What’s On and The Black Hat Guide bring you the complete rundown of the best Indian restaurants in Dubai. Read snappy reviews, find out how to book, and get a real insight with the help of our handy rating system. For a full explanation of how the Black Hat Guide works, click here.

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25 Degrees North

Dhs200 for two
Traditional and consistently excellent cuisine from northern India at this modestly-sized Tecom venue with charming staff.

Damac Executive Heights Tower, Tecom, Dubai, daily 11am to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4527779. Taxi: Damac Executive Heights Tower

Aamchi Mumbai

Dhs150 for two

The menu at this north Indian Bank Street restaurant is vegetarian. If you’re looking for authentic food on a budget, you could do a lot worse.

Bank Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai, daily 11am to 4pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3275909. Metro: BurJuman

Aangan

Dhs300 for two

An extremely popular Indian restaurant, Aangan uses freshly ground spices in its North Indian dishes. Live entertainment adds to the bustle, with efficient, friendly staff on hand to help.

Dhow Palace Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai, daily 7pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 3599992. Taxi: Near Citymax Hotel. dhowpalacedubai.com

Adukkala Restaurant

Dhs50 for two

This simple curry spot in Karama is a favourite with Kerala expats. It’s cheap and open very late.

Opposite Lamcy Plaza, Oud Metha, Dubai, daily 6am to 3am. Tel: (04) 3344043. Taxi: Lamcy Plaza

Amala

Dhs570 for two

With its set-price all-you-can-eat a la carte menu (Dhs285), Amala represents excellent value for money, thanks to its use of high- quality ingredients. The setting is attractive, too.

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, The Palm, Dubai, daily 6pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 4530444. Taxi: The Palm, west crescent. jumeirah.com

Amaravathi

Dhs30 for two

Amaravathi is a no-frills space where you can eat like a king for less than Dhs20 a head.

Near Karama Metro Station, Dubai, daily 11.30am to 3.30pm and 7.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3377077. Metro: Al Karama

Ananta

Dhs300 for two

You’ll get delicate Indian flavours and textures at this classy Indian place. All regions of India are covered, with big clay ovens knocking out excellently flavoured tandoori dishes.The Oberoi, Business Bay, Dubai, daily 6.30pm to 11.30pm, Fri 12.30pm to 3pm. Tel: (04) 4441444. Metro: Business Bay. oberoihotels.com

Antique Bazaar

Dhs300 for two

The excellent north Indian fare at the popular Antique Bazaar is made all the more authentic by the décor and the live entertainment.

What’s On Awards: 2012

Four Points By Sheraton, Bur Dubai, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm and 7pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3977444. Taxi: Four Points By Sheraton. starwoodhotels.com

Armani/Amal

Dhs550 for two

Modern, bright and luxurious, the restaurant serves up first-rate Indian fusion cuisine with a stunning live soundtrack.

Armani Hotel, Downtown Dubai, daily 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 8883444. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. dubai.armanihotels.com

Asha’s

Dhs400 for two

Indian artist Asha Bhosle’s Indian chain offers a slick dining experience. Specialising in kebab-based dishes. On top of that, Asha’s also provides a warm and welcoming restaurant, cocktail bar and resident DJ.

Wafi, Oud Metha, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3244100. Metro: Dubai Healthcare City. pyramidsrestaurantsatwafi.com. ALSO: Mall Of The Emirates

Ashiana

Dhs400 for two

Flawless, inventive and dynamic cooking from Indian superchef Vineet Bhatia is what you’ll get at his new place on the creek. The combinations of flavours – such as a piece of baked cod with a crust of coconut and a mash of beetroot and pea – will dazzle.

Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel, Baniyas Street, Dubai, Sun to Thur noon to 3pm, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 2071410. Metro: Union. ashianadubai.com

Biryani Pot

Dhs100 for two

Served in clay pots, this cute Jumeirah restaurant’s tasty biryanis include lamb, prawn, chicken, and even a quinoa version for veggies looking for a protein boost.

