Restaurants

Dining at The Talk in the Jumeirah Beach Residence is about more than food. The restaurant is designed with an open kitchen — as well as having several cooking platforms throughout the space—making every meal, whether breakfast, lunch or dinner a theatrical event. In addition to full buffets and themed-dinner nights, The Talk offers a complete à la carte menu, with specialties from a variety of cuisines from around the globe. Whether you dine inside among the soft earthy colours and wooden textures with modern steel accents, or outdoors on the private terrace, you’re sure to enjoy a unique experience…

You’ll appreciate the friendly atmosphere of Thyme Restaurant located inside the Oasis Beach Tower on The Walk at JBR. This Mediterranean brasserie welcomes families, couples and groups of friends. The decor is just as warm with heavy wood, cast iron fittings, chalk boards, open kitchens and over-sized glasses. There’s even a kids’ corner with a Wii station. Stop by after a walk and fill up, ideally at the pocket-friendly buffet. Telephone +971 [0] 4 315 4200 Email thyme@jaresorts.com

Perched high atop the Emirates Grand Hotel on the 43rd floor with stunning views of the Arabian Sea and of the city, Panorama Restaurant is a casual spot to grab a bite at wallet-friendly prices. Using fresh ingredients from around the Middle East, the eatery presents starters such as kibbeh, sambousek and chicken wings, as well as salads, sandwiches, burgers and more thoughtful a la carte choices like grilled shrimp, mixed grill and pasta. Telephone +971 [0] 4 323 0000 Email fb@emiratesgrandhotel.com

With a menu that serves cuisine to suit pretty much anyone’s fancy, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a visit to Oceana, a multi-cuisine restaurant located in the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort. Designed with elegant decor inspired by 1920s cruise ships, the restaurant welcomes families, groups of friends, and business dates alike. Choose from buffet breakfast, weekend brunch, and themed dinners. Telephone +971 [0] 4 318 2530 Email reservations.dubai@hilton.com

One of Dubai’s most Instagram-famous hotels, Rove Downtown never ceases to impress. Boasting a prime location overlooking the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, stop by the hotel’s gallery wall that features an eclectic range of local art, before making your way to The Daily. Every Friday, this expansive space presents a breakfast buffet, complete with freshly-baked pastries, a selection of cheeses and plenty of fresh fruit. Choose your mains from the menu and toast to a memorable start to the weekend with the perfect cup of coffee, expertly crafted by the restaurant barista. Best for: Early starts When: Fridays, 11am – 3pm Cost: AED99…

Stroll into Amici for a taste of the Mediterranean. The contemporary restaurant serves an array of colourful Italian and Mediterranean cuisine all day long, with surprisingly affordable prices. Choose from a large menu of favourites, or opt for the well-laid buffet. This little gem offers a quiet setting with a focus on flavour and good service.

If you’re looking for a buzzing, centrally located restaurant, head to Flavours On Two on Sheikh Zayed Road. It’s a bustling restaurant, especially on weekends when expats in the emirate join in the weekend revelry. Flavours On Two is great for an evening out with friends, with the fixed price for beverages and food meaning there’s no bickering about the bill. Theme nights include curry and seafood and have proven to be extremely popular.

For a totally tropical fun night out, head over to the Bamboo Lagoon. You may think that you’ve arrived on an island when you first step inside, with grass-skirted singers, Hawaiian-shirt clad waiters, bamboo huts, and little bridges over waterways. The tempting buffet offers vast amounts of choice, from seafood to sushi, to curries and grills. The band starts playing at around 9pm, with singers performing Polynesian tunes.

Super-sleek sushi restaurant Okku is famous in Dubai for delivering Japanese cuisine that the city’s foodies go absolutely mad for. Headed by executive chef, Hugo Sato Gardiner, the restaurant has won a clutch of awards – including most recently the prestigious Caterer Award for Restaurant of the Year and TimeOut Dubai’s award for Best Japanese – which brings with it a distinctly A-list clientele. It’s not cheap – but with caviar and black truffle in the sushi, it’s certainly memorable. +971 4 501 8777