Wadi Al Safa 5 Emirates

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

Chef and restaurateur Kelvin Cheung’s larger-than-life personality has found the perfect outlet here in Downtown Dubai. His Chinese heritage, Canadian/American upbringing and international peregrinations all inform his cuisine. Rainbow heirloom carrots; scallops and corn; and char siu short ribs – these are just some of the dishes that are busting with flavour and will have you licking your lips for long after. It’s contagiously fun.

Little sister to avatāra, which is directly next door, this Indian 'tapas bar' is more casual and informal in style, with a particularly good range of cocktails inspired by India’s vastly differing seasons. Inside the L-shaped room, the atmosphere is very relaxed with three TV screens showing sports games, including, unsurprisingly, cricket! The appealingly priced menu comprises a good range of well-crafted, balanced, and gently spiced contemporary Indian dishes, which combine tradition and modernity. Three ‘tapas’ and a main course should do the trick and will arrive when ready. Do leave room

This second branch, opened in 2023, is located in the emerging Dubai Hills district. Similar to the original in Dar Wasl but with a few subtle differences, the eatery offers a wide range of colourful Japanese favourites, from kushiyaki (as the name suggests), to fun classics with an international twist, such as their escargot teriyaki and beef gyoza. The restaurant blends contemporary, sleek design with pops of colour.

In the heart of Dubai Hills neighbourhood is the outpost of a small restaurant group from St. Petersburg. This contemporary eatery has a light and airy atmosphere, thanks to its sleek blond wood furnishings, cream décor, high ceiling, and buzzy open kitchen. Diners can opt for an appealing breakfast menu, as well as a hearty lunch with a well-priced selection. This place offers a good range of modern, flavourful dishes, where Asian influences and European accents are found in parallel. Their signature dishes are worth trying, especially the oxtail pie with Tallegio. The well-trained staff work

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.

Internationally renowned chef Anne-Sophie Pic made her culinary debut in Dubai with this restaurant on the 25th floor of the One&Only One Za’abeel hotel. Located in the cantilever known as The Link, the large space comes with soft tones and features a bar topped with a white marble counter at the front and an open kitchen at the back. The restaurant offers set menu options along with an a la carte menu, with dishes such as Les Berlingots ASP© with 20 months aged Comté, mushroom and coffee consommé, Wagyu beef with seaweed eggplant, and roasted pear, honey ginger with slivers of Buddha’s hand –