What’s On Awards: 2014

Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, Sat to Wed 11am to midnight, Thur and Fri 11am to 2am. Tel: (04) 3382277. Taxi: Near Mashreq Bank. biryanipot.ae

Bombay By The Bay

Dhs200 for two

With a distinctive décor – the highlight being the peacock feather ceiling fans, or punkhas – this restaurant serves cuisine from Mumbai and coastal India.

The Walk, JBR, Dubai, Sun to Thur noon to 3pm and 6pm to 11.30pm, Fri and Sat noon to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4297979. Metro: Dubai Marina.

Bombay Chowpatty

Dhs60 for two

Cheap and cheerful fast-food fodder, Bombay Chowpatty’s menu of Indian dishes places particular emphasis on its range of puris.

Al Karama, Dubai, daily 8.30am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3964937. Taxi: Opposite BurJuman ALSO: LuLu Hypermarket, Al Barsha

Bombay, The

Dhs300 for two

Specialising in north Indian cuisine, The Bombay’s team caters to fans of spicy food.

Marco Polo Hotel, Deira, Dubai, Sun to Wed 12.30pm to 3pm and 7.30pm to 12.30am, Thur to Sat 12.30pm to 3.15pm and 7.30pm to 1.30am. Tel: (04) 2720000. Taxi: Marco Polo Hotel Deira. marcopolohotel.net

Brick Lane

Dhs150 for two

Transplanting London’s Brick Lane to Al Barsha, this restaurant serves what it calls “authentic British Indian curries”. A favourite of British expats.

City House, Al Barsha, Dubai, daily 4pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3996786. Metro: Sharaf DG. bricklanedubai.com

Calicut Paragon

Dhs60 for two

Boasting quality curries for Dhs10, fresh juices and speedy service, this superb Keralite restaurant will fill your belly and keep you happy.

Opposite LuLu Centre, Al Karama, Dubai, daily 7am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3358700. Metro: Al Karama

Casa De Goa

Dhs180 for two

Serving Goan dishes, Casa de Goa has a lovely terrace and a menu packed with flavour.

Palm Beach Hotel, Bank Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai, daily noon to 4pm and 7pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 3931999. Taxi: Bank Street. palmbeachburdubai.com

Chappan Bhog

Dhs100 for two

One of a glut of Indian curry houses in Karama, yet this low-cost Indian remains hugely popular from lunchtime until late into the night.

Trade Centre Road, Al Karama, Dubai, daily 9am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3968176. Metro: Al Karama

Chor Bazaar

Dhs425 for two

A lovely addition to the hotel’s Friday brunch but perhaps not strong enough to solely warrant a visit, Chor Bazaar serves up contemporary Indian cooking.

Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Jebel Ali, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4440000. Metro: Ibn Battuta. chorbazaar.ae

Chutneys

Dhs320 for two

A hidden gem, tucked away at the Mövenpick Hotel in Bur Dubai. Hailing from the famous Quereshi culinary family, Hafeez and Hasib serve up traditional Northern Indian specialities accompanied by the sound of a ghazal trio.

Mövenpick Hotel Bur Dubai, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3104340. Taxi: Mövenpick Hotel Bur Dubai. moevenpick-hotels.com

Claypot

Dhs120 for two

Bur Dubai has more than its fair share of Indian restaurants, but this rather nondescript one in the Citymax hotel more than holds its own – especially the Nirali Thali.

CityMax Hotel, Al Mankhool, Bur Dubai, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 4078000. Metro: Al Karama. citymaxhotels.com

Curry And Toast

Dhs120 for two

A low-cost cafeteria-style curry restaurant with a small difference – the curry is served with toast.

Karama, Trade Centre Road, Opp. BurJuman Mall, Dubai, daily 11am to midnight. Tel:  (04) 3547477. Metro: BurJuman

Curry N Grill

Dhs65 for two

Curry N Grill is especially packed at lunchtime, when office workers pop in for a quick kebab.

