Hakkasan encapsulates all that is great about fine dining in Dubai, the two-time Best Chinese Time Out winner is still a benchmark against which most of its city counterparts can be judged. Unsurprisingly, this status comes at a price, one that’s likely to see you pay twice as much for à la carte dishes as you would at its nearest competitor, Royal China. Located at the base of Emirates Towers, the interiors and exteriors are unbeatable. Stylish Chinese lattice designs run throughout the mood-lit dining area and outdoor pavilion, giving this vast space a cosy and authentic feel. As expected, the service is on a par with everything else, forthcoming and professional. Order the ornately prepared Hakka dim sum platter – bursting full of moreish flavours and arguably the best in Dubai. The grilled Wagyu beef with mui choi is just as praiseworthy, a plate of thinly sliced marinated meat that you’ll only be sorry there isn’t more of. More conventional dishes like the Thai curry-style spicy prawn and roasted duck noodles are also outstanding.
