From beach-side cafes and restaurants to Marina and Creekside views…

Can’t decide which cuisine you fancy for dinner tonight? French? Italian? British? Thankfully there are some cool modern-European restaurants out there dedicated to just these kinds of days, with dishes that bring in influences from all over Europe.

Here’s our favourite modern European restaurants in Dubai.

1. Boardwalk

Sitting on a wooden-stilted jetty overlooking the Dubai Creek, Boardwalk is a bit of a Dubai institution, having been around for more than 20 years. It’s always one of the first places we think of when we have guests in town – the fresh seafood selection and wood-fired pizzas combined with spectacular views of the Downtown skyline never fail to impress.

Boardwalk, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Dubai Creek, 12pm to 12am daily. Tel: (04) 205 4647. dubaigolf.com

ALSO READ: Check out this brand new Thursday night brunch on The Palm

2. Riva Beach Club

The clue’s in the name, but if you’re looking for a relaxed restaurant that’ll have you feeling like you’re in the Mediterranean somewhere, Riva Beach Club on the Palm Jumeirah is a top option. If you’re headed there for breakfast, there’s everything from avo and eggs to a hearty full-English. Rather go at dinner time? They’ve got a deliciously varied menu, with European-inspired starters and light bites as well as salads, burgers, seafood and pizza. When it’s cool enough to dine al fresco, you’ll get stunning views out across the waters from The Palm.

Riva, Building 8, The Shoreline, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 7.30am to 12am daily. Tel: (04) 430 9466. riva-beach.com

3. Mina’s Kitchen

Mina’s Kitchen at The Westin Mina Seyahi has recently undergone a revamp and has a kitsch new look, with black and white chequered flooring, funky colourful furniture and a lush botanical vibe. They offer an intercontinental buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so for those times when you really can’t decide which cuisine you want – you can have them all. Result.

Mina’s Kitchen, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Dubai, 7am to 11pm, daily. Tel: (04) 511 7373.  facebook.com/minaskitchendubai

4. Revo Cafe

Revo is the super-cute cafe located at beautiful beachside resort, Anantara. With endless vistas out across the blue seas, you can enjoy a guilt-free dining experience as you graze on super-healthy salads, nutrient packed smoothies and artisanal coffee’s. Visiting in the evening? Their happy hour is available from 7pm to 10pm, where you can avail a two-for-one deal on house drinks.

Revo Cafe, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, 8am to 10.30pm, daily. Tel: (04) 567 8304. anantara.com

5. Seagrill Bistro

Calling all seafood fans: Seagrill Bistro is the oh-so-chic seafood restaurant at the Fairmont The Palm. It’s definitely one for the al fresco dining bucket list, looking over the resort’s sandy white private beach and across to Dubai Marina in the distance. Heap your plate with steamed mussels, graze on the chilled seafood on ice with King crab legs, oysters, poached prawns and more or tuck into a grilled fillet of seabass with deliciously smoked peppers. This place literally is a seafood lovers’ dream.

Seagrill Bistro, Fairmont The Palm Dubai, 12pm to 11.30pm, daily. Tel: (04) 457 3457. fairmont.com

6. Atelier M

Pier 7 is always a good shout when you’ve got visitors, and Atelier M is the super swanky restaurant, lounge and rooftop bar that occupies the top three floors. The restaurant serves up a shiny 24 carat gold menu for Dhs249 every day of the week except Fridays. Expect to dine like a king on dishes such as tuna tartare and truffle porcini risotto and Wagyu ribs, with tender meat falling off the bone. When you’re done, head on up to the lounge for some sophisticated drinks.

Atelier M, Pier 7, Dubai Marina, Dubai, available 7pm to 12am, Saturday to Thursday, Dhs249. Tel: (04) 450 7766. atelierm.ae

7. BOCA

Book a table on the terrace at this cool restaurant in DIFC and pretend you’re on holiday for an evening. The paella is excellent, as are the sharing plates of classic dishes such as lobster roll, burrata and tiger prawns. The restaurant takes pride in celebrating the cuisines of France, Italy and Spain across their varied menu.

Boca, Gate Village 6, DIFC, Dubai, 12pm to 12am daily. Tel: (04) 323 1833. boca.ae

8. Indie

Indie’s menu reads like a check-list of all our favourite dishes: burgers, truffle fries, lobster rolls, padron peppers. Make sure you check out their cocktail menu, it’s got some seriously sophisticated options to choose from.

Indie DIFC, Gate Village 6, Dubai, 5pm to 2am, Sunday to Thursday, 1pm to 2am Fridays. Tel: (055) 455 6106. facebook.com/indiedifc

9. Folly by Nick & Scott

Nick and Scott are the British chef duo that have taken Dubai by storm, with Folly, Verve and The Lion under their belt. You’ll find their restaurant, folly, based across three levels at the Madinat Jumeirah. Opt for causal dining at the eight-seater bar, where you can watch the resident chefs at work, dine outside on the garden terrace or enjoy cocktails and nibbles on the rooftop level, with amazing views of the picturesque Madinat Jumeirah and beyond.

Folly by Nick & Scott, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 12pm to 11pm, daily. Tel: (04) 430 8535. folly.ae

10. Mina Brasserie

Mina Brasserie is the restaurant of celebrity chef Michael Mina at the Four Seasons DIFC. Whether you’re heading there for breakfast, lunch or a nice dinner, you’ll be catered for with a sumptuous menu. The standout is the lush outdoor terrace with Mediterranean vibes and cute blue-hued furniture.

Mina Brasserie, Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, Dubai, 12pm to 1am, daily. Tel: (04) 506 0100. Tel: (04) 506 0100. minabrasserie.com

11. Marina Social

You don’t get much nicer views than Dubai Marina, which is a must visit amongst Dubai veterans and new visitors to the city, alike. Whether you sit inside or outside Marina Social, you’ll enjoy an inviting dining experience with a sophisticated menu, taking inspiration from across Europe.

Marina Social, First Floor, Intercontinental Dubai Marina, 6pm to 10.45pm, Sun to Wed, 6pm to 11.45pm Thurs, 1pm to 4pm, 7pm to 11.45pm Fri, 1pm to 10.45pm Sat. Tel: (04) 446 6664. marinasocialdubai.com

12. The Tap House

Club Vista Mare on the Palm Jumeirah is the perfect place to head for a casual dinner or drinks when you want to go out but don’t want to go ‘out out’. You’ll find everything from fresh salads to Thai and Indian curries, seafood dishes and mighty burgers on their menu along with ‘nan’s British roast’ on a Saturday and Sunday from Dhs99. On the drinks menu are some hand-pulled craft beers and a daily happy hour from 4pm to 7pm.

The Tap House, Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 12pm to 1am Saturday to Wednesday, 12pm to 2am Thursday & Friday. Tel: (04) 514 3778. thetaphouse.ae

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Images: supplied