Near Lamcy Plaza, Oud Metha, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm and 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3357151

D’Fusion

Dhs250 for two

As the name suggests, this restaurant serves fusion cuisine, combining “north and south Indian favourites with exotic tastes from around the globe”, as they put it.

Grandeur Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai, daily 7pm to 1.30am. Tel: (04) 3418777. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. grandeurhotel.com

Dakshin

Dhs180 for two

No frills or fancy décor here, just regional curries served with Punjabi flatbreads by friendly waiters.

Lotus Hotel, Deira, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm and 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 2278888. Metro: Union. dakshinuae.com

Dhaba

Dhs150 for two

There is plenty of live entertainment here, and the usual Indian menu.

Dubai Grand Hotel, Damascus Street, opposite Sunrise Supermarket, Deira, Dubai, daily 7pm to 2.30am. Tel: (04) 3982274. Metro: Airport Free Zone Station. dubaigrandhotel.ae

Eric’s

Dhs90 for two

The place looks like a cottage with net curtains in the windows, but the Goan food served at this tucked away Karama spot is authentic and tasty. Get there early – it’s always busy and not that big.

Street 10B, B-2 Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Karama, Dubai, Sat to Thur 11.30am to 3.30pm, 6.30pm to midnight; Fri 1.30pm to 3.30pm, 6.30pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3965080. Metro: BurJuman Centre

Gazebo

Dhs150 for two

This popular chain specialises in the dum pukht (slow cooking in a sealed pot) cuisine of northwest India.

DIFC, Marble Walk, Dubai, daily 11.30am to 10.45pm. Tel: (04) 3585550. Metro: Financial Centre. gazebo.ae. ALSO: Mankhool, Internet City, and Rashidiya

Gharana

Dhs250 for two

With a kitchen run by chef Shaukat Ali Quresh from the famous Indian culinary family, Gharana serves cuisine from across India, such as Lucknow, Hyderabad, Punjab and Jaipur.

Holiday Inn, Al Barsha, Dubai, daily 6.30pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3234333. Metro: Sharaf DG. hialbarshadubai.com

Govinda’s

Dhs180 for two

Govinda’s serves exclusively vegetarian food, with a kick, for a reasonable price. Try to overlook the amusingly kitsch décor.

Near Regent Palace Hotel, Karama, Dubai, daily noon to 3.30pm, 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3960088. Metro: BurJuman

Handi

Dhs260 for two

Tip-top North Indian fare that caters well to vegetarians, but even better to non-vegetarians.

Taj Palace Hotel, Deira, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 2113020.  Taxi: Taj Palace Hotel. tajhotels.com

House Of Curry

Dhs300 for two

This is a very pretty and casual Indian restaurant on The Beach in JBR with a spacious terrace. The food is simple, homely and authentic, and the breakfast set menu (Dhs55) is excellent.

The Beach, JBR, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 3469740. Metro: JLT. houseofcurry.me

Indego By Vineet

Dhs1,000 for two

Multi-Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia’s Dubai outpost is a fine example of contemporary Indian cuisine, and stands out in a city boasting a glut of quality Indian restaurants. Not just your average curry and rice.

What’s On Awards: 2011, 2013, 2014

Grosvenor House Dubai, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sun to Wed 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to midnight, Thur 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to 1am, Fri and Sat 12.30pm to 4pm and 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3998888. Metro: Dubai Marina. grosvenorhouse-dubai.com

India Palace

Dhs195 for two

A few hundred dirhams will have you feasting like Indian royalty at this Garhoud gem.

Garhoud, Opposite Deira City Centre, Dubai, Sat to Thur noon to midnight, Fri 1.15pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 2869600. Metro: GGICO. ALSO: JBR

Indian Pavilion

Dhs120 for two

Quick, simple curry and rice for hungry shoppers.

Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, daily 9.30am to 12.30am. Tel: (04) 3411600. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates

It’s Mirchi

Dhs280 for two

The food might not win prizes, but the combination of curry and karaoke (curryoke, to those in the know) keeps the tables full and the atmosphere lively.

