Restaurants

New to Bluewaters Island is Vaga serving up plates of Armenian and Arabic food daily from noon until late. All the dishes on the menu will be familiar to those who like to eat Arabic and Armenian cuisine but VAGA’s presentation has aesthetic appeal due to being prettily presented. The décor across the sprawling eatery is just as stunning. Expect warm copper tones, plush velvet chairs and a mirrored spinning DJ deck which will is the main focus after dark. Open daily, noon-late, Bluewaters Island, Dubai.

Dramatic, eclectic decor and mood lighting lend itself to the cafe setting at The Orchestra Restaurant & Cafe in Deira. Featuring a menu with an assortment of dishes—you can choose from Mediterranean, Arabic and continental cuisines. Breakfast options, seafood and pastas are also available here. If you’re not on the hunt for a meal, but want to relax over coffee and a quiet chat, you can also order pastries and espressos.

If you’re shopping at The Dubai Mall and are feeling peckish, head to the Al Hallab Restaurant to sample their selection of Lebanese food and renowned sweets. Located on the second floor of the mall, the restaurant also offers fabulous views of both The Dubai Fountain and waterfall. Open from midday to midnight, with a choice of indoor seating or al fresco dining on the terrace, you can enjoy great food while taking in the charming view.

If you’re seeking high quality Arabic cuisine that reflects regional culture, Khan Murjan, set in the Souk area of Wafi Mall, will fulfil your desires. Sit back with friends and take in the open air courtyard and lively setting before ordering. Delicious hummus, hot breads straight out of the oven, and salads sprinkled with fresh pomegranate seeds delicately offset the menu’s succulent meat grills and Middle Eastern specialties.

Looking for traditional Emirati food with contemporary presentation in Jumeirah 1? Step into Al Barza Restaurant & Café where you’ll be served some of the most authentic biryanis and curries in the city. Or choose between an Arabic breakfast with halloumi cheese or sumptuous grilled meats.

Head to Karam Beirut for Arabic food that is consistently tasty and always a good value. Light dishes of mezze, salads and hummus are standout dishes, though you’ll be just as pleased with the mains, which include standard mixed grills and kebabs. Authentic Lebanese drinks are also available as well as pastries and desserts, all in a sophisticated Arabic-themed atmosphere.

This bright and breezy restaurant with an ocean view is perfect for a lazy lunch or an intimate evening meal. Enjoy the stunning sea views from the outdoor terrace by day, and the sea breeze and sound of the waves crashing at the shore by night. Select from the large fish-themed menu, from classic Moules Mariniere to Arabic-inspired dishes including same nayeh, carpaccio of hammour, or the spicy oven baked pomfret.

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 

Relax in this recently refurbished café in Umm Suqeim area for affordable and authentic Emirati food such as the Emirati burger or traditional house baked breads. Close to the beach, the café is much sought after by those who prefer to have a snack before wandering to the seaside.