Restaurants

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

This much-loved diner offers a range of Pakistani curry favourites, rice dishes and freshly baked naan breads, alongside more adventurous fare such as fried brains. The setting is basic, but that hasn’t stopped Ravi Restaurant from gaining cult status among local expats. Most people opt to sit outside with all of Satwa life on show, but dining is also available in the main restaurant or in the quieter family section.

After a long day traipsing around town, you may want a meal from the comfort of your hotel. The Bistro Restaurant at Holiday Inn Downtown, located in Deira is a casual eatery with a lounge area where you can sit back and relax throughout the day, whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner. Choose from an international and Indian menu, and be sure to inquire about the special themed nights hosted here.

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.

Rüya Dubai fits right in with the glamorous, five-star setting of Grosvenor House. This Anatolian restaurant features dazzling geometric motifs, luxe fabrics and dramatic artwork. Centrestage you’ll find a buzzing open kitchen, while the stylish outdoor terrace serves up stunning views of Dubai Marina. Ruya’s Friday brunch pulls out all the stops with live entertainment, a buzzing vibe and fabulous food. Elevating Turkish cuisine to new heights, you’ll love the soft cheese pides, grilled seabream and skewers of roasted lamb kebabs. Just make sure to save room for dessert! Best for: Exotic fare When: Fridays, 12-4pm Cost: AED295 with soft beverages Tel No.   +971 4…

If you have time to dine at only one Indian restaurant while in Dubai, it has to be Moombai & Co. Tucked away in The H Dubai, the restaurant is reminiscent of Mumbai’s famed Parsi café culture, complete with retro Bollywood posters and a soundtrack to match. Equally as impressive as the setting is the food. Book the Saturday ‘Auntie’s Brunch’ for a true taste of contemporary India, complete with a host of ‘tiffin’ snacks. Think eggs served with Indian naan bread and warm lentil salad, lamb biryani flavoured with saffron and masala tea. Best for: Bold flavours When: Saturdays, 11am-4pm Cost: AED245…

Located within Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa, this award-winning restaurant is the perfect place to appreciate traditional Lebanese cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner, you can either relax over a light bite to eat for lunch or enjoy an evening of entertainment, courtesy of an Arabic band, singers and a dancer. A great option for al fresco dining, the outdoor terrace overlooks the lush gardens and pools.

This popular weekend hotspot, located in the boutique Vida Downtown hotel, hosts a laidback al fresco brunch with an Asian-inspired sharing menu that always impresses. For the best setting, walk through Toko’s main entrance and head to the restaurant’s serene outdoor back garden where canopied tables are surrounded by lush greenery. With a welcoming vibe, it’s easy to spend a leisurely Friday afternoon here with friends as you savour signature classics such as crispy duck salad, irresistible maki rolls, miso chilli salmon and barbecue Hoisin chicken. Best for: Al fresco dining When: Fridays, 12:30-4pm Cost: AED190 with soft beverages Tel No.  +971 4 442…

Located next to the Offshore Sailing Club in Jumeirah 3, Bait Al Bahar offers diners a beautiful seaside setting along with delicious Arabic coffee, butter chicken, traditional desserts and more. Enjoy the peace away from the bustling city as you taste food that stays true to traditional Emirati cuisine.