斯马纳酒店 Al Raffa

A charming restaurant serving authentic Persian fare and run by the third generation of the same family. It’s set on the second floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel and boasts views over the Creek and Old Dubai. Menus offer traditional Persian dishes, such as Kash E Bademjan (their signature eggplant dish) along with a range of marinated meats, all served in generous portions.

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 –

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.

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.

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

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.

When a French bistro de luxe meets itameshi (a blend of Japanese and Italian cuisine), you get this intimate spot overlooking the marina in the Port de la Mere neighbourhood. Take a seat in one of three horseshoe booths and order an array of appetisers, homemade pastas, pizzas with toppings – like veal ragu or spicy duck and sriracha – and various meats and fish dishes. End your meal with their twist on a tiramisu that comes wrapped in a cover of soft meringue. Be sure to explore their selection of alcohol-free wines and spirits to complement the experience.