Dubai

When it comes to dining out, Dubai is a gourmet’s dream come true. With every street and alleyway in this beautiful city lined by eateries offering an amazing selection of local and international flavors, Dubai is indeed the ‘city of restaurants.’ In fact, ‘dining out’ is one of the most popular and cheapest modes of entertainment here! Dubai’s restaurants ensure that everyone leaves satisfied…besides options are aplenty, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. What makes Dubai so attractive to connoisseurs of food is that it is possible to sample international cuisines without a burning a hole in one’s pocket.

However, liquor is not freely available. You could buy alcohol only at select restaurants with liquor permit. At high-end restaurants, sales tax at 10% is added to all bills. Service fees at 10 to 15 per cent are also normal.

Below, we feature some of the best-loved restaurants in the emirate. The list includes 5-star and non-star establishments.

Al Muntaha
Atop Burj Al Arab, the only 7-star hotel in the world, hotel, Al Muntaha presents sweeping views of the Arabian blue complimented by some soulful music. And the food does ample justice to the theatrical setting. Service, as expected is classy and flawless. This restaurant is popular for its repertoire of marine delicacies, including the multi-hued seafood platter.

Tel: 04 301 7600.

Signatures
If you have a penchant for French cuisine, then Signatures at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa is well worth a visit! The décor is decidedly European and the open kitchen allows guests to watch the chefs in action as they dish out masterpieces like Cordon Bleu. Also, the restaurant features an impressive collection of French wines. The dimly lit ambience is innately relaxing and is ideal for intimate eat-outs.

Tel: 04 883 6000.

Pierchic
As its name suggests, Pierchic is laid out on a wooden pier, within the iconic Madinat Jumeirah complex, that overlooks the Arabian Gulf. The menu is exotic and strikes a balance between local Arabian spread and the more cosmopolitan continental fare. Specialties include calamari platter laced with caviar and desserts garnished with tropical fruits.

Tel: 04 366 6730.

Sushi
Although Grand Hyatt is a well-known name in the Dubai hospitality scene, these days it is better-known for its landmark Japanese restaurant, Sushi. If you prefer a no-frills, simple, healthy meal, then Sushi’s the right place! You get to choose from a mind-boggling array of sushi preparations to be washed down with sake.

Tel: 04 317 1234.

The Food Court at Mall of the Emirates
One of the more recent shopping venues in Dubai, Mall of the Emirates is an extremely popular hang-out. And its Food Court is one big culinary roller-coaster ride. This is an excellent choice if you want to indulge in your Oriental and Occidental gastronomic fantasies at one go! Here, you could open your innings with a fiery Thai salad, anchor it with a beefy burger and end it quite dramatically with a Mexican dessert. The possibilities are endless. There is also a protected play area where tots are sure to have fun!

Lemongrass, Thai Restaurant
Lemongrass is a quaint, authentic Thai restaurant, popular among Westerners, South Asian expatriates and the locals alike. Some of the in-house specialties include Pad Thai and Som Tam. The décor is muted, eclectic and the lighting subdued. This is the perfect place to unwind over a great meal. It is located beside Lamcy Plaza.

Tel: 04 34 2325

Ashiana
Ashiana is situated within Sheraton Dubai Creek and specializes in North Indian cuisine. The service is exemplary; do not hesitate to seek help if you are confounded by the extensive menu! The interiors are regal and tend to make you a tad whimsical of the heydays of the Nawabs. The restaurant is famous for its Rogan Gosht (mutton); try it, you will not be disappointed.

Tel: 04 228 1111

Khazana
Located near Al Nasr Leisureland, Khazana is an award-winning restaurant by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor. This hang-out is extremely popular among Indians and features a mouth-watering array of dishes and desserts. Thursdays and Fridays are extremely crowded. Be sure to book in advance if you are planning a dinner at Khazana during the weekend.

Tel: 04 336 0061

Saravana Bhavan
This famed South Indian vegetarian restaurant chain has 2 outlets in Dubai – at Al Karama and Bur Dubai. The atmosphere is cheery and the staff extremely helpful. Though not very exclusive in terms of décor, their delicacies are addictive! Especially, the dosas and idli/ sambar.

Tel: 0 334 52971 (Al Karama)

Calicut Paragon
Located opposite Lulu Center in Al Karama, Calicut Paragon is easily one of the best Keralite restaurants in the whole of the UAE. This restaurant is famous for its spicy, fried prawns and chicken biriyani, albeit with a Calicut twist. Though food is moderately priced, even by Dubai standards, quality has not been compromised.

Tel: 04 335 8720

Travancore Kitchen
If you appreciate the spicy and fiery cuisine of South Kerala, replete with appams and beef fry, head to Travancore Kitchen in Al Karama. This family restaurant, located by the side of Lulu Center offers great value deals and is crowded on all nights of the week. So if you want to sample the in-house mouth-licking specialities, strike at the earliest!

Tel: 04 335 3032

Anjappar
Anjappar is a much loved family eatery, again at Al Karama that features an excellent repertoire of classy traditional Chettinad non-vegetarian dishes. If you are feeling adventurous and are in the mood to try something exotic, make a beeline for this enchanting joint. It is extremely popular among Indians, both northerners and southerners!

Tel: 04 335 6116