Who won what at the awards this year?

The What’s On Awards Dubai 2021 took place on April 5, and what a night it was.

A glamorous – albeit socially distanced – night of celebrating our hospitality heroes through a challenging year. There were laughs and cheers, high fives, and even (happy) tears, as we crowned the crème de la crème of the Dubai restaurant scene – as voted by the public. A huge thank you to all who voted, and to everyone who came out to celebrate with us, as well as our fantastic sponsors for making the evening possible.

Head here to see the winners of the night, highly commended and photos of the night.

Without further ado, here are your winners…

THE GRAND PRIX WINNERS

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR – NAMMOS Dubai

In the original venue of Nammos in Mykonos, celebrities from all over the world – including Mariah Carey, Valentino, and Leo DiCaprio – regularly swan in, eat lunch and party day-to-night by the beach. With this kind of clientele swinging through the doors, it made sense to bring the brand to Dubai, a ‘twin seaside town’ if ever there was one. True to the Greek provenance, the menu exudes a lightness of touch that takes you to the Mediterranean. The food is exceptional, the service impeccable, and it’s about the closest thing to being on a Greek island that we’ll be on for a while.
nammos.gr/nammos-dubai

CHEF OF THE YEAR – Himanshu Saini, of Trèsind

As always, when it comes to Chef Of The Year, we love to champion those who have helped shape the dining scene here in Dubai. Chef Himanshu has been integral to propelling the UAE’s status as a foodie destination. He is as much an artist, as he is a chef. Considered one of the youngest tastemakers in Indian cuisine today, he stepped out into the world of gourmet cuisine with the aim to change the perception of Indian cuisine, globally. And he has succeeded ten-fold through his innovative and often otherworldly dishes at Trèsind.
tresindstudio.com

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR – The MAINE Land Brasserie

The Maine Land Brasserie

Since opening in early 2020, The MAINE Land Brasserie has become one of the busiest restaurants in the city – hardly surprisingly given the restauranteur that runs it. Joey Ghazal’s restaurants – of which there are now three – are some of the most popular in town, largely down to the excellent cuisine, stylish atmosphere, and buzzing vibe. Its newest venture, in Business Bay, is perfect for a romantic dinner, a quick post-work hangout or a full-blown party – The Maine has proved it is a force to be reckoned with.
themaine.ae

INDIE RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR – Sonara Camp

sonara-dining-in-the-desert-dubai

Now, you won’t find this restaurant in the heart of the city, and you certainly wouldn’t call it your neighbourhood haunt. But you would call it a game-changer. Part experience, part gastronomic adventure, our Indie Restaurant of the Year, has changed the way desert experiences are meant to be enjoyed. They are no longer just about buffets and belly dancing. They can be magical, culinary, fine-dining experiences that will blow your mind.
nara.ae/sonara

RESTAURANTS ABOVE DHS400

Favourite Brunch: Secret Brunch at The Ritz, Cafe Belge

Transport yourself back to the roaring twenties with this Gatsby themed brunch, brought to you by brunching legends, Secret Parties. The undeniably fun concept has kept fans coming back every single Friday.

@secretbrunch_ritz

Highly Commended Brunch: Wanderlust Brunch, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Christmas -Wanderlust Brunch

Coming in as the second best brunch in Dubai is stalwart classic, Wanderlust. For years, this fail-safe favourite has delivered a monstrous food selection, more drink options than we can count, and non-stop good vibes. If you find yourself asking, ‘where’s good to go for brunch this weekend?’, you cannot go wrong with JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai’s Wanderlust Brunch.

@wanderlustbrunchdxb

Favourite Middle Eastern Restaurant: Ninive

NINIVE WINTER alfresco

Easily one of Dubai’s most beautiful restaurants, this Bedouin-inspired majlis is the perfect place to enjoy excellent Middle Eastern and Turkish cuisine in a luxurious yet comfortable locale.

ninive.ae

Highly Commended Middle Eastern Restaurant: Huqqa Dubai

With unbeatable views of the famed Dubai Fountain Show, Huqqa is a top spot to visit for everyone passing through The Dubai Mall. There’s no denying that this popular eatery is a hit with all of the Turkish cuisine fans, and for good reason.

