Destination GuiDe

Dining in Dubai

Famous for its internationalcuisine, Dubai is not all

Michelin stars and celebritychefs; the dining scene isvast and varied. Whether

you’re after traditionalArabic food, intense Asian

tangs or more subtleEuropean flavours, a mealout is also an opportunityto experience the warm

hospitality that defines theemirate. Most restaurants stay

open late and there is, quiteliterally, something to suitevery taste and budget. Asthe restaurant choices aretoo numerous to list, hereare a few local favourites,

all within easy reach of theDubai World Trade Centre by

foot, metro or taxi.

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Destination GuiDe– Dining in Dubai –

DuBai WoRLD tRaDe CentReanD sHeiKH ZaYeD RoaD

tRaveL time: up to 20 minutes on foot

If you’re starved of time, there are plenty of great diningoptions on your doorstep. Many are attached to Dubai

World Trade Centre or just a short walk away.

tHe ‘D’ upstaiRs at mCGettiGan’s, tRaDe CentRe aRenaThe lively ‘D’ Upstairs has a great selection of contemporary Irish dishes and, as it is adjacent to the Trade Centre Arena, you haven’t got far to travel. A varied menu means there is something for everyone.Budget: Low-mid+971 (0) 4 378 0808www.mcgettigansdubai.com

seven sanDs RestauRant, WoRLD tRaDe CLuB, sHeiKH RasHiD toWeR, DuBai WoRLD tRaDe CentReThis fine-dining restaurant offers spectacular views and equally stunning cuisine. It serves Arabic and Asian fusion dishes with a Mediterranean influence, while the chic setting suits both business lunches and relaxed evenings.Budget: Mid-range+971 (0) 4 309 7979www.dwtc.com/en/complex/ worldtradeclub

YeLDiZLaR, tHe faiRmontDuBaiThis Lebanese restaurant is located on the second level of The Fairmont Dubai and is in walking distance from Dubai World Trade Centre. Once you’ve crossed Sheikh Zayed Road via the metro overpass, you’ll soon find yourself tucking into a wide variety of traditional Arabic mezzeh, salads and mains, including grilled halloumi, fried kibbeh and shawarma plates.Budget: High+971 (0) 4 332 5555www.fairmont.com/dubai

oKKu, tHe H HoteL DuBaiA winner of many awards, including the best Japanese restaurant in Dubai, Okku combines contemporary Japanese cuisine with fine dining. Excellent food, warm service and a place-to-be atmosphere, ensures an evening meal at Okku is a night to remember.Budget: High+971 (0) 4 501 8777www.h-hotel.com

BaLLaRò, ConRaD HoteLBallarò serves a buffet spread of international cuisine during the day with live cooking and antipasti stations. In the evening, it serves Italian favourites from its à la carte menu. Choose from the bustling indoor atmosphere, or sit outside on the terrace overlooking the hotel’s tranquil pool oasis.Budget: High+971 (0) 4 444 7444www.conraddubai.com/en/dining-and-entertainment/ballaro

osCaR’s vine soCietY, CRoWne pLaZa, DuBaiAn old Dubai favourite, this cosy Provençal-style bistro offers awide selection of light bites and delicious homemade French fair, with the menu changing according to the season. The traditional, sentimental décor adds to the restaurant’s rustic European charm.Budget: Mid-range+971 (0) 4 331 1111www.ichotelsgroup.com

Destination GuiDe– Dining in Dubai –

CaRameL RestauRant &LounGe, DuBai inteRnationaLfinanCiaL CentReThis grand, after-hours restaurantis close to Dubai World TradeCentre and features an interior asstylish as the clientele. As well as ahigh-end international menu, takeadvantage of the chic terrace andcabanas which create an ambientmood for any evening meal. Dinersshould dress to impress.Budget: Mid-range+971 (0) 4 425 6677www.caramelgroup.com

tHe nooDLe House,emiRates toWeRsThis successful Asian fusion chainis a preferred choice for expatsand tourists alike. The popular outlet has perfected South Asian dishes and, despite its simplicity, still manages to ooze class and atmosphere. Just turn up and hope there’s a table free.Budget: Low-mid+971 (0) 4 319 8757www.thenoodlehouse.com

tHe ivY, JumeiRaH emiRates toWeRsA long-time favourite withLondon’s theatre lovers, The Ivyhas managed to successfully importthe same high standard of cuisine

and atmosphere to Dubai. Therestaurant offers an internationalbrasserie-style menu with aselection of Ivy classics, such as itsworld-renowned shepherd’s pie, and Scandinavian iced berries with hot white chocolate sauce.Budget: High+971 (0) 4 319 8767www.theivy.ae

aL nafooRaH, JumeiRaH emiRates toWeRs HoteLAl Nafoorah has long enjoyed areputation for serving Dubai’sfinest Lebanese food, dishedup with generous helpings ofMiddle Eastern hospitality. Alongside authentic cuisine, the restaurant offers enchanting live entertainment and an inviting atmosphere in the unique setting of an air-conditioned marquee on a terrace overlooking the Dubai skyline.Budget: Mid-range+971 (0) 4 319 8088www.jumeirah.com

Zuma, Gate viLLaGe 06, DuBaiinteRnationaL finanCiaLCentReIn the Japanese izakaya spiritof dining, at Zuma you will beinvited to order a number ofplates to share. A stream of dishes,

DuBai inteRnationaL finanCiaLCentRe anD emiRates toWeRs

tRaveL time: 5 minutes BY metRo

At the heart of the business district,Dubai International Financial Centre

and Emirates Towers host a number ofrestaurants, ideal for business lunches, relaxed networking or upmarket soirées.

