You’ll want to bookmark this, from cafes to sushi spots to fine dining here are the 60 best restaurants in Dubai. As approved by What’s On.

Every year team What’s On works tirelessly to put together The Black Hat Guide, a round up of thousands of Dubai restaurants.

The good places get one hat, the great places get two hats and the absolute cream of the crop get three.

This list right here are the 60 places in Dubai that we decided were the best in the city in 2016 – the food spots we gave three hats to.

So, keep a hold of this, and every time you fancy going out for a meal pull it up and choose from this list.

For a full explanation of how the Black Hat Guide works, click here.

Dubai’s 60 best restaurants…

CHEAP & CHEERFUL (up to Dhs249 for two)

Baker & Spice

Cuisine: Café

Price: Dhs175 for two

Slap bang in front of The Dubai Fountain, this rustic favourite is a must for breakfast and the salad bar. Provenance of ingredients is important to them, and it shows.

Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, daily 8am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4252240. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. bakerandspiceme.com. Other locations: Marina Promenade and Dukkan Al Manzil.

Circle Café

Cuisine: Café

Price: Dhs150 for two

Circle Café continues to be a magnet for health food fans (try the Mexican Chop Salad and the sweet potato fries), dessert addicts and, of course, bagel lovers. The falafel with pumpkin is also a favourite, and their carrot cake is becoming a Dubai institution.

Dubai Media City, Building 2, Dubai, daily 7.30am to 10.45pm. Tel: (04) 3915170. Metro: Nakheel. circle-cafe.com. Other locations: Dubai Mall, Healthcare City, Studio City, Trade Centre.

Common Grounds

Cuisine: Café

Dhs180 for two

Quirky, original breakfast dishes and nutritious nibbles accompanied by great coffee from Aussie-Spanish hospitality duo Tom & Serg. This opening means you can finally get a good flat white in a Dubai mall.

Level 2 expansion, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, daily 8am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4551663. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. commongroundsdubai.com

Din Tai Fung

Cuisine: Chinese

Dhs200 for two

This hit Taiwanese joint is the place to find steaming hot xiao long bao. There’s an art to eating the soup dumplings, but it’s worth mastering. The fresh noodles with your choice of sauce (we lean towards the spicy and the peanut) are another definite highlight. Go here about an hour before your hunger hits, as there is a wait (but they do give you a buzzing device so that you can wander around the mall while you wait).

Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, daily 11am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 2651288. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. dintaifung.com.sg.

Hyu Korean

Cuisine: Korean

Dhs200 for two

Frequented by Korean expats, the menu here is authentic. Don’t leave without trying the galbi (marinated beef short ribs) or kimchi pajeon (a savoury veggie-filled pancake).

Oud Metha, Dubai, daily noon until 3pm, 5.30pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3344294. More info on Facebook. Metro: Oud Metha.

Jones The Grocer

Cuisine: Café

Dhs200 for two

A stylish deli that has raised the bar for the city’s cafés in terms of quality and taste. Constantly busy, especially on the weekends. A delight. We’ve had better luck at the Al Manara Street branch than the new one at Dusit Thani (where the service can be a bit shaky).

Al Manara Street, Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite Times Square, Dubai, daily 8am to 10.30pm. Tel: (04) 3466886. Metro: Noor Islamic Bank. jonesthegrocer.com. Other locations: Dusit Thani Hotel.

Karachi Darbar

Cuisine: Pakistani

Dhs50 for two

This popular chain, operating in Dubai since 1973, serves outstanding Pakistani cuisine. The grilled chicken dishes are a highlight and the mutton peshwari is famous.

Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi Street, Dubai, daily 4am to 1am. Tel: (04) 258 0443. Metro: Al Ghubaiba. karachidarbargroup.com. ALSO: Karama, Al Qusais, Deira.

Lemongrass

Cuisine: Thai

Dhs225 for two

The modest interior and reasonable prices belie the quality at this Thai pad. One of the best green curries in the city – opt for the plump prawns – and a killer chicken panang.

Lamcy Plaza, Oud Metha, Dubai, daily noon until 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3342325. Taxi: Lamcy Plaza. lemongrassrestaurants.com.

The Lime Tree Café

Cuisine: Café

Dhs100 for two

A much-loved café and stalwart on the weekend dining scene, Lime Tree’s urban décor and platters of food keep customers happy. Highlights include the muesli pots and the famed carrot cake.

