basement residence

Take the lift to the top floor of the extraordinarily beautiful Museum of Islamic Art and wonder at the glorious views over the Bay – then head to this equally stunning restaurant. Relax in the high-backed leather chairs and choose one of the seasonal tasting menus (there is a shorter one at lunch). This is all about refined and sophisticated contemporary French dishes, with many of them finished tableside by the charming staff who talk you through the preparations. Whether lamb or quail, asparagus or beetroot, each component is exquisite in every sense. Desserts, such as chocolate and orange

Sri Lankan and South Indian food is the draw here at this outpost of the popular London original. Spread over two floors, the restaurant is in the smart, redeveloped downtown area and is run by a polite and well-organised team. Order a few snacks and mocktails, then a biryani or a finely judged curry accompanied by dosas and, of course, some of the signature hoppers. Before long, you’ll have a veritable feast to enjoy with friends – and one that won’t break the bank either, so feel free to do some over-eager ordering.

You’ll find this great value restaurant on a pedestrianised street on the fringes of the Souq Waqif marketplace, a tourist hotspot that’s home to a range of local retailers and eateries. The appealing menu features authentic Moroccan dishes that are packed with flavour and enhanced by careful spicing; tagine and couscous are their speciality. Desserts such as jawhara are great too, as are the refreshing mocktails – and a mint tea in the plush lounge of the Al Jasra Boutique Hotel, in which the restaurant sits, is a lovely way to end your visit.

Baron is sister to the popular restaurant of the same name in Beirut and occupies a striking, pastel-pink property in the recently redeveloped Mina District, home of the Old Port. It’s a large place with exposed pipework adding a contemporary feel and an open kitchen that’s very much part of the room. The menu offers a wide choice of what they describe as ‘Mediterranean fusion’, which means the addition of some North African and even Asian influences. Dishes like capellini with crab and shrimp toum are generous in size and ideal for sharing. The business lunch represents excellent value.

Step into this beautiful and spacious dining room and you’ll be warmly welcomed by the gracious team. North African Maghrebian cuisine is the appeal here, with a particular focus on Morocco. Homemade breads are plentiful and delicious, with highlights of the traditional menu including Moroccan tagines – the chicken tagine with lemon and olives is particularly good – and Algerian boureks. The kitchen puts plenty of heart into the cooking and the team even make their own ice cream to satisfy sweet-toothed diners.

The dream of the late Sheikha Ahmed Al Meer – author of 'The Art of Qatari Cooking' – lives on through the proud and caring team who run this restaurant and who are determined to continue her desire to preserve and celebrate the country’s culinary past and to bring it into the 21st century. The traditional cooking is fresh and full of flavour; start your visit with a samosa or the Saasna salad, then the majboos for main course; the wonderful date ice cream is a great way to finish. They have a terrific range of freshly ground seasonings and spices for you to purchase to replicate the flavours

Carefully prepared Cantonese dishes, adapted somewhat to suit local tastes, are the order of the day at this elegant restaurant located at the rear of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Other regions of China are also represented on the wide-ranging à la carte, with dishes like Kung Pao tiger prawns and Peking duck likely to appear. The attractive and contemporary dining room features modern screens for a sense of privacy, with a charming service team always on hand if you need any recommendations.