The overlooking skyscrapers house luxury hotels and oases of calm.nearest metro: financial Centre or emirates towers

combining bold flavours and quality ingredients, will be brought to thetable in steady succession. Reservea table in the main two-storeyrestaurant or just turn up at thesushi counter and watch the chefs sculpt your sashimi over ice before your eyes.Budget: High+971 (0) 4 425 5660www.zumarestaurant.com

La seRRe BistRo &BouLanGeRie, viDaDoWntoWn HoteLThis relaxed yet sophisticatedFrench restaurant is a popularhaunt, so be sure to bookin advance. From French-Mediterranean plats du jour tolight meals and freshly bakedviennoiserie from the boulangerie,La Serre will add a touch of Parisianje ne sais quoi to your Dubai stay.Budget: High+971 (0) 4 428 6969www.laserre.ae

Caramel Restaurant & Lounge

the ivy

Reem aL BaWaDi CafÉ, BuRJ KHaLifaIf you would prefer to sampletraditional Arabic and Lebanesecooking, Reem Al Bawadi Caféis a well-known chain dottedthroughout Dubai. This branchstands out as it shares the spotlightwith the towering Burj Khalifa.The food won’t disappoint and theoutdoor area is beautifully lit atnighttime and includes a fragrantshisha area.Budget: Low+971 (0) 4 443 9690www.reemalbawadi.com

CaRLuCCio’s, tHe DuBai maLLThis popular Italian restaurant is onthe ground level of the expansiveDubai Mall and boasts a wonderfuloutside decking area with viewsstretching across the lake, fountainand Burj Khalifa. Its trump card isthe bread, pasta and pizza selectionbut it also scores highly as a perfectplace for people watching.Budget: Low+971 (0) 4 434 1320www.carluccios.com

CaLaBaR, tHe aDDRessDoWntoWn DuBaiEnjoy tapas and cocktails at vibrant,Latin-inspired lounge bar, Calabar,on the lobby level of the iconic

Destination GuiDe– Dining in Dubai –

souK aL BaHaR anDDoWntoWn DuBai

tRaveL time: 10 minutes BY metRo

Just three metro stops from Dubai WorldTrade Centre, the towering Burj Khalifa and the area around it offer numerousplaces to eat. The charming Souk Al

Bahar is also worth visiting with manyelegant restaurants offering stunning

views across Burj Lake and thespectacular Dubai Fountain.

nearest metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai mall

Address Downtown Dubai. Ensconse yourself in the dark wood interior or on the lively terrace with spectacular views of the sun setting behind the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa.Budget: Mid-range+971 (0) 4 888 3444www.theaddress.com

tHiptaRa, tHe paLaCeDoWntoWn DuBaiPart of the stunning PalaceDowntown, Thiptara offers thefinest Thai and South Asian cuisineopposite the Burj Khalifa. Perchedon the edge of the lake with abeautiful outdoor terrace, this is anexceptional spot to savour amazingfood and mesmerising views of TheDubai Fountain. To guarantee anoutdoor table, booking is highlyrecommended.Budget: High+971 (0) 4 428 7888www.theaddress.com

RivinGton GRiLL, souK aL BaHaRRivington Grill is renowned forits seasonal produce and stunningviews of Burj Khalifa. Choose fromseafood, steak and British gastrofavourites or take advantage of thelunchtime offer and daily specials.Budget: Mid-range+971 (0) 4 423 0903www.rivingtongrill.ae

at.mospHeRe, BuRJ KHaLifaNestled on the 122nd floor of thetowering Burj Khalifa, At.mosphereis officially the world’s highestrestaurant from ground level. Thefashionable location will impress aswill the meticulously prepared food,but be prepared to dig deep into yourpockets. Prices are not cheap but areworth it for the view.Budget: High+971 (0) 4 888 3828www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com

at.mospherethiptara

oLD DuBai, souKs & CReeKtRaveL time: 20 minutes BY metRo anD taXi

Bait aL WaKeeL, souK aLKaBeeROnce home to Dubai’s earliestshipping agents, this stone househas been beautifully restored and isnow a popular Creekside Lebaneserestaurant. Situated behind theTextile Souk, its superb terrace means you can watch traditional dhows cruise by while enjoying excellent mezzeh and shawarmas.Budget: Low+971 (0) 4 353 0530