Al Quoz, Street 4B, Dubai daily 8am to 6pm. Tel: (04) 3256325. Taxi: Behind Ace Hardware. thelimetreecafe.com. Other locations: Al Quoz, Jumeirah Beach Road, opposite Gold And Diamond Park.

Memsaab

Cuisine: Indian

Dhs150 for two

This 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. The Kadhai murgh patiala is a particularly delicious curry with its aromatic blend of ginger, onion and capsicum.

Lake Front, J2 Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, daily 11.30am to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4429816. Metro: JLT. More info on Facebook.

Mythos

Cuisine: Greek

Dhs150 for two

This cosy Greek tavern serves Greek food with dishes such as smoky Greek-style beef meatballs, chicken gyros, homely stews and xylopitesi pasta. It’s popular and so has a bustling vibe, which adds to its charm.

Armada Bluebay Hotel, Cluster P, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 5pm, 6pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3998166. Metro: Damac. mythoskouzina.com

Nezesaussi

Cuisine: Pub grub

Dhs200 for two

Overlook the silly name, and tuck into the food at this southern hemisphere-themed sports bar – it’s a refreshing change from the onslaught of British pub fare, with ribs, pies and traditional puds.

Al Manzil Hotel, Emaar Boulevard, Dubai, daily noon until 2am. Tel: (04) 4285888. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. nezgrill.com.

Ravi

Cuisine: Pakistani

Dhs80 for two

Loved for its cheap and quick food from a busy kitchen, Ravi’s is famous. Some items on the menu might put punters off (lamb brain, anyone?) but for a speedy meal at a Dubai institution, you can’t go wrong.

Satwa Road, Satwa, Dubai, daily noon until 3am. Tel: (04) 3315353. Metro: Al Fahidi. Other locations: Al Karama, Al Qusais.

Salt

Cuisine: Burgers

Dhs100 for two

Eating delicious mini burgers with the sand between your toes? Dream scenario. This social media behemoth is now parked permanently on Kite Beach and so is firmly on our take-all-visitors roster (it’s right by the running track – so you can see exercisers while you scoff). Don’t leave without trying the Lotus softie ice cream.

Kite Beach, Street 2d, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, 12pm to 2am daily. Follow them on Instagram @findsalt.

Shake Shack

Cuisine: Burger

Dhs130 for two

This cool, wooden cabin is always full to bursting. Well-made burgers, fries, malt shakes, and frozen custard make for a quality change from the tasteless fast food nearby.

Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, daily 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3475513. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. shakeshack.com. Other locations: The Beach on JBR.

Sophie’s Café

Cuisine: Café

Dhs120 for two

Tucked away in one of the shoreline apartments on The Palm, Sophie’s serves wholesome and tasty food that’s colourful and vibrant. It was one of the first places to bring healthy food to the area and its salads are a hit.

The Shoreline, Building 8, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 7am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 3328006. Taxi: The Shoreline, The Palm. sophiesme.com.

The Sum Of Us

Cuisine: Café

Dhs100 for two

The second venue from the award-winning team behind Tom & Serg is tucked behind the Sheraton hotel at the very beginning of Sheikh Zayed Road. The fresh bread and good coffee means it’s a great place to stop by to stock up on caffeine and coffee too.

Street 6, Trade Centre 1, Sheikh ZayedRoad, Dubai, daily 8am to 4pm. Tel: (056) 4457526. Metro: World Trade Centre. thesumofusdubai.com.

Sushi Counter

Cuisine: Japanese

Dhs150 for two

Minimalist design and superlative sushi and sashimi served quickly. We dig the large ceviches and the quirky sushi burgers.

Dubai Media City, CNBC Building, Dubai, daily 11am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3751095. Metro: Nakheel. sushicounter.com. Other locations: Sheikh Zayed Road.

Taste Kitchen

Cuisine: Modern European

Dhs170 for two

Acclaimed chefs Nick Alvis and Scott Price have enjoyed more success with this small, open bistro in Mercato Mall. The dishes are expertly constructed, with ingenious flavours in every bite. We love everything apart from the pizza, which isn’t the best slice in town.

Mercato Mall, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, daily 8am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3854380. Taxi: Mercato Mall. tastekitchen.ae. Other location: Silicon Oasis.

Tom & Serg

Cuisine: Café

Dhs150 for two

A hipster hangout serving quirky, interesting breakfasts with astoundingly good coffee from expert baristas. Their lamington cake is top notch. The menu changes regularly and yet is always reliably good.

