Restaurants

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.

Party from sun up until sun down at Nasimi Beach. Perhaps the best beach lounge in the city, the celebration flows from Atlantis, The Palm to the coastline, with a beautifully built terrace filled of chic white cabanas and sofas — not to mention twin lounges to keep the crowd of stylish jetsetters cool through the night. You can expect sun-kissed beats and star-studded spins from the DJ booth. The afternoon pumps house music beats from renowned resident DJs Smokin’ Groove and David Craig, but as the night nears they really pump up the speakers. International DJs, musicians, and entertainers…

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.

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.

Head to The Meydan’s stylish restaurant Farriers for a brunch with free-flowing drinks, live jazz and a kids club. On other days, dine in the bright, airy interior or on the trackside terrace. Sample delicious signature dishes courtesy of vast interactive buffet stations. Once you’re done, head for the hotel’s Shiba lounge, where brunchers can enjoy discounts on drinks.

Known for its generous portions that are ideal for sharing, The Cheesecake Factory has a vast menu featuring everything from pasta to seafood, steak, salad and pizza. Be sure to save space for dessert so you can sample one of 30 legendary cheesecakes. Tel No. +971 4 203 7555 

Check out all-day dining restaurant Cuisines for a hearty meal of international cuisine. Satisfy your appetite from the extensive buffet or choose from the tempting a la carte offerings. The restaurant invites you to watch the chefs in action in the show kitchen, cooking on the lava stone grill, baking pizzas in the stone oven or stir-frying in the Chinese wok. The wide and varied food menu is complemented by an equally extensive selection of drinks.

Family Bonding At The Atrium If you enjoy heading out to eat with friends or family, check out The Atrium restaurant at The Grand Millennium. The eatery offers all-inclusive specialty theme nights, which are great for dining out with friends and make paying the bill at the end of the night so much easier. The Friday brunch is ideal for families, with kids under six getting to dine for free. There’s a wide variety of food for sharing and live entertainment.