Destination Guide
Dining in Dubai Famous for its international cuisine, Dubai is not all Michelin stars and celebrity chefs; the dining scene is vast and varied. Whether you’re after traditional Arabic food, intense Asian tangs or more subtle European flavours, a meal out is also an opportunity to experience the warm hospitality that defines the emirate. Most restaurants stay open late and there is, quite literally, something to suit every taste and budget. As the restaurant choices are too numerous to list, here are a few local favourites, all within easy reach of the Dubai World Trade Centre by foot, metro or taxi. Brought to you by
Destination Guide
– Dining in Dubai –
DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE AND SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD travel time: up to 20 minutes on foot
If you’re starved of time, there are plenty of great dining options 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 Arena The 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 0808 www.mcgettigansdubai.com Seven Sands Restaurant, World Trade Club, Sheikh Rashid Tower, Dubai World Trade Centre This 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 7979 www.dwtc.com/en/complex/ worldtradeclub
Yeldizlar, The Fairmont Dubai This 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 5555 www.fairmont.com/dubai Okku, The H Hotel Dubai A 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 8777 www.h-hotel.com
Ballarò, Conrad Hotel Ballarò 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 7444 www.conraddubai.com/en/diningand-entertainment/ballaro Oscar’s Vine Society, crowne Plaza, Dubai An old Dubai favourite, this cosy Provençal-style bistro offers a wide 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 1111 www.ichotelsgroup.com
Destination Guide
– Dining in Dubai –
dubai INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE 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 of restaurants, ideal for business lunches, relaxed networking or upmarket soirées. The overlooking skyscrapers house luxury hotels and oases of calm.
Caramel Restaurant & Lounge
Nearest Metro: Financial Centre or Emirates Towers
Caramel Restaurant & Lounge, Dubai International Financial Centre This grand, after-hours restaurant is close to Dubai World Trade Centre and features an interior as stylish as the clientele. As well as a high-end international menu, take advantage of the chic terrace and cabanas which create an ambient mood for any evening meal. Diners should dress to impress. Budget: Mid-range +971 (0) 4 425 6677 www.caramelgroup.com The Noodle House, Emirates Towers This successful Asian fusion chain is a preferred choice for expats and 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 8757 www.thenoodlehouse.com The Ivy, Jumeirah Emirates Towers A long-time favourite with London’s theatre lovers, The Ivy has managed to successfully import the same high standard of cuisine
and atmosphere to Dubai. The restaurant offers an international brasserie-style menu with a selection of Ivy classics, such as its world-renowned shepherd’s pie, and Scandinavian iced berries with hot white chocolate sauce. Budget: High +971 (0) 4 319 8767 www.theivy.ae al nafoorah, jumeirah Emirates Towers hotel Al Nafoorah has long enjoyed a reputation for serving Dubai’s finest Lebanese food, dished up with generous helpings of Middle 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 8088 www.jumeirah.com Zuma, Gate Village 06, Dubai International Financial Centre In the Japanese izakaya spirit of dining, at Zuma you will be invited to order a number of plates to share. A stream of dishes,
The Ivy
combining bold flavours and quality ingredients, will be brought to the table in steady succession. Reserve a table in the main two-storey restaurant or just turn up at the sushi counter and watch the chefs sculpt your sashimi over ice before your eyes. Budget: High +971 (0) 4 425 5660 www.zumarestaurant.com La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie, Vida Downtown Hotel This relaxed yet sophisticated French restaurant is a popular haunt, so be sure to book in advance. From FrenchMediterranean plats du jour to light meals and freshly baked viennoiserie from the boulangerie, La Serre will add a touch of Parisian je ne sais quoi to your Dubai stay. Budget: High +971 (0) 4 428 6969 www.laserre.ae
Destination Guide
– Dining in Dubai –
SOUK AL BAHAR AND DOWNTOWN DUBAI TRAVEL TIME: 10 MINUTES BY METRO
Just three metro stops from Dubai World Trade Centre, the towering Burj Khalifa and the area around it offer numerous places to eat. The charming Souk Al Bahar is also worth visiting with many elegant restaurants offering stunning views across Burj Lake and the spectacular Dubai Fountain. Nearest Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
Reem Al Bawadi CafÉ, Burj Khalifa If you would prefer to sample traditional Arabic and Lebanese cooking, Reem Al Bawadi Café is a well-known chain dotted throughout Dubai. This branch stands out as it shares the spotlight with the towering Burj Khalifa. The food won’t disappoint and the outdoor area is beautifully lit at nighttime and includes a fragrant shisha area. Budget: Low +971 (0) 4 443 9690 www.reemalbawadi.com Carluccio’s, The Dubai Mall This popular Italian restaurant is on the ground level of the expansive Dubai Mall and boasts a wonderful outside decking area with views stretching across the lake, fountain and Burj Khalifa. Its trump card is the bread, pasta and pizza selection but it also scores highly as a perfect place for people watching. Budget: Low +971 (0) 4 434 1320 www.carluccios.com Calabar, The Address Downtown Dubai Enjoy tapas and cocktails at vibrant, Latin-inspired lounge bar, Calabar, on the lobby level of the iconic
