Abu Dhabi
You might hear this small kiosk serving up booza (Middle Eastern ice cream) before you see it. Staff wield a giant wooden pestle, rhythmically beating…
Must-see restaurants in United Arab Emirates
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 …
Al Mina Modern Cuisine & Restaurant
Abu Dhabi
Most visitors steam on past this glass-fronted restaurant in the hunt for its more famous neighbour, Al Dhafra. That's a pity because the ambience here,…
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…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Live dance shows provide the entertainment for one of the city's best Friday brunches. If that isn't enough sparkle for you, there are 27 live cheffing…
Abu Dhabi
In the World Trade Center Souk, with pleasant food-court-style seating, locally recommended Lebanese-leaning Tarbouche deals in mezze and an extensive…
Abu Dhabi
This snug little den near the Mina Fish Market is decked out with partitioned cushioned floor seating (no shoes please). It's the perfect place to try…
Abu Dhabi
The door name may not match that on the menu, but empty tables are as rare as hen's teeth in this simple family-friendly cafeteria that swoops through…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
Beyond the gatekeeper and sleek glass doors lies a casual and lively spot to dig into fajitas, tacos and tamales from the vast Mexican menu. Sit outside…
Abu Dhabi
This outpost of the Australian chain has open kitchens overlooking a dining area decked out in stainless steel and earthy wood colours. The eclectic…
Abu Dhabi
Amid a hilariously over-the-top re-creation of a Marrakshi riad interior, dripping with lanterns, archways and some dubious desert-panorama murals, dine…
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…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Bord Eau at the Shangri-La Hotel is le restaurant for French fine dining in Abu Dhabi. The classic French fare (onion soup, foie gras, chateaubriand steak…
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…
Abu Dhabi
This shawarma joint buzzes in the evening when takeaway orders come fast and thick. Standard beef or chicken versions, stuffed in fresh pita bread baked…
Abu Dhabi
This family-friendly cafe is beloved by foreign residents who come here for home-baked cakes, all-day breakfasts, soups, salads, toasted sandwiches and…
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…
Abu Dhabi
The chintzy Edwardian style may seem a bit out of place but this UAE chain restaurant is an Emirati firm favourite for its big breakfast menu that jumps…
Al Bateen & Al Mushrif
This stylish South African transplant is all warm wood, earthy tones and jovial staff. The menu is big on creative salads utilising quinoa, roast…
Abu Dhabi
We think they're too heavy on the mayonnaise but many tout this as Abu Dhabi's best shawarma (meat sliced off a spit and stuffed in a pocket of pita-type…
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…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
Bright, elegant and airy, Cafe Milano opens directly onto a terrace where sparkling blue waters and city views grab the attention. The contemporary…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
Billed as gourmet Indian fast food, the 'Pot' does yummy biryanis all spiked with plenty of cardamom – including raved-about gluten-free organic versions…
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…
Abu Dhabi
Fuel up on falafel, fuul (mashed fava beans) and shawarma sandwiches or sit down for a char-grilled meat blow out with the full caboodle of Middle Eastern…
Marina Breakwater
The second branch of this much-loved restaurant – the original is downtown – has a desirable waterfront location with marina views, making it a standout…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
The pastas and risottos are already something of a legend around the capital, and even the most seemingly simple dishes are packed with rich and deep…
Abu Dhabi
Aside from a few unusually spicy dishes and spring rolls stuffed with the local favourite hammour, the over-the-door promises of a Middle Eastern–Japanese…
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Carnivores only apply. A dramatic 'flame wall' gives the dining room a Dante-esque quality at this swanky pad, created by British celebrity chef Marco…
Abu Dhabi
Amid impeccable landscaping and a large staggered outdoor deck over the side of the pool, this is an undeniably beautiful spot by day or night. Downstairs…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Stylish Japanese dining with delicious, if a tad minimalist, dishes. Don’t miss the seared sesame yellow-tail starter or the delicate and decorative maki…
Abu Dhabi
This little slice of Paris is famous for its breakfasts but also makes healthy salads, bulging sandwiches and some of the best bread, croissants and…
Abu Dhabi
A step above most mall food court options, Jehangir's Kitchen serves up value for money Mughal cuisine. The vegetarian dishes steal the show: go for a…
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…
