Restaurants

Zheng He is named after the Chinese nautical explorer and diplomat of the Ming dynasty whose expeditions made him an icon in the history of imperial China. As such, you’ll find a menu that features classics with a contemporary twist. While feasting on plates of steaming dim sum, watch the resident duck master in action, cutting up a whole duck for your table and presenting it with rice paper pancakes and condiments for you and your dining companions to help yourselves. +971 4 366 5866

Hakkasan, located in the iconic Jumeriah Emirates Towers, serves fare that incorporates traditional techniques using fresh local ingredients with contemporary dishes that retain the essence of conventional Cantonese cuisine. It is certainly hard to restrain from the roasted silver cod and crispy duck salad amid rustic wooden pavilions, lush exotic greenery and the Michelin-star chain’s signature oak latticing. The Hakka Brunch, which takes place every Friday, features an expansive selection of dishes: steamed, fried and baked dim sum, delicate Peking duck and handcrafted desserts and homemade sorbets. +971 4 384 8484

YUAN, an award-winning Chinese restaurant at the Atlantis, is known to match the traditional and modern, time-stamped traditions with contemporary twists. Bring in Chinese New Year with the Yum Cha Brunch, named after the Chinese tradition of drinking tea in the mid-morning with dim sum. You’ll get to sample a world-class selection of dim sum, salads, Chinese noodles, rice and an array of traditional Chinese desserts and teas. Make sure you sample the yellow mustard har gau shrimp dumplings and the sweet and sour chicken. +971 4 426 2626

Shang Palace offers the taste of traditional Cantonese cuisine, a mystical Far Eastern ambiance and Chinese hospitality in the heart of Dubai. Specialty fare includes Yum Cha, acclaimed Beijing Duck, Codfish with grapes and orange sauce, and an extensive list of fragrant teas and authentic beverages. The restaurant has been known to pull out all the stops during Chinese New Year with celebratory special set menus, traditional lion dances and of course, the auspicious red envelopes containing cash prizes and complimentary stays at the hotel. + 971 4 405 2703

When you’re located as close to the sea as Alto Mar is – right by the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour – you know the seafood is going to be fresh. At this Mediterranean-style restaurant, it is also delicious. The blue and white décor with marine accents is offset by a tranquil view of the bobbing boats at the harbour, transporting diners straight to southern European shores. So too does the menu, with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients and simple home-style cooking. Choose seafood either cooked to your liking or à la carte, with highlights including seabream roasted in a “salt…

The Dubai outpost of a renowned NYC brand, Catch is stylish seafood at its best. Retaining the contemporary American vibe, the space matches industrial-luxe décor with an eclectic menu – ranging from innovative sushi (foie gras eel roll, anyone?) to king fish tacos. Signature dishes include crispy whole snapper with peppers and oyster mushrooms, and the DXB sushi roll – tuna, crab, avocado, wasabi, yuzu and kosho mayo. Meat-lovers are well catered for, and indulgent desserts such as the s’more pizza are worth leaving tummy space for. With a buzzing vibe, Catch ticks all the boxes for a swish night…

This restaurant on the Jumeirah strip is a relatively recent and very welcome addition to Dubai’s dining scene. Offering fresh, fantastic seafood in a laidback environment, the restaurant is frequented by beachgoers coming straight from a morning sun-and-surf session at the beach. Exposed ceilings, chalkboard menus and unfinished flooring give the sun-drenched, two-storey space a relaxed yet trendy vibe to match its fuss-free menu. Downstairs is a sushi bar, while upstairs fresh seafood is displayed on ice – just pick what you want, and have it steamed, grilled or cooked a la plancha (grilled on a metal plate) with sauces…

Long lauded as one of Dubai’s most romantic restaurants, this over-water venue set at the edge of its own pier boasts incomparable views of the Burj Al Arab, balmy ocean breezes flowing through oversized windows, and glamorous décor with fishing net-style crystal chandeliers – to bring home the marine theme. The contemporary gourmet menu showcases the finest seafood, from Beluga caviar and Gillardeau oysters, to Norwegian cod, Atlantic halibut and Cornish turbot. Don’t miss the grilled scallops with tapioca pearl, vanilla and bergamot butter, and poached lobster with roasted cauliflower and Dijon mustard sauce. The picturesque setting and luxurious experience makes this…

Situated on Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah within the Rixos Hotel, A La Turca offers an extensive range of tempting cuisine. In addition to a selection of international favourites, the buffet also includes a wide array of traditional Turkish dishes including grills, kebabs and mezzes from Eastern Anatolia, the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea. With a choice of indoor or outdoor seating, this is the perfect restaurant for soaking up sea views. Telephone +971 [0] 4 457 5555 Email grm@rixos.com