Ramee Royal Hotel, Karama, Dubai, daily 7pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3344088. Taxi: Ramee Royal Hotel. rameehotels.com

iZ

Dhs550 for two

iZ chooses to concentrate on a smaller menu that focuses on quality Indian dishes.

Grand Hyatt, Oud Metha, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3172222. Taxi: Grand Hyatt. restaurants.dubai.hyatt.com

Jaipur

Dhs200 for two

Simple Indian fare, with a few Rajasthan specials thrown in. Good views of the Burj Khalifa, too.

Burj Residences, Behind Ramada Hotel Apartments, Downtown, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm and 6pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4226767. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall

Junoon

Dhs600 for two

Complex cooking and myriad flavours with a homely touch in this fine dining spot. The original New York restaurant has a Michelin star.

Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm and 6.30pm to midnight. Taxi: Shangri-La Hotel. junoonrestaurants.com/dubai

Kamat

Dhs120 for two

Vegetarian restaurant offering a creative and varied menu. Always busy – another sure sign of success.

Mankhool, Next To Sharaf DG, Bur Dubai, Dubai, daily 10.30 to 3.15pm and 7pm to 11.45pm. Tel: (04) 3598444. Metro: Al Fahidi. kamat.ae. ALSO: Internet City and Al Qusais

Kebab Connection, The

Dhs200 for two

Does what it says on the tin –Indian-style kebabs, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, but the real key here is the live entertainment.

Mercure Gold Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai, daily 7.30pm to 2.30am. Tel: (04) 3019888. mercure.com

Khazana

Dhs300 for two

Owned by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Khazana is a family-friendly restaurant with a huge menu offering everything from the very mild to the taste bud-scorching.

Behind American Hospital, Oud Metha, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 3360061. Metro: Oud Metha. khanakhazanadubai.net

La Porte Des Indes

Dhs600 for two

A restaurant inspired by the cuisine of Pondicherry, the former French colony in India, you’ll enjoy rich sauces heavy on coconut and light on the spice.

The Address Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, daily noon to 3.30pm and 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4388610. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall laportedesindes.ae

Mahec

Dhs600 for two

A notable restaurant serving Indian cuisine. The hard-working chef puts in a great effort.

Le Méridien Dubai, Garhoud, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 3.30pm and 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 7022615. Metro: Airport Terminal 1. lemeridien-dubai.com

Mahesh

Dhs90 for two

Take a trip along the southwest coast of India at this seafood restaurant. Spicy soups, fish dishes with lots of sauce, baskets of bread are the thing to order. Their famous butter, pepper, garlic prawns (known as BPG) are also good.

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, Karama, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm, 7pm to 12.30am. Tel: (04) 3968087. Metro: Al Karama. maheshlunchhome.ae

Manvaar

Dhs120 for two

Located near the Karama Fish And Vegetable Market, this pleasant and colourful Rajasthani restaurant is as warm and inviting as any in the city.

Karama, Dubai, daily 7am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3368332. Taxi: Near Fish Market

Masala

Dhs345 for two

Masala is a high-end Indian restaurant with a succinct menu displaying expert spicing.

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11.30pm, Fri 12.30pm to 4pm, Sat 12.30pm to 3pm. Tel: (04) 8096194.  Taxi: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.meydanhotels.com

Masala Craft

Dhs260 for two

Tucked away in a corner of Garhoud’s Century Village, the fully licensed Masala Craft is a well-priced restaurant, offering a decent selection of veg and non-veg dishes.

Century Village, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 12.30am. Tel: (04) 2829626. Taxi: Dubai Tennis Stadium. centuryvillage.ae

Memsaab

Dhs150 for two

This small Indian restaurant – run by chef Anil Kumar, a veteran of the Dubai dining scene, and his wife – is one of JLT’s best. Superb food at a low cost.

