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.
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…
The spirit of family and community is a common ingredient throughout African cooking, and this is what diners can expect from KIZA. A sense of home and belonging. Located in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), KIZA is the perfect destination to discover and enjoy the flavours of Africa. The best of Dubai’s African restaurants, you can begin your culinary journey with a fragrant Chicken Brik and Couscous (Northern Africa), then jump into the “Rainbow Cuisine” of South Africa, passing by the spicy stews of West Africa and the traditional meat dishes and soups of East Africa. An African band punctuates the…
When it comes to fine dining Chinese restaurants in Dubai, Royal China is definitely near the top of the list. With an opulent red interior and a vantage location at the Dubai International Financial Centre, your surroundings feel quite grand and the food is just as impressive, with steaming plates of flavoursome signature dishes delivered promptly to your table. Try the Crispy Aromatic Duck, which has a reputation for being among the best in the city.
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…
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…
A traditional Pakistani restaurant with a strong focus on customer service, Usmania also offers Chinese, continental, barbecue and Tandoori dishes—the menu is enormous! The decor is elegant in creams and browns with subtle lighting, and the waiters are more than happy to explain the dishes. If you’re a fan of desserts, try the sticky glubab jamun—you won’t be disappointed. In addition to dining in, they also offer an online ordering service.
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.
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
