Restaurants

A spectacular view is sure to set the tone for an impressive business meeting, and the one from high on the 52nd floor of the Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel – looking out over Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah – is hard to top. Once diners have torn themselves away from the floor-to-ceiling windows, they can look forward to modern classics such as prawn cocktail, herb-crusted rack of lamb, and crème brûlée with a hint of espresso to leave guests office-ready after a sumptuous meal, which is available from Sunday to Thursday between 12-3pm and is priced from AED90 for two courses.

If you’re nervous about what to talk about other than business, then this venue provides all the talking points combining technology, art, music, cuisine and, of course, cars, all under one roof. This Lexus boutique-café located in the Dubai International Financial Centre is the second branch in the world (after Tokyo). And with its set business lunch (two courses AED90 or three courses AED110) served from 11am to 3pm, there’s no need to speed through the proceedings.

Walk across the metro footbridge outside DWTC and you’ll end up at Cave, a cool lounge that oozes sophistication, from the trendy décor with dim lighting (for the ‘cave’ effect), to the regular clientele of young professionals. Pull up a stool at one of the communal tables or head off to a private lounge by the fireside, and work your way through an extensive menu of drinks, tasting platters and gourmet bites – with specials every day of the week. +971 4 444 7444

A relaxed nightspot that is great at getting the basics right, The Stables has carved out a reputation as a particularly safe pair of hands when it comes to an evening venue to please everyone. With sport on the televisions, live music performances, excellent food and reasonable prices, it is a great all-rounder, ideal for quenching a think-tank conference thirst. +971 4 342 5571

Lemonade is a unique cafe serving both hearty and healthy meals, and a few sugary treats, too. The cafe serves six types of lemonade, hence the name, including tangy guava and lime, and the surprisingly delicious combination of watermelon and rosemary.

Sit under the glass dome of Anwar and take in the natural daylight or gaze up at the evening sky. This bright restaurant offers all-day dining options, starting with the famous Holiday Inn lavish breakfast that is available until 11am on lazy mornings. Choose between the buffet or a la carte menu at lunch or dinner, both offering an array of international starters, mouth-watering mains and delicious desserts. Telephone +971 [0] 4 357 2999

This romantic Parisian dining room is the home of French chef Pierre Gagnaire’s molecular mastery in Dubai. This purple-carpeted offering from the three-starred Michelin chef is as decadent as it gets. Baroque-inspired glass chandeliers matching the carpet hang overhead as a series of seven amuse bouches are served before the meal even begins. The menu is seasonal and the four- and seven-course sample menus might include everything from sea bass with celeriac ravioli to beef cheeks. +971 4 701 1111

Fine-casual dining is the aim of the game at Chef Beck’s restaurant, found at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah. The world-renowned chef – who was awarded three Michelin stars for his Rome restaurant, La Pergola – brings familiar flavours of Italy to Dubai, via dishes such as spaghetti with lobster and zucchini, and grilled tuna in Mediterranean perfumes with fennel and red onions. In keeping with Dubai’s Friday Brunch tradition, Social’s Signature Brunch is an all-out Mediterranean affair with antipasti, an oyster and carvery station, and an à la carte menu with pastas and miniature desserts. +971 4 818 2222

Popular with both locals and tourists, Hamarain Centre is located in the Deira area of Dubai. The mall is known for organising summer events in Dubai, as well as hosting regular gold and diamond jewellery promotions. In terms of shopping, you can spend hours browsing the range of stores in fashion, footwear, accessories, perfumes and cosmetics, electronics, and jewellery. You can also eat at various restaurants including L’Auberge and Caravan.