Restaurants

Take a drive to the suburban haven of Arabian Ranches and visit the aptly named neighbourhood haunt, Ranches Restaurant & Bar. You’ll be served unpretentious fare in comfortable surroundings in a golf lounge/restaurant, with a focus on traditional British dishes. Hang out on the outdoor terrace during the winter and you’ll get a more intimate dining experience overlooking the course. Tuesday is a popular quiz night and there are themed buffets during the week. Telephone +971 [0] 4 360 7935 Email Restaurant@arabianranchesgolf.ae

Calicut Notebook Restaurant is located in Deira, offering traditional dishes from the south Indian state of Kerala, alongside Western favourites including pizza, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant prides itself on ingredients and cooking styles that are fresh and very healthy, making a promise to diners that they can dine every single day and stay healthy. The decor is very basic and prices affordable, be assured that flavours are big and memorable – with all the emphasis on food. Telephone +971 [0] 4 265 3336 Email calicutnotebook@gmail.com

Should your taste buds crave hearty Australian food, Bushman’s Restaurant & Grill at the Anantara Hotel will certainly deliver. The restaurant decor reflects Australia’s rustic outdoors, while the menu serves fresh seafood and prime cuts of meat, including sirloin of kangaroo. The food is prepared at the Parilla Grill and charcoal ovens, with dishes paired with Australian beverages. Allow the Salt Guru to recommend the perfect salt variety to complement your meal. Telephone +971 [0] 4 567 8312 Email bushmans.dubai@anantara.com

If you’re looking for a quick, tasty and reasonably-priced taste of Lebanon, then any branch of the Beirut Restaurant & Grill will do you proud. The menu serves every dish you’d expect from a street-side cafe back in Beirut, with a trademark taste to match. This is affordable and convenient food that will probably have you coming back for seconds time and time again. Try any one of the various branches located across the city. Telephone +971 [0] 4 398 8881

Pop into Automatic for a bite to eat, with options for dine in or take away. The popular chain serves high quality Arabic food in various locations across Dubai. The vast choice of mezze is accompanied by huge portions of salad, along with grilled meat, fish and kebabs. Try one of the chicken or lamb shawarmas, which are perfect for staving off hunger pangs. Telephone +971 [0] 4 349 4888

If you love Lebanese food, but generally find it too expensive, this cheerful restaurant should be added to your address book. Located near Dubai Flower Centre in Deira, Al Dayaa Lebanese Restaurant has a menu filled with comforting cuisine including falafel, shawarma, shish tauok, and grilled kofta. You can also try Western favourites including French fries, burgers and chicken fajitas.

The surroundings may be pretty stark and minimalist at Seoul Garden Restaurant, located in Karama, but it’s the food that has customers coming back time and time again. The menu is authentically Korean, with various grilled, steamed and noodle dishes available alongside a large choice of sides. Make sure you try the various types of Kimchi available, a traditional Korean dish made from fermented vegetables that customers rave about. Telephone +971 [0] 4 337 7876 Email seoulgarden@empal.com

Set in the historic Heritage Village near the Dubai Creek in Bur Dubai, Kan Zaman brings you ambience and history in one welcoming package. With a selection of mezzes alongside traditional grilled meats, you can sit back and watch the colourful dhows moving along the creek as you tuck into a meal. The cuisine is predominantly Arabic, and as guests savour the flavours, Arabic music plays in the background. Telephone +971 [0] 4 393 9913

Plan a special, but affordable evening out at Karma Kafe, located in Souk Al Bahar. Created by the masterminds behind Buddha Bar as an offshoot to the iconic nightlife powerhouse, Karma Kafe does well as the little sister – similarly decorated with lavish decor and a touch of velvet vamp. Grab seats on the terrace for the best view of the musical fountains. Telephone +971 [0] 4 423 0909 Email info@karma-kafe.com