@huqqame

Favourite Asian Restaurant: Shanghai Me

Mixing fine dining with a modern Chinese menu, Shanghai Me delivers a quality experience. Regularly visited by Dubai’s royal family, this sophisticated spot is ideal for lunch or dinner, or even late night drinks.

shanghaime-restaurant.com

Highly Commended Asian Restaurant: 3Fils Restaurant

3fils indomie

Long-standing homegrown spot 3Fils should be on every Dubai resident’s bucket list. The unlicensed walk-in concept has attracted a loyal crowd over the years thanks to its authentic Asian dishes, from sushi to Indomie noodles. Find 3Fils on the waterfront at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour.

3fils.com

Favourite European Restaurant: folly by Nick & Scott

valentines day in dubai - folly

Chefs Nick and Scott smashed it out of the park when they took over this glorious spot in Madinat Jumeirah. With its unbelievable views of the Madinat waterways, fabulous alfresco dining and drinking spots, and a menu of outstanding yet inventive European cuisine – it’s not hard to see why folly nabs the top spot.

folly.ae

Highly Commended European Restaurant: Bagatelle Dubai

The fun never stops at this lively nightlife spot. Set aside the funky French decor, flashing lights and pumping soundtrack and you’re still left with brilliant food that’s worth revisiting again and again.

bagatelledubai.com

Favourite Indian Restaurant: Ellora by Vikas Khanna, JA Beach Hotel

Ellora by Vikas Khanna

Ellora by Vikas Khanna is a firm favourite thanks to its fresh ingredients, traditional cooking methods and inventive menu.

jaresortshotels.com

Highly Commended Indian Restaurant: Amala, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy classic North Indian Mughlai cuisine, look no further than Amala. The traditional spot offers rich flavours and an exotic experience within its densely decorated space.

jumeirah.com

Favourite Italian Restaurant: Il Borro Tuscan Bistro

Il Borro romantic restaurants Dubai

This fantastic restaurant continues to impress. Just look at the awards filling its shelves at the entrance. If you want quality Italian cuisine in an equally stunning setting, Il Borro remains a Dubai favourite.

ilborrotuscanbistro.ae

Highly Commended Italian Restaurant: The Artisan

The artisan italian restaurant

Welcome to one of Dubai’s most hidden gems – The Artisan is a stunning Italian restaurant located in the luxurious Waldorf Astoria DIFC. The menu takes its cues from across the breadth of Italy, and although anchored in Old World charm, each dish has been reimagined for the contemporary cosmopolitan palate.

theartisan.ae

Favourite Japanese Restaurant: Akira Back, W Dubai – The Palm

akira back

When you have a culinary background as impressive as celebrity chef Akira Back’s, it’s no surprise that his Dubai namesake restaurant would be such a hit. The space boasts stunning views of W Dubai – The Palm and Dubai Marina in the distance.

akirabackdubai.com

Highly Commended Japanese Restaurant: Nobu

When it comes to premium Japanese cuisine, Nobu continues to be a top choice. Whether it’s the iconic black cod miso, premium wagyu beef tacos with a Japanese twist, or its fresh sushi, you really can’t go wrong ordering here. This is innovative Japanese-Peruvian chic inside an iconic setting.

noburestaurants.com/dubai

Favourite Seafood Restaurant: The Beach House, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

the-beach-house-anantara

The faultless experience at The Beach House at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort has seafood lovers returning again and again. Add to that stunning on-the-beach views and you’ve got yourself the perfect seafood restaurant.

anantara.com/the-beach-house

Highly Commended Seafood Restaurant: Alici

It’s hard not to be bowled over by Alici. The attention to detail is outstanding. From the tiles and the flowers lining the terrace to the music and the perfectly ironed tablecloths, nothing is left to chance. Thankfully, the seafood – inspired by the Amalfi Coast – is as sensational as the surroundings.

alici.com

Favourite Modern American Restaurant: Chicago Meatpackers

Dubai diners can’t get enough of Chicago Meatpackers. It’s a combination of the brilliant Atlantis, The Palm views, the lively atmosphere, the pup-friendly setting and the top notch dining menu.

