Restaurants

La Môme celebrates the art of traditional French dining, with an ambience that is a modern throwback to 1950s Paris. Dine in the simplicity and elegance of authentic French dishes with a stellar view from the 49th floor overlooking Dubai’s vibrant Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial District skyline. This restaurant’s atmosphere, which pays homage to the masterful sounds of Edith Piaf, evokes both fun and romantic vibes. Tel No.   +971 4 308 0470

Bā at the Fairmont The Palm highlights eight of China’s regional cuisines and follows through with perfectly executed dishes that are abundantly rich. Order sea scallop and lobster dumplings, Szechuan-style baked king prawns, or Wagyu beef in black pepper sauce. The decor is as grand as the menu and is finished off with an oversized chandelier as a statement piece. Out on the terrace, you can enjoy lovely Arabian Sea views, while the lounge offers a livelier atmoshere, where you can enjoy DJ-spun tunes well into the night.

The latest Jamaican restaurant is a New York City export, pitched as beach shack-meets-diner (it’s nowhere near the beach, though). With a soundtrack of smooth reggae and walls plastered with vinyl records (do we hear Bob Marley?), diners can enjoy Caribbean favourites such as jerk chicken, curry goat and a highly recommended coconut-flavoured jerk corn platter, while sipping on Jamaica’s signature grapefruit soda, exclusively available here.

Pars Iranian Restaurant is a franchise that has maintained its popularity and accessibility from five locations across the city, including a branch in Al Jafiliya. Take in the picturesque courtyard seating, antique decor and the ancient Persian influences, and taste traditional grilled meats, fish, Iranian stews and freshly baked Iranian pastries and sweets.

Imagine being encircled by Dubai’s world famous dancing fountains while dining by candlelight—this fine-dining Thai restaurant is about as romantic as it gets. With a magical location and a menu that is sure to capture your attention, Thiptara is the perfect setting for a special celebration or that all-important question. Try the tantalizing massaman curry or the stir-fried scallops for a dining experience that is not to be missed. Tel No. +971 4 888 3444

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.

An iconic restaurant in Dubai’s luxurious Burj Al Arab, Al Mahara by Nathan Outlaw whisks guests under the sea for an experience that’s about as close as it comes to dining underwater. A floor-to-ceiling aquarium takes centre-stage, arching over the tables with its schools of hypnotically swirling fish. Splash out when ordering from the menu (obviously, we recommend the fish), for a truly memorable date. Be sure to book ahead, as this once-in-a-lifetime venue is in hot demand with Dubai residents and hotel guests alike. Tel No.   +971 4 301 7600

Newly opened in September, Carnival by Tresind promises to bring post-modern Indian cuisine to the Dubai food scene. The DIFC eatery is the second venture from the minds behind Tresind, one of the top-rated restaurants in town. With items on the menu including Happy Halloween (a soft Indian bread stuffed with pumpkin) and Life is Short, Eat Dessert First (a yoghurt-based dish served with the traditional Indian sweet, jalebi), Chef Himanshu Saini puts on a festive show, served with a touch of theatre and packed with flavour.

The clashing flavours of Asia come together in this high-rise restaurant in the edgy W Hotel. Namu brings the best of rival Japanese and Korean cuisine together, ranging from sushi and sashimi to barbecued steaks and wagyu ribs, cooked in live stations. Located on the 31st floor, guests can also enjoy the sweeping views over Sheikh Zayed Road.