Restaurants

Take a seat at the idyllic 101 Dining Lounge, situated at the One&Only hotel in Palm Jumeirah, for breathtaking views of the skyline right from the water. Choose from the restaurant’s selection of light Mediterranean-inspired bites in the open-air dining area as you gaze into the deep blue distance with your loved one. Tel No. +971 4 440 1030

Under the shadow of Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab, Scape Restaurant offers luxurious relaxation coupled with unforgettable views. The menu is influenced by the Californian fusion flavours of Asia, Latin America, the Mediterranean and more, while the venue features superb views of the sail-shaped hotel and the serene Arabian Gulf. Take our insider advice and make sure to arrive in time for a stunning sunset view over the water. Tel No. +971 4 301 7600

La Môme celebrates the art of traditional French dining, with an ambience that is a modern throwback to 1950s Paris. Dine in the simplicity and elegance of authentic French dishes with a stellar view from the 49th floor overlooking Dubai’s vibrant Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial District skyline. This restaurant’s atmosphere, which pays homage to the masterful sounds of Edith Piaf, evokes both fun and romantic vibes. Tel No.   +971 4 308 0470

Imagine being encircled by Dubai’s world famous dancing fountains while dining by candlelight—this fine-dining Thai restaurant is about as romantic as it gets. With a magical location and a menu that is sure to capture your attention, Thiptara is the perfect setting for a special celebration or that all-important question. Try the tantalizing massaman curry or the stir-fried scallops for a dining experience that is not to be missed. Tel No. +971 4 888 3444

An iconic restaurant in Dubai’s luxurious Burj Al Arab, Al Mahara by Nathan Outlaw whisks guests under the sea for an experience that’s about as close as it comes to dining underwater. A floor-to-ceiling aquarium takes centre-stage, arching over the tables with its schools of hypnotically swirling fish. Splash out when ordering from the menu (obviously, we recommend the fish), for a truly memorable date. Be sure to book ahead, as this once-in-a-lifetime venue is in hot demand with Dubai residents and hotel guests alike. Tel No.   +971 4 301 7600

Vanitas restaurant is one of eight places to eat in the Palazzo Versace Hotel, owned by the iconic fashion brand Versace. With views of the Dubai Creek, this Italian restaurant is tastefully decorated, and the Versace influence is clear on everything from the walls to the dishes. Once you’ve enjoyed lunch or dinner, you can cross over the Creek and pay a visit to Dubai Festival City mall, where you’re free to shop at over 400 stores. Tel No.  +971 4 556 8888

In 2001, Vineet Bhatia became the first Indian chef to earn a Michelin star for his restaurants in London and later Geneva. He lends his name to this Dubai-based outfit inside slick Grosvenor House, where he’s crafted a contemporary menu consisting of Indian dishes with Western influences. The smoked seas starter is the only way to kick off the meal; it includes honey-basted tandoori salmon, fennel scallops and chutney hammour. Make sure you save room for the refreshing desserts, including the rose petal and vanilla bean smoothie. +971 4 317 6000

This romantic Parisian dining room is the home of French chef Pierre Gagnaire’s molecular mastery in Dubai. This purple-carpeted offering from the three-starred Michelin chef is as decadent as it gets. Baroque-inspired glass chandeliers matching the carpet hang overhead as a series of seven amuse bouches are served before the meal even begins. The menu is seasonal and the four- and seven-course sample menus might include everything from sea bass with celeriac ravioli to beef cheeks. +971 4 701 1111

Fine-casual dining is the aim of the game at Chef Beck’s restaurant, found at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah. The world-renowned chef – who was awarded three Michelin stars for his Rome restaurant, La Pergola – brings familiar flavours of Italy to Dubai, via dishes such as spaghetti with lobster and zucchini, and grilled tuna in Mediterranean perfumes with fennel and red onions. In keeping with Dubai’s Friday Brunch tradition, Social’s Signature Brunch is an all-out Mediterranean affair with antipasti, an oyster and carvery station, and an à la carte menu with pastas and miniature desserts. +971 4 818 2222