meatpackers.ae

Highly Commended Modern American Restaurant: Original Wings & Rings

There are few places that put as much passion and dedication into their craft as Original Wings & Rings. The US-born concept made its way to the UAE and has been thriving ever since, thanks to its casual setting and finger-licking chicken wings.

ae.bwr-intl.com

Favourite Steakhouse: Porterhouse Steaks & Grills, Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort

A multi-award winner, and for good reason, with fantastic steaks in a glamourous setting, Porterhouse knocks spots off the rest.

sofitel-dubai-thepalm.com/porterhouse-steakhouse

Highly Commended Steakhouse: Prime68, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

We’re not sure who came up with the idea to combine top quality steaks with incredible Dubai views, but we’re glad they did. Prime68 is one of those restaurants that’s always front of mind whenever someone’s hankering for a good steak.

marriott.com/prime68

Favourite Greek Restaurant: OPA Dubai

Opa new menu

OPA burst onto the culinary scene with finesse and flair and never looked back. From plate-smashing entertainment, to excellent Greek food, OPA continues to shine brighter that its baby blue shutters.

opadubai.com

FOOD CONCEPTS

Favourite Cafe: Cassette

Cassette

“Where shall we go for breakfast?” Six seemingly innocent words that induce the kind of all out crazy debate usually reserved for world summits. Successfully capturing hungry hearts is Cassette, the breakfast beauty located in the unassuming Al Quoz Courtyard. The menu is extensive, serving brekkie favourites such as a classic Benedict, avocado smash and French toast and the vibe is busy yet relaxed. Go early on weekends or else you might have to wait a while…

@cassettedxb

Highly Commended Cafe: Around The Block

around the block

Traffic has been known to come to a standstill outside Around the Block, as cars literally queue around the block for takeaway coffees. Make it past the coffee throng, however, and you’ll be rewarded with a high-quality menu of wagyu sandos, ramen and soft-serve desserts.

@aroundtheblock

Favourite Healthy Eating Restaurant: Wild & The Moon

wild and the moon

There’s no fear in overdoing the calories when ordering from Wild & The Moon as every dish is packed only with healthy goodness. 

@wildandthemoonuae

Highly Commended Healthy Eating Restaurant: Common Grounds

common grounds dining deal in Dubai

The welcoming interiors are one thing to note, but major props go to the chefs at Common Grounds for creating healthy, innovative and wholesome dishes packed with goodness. 

@_common.grounds_

Favourite Business Lunch: La Farine, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

la farine

Contemporary cafe and bakery, La Farine is not just pocket-friendly, it’s delicious, healthy and served up by friendly staff. A must-try if you’re in the Business Bay area around lunchtime. 

@lafarinedxb

Highly Commended Business Lunch: La Cantine du Faubourg

la-cantine-du-faubourg-article

On the hunt for a classy business lunch? La Cantine Du Faubourg’s popular offering costs Dhs110 and features dishes such as beef carpaccio, octopus and squid ink risotto, and grilled chicken with polenta. Add Dhs20 for a dessert, and Dhs40 for a cheeky glass of wine. 

@lacantinedubai

Favourite Pub Grub: The Tap House

The Tap House

The Tap House at Palm Jumeirah’s Club Vista Mare offers visitors a sleek gastropub vibe with great views out to sea. But its brilliant weekly pub grub deals are what people love the most. Our favourites? It’s a toss up between the Wednesday curry nights (Dhs99), or Nan’s British Saturday and Sunday roasts (from Dhs99).

@taphousedubai

Highly Commended Pub Grub: The Irish Village, Al Garhoud

irish village garhoud

For over 20 years, The Irish Village has offered the fail-safe combo of good quality pub grub and great craic. No matter what day of the week you pay a visit to this spot, you’ll find it filled with people and laughter.

@theirishvillage

Favourite Afternoon Tea: Quintessential Afternoon Tea, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai

lobby lounge ritz carlton

This is arguably the UAE’s most iconic afternoon tea spot. The service is friendly, the finger sandwiches dainty and delicious, and the people-watching is first class.