Lake Front, J2 Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, daily 11.30am to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4429816. Metro: JLT. Memsaabfood.com

Mint Leaf Of London

Dhs600 for two

A cosy restaurant offering Indian fine dining with views of Downtown. The food is elaborate and fancy, but nicely done.

Emirates Financial Towers, South Tower, DIFC, daily noon to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 7060900. Metro: Financial Centre. mintleafgroup.com

Mirchi

Dhs180 for two

Well priced, Mirchi offers high-street style Indian cuisine that is a step up from your local, but not as upmarket as a fancy hotel outlet.

Uptown Mirdif Mall, Mirdif, Dubai, daily noon to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 2888040. Taxi: Uptown Mirdif Mall. mirchidubai.com

Moghul Room

Dhs150 for two

An all-singing, all-dancing entertainment experience serving up great curry.

Al Nasr Leisureland, Dubai, daily 9pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3351421. Taxi: Al Nasr Leisureland.moghulroomdubai.com

Mumtaz Mahal

Dhs240 for two

A lot of effort has been put into Mumtaz Mahal kitchen, and it shows. Cooking north-western and Mughlai specialties, the chefs are in their element. The entertainment is authentic, too.

Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa, Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai, Sat to Thur noon to 3pm and 6.30pm to 3am, Fri 6.30pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3519111. Metro: Al Ghubaiba. mumtazmahalrestaurant.com

New Sind Punjab Restaurant

Dhs150 for two

Punjabi curries at affordable prices.

Behind the Fish Market, Karama, Dubai, daily 7.30am to 1am. Tel: (04) 3375535. Taxi: Behind Fish Market

Nina

Dhs430 for two

A creative menu of Indian dishes provides an excellent dining experience at the ever-popular five-star hotel on the beach.

One&Only Royal Mirage, Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3399999. Taxi: One&Only Royal Mirage. oneandonlyresorts.com

Options By Sanjeev Kapoor

Dhs300 for two

One of the city’s finest Indian restaurants with celeb chef Sanjeev Kapoor in charge, producing wonderful Indian food.

World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sat to Thur noon to 2.30pm and 7pm to 11.30pm, Fri 11am to 2.30pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3293293. Metro: World Trade Centre. optionsdubai.com‎

Qureshi’s Kebab & Kurry

Dhs250 for two

Northern Indian cuisine is the speciality at this Qureshi family-run restaurant. A small, dimly-lit space in one of the city’s oldest hotels is enlivened by nightly ghazal performances.

What’s On Awards: 2013

Country Club Hotel, Port Rashid Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai, daily noon to 2.30pm and 6.30pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3988840. Taxi: Behind New Gold Souk. countryclubhoteldubai.com

Paratha King

Dhs100 for two

If you’re vegetarian or simply love bread, Paratha is indeed the king when it comes to the traditional Indian flatbread – served with various toppings.

Next to Baskin Robbins, Karama, Dubai, Sat to to Thur 8am to 11pm, Fri 8am to 12.15pm and 1.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3979110. Taxi: Near LuLu Centre

Patiala

Dhs500 for two

Chef Sanjay Bahl is passionate about the Indian cuisine and presents a combination of classics and dishes with a modern twist. Some work and some don’t, but you won’t go wrong with the chargrilled prawns or the galouti kebab – a house specialty.

Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 11.30pm, bar 12.30pm to 1.30am. Tel: (04) 4519151. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. patiala.ae

Puranmal

Dhs80 for two

Always packed, this vegetarian is a hit with the local Indian community.

Meena Bazaar parking lot, near Arabian Courtyard Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai, daily 9am to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3511466. Metro: Al Ghubaiba. mumtazmahalrestaurant.com

Rajdhani

Dhs150 for two

Vegetarian Indian cuisine on the bustling old city streets of Bur Dubai. Specialises in thali.

Rolla Street, Raffa, Bur Dubai, Dubai, daily 11.30am to 3.30am. Tel: (04) 3934433. Taxi: Near Baqer Mohebi Supermarket

Rang Mahal

Dhs600 for two

Indian-born, UK-based celeb chef Atul Kochhar’s restaurant is one of the main culinary draws at the world’s tallest hotel, serving some seriously clever dishes for prices that won’t make your eyes water too much.

