Restaurants

Take a break from the city buzz and escape to Rare Restaurant in the Desert Palm. Bask in the tranquil atmosphere, with its green views and relaxed air of refinement. You’ll appreciate this tucked-away haven, which is also a meat-lover’s dream. Enjoy steaks, which are mostly 300 or 400 day grain-fed Australian beef, as well as grilled fish, seafood options and corn-fed chicken that will tempt even the most ardent carnivores.

Marina views are appealing day or night, and Aquara is the perfect eatery to admire them from. The chic but understated restaurant allows the million-dirham yachts to speak for themselves as they glide past. The seafood menu has a mainly Asian twist and the Friday brunch is excellent, with the centrepiece being a seafood bar with lobster, oysters, prawns, crab, clams, sushi and sashimi. The restaurant also boasts a great terrace for al fresco dining.

You’ll be greeted by denim-clad waiters at Shooters, the Western-themed saloon and restaurant based at the Jebel Ali Resort, which is aptly placed above a popular shooting range. Enjoy the views with floor-to-ceiling windows and ‘surf ‘n turf’ menu of fish and steak dishes. Be sure to try the popular menu items like king-sized prawns and lobster tails.

Specialising in Emirati cuisine and seafood, this traditional restaurant is well-loved by locals and is known for its tasty choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Rashidiya. Their authentic breads and charcoal grilled lamb chops are a favourite.

For a taste of ‘tradition with a twist,’ fresh seafood as well as the warm hospitality that Dubai is known for, this upscale authentic eatery in Umm Suqeim is a firm favourite. Round off your meal with a pot of tea served over hot sand and charcoal.

You’ll get traditional, good quality dishes from across Italy at Luciano’s, the poolside restaurant based out of the Habtoor Grand in the Marina. Enjoy the mains and starters—and make sure you try the thin-crust pizzas before you leave. You can also choose from seafood, meat and pasta dishes, all served in generous portions. If the temperature permits, ask for a table outside underneath the palm trees bedecked with fairy lights.

Stop by Jumeirah Beach Hotel for a casual and affordable al fresco meal at this cosy restaurant, situated right on the beach with a fresh sea breeze. Dig into large portions of affordable pizza, pasta and seafood, and take in the surrounding marina views while lounging under the sun. Children are well catered for, which makes this restaurant a favourite for families, with typical treats like burgers and fish fingers available on the menu.

This bright and breezy restaurant with an ocean view is perfect for a lazy lunch or an intimate evening meal. Enjoy the stunning sea views from the outdoor terrace by day, and the sea breeze and sound of the waves crashing at the shore by night. Select from the large fish-themed menu, from classic Moules Mariniere to Arabic-inspired dishes including same nayeh, carpaccio of hammour, or the spicy oven baked pomfret.

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.