La villa Najd Hotel Apartments

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.