@ritzcarltondubai

Highly Commended Afternoon Tea: Bijou Patisserie, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk

Bijou de Perles

This cute cafe serves up its afternoon tea, which includes a selection of sweet and savoury treats in a sophisticated jewellery box. While we need a special key to unlock it, the afternoon tea worked its magic on diners’ hearts securing it the second-best afternoon tea in the city. 

@sofiteltheobelisk

Favourite Delivery: Go! Greek

go greek

Delicious gyros, fresh salads and big portions – Go! Greek’s authentic street food fare has become the city’s favourite delivery option. We’re fans of the pulled beef pita, stuffed with juicy meat and a handful of well seasoned chips.

@cloud.restaurants

Highly Commended Delivery: Operation: Falafel

Operation Falafel

The Dubai-born restaurant has branches all over the city and is budget-friendly without compromising on taste. Serving up a number of Middle Eastern dishes, this casual dining spot has garnered a lot of love from the expat community here in Dubai.  

@OperationFalafel

Favourite App: Privilee

From unlimited access to five-star beaches, private pools, gyms and thousands of fitness classes, being a part of the Privilee community is almost a rite of passage for residents, especially for those with families.

@privilee_uae

Highly Commended App: The ENTERTAINER

‘I have The Entertainer’ – four little words that’ll make you a hero among your friends. The app offers up brag-worthy savings for you and your pals across hundreds of venues in Dubai.

@entertainerdxb

BEST ENTERTAINMENT

Favourite Bar: Nola Eatery & Social House

Who would have thought that Cluster P in JLT would become such a little nightlife spot? And that’s thanks in part to this hugely popular little New Orleans-inspired bar. With great drinks deals, a popular ladies’ night, and excellent Deep South-style cuisine (beignets, anyone?), it’s no wonder Nola continues to be your favourite bar in Dubai.

@noladubai

Highly Commended Bar: CÉ LA VI Dubai

Cé La Vi

Whether you want to up your Instagram game or not, if you don’t have the iconic CÉ LA VI Dubai’s swing on your grid or haven’t checked out this beautiful spot, you’re missing out. The popular restaurant is on the 54th floor of Address Sky View and offers up unbeatable panoramic views of the city, including Burj Khalifa and has become a staple in Dubai’s nightlife scene.

@celavidubai

Favourite Ladies’ Night: Rosé All Night, Cove Beach Dubai

cove beach dubai

Cove Beach Dubai’s ladies night brings you five hours of fun and frivolity with Rosé All Night. For just Dhs149, you’ll be treated to five hours of free-flowing sparkling wine and cosmopolitan drinks along with a mixed food platter, from 5pm to 10pm. DJ Chris Wright will be at the decks, to provide the ideal ambience for your night on the sand.

@covebeachdubai

Highly Commended Ladies’ Night: Secret Ladies Night, Atmosphere

atmosphere

The world’s tallest ladies’ night is located 442 metres from the ground at Atmosphere Lounge on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa. Both ladies and gents are invited to leave the world behind every Tuesday with unlimited beverages and an immersive party experience high above the clouds.

@atmospheredubai

Favourite Show: Bongo’s Bingo

Bongo’s Bingo – the show that combines the fun of Legs Eleven and Two Fat Ladies with intermittent crowd karaoke and pub-quiz-style challenges – is your What’s On winner this year.

@bongosbingodubai

Highly Commended Show: Short+Sweet Theatre Dubai

No yawns at this theatrical festival as the plays are just 10 minutes long, thus meriting the title, Short+Sweet. Performed by the talented local theatre community at The Junction, the festival which just closed its ninth edition is a sought-after event every year by both, performers and audience members alike.

@juctiondubai

Favourite Attraction: TEPfactor Dubai

TEPFactor

Think of the 1990s TV show The Crystal Maze and you’ll have some idea of what you’re getting yourself into at TEPfactor Dubai. Teams dramatically dash around 21 different challenges, testing their patience, skill, fitness and logic. It’s the ultimate adventure experience and your top attraction in the city for a second year in a row.  

@tepfactor.dubai

Highly Commended Attraction: Xstrike UAE

Xstrike

Xstrike UAE hits the middle ground between laser tag and paintball, saving you from going into work the next day baring bruises. The cutting-edge technology provides an immersive and realistic experience on a battlefield that’s so fun, it has shot itself to second place under our favourite attraction category.

