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Restaurants in Dubai

Dubai has a fantastic assortment of international standard restaurants catering to all budgets and tastes. Indian food is big here, thanks to the large population of expats from the sub-continent, but don’t overlook the delicious local fare. Excellent Arabic cuisine, including Jordanian, Syrian and Lebanese, are all to be had in the city alongside Chinese, Asian and just about every other style of food you can think of. Dubai is a Muslim city, so alcohol isn’t served outside of big hotel restaurants.

The restaurants below have been classified into three pricing categories:
Expensive (over Dh500)
Moderate (Dh150 to Dh500)
Cheap (under Dh150)

These prices are for a three-course meal for one with a bottle of house wine or equivalent, including tax. Sales tax at 10% is added to all bills. Service charges at 10 to 15% are also frequently added but, if they are not, a 10% tip is expected.

Expensive

Al Muntaha

Cuisine: International

Al Muntaha (meaning 'The Ultimate' or 'The Top' in Arabic) has arguably the best location in Dubai, suspended 200m (656ft) above the Arabian Gulf at the top of the Burj Al Arab hotel. Service is immaculate and the slanted glass windows give the restaurant the feel of a great ocean liner heading out to sea.

Address: Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai,
Telephone: +971 4 301 7600.
Website: http://www.jumeirah.com

Bombay Brasserie

Cuisine: Indian

Bombay Brasserie is the Taj Hotels signature restaurant, finding a balance between classic and contemporary. On offer is high quality Indian quinine and a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience. If you’re unsure what to order, try the excellent tasting menu to truly experience the variety of flavours and ingredients.

Address: , Burj Khalifa Street, Dubai,
Telephone: +971 4 438 3222.
Website: https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-dubai/restaurants/bombay-brasserie/

Okku

Cuisine: Japanese

One of the trendiest eating spots in Dubai, Okku serves up excellent Japanese food in boudoir-style surroundings enlivened with tanks full of brightly-coloured neon jellyfish. Although in theory classical Japanese, the menu is more of a fusion affair with sake cocktails and foie gras sushi among the most popular choices.

Address: Deira, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
Telephone: +971 4 501 8777.
Website: http://www.okku.com

Pierchic

Cuisine: Seafood

Located on a wooden pier with views of the expansive Arabian Gulf, Pierchic is a seafood restaurant popular with Dubai’s cool crowd. A mix of Arabic and European dishes, mains include the likes of poached Atlantic lobster with snow peas, enoki mushrooms and passion fruit dressing, or Arabian chilled seafood platter laced with Iranian caviar.

Address: Umm Suqeim, Al Qasr Hotel, Dubai,
Telephone: +971 4 432 3232.
Website: http://www.jumeirah.com/pierchic

Moderate

Apres

Cuisine: Austrian

Tucked away inside Mall of the Emirates, Apres overlooks the shopping centre’s ski run and has an alpine theme that extends to the menu as well as the décor. Relaxed and fairly casual, the service is top notch and the drinks relatively cheap. Food is classic Austrian schnitzels and fondue topped up with really good burgers.

Address: Umm Suqeim, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
Telephone: +971 4 341 2575.
Website: http://www.emiratesleisureretail.com/Brands/Apres.aspx

India Palace

Cuisine: Indian

With venues scattered across the city, the emphasis at this popular restaurant is on Rajasthani cooking backed up by themed décor and artefacts shipped in from the region. The open kitchen is a nice touch, as are the family booths upstairs. No alcohol is served but the freshly-made lassis more than make up for it.

Address: Festival City, Al Rebat Street, Dubai,
Telephone: +971 4 222 3881
Website: http://www.indiapalace.ae

Khan Murjan

Cuisine: Arabic

Set inside a marble courtyard beneath WAFI Mall, Khan Murjan is a good place to go if you fancy a taste of the local cuisine. Expect plenty of mezze topped up with generous helpings of Arabic coffee and mint tea. Another Emirati favourite, shisha water pipes, are also available in a variety of flavours.

Address: Deira, Oud Metha Road, Dubai,
Telephone: +971 4 327 9795.
Website: http://www.wafi.com

Cheap

Al Mallah

Cuisine: Lebanese

It’s not the prettiest of restaurants but Al Mallah serves up a seriously good selection of classic Lebanese dishes, among them one of the tastiest interpretations of shanklish (spicy cheese) in the Gulf. Along with food, it also does shisha including a ‘special’ version featuring half a pineapple in place of the usual filter.

Address: Satwa, Aldivafa Street, Dubai,
Telephone: +971 6 555 3981
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Al-Mallah-508116025865062/ C

Cactus Jacks

Cuisine: Tex Mex

While it may never win any culinary awards, Cactus Jacks seldom disappoints a hungry stomach. Mexican themed, the décor includes Aztec fabrics and bright designs, as well as multicolour tiled pillars. The menu is a mix of classic Mexican as well as greasier, if heartier, Tex Mex dishes.

Address: Garhoud, Millennium Airport Hotel, Dubai,
Telephone: +971 4 702 8855.
Website: https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/dubai/millennium-airport-hotel-dubai/cactus-jacks/

Shahi Mughal

Cuisine: Pakistani

A Dubai institution, Shahi Mughal (once Ravi) might not look like much but the superior quality Pakistani food more than makes up for any aesthetic disappointment. The butter chicken has long been a particular favourite with expats, but whatever level of spice you can take, the ever-friendly staff are there to present it in the restaurant’s famous plastic bowls.

Address: Satwa, Satwa Road, Dubai,
Telephone: +971 4 396 5737
Website: https://www.facebook.com/shahimughalrestaurant/
A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Desert Palm Dubai

Set away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai proper, the Desert Palm Dubai is a peaceful spot that conspicuously lacks the bling that characterises many of the city’s ultra-luxe hotels. Gorgeous gardens and a full-size polo field surround it, while the onsite spa is particularly good.

InterContinental Dubai Festival City

Set in one of Dubai’s many shopping, culinary and entertainment destinations, InterContinental Dubai Festival City offers a luxury yet affordable experience. It is also conveniently located by a massive Event Centre, with exclusive direct access to Dubai Festival City Mall.

Jumeirah Emirates Towers

These two ultra-modern skyscrapers are among the tallest buildings in the Middle East. Part office, part hotel, each state-of-the-art room is geared towards business guests and have all the essentials, including super-speedy Wi-Fi. Although most of the rooms are ultra-modern, the deluxe rooms come with their own opulent chaises longue.

Grand Hyatt

Few business hotels come with a lobby floor decorated with mosaic tiles made from real gold but then again this is Dubai. Away from the lobby things are a bit less bling and very comfortable – think huge cushions and beds with crisp white sheets. It also boasts good restaurants and an excellent spa.

Citymax

Citymax has targeted the budget market in a bold way, opening large properties in Al Barsha and in the heart of the central Bur Dubai district. Its Al Barsha hotel is conveniently close to Mall of the Emirates and boasts comfortable, clean rooms – all within striking distance of the beaches and nightlife of the Marina.

EasyHotel Dubai

Sunglasses at the ready – Dubai's EasyHotel is almost entirely decked out in the Easy brand's trademark bright orange and white. That said, the hotel is comfortable and super-cheap, and offers free Wi-Fi in all of its rooms. The main downside is the location – Jebel Ali is about 25km (16 miles) from Jumeirah.