts its own beans, bakes its own sourdough bread and serves food that is at…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
This friendly French bistro imported from Lebanon plays it safe with classic decor (vintage Parisian posters, red and green checked cushions) alongside a…
Downtown Dubai
Warehouse-style decor, floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace – overlooking Burj Khalifa, no less – make an instant impression at this casual all…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
Kitted out like a traditional seaside taverna with whitewashed walls and sea-green painted furniture, Mythos is a little slice of Santorini hidden away in…
Deira
The former fine-dining restaurant launched by Gordon Ramsay protégés Nick Alvis and Scott Price (now at the helm of Folly and The Lion) has been rebooted…
Bur Dubai
A grand old tree, white wicker chairs, turquoise benches and crimson bougainvillea create a sun-dappled refuge in the courtyard of an old pearl merchant's…
Downtown Dubai
The decor here hits the spot (along with the cuisine): warm parquet flooring, leather chairs, lofty ceilings and a huge mural of Italian actress Sophia…
Downtown Dubai
The decor here is all drama with floor-to-ceiling windows, edgy artwork and tiered, as well as secluded, dining areas. The imaginative menu is a truly…
Dubai
In keeping with the culinary mash-up trend, Moshi creates truly tasty spins on Nepalese momo (dumplings) and sushi, many meat-free. Top contenders include…
Downtown Dubai
The food may not be out of this world, but the views are certainly stellar from the world's highest restaurant (442m) in the Burj Khalifa. Book far ahead…
Deira
Making a change from the same-on-same airport chains, this Emirati restaurant serves authentic dishes like spicy lentil soup, sambousek (meat pies) and…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
At this recent Gordon Ramsey venture, the menu includes some heartwarming familiar British dishes, including shepherd's pie, beef wellington and sticky…
Downtown Dubai
Look for the large Buddha guarding the dining room dressed in sensuous burgundy with gold leaf accents. The menu hopscotches around Asia with classic and…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
With its industrial-chic look, relaxed crew and global comfort food, Fümé brings more than a touch of urban cool to the Marina. The menu features plenty…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
Step into the sparkling blue-and-white dining room, decorated with Delft tiles and decorative clogs, and order a pannekoek (Dutch pancake), which is…
Deira
Ask your friendly taxi driver where he recommends for late-night shawarma in Deira, and he may well direct you here. But fussy friends (and vegetarians)…
Bur Dubai
Like a fine wine, some restaurants only get better over time and such is the case with Sind Punjab, the first family eatery to open in Meena Bazaar in…
Downtown Dubai
Decorated simply in muted earth colours with Torres wine barrels as a nod to Spanish vino, Boca has a menu that includes such chiringuito (beachside…
Deira
Camp out on the carpet in the main dining room or in a private 'Bedouin-style tent' at this traditional Yemeni eatery. Staff will spread a flimsy plastic…
Deira
Next to Twin Towers, this authentic hotpot restaurant works like this: a tasty bubbling broth inspired by Genghis Khan is placed on a hot plate on your…
Dubai
Secreted on the grounds of the fairy-tale Jumeirah Mosque, this comfy-luxe lair lets you sink into white couches for a camelccino (cappuccino with camel…
Dubai
Al Fanar lays on the old-timey Emirati theme pretty thick with a Land Rover parked outside, a reed ceiling and waiters dressed in traditional garb. Give…
Dubai
A lift posing as a submarine drops you into a gold-leaf-clad tunnel spilling into one of Dubai's most extravagant restaurants. Tables orbit a circular…
Deira
This long-standing traditional Persian lair has unpretentious decor and a lovely panorama of glittering lights unfolding over the Creek. Take your sweet…
Dubai
Zheng He was an intrepid 15th-century Chinese seafarer, and the food at his namesake restaurant at the Mina A'Salam is just as adventurous. The signature…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
On balmy nights there are few places more tranquil than Al Khaima's linen-draped terrace tables. Classic mezze such as baba ganoush (smoked aubergine dip)…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
After a major refurb, the decor has as much pizzazz as the food at this pan-Latin outpost conceived by star chef Richard Sandoval. Feast on such small…
Dubai
White tablecloths, silver service and a menu that’s decidedly more ristorante than trattoria, Scalini is one for the foodies. Expect high-end Italian…
Bur Dubai
Chutneys provides a richly nuanced culinary journey to northern India. There's lots of familiar feel-good fare including juicy kebabs and fluffy biryanis,…