BateauX DuBai, DuBai CReeKSail along the Creek for anunforgettable evening of traditionalcuisine and onboard entertainment.Bateaux Dubai’s beautiful dinner-dhow cruises are a wonderful way tocombine local delicacies and culture.Book in advance for the best deals.Budget: High+971 (0) 4 399 4994www.jaresortshotels.com

BoaRDWaLK, DuBai CReeK GoLf& YaCHt CLuB, DeiRaOne of Dubai’s iconic seafoodrestaurants, head to the Boardwalkfor a delicious range of traditionalmezzeh and ocean-inspired delights.Enjoy the distinctive hint of Asia

running through an affordable menucoupled with magical views acrossthe Creek and golf course.Budget: Low-mid+971 (0) 4 295 6000www.dubaigolf.com

oKRYu-GWan, DeiRaFor a rare taste of North Koreancuisine, Okryu-Gwan is well worththe effort if you are heading inthe Deira direction. Discover numerous traditional dishes orfeast upon the speciality plate ofcold noodles. Every evening meal isrounded off with a fascinatingcultural display combining Koreanmusic and karaoke. Bookings arerecommended.Budget: Low+971 (0) 4 298 1589

Ravi RestauRant, satWa RoaDNicknamed ‘Ravi’s’, people haveraved about this Pakistani restaurantfor years. Serving cheap and cheerfuldishes, the meat is tender, the saucesare tasty and there are plenty ofvegetarian options. There is more than one Ravi, but the Satwa Road branch is considered the best.Budget: Low+971 (0) 4 331 5353

taBLe9 BY niCK & sCott, HiLtonDuBai CReeK, aL RiGGaA sophisticated choice for a succulentcut of steak and a supreme Michelin-starred supper. Reputed to servesome of the emirate’s tastiest sauces,this is fine-dining in a demure andsedate setting. Ideal for a romantictête-à-tête or business lunch, therestaurant won’t disappoint. Afterdinner, head to the nearby IrishVillage to perk up your evening andparty into the small hours.Budget: High+971 (0) 4 212 7551www.table9dubai.com

RefLets paR pieRRe GaGnaiRe,GaRHouDLocated at the InterContinental,Dubai Festival City, Reflets offers fineFrench food from three-star Michelinmaster chef Pierre Gagnaire. Inaddition to impeccable cuisine, therestaurant also has a stunning terraceoverlooking Dubai Creek whichat nighttime is at its most magical.With superb service, immaculatepresentation and chic furnishings,this is one outlet not to be missed.Budget: High+971 (0) 4 701 1111www.ichotelsgroup.com

Destination GuiDe– Dining in Dubai –

Bateaux Dubai

Reflets par pierre Gagnaire

tHe Best of tHe ResttRaveL time: 25 minutes BY taXi

Towards the southern end of Dubai is The Palm Jumeirah, Al Sufouh and Jumeirah 3, all of which offer a wealth of dining

options. From exclusive restaurants and idyllic watersidecafés to lively bars and everything in between, residents and

visitors alike are spoilt for choice.

Bu qtaiR, neaR BuRJ aL aRaB, JumeiRaH 3This unassuming fish restaurantis an undisputed surprise. Join the queue for an incredibly cheap fish dish fresh from the early morning catch. The beach-hut diner islocated on Road 4d, near the Open Beach and beside a traditional wooden dhow-building yard, whichis also worth a look.Budget: Low

BiDi BonDi, paLm JumeiRaHThis Australian-style establishment is a laid-back local favourite whichcontrasts with The Palm’s exclusive hotels. Decorated with surf boards, and found in the Shoreline Apartments building, it is a place to watch sport or take part in a quiz.The bar looks out over the sea and serves classic chilled-out dishes, such as bangers and mash, burgers and fish and chips.

Budget: Low+971 (0) 4 427 0515www.emiratesleisureretail.com/Brands/Bidibondi.aspx

tRaDeR viC’s, souK maDinatHead here for an exotic escapeafter a tough day at work. Tropicalmurals and wall-to-wall SouthPacific décor set the scene for a uniquely upbeat evening. Wherethe menu is concerned, a sushi counter, open kitchen and huge Chinese wood-fired oven mean the food tastes great too.Budget: Mid-range+971 (0) 4 366 5646www.jumeirah.com

BaRasti BeaCH BaR, Le mÉRiDien mina seYaHi BeaCH ResoRt & maRinaThis laid-back hangout is hugely popular among the expat crowdwith live music and screens

broadcasting the latest sports tournaments. The menu isvaried and tasty and perfectly complements the lively atmosphere and beachside vibe. Expect apacked bar on weekend nights.Budget: Mid-range+971 (0) 4 399 2313www.barastibeach.com

noBu, atLantis, tHe paLm Celebrity haunt Nobu is Dubai’s branch of the world-famouschain dedicated to the Japanesesushi chef, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. Located in the exclusive Atlantis,The Palm, this is one of the city’s grandest dining establishments. Nobu both impresses and delivers with its dramatic interior and mouthwatering mix of the finest sushi, sashimi and tempura.Budget: High+971 (0) 4 426 2626www.atlantisthepalm.com

Destination GuiDe– Dining in Dubai –

trader vic’s