Thiptara
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 3444 www.theaddress.com Thiptara, The Palace Downtown Dubai Part of the stunning Palace Downtown, Thiptara offers the finest Thai and South Asian cuisine opposite the Burj Khalifa. Perched on the edge of the lake with a beautiful outdoor terrace, this is an exceptional spot to savour amazing food and mesmerising views of The Dubai Fountain. To guarantee an outdoor table, booking is highly recommended. Budget: High +971 (0) 4 428 7888 www.theaddress.com
At.mosphere
Rivington Grill, Souk Al Bahar Rivington Grill is renowned for its seasonal produce and stunning views of Burj Khalifa. Choose from seafood, steak and British gastro favourites or take advantage of the lunchtime offer and daily specials. Budget: Mid-range +971 (0) 4 423 0903 www.rivingtongrill.ae At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa Nestled on the 122nd floor of the towering Burj Khalifa, At.mosphere is officially the world’s highest restaurant from ground level. The fashionable location will impress as will the meticulously prepared food, but be prepared to dig deep into your pockets. Prices are not cheap but are worth it for the view. Budget: High +971 (0) 4 888 3828 www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com
Destination Guide
– Dining in Dubai –
OLD DUBAI, SOUKS & CREEK TRAVEL TIME: 20 MINUTES BY METRO AND TAXI
Bateaux Dubai
Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire
Bait Al Wakeel, Souk Al Kabeer Once home to Dubai’s earliest shipping agents, this stone house has been beautifully restored and is now a popular Creekside Lebanese restaurant. Situated behind the Textile 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 Creek Sail along the Creek for an unforgettable evening of traditional cuisine and onboard entertainment. Bateaux Dubai’s beautiful dinnerdhow cruises are a wonderful way to combine local delicacies and culture. Book in advance for the best deals. Budget: High +971 (0) 4 399 4994 www.jaresortshotels.com Boardwalk, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Deira One of Dubai’s iconic seafood restaurants, head to the Boardwalk for a delicious range of traditional mezzeh and ocean-inspired delights. Enjoy the distinctive hint of Asia
running through an affordable menu coupled with magical views across the Creek and golf course. Budget: Low-mid +971 (0) 4 295 6000 www.dubaigolf.com Okryu-gwan, Deira For a rare taste of North Korean cuisine, Okryu-Gwan is well worth the effort if you are heading in the Deira direction. Discover numerous traditional dishes or feast upon the speciality plate of cold noodles. Every evening meal is rounded off with a fascinating cultural display combining Korean music and karaoke. Bookings are recommended. Budget: Low +971 (0) 4 298 1589 Ravi Restaurant, Satwa Road Nicknamed ‘Ravi’s’, people have raved about this Pakistani restaurant for years. Serving cheap and cheerful dishes, the meat is tender, the sauces are tasty and there are plenty of vegetarian 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, Hilton Dubai Creek, Al Rigga A sophisticated choice for a succulent cut of steak and a supreme Michelinstarred supper. Reputed to serve some of the emirate’s tastiest sauces, this is fine-dining in a demure and sedate setting. Ideal for a romantic tête-à-tête or business lunch, the restaurant won’t disappoint. After dinner, head to the nearby Irish Village to perk up your evening and party into the small hours. Budget: High +971 (0) 4 212 7551 www.table9dubai.com Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire, Garhoud Located at the InterContinental, Dubai Festival City, Reflets offers fine French food from three-star Michelin master chef Pierre Gagnaire. In addition to impeccable cuisine, the restaurant also has a stunning terrace overlooking Dubai Creek which at nighttime is at its most magical. With superb service, immaculate presentation and chic furnishings, this is one outlet not to be missed. Budget: High +971 (0) 4 701 1111 www.ichotelsgroup.com
Destination Guide
– Dining in Dubai – Trader Vic’s
THE BEST OF THE REST TRAVEL 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 waterside cafés to lively bars and everything in between, residents and visitors alike are spoilt for choice. Bu qtair, near burj al arab, jumeirah 3 This unassuming fish restaurant is an undisputed surprise. Join the queue for an incredibly cheap fish dish fresh from the early morning catch. The beach-hut diner is located on Road 4d, near the Open Beach and beside a traditional wooden dhow-building yard, which is also worth a look. Budget: Low Bidi bondi, palm jumeirah This Australian-style establishment is a laid-back local favourite which contrasts 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 0515 www.emiratesleisureretail.com/ Brands/Bidibondi.aspx trader vic’s, souk madinat Head here for an exotic escape after a tough day at work. Tropical murals and wall-to-wall South Pacific décor set the scene for a uniquely upbeat evening. Where the 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 5646 www.jumeirah.com barasti beach bar, le mÉridien mina seyahi beach resort & marina This laid-back hangout is hugely popular among the expat crowd with live music and screens
broadcasting the latest sports tournaments. The menu is varied and tasty and perfectly complements the lively atmosphere and beachside vibe. Expect a packed bar on weekend nights. Budget: Mid-range +971 (0) 4 399 2313 www.barastibeach.com NOBU, Atlantis, the palm Celebrity haunt Nobu is Dubai’s branch of the world-famous chain dedicated to the Japanese sushi 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 2626 www.atlantisthepalm.com
