Anantara Downtown 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.

Get a taste of India’s street food at this contemporary and vibrant Indian brasserie. The sharing plates are full of flavour and colourfully tell a story of their origins. Expect chaat made with crispy kale, Keema Pao inspired by the long since closed Radio Cafe in Bombay, plenty of breads and of course, a variety of veg-focused dishes. The kulfi falooda arrives swathed in dry ice, while their drinks take inspiration from the people of the bustling Khadak Street, including Nandu's Lazy Man Buck and Rustom's Float.

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.

This uber-cool and stylish restaurant is located within the Bulgari Resort Hotel, and diners are cossetted from the moment they step through the door by the charming Italian team. The sleek, design-led interior boasts an impressive cocktail bar, and the atmosphere is intimate and romantic. The terrace overlooking the marina is the place to be, weather permitting. Experienced Italian chef Giacomo Amicucci cooks assured, sophisticated modern Italian dishes with precision. Many of the top-quality ingredients are flown in from Italy; fish dishes are a highlight, as is the pasta. For the full exper