Dubai Restaurants

Indian singing star Asha Bhosle has wowed many with the opening with her first restaurant, in which conventional Indian cuisine has been blown out of the water. The chef has produced a menu of unique fusion Indian dishes to match the style of the restaurant, creating a fresh and striking experience. The restaurant is alcohol-friendly.

Address: Wafi City Mall; Tel: (0)4 324 0000

British Chef Gordan Ramsay has firmly established his restaurant in the chic Hilton hotel as one of the classiest dining venues in Dubai. The minimalist décor and discreet service focuses attention on the food, which is superb. The contemporary menu includes meat, seafood, chicken and delicious desserts. The sommelier will choose a different glass of wine to complement each course.

Address: Hilton Dubai Creek; Tel: (0)4 227 1111

Located within the Le Méridien complex, Casa Mia is thought by many to be the best Italian restaurant in the city, known for its home-cooked Italian cuisine. The menu also includes delicious wood-fired pizzas, and in 2007 the restaurant was also honoured with an 'Award of Excellence' for its unique and extensive wine list. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

Address: Le Méridien Hotel; Tel: (0)4 282 4040

Michelin star chef Philippe Gauvreau creates fresh, innovative French cuisine in a comfortable, elegant setting that is widely acknowledged to be one of the best restaurants in town. As Le Méridien Dubai's signature restaurant, it was also honoured with a 'Best of Award of Excellence' for its extensive wine list. Diners should not miss the renowned signature dessert, the chocolate soufflé. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Address: Le Meridien Hotel; Tel: (0)4 282 4040

This laid-back venue offers delicious, contemporary South East Asian fare at surprisingly affordable prices. Diners sit at long communal tables and don't need to wait very long for the region's usual favourites to appear, such as spring rolls, noodle soup, or vegetable, chicken and meat dishes served with noodles or rice. The open show kitchen allows diners to watch the food being prepared. Reservations are not accepted, and the place is busy, but the turnover of diners is high so the wait shouldn't be long. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Address: Emirates Towers Hotel; Tel: (0)4 319 8088

Authentic Lebanese/Arabic food is served in this popular restaurant with its large outdoor terrace that attracts diners with its speciality mezze dishes. End the meal with a mouth watering dessert and follow it with a hubbly bubbly on the terrace. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

Address: Emirates Towers Hotel; Tel: (0)4 319 8088

The signature restaurant of the Burj Al Arab, one of the top 10 hotel restaurants in the world, gives diners a unique experience. A mock submarine ride takes guests to the dining area, where tables are situated around a huge floor-to-ceiling aquarium full of fish. Al Mahara specialises in unforgettable first impressions and fresh seafood and was voted one of the top 50 restaurants in the world. Dinner guests will also be serenaded by harpists, adding to the underwater atmosphere. Jackets are required for men, and reservations essential. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Address: Burj Al Arab; Tel: (0)4 301 7600

Situated on the 25th floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant boasts the best views in the city while you dine. The restaurant revolves giving diners spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf, the Creek and the city of Dubai while enjoying a variety of international cuisines. The buffet is the most popular option, including Chinese stir-fries, spring rolls, sushi and local dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Address: Hyatt Regency; Tel: (0)4 209 1100; E-mail: dubai.regency@hyattintl.com

The award-winning steakhouse is the finest in Dubai with steaks that 'cut like butter' and the freshest Maine lobsters, Dungeness crabs and oysters in town. It is popular for business entertaining as well as for romantic dinners. Begin with lobster bisque or seafood chowder, enjoy steaks, chops or seafood as a main, and finish with New York cheesecake or apple pie. Décor is New York style with lots of wood and leather, and the service is excellent.

Address: JW Marriott Dubai; Tel: (0)4 607 7977

This very simple eatery is famous for its kebabs, which are justifiably popular throughout the day. Although limited, the rest of the menu offers meals that are hearty and cheap, which come with soup, tea and helpings from the salad bar. The exceptional value, no-frills atmosphere and friendly service brings people back again and again.

Address: Bani Yas Street; Tel: (0)4 237 797