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Dubai, Mon to Sat 6pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 4143000. Metro: Business Bay. marriott.com

Rangeela

Dhs190 for two

A smart and friendly place that produces tasty India dishes.

Copthorne Hotel Dubai, Port Saeed, Deira, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 2094255. Metro: Deira City Centre. millenniumhotels.ae

Rasoi

Dhs200 for two

This hotel restaurant serves traditional cuisine in a cosy, authentic setting with live music.

Coral Deira Hotel, Al Muraqqabat Street, Deira, Dubai, Sat to Thur 7pm to midnight, Fri 12 to 3pm and 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 2128267. Taxi: Coral Deira Hotel

Royal Express

Dhs150 for two

This railway-themed restaurant makes diners feel like they’re in the first class dining carriage of a luxury train during the days of the Raj.

Admiral Plaza Hotel, Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai, daily 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3939247. Taxi: Admiral Plaza Hotel. admiralplazahoteldubai.com

Rupee Room, The

A formerly Scottish-owned Indian restaurant, The Rupee Room still specialises in ‘British curries’, but also does a range of traditional chef specialities.

Marina Walk, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 3905755. Metro: Dubai Marina. therupeeroom.com

Sai Dahm

Dhs150 for two

Specialising in sattvik cuisine, this Oud Metha restaurant also serves vegetarian dishes from the north of India.

Saleh Bin Lahej Buildings, Oud Metha Road, Dubai, Sat to Thur noon to 3.30pm and 7pm to 11.30pm, Fri 1pm to 3.30pm and 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3358788. Taxi: Lamcy Plaza. sai-dham.com

Signature By Sanjeev Kapoor

Dhs650 for two

Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor might not be behind the stove, but the kitchen at his restaurant serves some exciting Indian cuisine.

Melia Dubai, Kuwait Street, Port Rashid, Bur Dubai, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3868111. Metro: Al Karama. melia-dubai.com

Spice Club, The

Dhs300 for two

Le Méridien Fairway is not Dubai’s flashiest, but The Spice Club is a bit of a hidden gem. Popular with the city’s Indian expats community.

Le Méridien Fairway, Garhoud, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 3pm and 7.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 6085000. Metro: GGICO. starwoodhotels.com

Sukh Sagar

Dhs125 for two

Operating since 1962, Sukh Sagar specialises in budget Indian food and has outlets in Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai, as well as two Dubai outposts.

Trade Centre Road, opposite Spinneys, Bur Dubai, daily 8am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3967222. Metro: Al Karama. sukhsagar.com. ALSO: JBR

Tandoori

Dhs120 for two

The quintessential mall-based Indian outlet. Offering the favourites at an average price.

Ibn Battuta Mall, Jebel Ali, Dubai, daily 9am to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3511466. mumtazmahalrestaurant.com

Tresind

Dhs350 for two

Indian cuisine meets molecular gastronomy at this fine dining venue. Elaborately prepared dishes like the wild mushroom consommé are inventive and impressive in equal measure.

Radisson Royal Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3080440. Metro: World Trade Centre. tresind.com

Ushna

Dhs400 for two

Crowd-pleasing Indian at the Madinat. Away from the hustle of the waterside restaurants, Ushna is a quiet spot serving hearty, saucy dishes.

What’s On Awards: 2012

Souk Madinat, Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3686506. Taxi: Souk Madinat

Zafran

Dhs120 for two

Zaroob’s urbane décor, low-priced dishes and cool patio area have made it one of those spots you want to try again and again.

Jumeirah Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai, daily 24-hours. Tel: (04) 3276060. Metro: Emirates Towers. zaroob.net

Zaika

Dhs380 for two

Zaika is a family-friendly Indian reached by golf buggy. Try the prawn curry in a coconut shell.

Al Murooj Rotana, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm and 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 4321111. Metro: Financial Centre. rotana.com