Restaurants

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.

By referring to themselves as the Indian Pavilion, the owners certainly live up to expectations with their umbrella range of pan-Indian cuisine. Located in Safa 2 in Jumeirah, alongside Spinneys Centre, Indian Pavilion plays host to a variety of foods from across India. Choices including Lamb Dhansak, with its Parsi blend of lentils and cumin, Malabar Vegetable Curry and its spices hailing from the south, and plenty more reveal the restaurant’s loyalty to diversity.

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.

If you like Mexican food and modern restaurants, head to Fuego. Situated in Downtown Dubai, this modern eatery features a range of creative Mexican dishes served in a contemporary setting. For starters, try the guacamole, which is made to each diner’s personal taste at the table and served in a volcanic-stone bowl. One of the menu’s highlights is the lamb shank barbecoa, cooked and served in a banana leaf with prickly pear stems and flat bread.

If you’re looking for a fun night out with friends, head to Frevo. This lively Brazilian steak house offers the authentic churrascaria experience where waiters arrive at your table with skewers filled with succulent cuts of meat. A large selection of exotic salads are available to accompany the mains, or you can ask for your own personal creation to be prepared. To put you in the carnival mood, there’s live music every night.

If you’re looking for a buzzing, centrally located restaurant, head to Flavours On Two on Sheikh Zayed Road. It’s a bustling restaurant, especially on weekends when expats in the emirate join in the weekend revelry. Flavours On Two is great for an evening out with friends, with the fixed price for beverages and food meaning there’s no bickering about the bill. Theme nights include curry and seafood and have proven to be extremely popular.

Head to The Meydan’s stylish restaurant Farriers for a brunch with free-flowing drinks, live jazz and a kids club. On other days, dine in the bright, airy interior or on the trackside terrace. Sample delicious signature dishes courtesy of vast interactive buffet stations. Once you’re done, head for the hotel’s Shiba lounge, where brunchers can enjoy discounts on drinks.

Enjoy the fresh taste of Mexican-Californian street food with tacos and burritos from this casual eatery. The easy-going atmosphere is welcoming to families, and the “build-your-own” menu allows customers to fill their burrito with only the ingredients they love. Perfect for a post-shopping pit-stop, the portion sizes at Tortilla are big enough to fill a rumbling tummy. Tel No. +971 4 437 6062 

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