Restaurants

Shang Palace offers the taste of traditional Cantonese cuisine, a mystical Far Eastern ambiance and Chinese hospitality in the heart of Dubai. Specialty fare includes Yum Cha, acclaimed Beijing Duck, Codfish with grapes and orange sauce, and an extensive list of fragrant teas and authentic beverages. The restaurant has been known to pull out all the stops during Chinese New Year with celebratory special set menus, traditional lion dances and of course, the auspicious red envelopes containing cash prizes and complimentary stays at the hotel. + 971 4 405 2703

When you’re located as close to the sea as Alto Mar is – right by the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour – you know the seafood is going to be fresh. At this Mediterranean-style restaurant, it is also delicious. The blue and white décor with marine accents is offset by a tranquil view of the bobbing boats at the harbour, transporting diners straight to southern European shores. So too does the menu, with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients and simple home-style cooking. Choose seafood either cooked to your liking or à la carte, with highlights including seabream roasted in a “salt…

The Dubai outpost of a renowned NYC brand, Catch is stylish seafood at its best. Retaining the contemporary American vibe, the space matches industrial-luxe décor with an eclectic menu – ranging from innovative sushi (foie gras eel roll, anyone?) to king fish tacos. Signature dishes include crispy whole snapper with peppers and oyster mushrooms, and the DXB sushi roll – tuna, crab, avocado, wasabi, yuzu and kosho mayo. Meat-lovers are well catered for, and indulgent desserts such as the s’more pizza are worth leaving tummy space for. With a buzzing vibe, Catch ticks all the boxes for a swish night…

This award-winning Century Village restaurant was the first in the Gulf to serve sushi on a conveyor belt. The concept may have been introduced elsewhere in the years since it opened, but the Japanese eatery’s reputation remains for quality food and warmth of service. Settle down in the brightly hued restaurant and order from the extensive menu, or simply pick up a plate that takes your fancy as it glides past.

This restaurant on the Jumeirah strip is a relatively recent and very welcome addition to Dubai’s dining scene. Offering fresh, fantastic seafood in a laidback environment, the restaurant is frequented by beachgoers coming straight from a morning sun-and-surf session at the beach. Exposed ceilings, chalkboard menus and unfinished flooring give the sun-drenched, two-storey space a relaxed yet trendy vibe to match its fuss-free menu. Downstairs is a sushi bar, while upstairs fresh seafood is displayed on ice – just pick what you want, and have it steamed, grilled or cooked a la plancha (grilled on a metal plate) with sauces…

Long lauded as one of Dubai’s most romantic restaurants, this over-water venue set at the edge of its own pier boasts incomparable views of the Burj Al Arab, balmy ocean breezes flowing through oversized windows, and glamorous décor with fishing net-style crystal chandeliers – to bring home the marine theme. The contemporary gourmet menu showcases the finest seafood, from Beluga caviar and Gillardeau oysters, to Norwegian cod, Atlantic halibut and Cornish turbot. Don’t miss the grilled scallops with tapioca pearl, vanilla and bergamot butter, and poached lobster with roasted cauliflower and Dijon mustard sauce. The picturesque setting and luxurious experience makes this…

Situated on Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah within the Rixos Hotel, A La Turca offers an extensive range of tempting cuisine. In addition to a selection of international favourites, the buffet also includes a wide array of traditional Turkish dishes including grills, kebabs and mezzes from Eastern Anatolia, the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea. With a choice of indoor or outdoor seating, this is the perfect restaurant for soaking up sea views. Telephone +971 [0] 4 457 5555 Email grm@rixos.com

Take a drive to the suburban haven of Arabian Ranches and visit the aptly named neighbourhood haunt, Ranches Restaurant & Bar. You’ll be served unpretentious fare in comfortable surroundings in a golf lounge/restaurant, with a focus on traditional British dishes. Hang out on the outdoor terrace during the winter and you’ll get a more intimate dining experience overlooking the course. Tuesday is a popular quiz night and there are themed buffets during the week. Telephone +971 [0] 4 360 7935 Email Restaurant@arabianranchesgolf.ae

Calicut Notebook Restaurant is located in Deira, offering traditional dishes from the south Indian state of Kerala, alongside Western favourites including pizza, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant prides itself on ingredients and cooking styles that are fresh and very healthy, making a promise to diners that they can dine every single day and stay healthy. The decor is very basic and prices affordable, be assured that flavours are big and memorable – with all the emphasis on food. Telephone +971 [0] 4 265 3336 Email calicutnotebook@gmail.com