@xstrikeuae

Favourite Daycation: Not Another Ladies Day, W Dubai – The Palm

w dubai the palm

Yoga, unlimited bevvies and a treat off the lunch menu has the weekend extending into Sunday with this daycation pass at W Dubai – The Palm. And of course, there are the views of the Dubai Marina skyline to bring it altogether just perfectly.   

@wdubaipalm

Highly Commended Daycation: The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai

ritzcarlton dubai

Nestled on a private beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai offers a seclusion just steps from the Walk at JBR. Once through the doors, the luxury resort teleports you away from the city to an oasis complete with a private beach and pools and plenty for the little ones to stay busy at the kid’s club.

@ritzcarltondubai

Favourite Staycation: Longbeach Campground

sunset-terrace-longbeach-campground

Longbeach Campground in Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect glamping resort for groups of friends, couples and families alike to enjoy a weekend away from the city. The resort offers complimentary activities that everyone will enjoy, including beach access, outdoor swimming pool and water sports.

@longbeachcampground

Highly Commended Staycation: Sonara Camp

sonara

One of the UAE’s most luxe desert experiences, Sonara Camp in the Dubai Desert Conservation area includes dinner under the stars, desert activities such as camel rides, archery, sandboarding and a falcon show, stargazing experiences and a moonlight cinema for the kids. After all that, bed down in the comfort of a plush nomad-style tent.

@sonara_camp

PRE AWARDED: RESTAURANTS UNDER DHS400

Favourite Brunch: Bull & Bear, Waldorf Astoria DIFC

Bull & Bear has given the world-famous Wolf of Wall Street film a small twist with its ‘The Bull of Wall Street’ brunch. Expect an eighties-themed experience at the New York-inspired Waldorf Astoria DIFC venue. The stylish restaurant can be found on the 18th floor, with views of the surrounding Downtown Dubai area. It has high ceilings and a huge bull statue just like the one you’d find on Wall Street.

hilton.com

Highly Commended Brunch: Brass Monkey

Take yourself back to when you were a kid at this adults-only party brunch at Brass Monkey. You’ll receive a card loaded with Dhs300 worth of fun to use on the arcades for up to three hours. There’s also 12 bowling lanes open to play with friends at an additional Dhs65 charge. Juicy sliders and crunchy tacos are paired with piled-high nachos, plus green curry mussels and charred miso salmon.

brassmonkeysocial.com

Favourite Middle Eastern Restaurant: CZN Burak 

CZN Burak new restaurant in Dubai

Social media sensation Czn Burak recently opened a restaurant of the same name on the corner of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, across the road from Address Downtown. The Turkish chef and his restaurant have had no shortage of celebrity visitors from Cristiano Ronaldo and HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid. The restaurant serves up traditional Middle Eastern cuisine but in a big way.

cznburak.com

Highly Commended Middle Eastern: Lezzet Turkish Restaurant

Turkish restaurant Lezzet is fabulously popular for those in hunt of some traditional Arabic cuisine. From its racks of grilled meat to freshly prepared breads and salads, there’s something for everyone. Oh, and the setting at La Mer is pretty epic, too.

@lezzetturkishrestaurant

Favourite Indian Restaurant: Zafran

Zafran gallery images-04_new

Zafran Indian Bistro will offer you a contemporary dining experience with their menu specialising in North West Indian Cuisine. Its wow factor has to be the outside dining terrace which puts you right at the heart of Dubai Marina with amazing views of its twinkling skyscrapers.

zafranrestaurants.com

Highly Commended Indian: Mohalla

Mohalla is an a feast for the eyes and the bellies. Located in Dubai Design District, it lives up to its home with eclectic artwork on the walls and swathes of fabric hanging from the ceilings. The restaurant prides itself on using lighter cooking techniques to rustle up healthier yet authentic Indian dishes.

mohallarestaurant.com

Favourite Italian Restaurant: Motorino Dubai, JA Ocean View Hotel 

Hip restaurant Motorino, the world-famous New York pizzeria that’s set up home at JA Ocean View Hotel is here for you when it comes to authentic New York-style pizzas, loaded with fresh toppings and brining you all of that carby-cheesy goodness.

