Restaurants
Celebrity UK chef Gary Rhodes has been a fixture in the Dubai dining market for so long that he’s practically a local. His latest venture, launched last year, is an ode to British culinary classics, set inside a crisp white interior that is decidedly proper, with elements such as delicate wallpaper, lattice screens and fake grass all adding to the English vibe. The Welsh rarebit with smoked haddock creates an air of nostalgia with each bite, and is served with a simple salad. +971 4 317 6000
Fine-casual dining is the aim of the game at Chef Beck’s restaurant, found at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah. The world-renowned chef – who was awarded three Michelin stars for his Rome restaurant, La Pergola – brings familiar flavours of Italy to Dubai, via dishes such as spaghetti with lobster and zucchini, and grilled tuna in Mediterranean perfumes with fennel and red onions. In keeping with Dubai’s Friday Brunch tradition, Social’s Signature Brunch is an all-out Mediterranean affair with antipasti, an oyster and carvery station, and an à la carte menu with pastas and miniature desserts. +971 4 818 2222
Ginny’s humble beginnings can be traced all the way back to 1989, when Jaspal Singh Sahni decided to settle in Dubai with his family and set up a bakery and confectionery outlet. He named it after his son Ginny, and the small enterprise soon grew to become Ginny’s Restaurant and Confectionery, home of tasty takeaway cuisine (choose from Chinese or Indian), as well as a vast selection of baked goods, sweets, and frozen savouries.
Transport yourself from the heat of the city to to the cool, mountain slopes of the Alps at this chalet-style bar and restaurant. Aptly named Apres, this chilled venue offers fabulous views over Ski Dubai’s surreal, indoor runs and has a resident DJ to entertain you. The off-piste restaurant has an array of tempting dishes, with friendly staff on hand to serve up fresh food and novel, frozen drinks.
Dhow Ka Aangan is a favourite in Dubai for its impeccably executed, modern north Indian fare. Located in the Grand Excelsior Hotel (formerly, the Dhow Palace Hotel), the restaurant’s menu spans more than a dozen pages. As a traditional Indian band plays for the enjoyment of dinner guests, you can choose from fragrant and tasty dishes such as lobster masala (fresh lobster, cooked with onions, tomatoes and a special spice blend) and meen moiley (a coconut milk fish stew with mustard seeds and curry leaves).
If you’re looking for a fun, cheerful spot for sushi lunches or evening meals, head to ET Sushi at Emirates Towers to fill up on Japanese delights. You can choose to dine at the sushi bar or on the terrace. At the bar, a conveyor belt displays individually prepared sushi, sashimi and tempura dishes to select as they move past. Those dining on the terrace can have a la carte meal of soup, hot and cold noodle dishes, teppanyaki and ice cream. Telephone +971 [0] 4 319 8088 Email JETrestaurants@jumeirah.com
Popular with both locals and tourists, Hamarain Centre is located in the Deira area of Dubai. The mall is known for organising summer events in Dubai, as well as hosting regular gold and diamond jewellery promotions. In terms of shopping, you can spend hours browsing the range of stores in fashion, footwear, accessories, perfumes and cosmetics, electronics, and jewellery. You can also eat at various restaurants including L’Auberge and Caravan.
If you love Indian cuisine, Mint Leaf of London should be on your list of restaurants to try. Perched on the 15th floor of Emirates Financial Tower in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the eatery boasts amazing views of Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa. Turning the attention back to the menu of contemporary fine dining cuisine, it is guaranteed to impress. Try the Kadai Spiced Crispy Soft Shell Crab, Adraki Lamb Chops or Duck Pepper Fry. Telephone +971 [0] 4 706 0900 Email reservations@mintleafdubai.com
