You can find restaurants for every taste in the emirate but knowing where to look can be a daunting task as there's so much choice
BY AKANKSHA DEAN
The varied cuisine restaurants in Dubai are a recap of just how many enjoyable flavours come from just one part of the world. What’s the best meal you have had in Dubai? And where did you dine? You can find restaurants for every taste, but knowing where to look can be daunting, as there’s so much choice. This is where this list of where dining is TRENDING comes in
WORLD CUT STEAKHOUSE
Where? Habtoor Palace, Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Rd
Call: +971 566597287
This is your classic American but classy steakhouse which caters to all your house favourites. The ambience is breath-taking characterized by dazzling well-lit fixtures and russet interiors. ‘Raise The Steaks’ is something worth trying as it conceptualises an a la carte brunch, which takes place on Saturdays and features an exclusive menu, which has everything from hand cut truffle fries, to a selection of fresh shucked oysters and grain fed steaks from different parts of the world. The Butcher’s Block is what sets this steakhouse apart as it displays a flashy spread of sensational meats as well as chops to choose from. The kitchen here undoubtedly champions the grill and the best part is that the chef does not comprise on the portion sizes, they are as generous as it gets. This no doubt is one of the best steak houses in the city, just trust the menu blindly and let all the good food do the talking here.
NINIVE
Where? Emirates Towers Hotel - Sheikh Zayed Rd.
Call: +971 43266105
One of Dubai’s hipper Middle Eastern restaurants…No hippest! This stunning space is a cosy sanctuary on the western skirts of midtown. The softly lit ambience, radiant candles that contour the bar and the shelters that cause the light to drop in spattered constellation offer a beautiful milieu to the zesty pan middle eastern cuisine. Every dish is excellent, but standouts comprise the sharp, Zaatar chickpea dip; tender fried eggplant, festooned generously with zingy chermoula, crispy garlic and smoked bell pepper; the significative Adana Kebab skewers (lip-smacking, racy and confoundingly meaty); the splendidly sticky halloumi salad with pomegranate dressing. Don’t leave without trying one of the delicious afters, which foray just the precise note amidst imaginative and mass agreeable. The sumptuously nutty frozen yoghurt is delicate and suave, while the deftly orange-scented sorbet with the Almond Kunafeh is revitalising and indulgent. Then there’s the bewitchingly Turkish coffee milk cake, which make for the impeccable finish to a winning meal. Finish with a shot of Turkish coffee for the last hit.
SAL AT BURJ AL ARAB
Where? Ground Mezzanine Floor, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah St
Call: +971 43017600
Sal which translates to Salt is nothing less than an azure paradise. This beachfront restaurant is truly reminiscent of the clear blue waters of the Iberian Peninsula. The menu features dishes from all across southwestern Europe. This picture-perfect destination redefines barefooted luxury to the utmost satisfaction. The food is wholesome and the service too is consistently friendly, making it the ideal food spot in the city. To begin your meal, try the Crispy Calamari which is accompanied by a delightful spicy mayo, the calamari are fresh and sweet and pair well with their counterpart. For mains, the Spicy Rigatoni Manchego is a must, it is cooked to perfection, and it seems as if an Italian grandma has just put out her key signature dish. I would also recommend trying the Truffle Pizza, the crust is nice and crispy and is topped with juicy mozzarella, summer truffles and fior di latte.
GORDON RAMSAY’S BREADSTREET KITCHEN AND BAR
Where? Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, Crescent Rd
Call: +971 44262626
The name says it all, when it comes to this restaurant. This I would describe as being Gordon Ramsay’s love child, set in a casual setting this eatery offers a decadent menu. The Best of modern British cuisine in my opinion. The menu features the traditional beef wellington and of course fish and chips. But besides the classics it does highlight an international soiree as well. The Caesar salad is a delightful for starters, it comprises of a soft-boiled egg, aged parmesan, anchovies, romaine lettuce, timeless Caesar dressing and pancetta. For your main course, I would suggest trying the Roasted Cod, it combines well with the red wine and lemon butter sauce and is seamless with each morsel. The accompaniments which include crushed potatoes and artichoke elevate this dish and make it a lip-smacking choice to go for. The chocolate fondant is what you need to opt for from the dessert selection, coupled with the salted caramel ice-cream it is a literal stairway to heaven.
ARABIAN TEA HOUSE
Where? Bastakiya, Opposite Musalla Post Office
Call: +971 43535071
There are branches scattered across town, from Al Fahidi to Jumeirah Archaeological centre. The Al Fahidi one is my favourite. This madly admired Emirati tea house is a nearly energetically eventful and joyful enterprise, chockfull with beautiful elements. Its breath-taking ambience and extemporaneous airs are complemented by a menu that ranges from breakfast trays to hot and cold mezze to breads and curries and more. Anticipate home style dishes built for sharing. The Emirati tray is a delicious idea for breakfast that comes brimming with the legendary Balaleet which is vermicelli cooked with Arabic spices and a hint of sugar topped with an omelette. Order dishes like the machboos for lunch. All is tasty, and hearty and comes in substantial portions. Recommendations go all out for the karak chai or go for mint tea if you don’t like it milky.
Akanksha Dean is an independent Chef, Events Specialist, Spanish educator, food & travel writer and is the only Indian to have trained at the World’s Best Restaurant in Modena aka Osteria Francescana.