motorinodubai.com

Highly Commended Italian: Luigia, Rixos Premium JBR

kids play areas Dubai Luigia

Homemade Italian dishes are on the menu at Luigia, the pizzeria housed in the Rixos Premium JBR. The expansive restaurant is kitted out in bold, brash hues of purple and red, and it’s well-priced for it’s prime location on JBR. There’s a dedicated kids’ menu and cinema room too, so it’s a good choice for families looking for hearty Italian food that won’t break the bank.

luigia.ae

Favourite Japanese Restaurant: Izakaya, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Sushi and bubbles Izakaya

The aesthetics of Japanese restaurant Izakaya are seriously cool, with a darkly lit space offset by neon yellow and blue lights. It’s got that Downtown Dubai dining vibe written all over it. From a live teppanyaki experience to robata, tempura and more, get ready for your fix of authentic Japanese cuisine.

marriott.com

Highly Commended Japanese: Miyako

Expect to have culinary delights prepared, cooked and served right in front of you at Miyako at Hyatt Regency Dubai. It’s divided into three different dining experiences; a live Teppanyaki room, intimate Titami room and the main dining area, which also has a sushi bar too.

facebook.com/MiyakoDubai

Favourite Asian Restaurant: Asia Tang, The Springs Souk

Contemporary neighbourhood restaurant Asia Tang can be found in The Springs Souk. The casual eatery brings you traditional Asian cuisine without the fuss and frills. But that doesn’t mean compromising. From its steamed dim sum to tasty noodle dishes, you’ll want everything on the menu.

asia-tang.com

Highly Commended Asian: Tong Thai, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

For a sultry setting and a vibrant culinary tour of Thailand, Tong Thai is a must-visit. Tuck into authentic dishes from curries to wagyu striploin and everything in-between. The restaurant is lit up by cool red neon lighting, making for an experience not to forget.

marriott.com

Favourite Seafood Restaurant: Aprons & Hammers, Palm West Beach

Aprons & Hammers’ newest venture, Aprons & Hammers Beach House opened on Palm Jumeirah hotspot West Beach in the later part of 2020 and it’s certainly worth its salt. From a relaxed beach day to a beautiful sundowner or lunch spot, it offers its visitors stunning Dubai Marina skyline views and those legendary buckets of seafood such as blue crab, shrimp and rock lobster, as well as some seriously tasty burgers and more.

apronsandhammers.com

Highly Commended Seafood: Boardwalk

boardwalk-dubai-article

For incredible views of the water at Dubai Creek and a dreamy alfresco setting, Boardwalk ticks all of the boxes. The Mediterranean restaurant is favoured for its fresh fish and seafood selection which is prepared and cooked fresh to order.

dubaigolf.com

Favourite Steakhouse: The Selfish Bull

Alfresco restaurants The Selfish Bull

Book a table on the terrace of The Selfish Bull for glittering views from Bluewaters Island to Dubai Marina. This waterfront steakhouse is popular for its extensive steak menu as well as its great selection of seafood. Put them both together for the ultimate surf and turf.

theselfishbull.com

Highly Commended Steakhouse: Lezzet Turkish Restaurant

For an authentic Turkish dining experience the traditional terrace of Lezzet Turkish Restaurant really does the talking. Expect tender meat served to perfection from the grill, such as huge racks of lamb, served up with authentic Turkish salads and sides.

@lezzetturkishrestaurant

Favourite Greek Restaurant: Mythos Kouzina & Grill

If you’re looking for a place with all of the authenticity of a traditional Greek tavern, Mythos is definitely worth a visit. Described as a ‘hidden gem’ in Dubai, the food is prepared delicately and by hand, not losing any of the traditional Greek style or flavours that you’d expect. This place quickly packs out, so book ahead to bag the best table.

mythoskouzina.com

Favourite British Restaurant: Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen

You’ll find Hell’s Kitchen, which is owned by British celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay, at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai. Dishes are a classically British affair from beef Wellington and crispy skin salmon, to slow roasted chicken, truffle & mushroom risotto or flank steak and fries, served from theatrical open kitchens, reminiscent of the smash hit TV show Hell’s Kitchen

caesars.com

Highly Commended British: Reform Social & Grill

reform social and grill

Lakeside gastropub Reform Social & Grill has long been popular in Dubai (especially with Brits and those with young families) for its relaxed beer garden setting and casual vibes. It serves up a great breakfast with real sausages and bacon and other British classics such as fish and chips, platters and more.

