Restaurants

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…

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.

Enjoy the fresh taste of Mexican-Californian street food with tacos and burritos from this casual eatery. The easy-going atmosphere is welcoming to families, and the “build-your-own” menu allows customers to fill their burrito with only the ingredients they love. Perfect for a post-shopping pit-stop, the portion sizes at Tortilla are big enough to fill a rumbling tummy. Tel No. +971 4 437 6062 

One of the best Emirati restaurants in the city, Al Fanar offers a glimpse into Old Dubai as you wander along the waterfront. Homemade Emirati bread (khameer) and pancakes (chebab) are a must-try, as are the fish cakes (koftat samak) and meat-filled pastries (samboosa). Don’t forget to leave room for the ever-popular sweets such as ferni (rice pudding) and sticky luqaimat (fried dough in date syrup). Tel No. +971 4 600 524 646 

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 

Get a taste of colonial era India at this popular new restaurant, decked out with palatial interiors and serving timeless sub-continental recipes. Tandoori chicken and chicken tikka remain a hot favourite, but the menu also invites you to venture outside the box with dishes like Calcutta-styled giant prawns steeped in ginger soy marinade. Tel No. +971 4 288 1587 

Vanitas restaurant is one of eight places to eat in the Palazzo Versace Hotel, owned by the iconic fashion brand Versace. With views of the Dubai Creek, this Italian restaurant is tastefully decorated, and the Versace influence is clear on everything from the walls to the dishes. Once you’ve enjoyed lunch or dinner, you can cross over the Creek and pay a visit to Dubai Festival City mall, where you’re free to shop at over 400 stores. Tel No.  +971 4 556 8888

This chic French restaurant and lounge started out more than a decade ago on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris, which has been described as one of the most fashionable streets in the world. Since then, it’s opened more venues around the world, and its Dubai location is a favourite of the city’s fashionistas. The menu includes a host of gourmet French dishes, for lunch and dinner, and if you’re feeling inspired after paying this restaurant a visit, it’s only a short distance away from The Dubai Mall. Tel No. +971 4 352 7105