Restaurants

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.

Tea-time never seemed so enticing. Dukes Dubai at Palm Jumeirah hosts its own brunch version of the English tradition at its stylish Tea Lounge, decorated in gold leaf and bright colours. The Partea brunch features endless dainty cucumber and cream cheese and roast beef and horseradish sandwiches, light sponge cakes, lemon meringue pie and freshly-baked homemade scones with dollops of clotted cream and strawberry jam. Exotic blends have been specially selected from the hotel’s designer tea company, Tchaba, so this is the place to try ‘silver tips’ white tea alongside traditional classics. Best for: A light brunch alternative When: Saturdays, 2 – 6pm Cost: AED295…

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…

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.

Situated in the mall’s busiest food court, this outlet is the place to load up on snacks, Indian style – from South Indian dosas to Bombay pav bhaji, as well as diverse biryani recipes. Cap it off with a sweet cardamom flavoured masala chai to soothe taste buds after the pleasantly spicy meal. Tel No.   +9714 340 7709

If you’re trying to please a crowd with different tastes, this is the place to be. From European to Middle Eastern, South East Asian to Indian delicacies, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Mouth-watering favourites include a full-bodied lentil soup, Thai green curry with vegetables, butter chicken served with aromatic rice and eggs benedict with salmon. Tel No.  +971 4 453 5293