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 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.

Gazebo
Dhs150 for two

This popular chain specialises in the dum pukht (slow cooking in a sealed pot) cuisine of Awadh, Lucknow and the northwest of 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, Dubai

Kamat
Dhs120 for two 

Despite appearances, this vegetarian-only restaurant offers 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, Dubai

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

Mumtaz Mahal
Dhs240 for two

A lot of effort has been put into Mumtaz Mahal kitchen, and it doesn’t go unrewarded. 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

Zafran
Dhs150 for two

The Marina Mall outlet offers outdoor seating, and the imaginative food is a step beyond your average takeaway.

Marina Mall, Dubai, Sat to Wed noon to 10.30pm, Thur and Fri noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 2840987. Metro: Dubai Marina.
ALSO: Mirdif City Center, Dubai

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.

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

Antique Bazaar
Dhs300 for two

The excellent Northern 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 Burj Khalifa, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 8883444. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. dubai.armanihotels.com

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

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

Signature By Sanjeev Kapoor
Dhs650 for two

Celebrity chef-restaurateur Sanjeev Kapoor might not be behind the stove, but the kitchen at his restaurant at the attractive Melia Dubai hotel serves some of the most exciting Indian cuisine.

Melia Dubai, Kuwait Street, Port Rashid, Bur Dubai, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3868111. Metro: Al Karama. melia-dubai.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, Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3686506. Taxi: Souk Madinat Jumeirah

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: 2010, 2011, 2013

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

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