Mama Shelter Dubai

London, Doha, and now, Dubai’s Opera district becomes the latest home to this Indian restaurant that takes its name from the intricate Kashmir shawls worn in the 16th century. Grand chandeliers and a plush cocktail bar underline the interior’s opulent design, while prime ingredients play a big part across the menu. The spices are perfectly balanced and harmonious, with some noteworthy signatures, such as Bhatti Ka Octopus and Sindhi Methi Gosht (aka goat curry), reflecting the kitchen’s craft. If you’re headed to a show at the Dubai Opera, this place offers a set lunch menu as a pre-theatre op

Helmed by Abhiraj Khatwani in conjuction with Mohamad Orfali, this Thai restaurant is the Dubai-born chef’s ode to the cuisine closest to his heart. The place, meaning ‘lime’ in Thai, serves an 11-course tasting menu comprised of Thai classics with a twist. The dishes stay true to their roots, offering vibrant, fresh, highly authentic mouth-watering Thai flavours with wonderful balance to the spicing. The experience is perfectly paired with five non-alcoholic drinks, created and made in-house. Expect engaging, smooth service with a lively soundtrack throughout.

An outpost of the original in London, this Persian eatery is located in Dubai’s smaller malls in the residential area of Al Wasl. It’s a large space decorated with oriental mosaics, carpets and portraits, all adding to the atmosphere. Expect plenty of appealingly priced Persian classics in its selection of hot and cold mezze and charcoal-grilled kebabs, all of which are complemented by vegetables, herbs and aromatics. A separate room for families and large gatherings is also available.

In the residential neighbourhood of Al Wasl, away from the city’s impressive skyscrapers, is a kushiyaki-inspired but friendly restaurant, offering far more than just grilled skewered meats and vegetables. The contemporary Japanese menu also covers a wide range of well-priced snacks, sushi and ramen, like their Tantamen ramen, raw salmon with crispy black rice and Wagyu steamed bun. Be sure to also save room for one of their creative desserts.

Three Syrian brothers own and run this deservedly popular restaurant: a light and airy space dominated by a striking, two-storey open kitchen. Original, playful small plates are Mediterranean at their core but display global influences. The cooking seamlessly delivers bold, complex and balanced flavours, as well as lovely contrasts of texture. The tasting menu includes classics from their previous menus such as the ‘ooh la la foie gras’ and their ‘corn bomb’, as well as new dishes such as their sea bream and ‘maftoul’ (Palestinian couscous). For the full experience, go for the non-alcoholic pa

Home-grown – and largely self-taught– Solemann Haddad tells the story and the inspiration behind each of the cleverly conceived and carefully constructed dishes on his highly original ‘surprise’ menu. He was one of the first to bring alive the top quality Middle Eastern ingredients and flavours through the clever use of Japanese notes and techniques. Perched on the roof of a smart residential building, there are two sittings for dinner at the 15-seater counter; do try to arrive on time as everyone is served together.

Industrial styling, intimate lighting and a laid-back feel are the hallmarks of this striking modern villa conversion in the residential suburb of Jumeirah – along with the huge open kitchen and grill which gives the restaurant its name. The variety and excellent quality of global ingredients are grilled to perfection over oak, hickory or hay, each of which impart their own distinctive flavour. The talented kitchen has the know-how to keep things simple, enhancing the skilfully cooked dishes subtly with well-judged seasoning.