Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana - Dubai Creek

Part-restaurant, part-museum; dine under a tree in an air-conditioned covered courtyard served by welcoming staff dressed in traditional robes. Bread is freshly cooked within view and live music adds to the ambience. Rustic Emirati dishes are carefully prepared, well-presented and full of flavour. Start off with one of their salads and breads and be sure to try their lamb machboos that is great for sharing. For dessert, luqaimat and sticky date pudding is a great way to end a meal.

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 –

This restaurant from the Al-Fanar stable is on the banks of the Dubai Creek and, like the others, showcases the owners’ passion for Emirati cuisine. The interior has a rustic feel, while, out on the terrace, diners can enjoy views of boats and old Dubai across the water, underlining the freshness of the seafood on their plate. The friendly and hospitable team add to the warmth of the experience.

Spacious, light and airy, this restaurant at the tip of the Jameel Arts Centre boasts beautiful views through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Their mantra, “sustainability, seasonality, simplicity, and locality," is evident both in their décor and their modern dishes. Menus showcase seasonal, local – and occasionally fermented – ingredients in great value dishes. Be sure to try their plant-based goods from their bakery.

Creating a little piece of France in Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is this classically styled brasserie deluxe with its marble flooring, red leather banquettes and art deco touches. In a spacious setting inspired by acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud, the restaurant’s appealing menu offers all the French classics from escargots and canard rôti to tarte Tatin and crêpes Suzette. It also has a good value business lunch.

This restaurant was borne from the mind of acclaimed Spanish chef, Dabiz Muñoz of DiverXO in Madrid. The lively and open-plan space has graffiti-covered walls, a neon-lit cocktail bar serving creative drinks, and large open kitchen with a counter (the best place to sit). The menu boasts a mix of modern, globally inspired street food originating from Europe, Asia, South America and beyond. Start with some croquetas, then the beautifully crisp soft-shell crab, and be sure to end with the 'Fluido', a molten white chocolate and egg yolk 'lava' cake. Staff are dressed in punk-inspired jackets, with

Joyfully ostentatious décor and a delightful setting overlooking Dubai Creek make this a great spot for a night out. Menus showcase Pierre Gagnaire classics, contemporary French fare alongside, pastas, raw crudo, and if you fancy something simpler, a pizza or burger from their 'Casual' menu is worth a try. Desserts are top tier and be sure to ask for a table on the terrace to enjoy Dubai Festival City’s ‘Imagine’ laser light and fountain show.