reformsocialgrill.ae

Favourite European Restaurant: Couqley French Bistro & Bar

Couqley Dubai

For an authentic French dining experience, look no further than Couqley French Bistro & Bar. The cute restaurant has exposed brick walls and a leafy outdoor terrace. It serves up great French dishes such as a warm goat cheese and tomato pastry and a tender rib-eye steak.

couqley.ae

Highly Commended European: 21Grams

21 grams breakfast

Our 2019 What’s On Indie Restaurant of the Year continues to be a firm favourite among Dubai’s foodie contingent and for good reason. 21grams’ heart-warming and creative dishes bring the best of the Balkans to Dubai in a beautifully designed cafe space that warms that soul. Order the new beef cheek sando with a slice of cheesy burek.

21grams.me

Favourite Latin American Restaurant: Maiz Tacos

maiz tacos

There’s a lot to love about Maiz Tacos – from the freshly pressed tortillas to the homemade salsas and carefully sourced ingredients, this JLT taco joint is one of Dubai’s finest. After starting out as a food truck, then expanding into a long-term pop-up in Dar Wasl Mall, Maiz Tacos opened its first permanent home in JLT in October 2019 to meet the growing demand for its fuss-free, affordable dishes.

maiztacos.com

Highly Commended Latin American: La Tablita

Headed by a passionate team of Mexicans and Latinos, the contemporary Mexican restaurant, La Tablita hosts a number of offers throughout the week to keep your nights full of colour and authentic flavour.

hyattrestaurants.com

Favourite All-Day Dining Restaurant: Brunch & Cake

brunch and cake 2

If you’re looking for an Instagrammable cafe and restaurant, Barcelona export Brunch & Cake needs to make it onto your list. Highlights on the menu include the avocado toast, the açai breakfast bowl and the breakfast calzone, which are as Insta-worthy as the venue itself.

brunchandcake.com

Highly Commended All-Day Dining: Nightjar Coffee Roasters

One for Dubai’s urban crowd, you’ll find Nightjar Coffee Roasters in the equally urban Alserkal Avenue district of Dubai. This sultry cafe is darkly-lit and welcomes you to enjoy fresh cold brew tea and coffee on tap, innovative mocktails and some seriously cool dishes.

nightjar.coffee

SPAS AND SALONS

Favourite Fitness Facility: 51 Gym

Those looking to tone, sculpt and train at a more than ample gym can look no further than 51 Gym in Al Wasl. The huge space is well-equipped and the gym offers a range of classes, from boxing to HIIT and TRX, cycling, pilates and more.

51gym.ae

Highly Commended Fitness Facility: F45 Training Dubai DIFC

The world’s fastest-growing functional training community F45 was born in Australia and it’s long been making waves in Dubai, in locations such as DIFC. The exercises in each class mimic everyday movements, like lifting, squatting, pushing, pulling, kicking, jumping, and so on.

dubaidifc/home

Favourite Spa: Anantara Spa

Anantara The Palm Dubai - Aerial

Anantara The Palm is favoured for its villa rooms overlooking the lagoon, and the idyllic spa certainly makes the most of this, with massage rooms facing toward the lagoon too. From luxurious treatments to a fabulous steam, sauna and relaxation room, say hello to tranquility.

anantara.com

Highly Commended Spa: Saray Spa, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

For a relaxing spa day the Saray Spa at JW Marriott Marquis is a sure-fire winner for its peaceful setting and relaxing treatments. From massages to a body wrap and dip pools to a huge Hammam room, there’s plenty to leave you walking out feeling on top.

marriott.com

Favourite Barbers: Chivalry Gentlemen’s Salon

Behind every gentleman there’s a great barber keeping those fades and beard on point and Chivalry Gentlemen’s Salon is all about giving you that fresh look. They also offer colour treatments, waxing and other services too.

chivalrysalon.com

Images: What’s On