Restaurants

If you love Indian cuisine, Mint Leaf of London should be on your list of restaurants to try. Perched on the 15th floor of Emirates Financial Tower in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the eatery boasts amazing views of Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa. Turning the attention back to the menu of contemporary fine dining cuisine, it is guaranteed to impress. Try the Kadai Spiced Crispy Soft Shell Crab, Adraki Lamb Chops or Duck Pepper Fry. Telephone +971 [0] 4 706 0900 Email reservations@mintleafdubai.com

Styled to look like a traditional taverna with low archways, Spanish artwork, and a warm colour palette for walls and furnishings, you feel like you’ve arrived in Seville when you step into this Wafi tapas restaurant. There’s al fresco dining too, if you like to feel the sun on your skin as you tuck into plates of Paella and classic tapas favourites, including Calamares Fritos, Chicken Flamenquines and Patatas Bravas. Telephone +971 [0] 4 324 4777 Email fnb.sales@wafi.com

Home to three distinct floors, an evening at Warehouse will never disappoint you. And, the food here is deliciously inventive. On the ground floor, a lounge and garden serve classic British food, while upstairs, the dual-personality restaurant combines fine dining and sushi. And, if you want to stay and party late, there’s also an intimate nightspot with a DJ playing the best of acid jazz, soul and funky house music. Telephone +971 [0] 4 702 2455 Email warehouse@lmdubai.com

A must for true romantics with an appetite for seafood, Beach Bar & Grill offers delectable fish platters to share. If seafood isn’t your thing, there’s surf and turf options. You must try the chef’s recommendation though, a cataplana of shellfish clams, mussels, prawns, scallops and crabs with cooked beef chorizo, tomatoes, vegetables and fresh herbs. It’s simply wonderful! There’s indoor and outdoor seating, but al fresco is best for romantic sea views. Telephone +971 [0] 4 399 9999 Email fb.acourt@oneandonlyroyalmirage.ae

Head to romantic restaurant Ossiano, housed in Atlantis, The Palm, to watch 65,000 marine creatures glide past your table as you tuck into your meal. You’ll be served Catalan-inspired seafood dishes, courtesy of famed Spanish chef Santi Santamaria. Enjoy incredible food beneath glistening chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling views of the Ambassador Lagoon aquarium, amid a formal but romantic setting. Telephone +971 [0] 4 426 2626 Email restaurantreservations@atlantisthepalm.com

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

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

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

Loca is one of Dubai’s most popular Mexican restaurants. With a head chef from Mexico City, Loca’s menu brings Dubai a plethora of authentic dishes that are traditional throughout Mexico. Loca’s industrial-style decor makes way for a relaxed, urban atmosphere for a Saturday brunch or a late-night bite. Loca has established two destinations in Dubai, the original is located at Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa and more recently, Loca opened up shop at Downtown’s Souk Al Bahar. Often visitors gather at Loca to enjoy live music or catch a game.