Restaurants

Sitting in an environment boasting Mediterranean themed décor, it’s hard to believe that you’re actually in Dubai. Feast on traditional Greek dishes prepared ‘kouzina’ style just like a Greek grandma would. Take a hike through the country’s culinary history while tucking into the lavish Big Fat Greek breakfast, extensive meat and grilled fish menu, or unconventional dishes such as octopus with eggplant mousse. Tel No. +971 4 325 5091

This Taiwan-based chain is renowned for the long queues its dumplings generate all over the world – but luckily at their Dubai location, it’s never more than 30 minutes at peak dining times. Kids will love the crispy wontons and fried rice, while adults should head straight for the famed xiao long bao and braised beef tendon soup. Tel No. +971 4 265 1288

For a healthy kick to your morning, look no further than this atmospheric concept store and café occupying a Jumeirah villa. Their health-boosting menu echoes the eclectic theme and décor, and uses nutrient-rich, organic ingredients while employing cooking and preparation techniques that promote digestion and maximum nutrition intake. Taste is not compromised at all in dishes such as the buckwheat pancakes (sweet and savoury); crème Budwig (pureed fruit with lemon juice, topped with nuts and seeds); and chia seed pudding. Wash it down with a dairy-free, superfood-boosted smoothie, and you’ll be set for the day.

This café has been at the forefront of the sustainable movement in Dubai, and uses only local and organic ingredients in its daily-changing menu. With three outlets across the city, the café offers international dishes, often with a Middle Eastern twist. Feast on freshly baked breads and pastries made in-house, homemade jams, and their legendary shakshouka for a morning meal to remember. Baker & Spice also has a range of artisanal products including jams and spices that you can purchase as souvenirs.  Tel No.  +971 4 425 2240 

This holistic haven is one of the city’s hidden gems. The dedicated wellbeing centre also boasts a plant-based café amidst its tranquil zen-like garden complete with cobbled pathways, rustic log tables and colourful decor. The slow pace attracts visitors who are keen to catch up on their reading or relax with friends over a cup of freshly-brewed coffee. With health as the key focus, all the food served here is free from gluten, sugar, dairy and artificial ingredients, but doesn’t compromise on taste. Their chocolate porridge will convince you of that.

Located in Jumeirah’s upscale mall, The Galleria, this neighbourhood eatery is bright, airy and welcoming – all the ingredients for a memorable breakfast setting. Every inch of this beautiful space is carefully thought out and the attention to detail spills over to the dishes served here. Aside from classic poached eggs and croissants, there are a number of healthy surprises in store each morning, such as the buckwheat flapjacks topped with roasted butternut and pumpkin seeds. Also worth trying are the hummus toastie and quinoa breakfast tart for a novel superfood twist.

Sit back, relax and settle in for a leisurely breakfast with a view. Revo Café at Anantara The Palm serves up vistas of the Arabian Gulf’s shimmering waters as well as a selection of healthy dishes created using fine, fresh ingredients. You’ll be spoilt for choice here with homemade muesli and granola, pancakes, waffles, French toast and scrambled eggs to name just a few of the breakfast delights on offer. Don’t forget to toast to an incredible morning by the beach with a refreshing detox juice blend before taking in the sights at Palm Jumeirah. Tel No. +971 4 567 8304 

This chic restaurant takes pride of place at City Walk, impressing visitors with its avant-garde decor complete with statement furniture and bright floral motifs. This is a place to see and be seen, and the plush interiors set the tone for its main attraction – quality French cuisine. Nibble on honey madeleines and buttery croissants from the boulangerie and patisserie counter before trying the signature oeuf Bénédicte or the pain perdu with blueberry compote and banana. There’s also a carefully-curated coffee selection and healthy drinks to savour.

Close to the Dubai Water Canal and Downtown Dubai, this family-friendly restaurant in Al Manara is always buzzing in the morning thanks to its relaxed vibe and menu that pays homage to modern European bistro cuisine. Breakfasts are a hearty affair with acai bowls, breakfast curries and sublime French toast, but it’s the organic egg-based dishes that will keep you coming back for more. Try the Turkish eggs, which feature whipped aubergine and poached eggs with chilli butter, yoghurt and feta cheese. The popular shakshouka, a Middle Eastern dish with baked eggs in a spiced tomato-based ragout, is another top choice, but…