Dubai Food-Restaurants

Dubai Food-Restaurants information

Arabic

Al Dawaar *** Hyatt Regency Hotel Tel: +971 (0)4-209-1100 The food at Al Dawaar - an eclectic choice of everything from Arab traditional to modern Continental - takes second place to the splendid views available from this 25th floor rotating restaurant. Lunches are popular with families and the executive lunchtime crowd; dinners are a more sophisticated affair with smart casual dress required. Awafi *** JW Marriott Hotel, Deira Tel: +971 (0)4-607-7977 An Arabic restaurant that serves authentic cuisine inside a Western hotel. Tables are laid out around a courtyard and diners can even sit by the rooftop swimming pool. The only drawback is the screaming jumbo jets that come in low overhead. Al Iwan *** Burj al Arab Tel: +971 (0)4-301-7777 The vast atrium of the Arab Tower ascends above the tables of Al Iwan. Although the restaurant is slightly on the pricey side for the mezze and Arabic fare you are rewarded with eating in what is undoubtedly one of the world's finest buildings of modern times.

International

More ** Lefco Supermarket, Garhoud Tel: +971 (0)4-283-0224 Fast becoming a favourite hangout for business lunchers and expat loafers out in Garhoud, More is popular mainly because it is one of the few good restaurants in the city that remains independent from a hotel. The food is drawn from all over the globe, and often given little modern twists, designed to appeal to a Western palate. The comfy seats and newspapers are conducive to a leisurely lunch rather than a quick bite to eat.

Chinese

Spice Island *** Renaissance Hotel Tel: +971 (0)4-262-5555 Dubai has many Chinese restaurants and this is one of the best. This is where the local Chinese expat community come to enjoy the spicy Schezuan cuisine that is not too watered down for Western palates.

American

Chili's ** Salah Bin Lahej Bldg, Al Garhoud Tel: +971 (0)4-282-9275 Chili's is a very popular restaurant chain that serves up hot and spicy Mexican food. As well as the Mexican staples they also do some low fat options for those watching their waistlines. There is also a Chili's branch at Jumeirah Beach.

Indian

Bombay Brasserie * Marco Polo Hotel Tel: +971 (0)4-272-0000 No airs and graces about this no fuss Indian restaurant. The food is of a high quality, the prices low and the atmosphere very relaxed. For a no frills quick meal the Bombay Brasserie is the perfect stop. Kamat * Al Karama Tel: +971 (0)4-396-7288 Vegetarians should make a beeline for this excellent Indian vegetarian restaurant. On offer are a wide range of Indian vegetarian specialities, as well as some interesting Chinese options.

Thai

Blue Elephant ** Al Bustan Rotana, Al Garhoud Tel: +971 (0)4-282-0000 A beautiful restaurant, the Blue Elephant successfully recreates an authentic Thai dining experience. The rooms are decorated with Thai style with running water features, dark wood furniture and tropical plants. An extensive menu features all the traditional Thai favourites as well as some modern variations on the theme.

French

La Baie *** Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +971 (0)4-399-4000 Serving French style seafood the La Baie restaurant in the Ritz Carlton Hotel is one of Dubai's most sophisticated choices for people who appreciate fine food in laid-back surroundings. The terrace is the place to be if you can get a table, with views over the gulf complementing the excellent menu. Signatures *** Jebel Ali Beach and Golf Resort Tel: +971 (0)4-804-8604 A short drive out of the city proper brings you to the Jebel Ali Beach Resort, a massive complex in the Bur Dubai area. Signatures restaurant here is a solid choice for those seeking great quality French cuisine in an authentic atmosphere. The décor is French rustic - pans adorn the terracotta coloured walls, while candles provide dim lighting. An ideal place for a romantic meal.

Italian

Italian Connection ** Al Karama Tel: +971 (0)4-335-3001 This is arguably the finest non-hotel Italian in Dubai. With an Italian interior decorator running the restaurant, the décor takes you back to Italy, while the food is similarly authentic with a wide range of pizza and pasta dishes.

Bars

Contrary to what many visitors imagine alcohol is not banned completely in Dubai and the city is home to a number of good bars and restaurants. Alcohol is sold and consumed freely in bars in the major tourist hotels and at selected bars in the city. Dress codes for bars are generally relaxed, but some bars and all clubs insist on no jeans, trainers or sandals. Officially the local Arabic population cannot consume alcohol and many head for a night out at one of Dubai's coffee-houses, where they smoke apple-flavoured tobacco from a shisha pipe. Most of the decent drinkeries in Dubai are internationally themed bars targeted at the tourist trade. Hotel bars are often a good bet for evening drinks they commonly have a kind of retro-colonial atmosphere about them that is quite classy. These are just a few favourite haunts of tourists and expats around the city:. The Irish Village Al-Garhoud Rd Tel: +971 (0)4-282-4750 An above average Irish bar that boasts a good range of beers and outdoor seating. Harry's Place Renaissance Hotel, Salah Al Din St Tel: +971 (0)4-262-5555 A tribute to Hollywood with a nice twist - the portraits of the stars on the walls are police mug shots. Something of a Dubai institution. Uptown Jumeira Beach Tower Hotel, Al Jumeirah Rd Tel: +971 (0)4-406-8999 Uptown has a great terrace where you can soak up the views along a wide stretch of Jumeirah Beach. Up on the Tenth Dubai Intercontinental Hotel, Beniyas Rd Tel: +971 (0)4-205-7333 Slick piano bar with views back over the Creek. The Red Lion Pub Metropolitan Palace, Shaikh Zayed Rd Tel: +971 (0)4-343-0000 A loosely themed British pub with a range of good beers and a terrace outside. Aussie Legends Bar Rydges Plaza, Satwa Tel: +971 (0)4-398-2222 An Australian bar that is a great place to catch major sporting events. The bar is covered in sporting paraphernalia and is a must for sports fans. Note that being drunk in public is against the law. If you want to have more than a couple of drinks stay in your own hotel.