Holiday Inn Dubai - Al Barsha by IHG

This chic Chinese restaurant brings authentic Cantonese cuisine made modern to the second floor of the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates. The creative chef prepares the dishes with quality, fresh ingredients while respecting traditional cooking techniques. Delicious homemade condiments are bold in flavour and elevate every dish. Come here in a group as all the plates, such as the delicious Peking duck and the excellent dim sum, are meant to be shared.

The owner calls her simply styled but warm neighbourhood space on the 2nd floor of a shopping mall an ‘urban Balkan bistro’. As such, the dishes are made for sharing and the influences come from all over the region, from Eastern Europe down to Greece and Turkey. Everything is homemade, fresh tasting and satisfying; do try the signature phyllo pie. Breakfast features homemade pitta and a host of egg dishes.

There’s a buzzy atmosphere at this authentic izakaya, set in The Onyx Tower 2 in The Greens. Eight ramen dishes underpin the menu, which also lists other Japanese classics including sushi, sashimi, robata grills and tempura. Ingredients are good quality, cooking is careful, prices are low and flavours, delicious. For a chance to watch the chefs preparing their signature dishes, be sure to book your seats at the counter in advance.

Each of the exquisite and strikingly presented vegetarian dishes on the multi-course ‘avatāra Experience’ menu are constructed with the same supreme care and ability, and they all add up to an experience you won’t forget. There’s a story behind each creation, which the delightful team take time to explain. The restaurant, located in Dubai Hills Business Park, is uniquely decorated and painted in a very special light green. The tables face a large, wide altar-like table where chefs can be seen adding finishing touches to each dish.

Situated in a charming spot by a canal at Jumeirah Al Qasr resort is this pretty, spacious house presenting Indian creations from the mind of chef Ritu Dalmia. Inside, the bright and open dining room benefits from the large bay windows that provide views out over the water and lush gardens. The menu offers a good choice of traditional specialities from many different regions of India, prepared in a contemporary way, along with other dishes that are more fusion in their makeup. Guests are greeted by smiling staff and service is always friendly and efficient.

Whilst the restaurant may overlook the Persian Gulf, the menu transports you to the Mediterranean and, as the name suggests, the cuisine of the Côte d'Azur. The Dégustation menu is the best way to sample the specialities, like onion tart and bouillabaisse. It’s a charming space on a private beach and is divided into a series of elegant rooms with an open kitchen at its hub. It’s best to approach from the Jumeirah Al Qasr hotel and walk through the gardens.

Glamorous sister to the original in Monte Carlo, this restaurant’s unmistakeable Asian vibe comes courtesy of wood panelling, carvings and a cool red palette, while a resident DJ keeps things jumping until the wee small hours. The menu covers Japan, Thailand and China, so you can start with sushi or dim sum and then head for their signature pad thai or something from the robata grill. Grab some mochi buns from the counter on the way home.