Al Joud Centre, 15A Street, Al Quoz, Dubai, daily 8am to 4pm. Tel: (050) 3675332. Metro: Noor Islamic Bank. tomandserg.com.

Zafran

Cuisine: Indian

Dhs150 for two

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

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

PRICIER (Dhs250 to Dhs749 for two)

Alfie’s

Cuisine: British

Dhs500 for two

This restaurant on The Boulevard at Emirates Towers is named after Alfred Dunhill, the fashion retailer – you can reach it through the store next door. The décor, reminiscent of a private member’s club, is as stylish as the brand. The menu is classic British fare, done well. 

Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, daily noon until 1am. Tel: (04) 3198088. Metro: Emirates Towers. jumeirah.com

Ananta

Cuisine: Indian

Dhs400 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. Don’t forget to order the truffle naan (it’s one of those carb dishes we crave, often).

The Oberoi, Business Bay, Dubai, daily 6.30pm to 11.30pm, Fri 12.30pm to 3pm. Tel: (04) 4441444. Metro: Business Bay. oberoihotels.com.

Asado

Cuisine: Steakhouse

Dhs700 for two

This handsome Argentinean BBQ serves a variety of classic dishes, including beautifully marinated cuts of meat and a whole roast baby goat. The view of the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain from Asado’s terrace are epic.

The Palace Downtown Dubai, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4287806. Taxi: The Palace Downtown Dubai. theaddress.com.

Ashiana

Cuisine: Indian

Dhs400 for two

Flawless cooking from Indian superchef Vineet Bhatia is what you’ll get at his 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. The vegetarian samosa (pictured above) was one of our favourite dishes of 2014.

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

Bagatelle

Cuisine: French

Dhs580 for two

The white décor is punctuated by plush blue velvet, and the menu is similarly decadent, with French classics like foie gras and steak tartare given a contemporary spin. If it’s a party you’re after try and book for the second seating (from about 10pm) when the tunes get turned up, as do the clientele.

Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 8pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 3545035. Metro: World Trade Centre. bistrotbagatelle.com

Belgian Beer Café

Cuisine: Pub grub

Dhs400 for two

The flagship outlet of this popular chain of Belgian pubs serves Belgian classics and plenty of seafood. It also has a terrace with views of the Burj Al Arab.

Souk Madinat, Dubai, Sat to Wed noon until 2am, Thur and Fri noon until 3am. Tel: (04) 4470227. Taxi: Souk Madinat. belgianbeercafe.com. Other locations: Crowne Plaza at Festival City, and Grand Millennium in Tecom.

Bussola

Cuisine: Pizza

Dhs280 for two

This semi-alfresco restaurant upstairs is always packed with people who are prepared to queue for the pizzas. The menu is simple but superb. The views are beautiful. The terrace will always be a favourite. 

The Westin Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Fri and Sat noon until 3pm. Tel: (04) 5117391. Taxi: Westin Mina Seyahi. westinminaseyahi.com.

Chutneys

Cuisine: Indian

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 North Indian specialities accompanied by the sound of a ghazal trio.

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

Coya

Cuisine: Latin American

Dhs550 for two

A beautiful restaurant serving first-rate Latin American food. The ceviche, meat skewers and lamb chops are sensational, and the service makes you feel a like a rock star. It felt like the restaurant instantly became a major player on Dubai’s dining scene when it arrived last year, thanks to a menu of impeccably prepared dishes combining bold flavours with lots of creative flair. It won our Best Newcomer Award at the 2015 What’s On Awards.

Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, daily 12.30pm 3.30pm, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 2707777. Taxi: Four Seasons Hotel. coyarestaurant.com

Gaucho

Cuisine: Steakhouse

Dhs650 for two

Don’t let the distinctive cowhide interior put you off. The glitzy Dubai incarnation of the London-based Argentinean brand offers some fine cuts of tender meat and an excellent range of South American reds.

DIFC, Gate Village 5, Dubai, daily 11.30am to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4227898. Metro: Financial Centre. gauchorestaurants.co.uk

Geales

Cuisine: British

Dhs500 for two

A fun British seafood restaurant that looks like a sophisticated gastro pub inside with a lovely, huge terrace outside. The raw bar is impressive, as is the light and fluffy fish ‘n’ chips.

Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, Sat to Wed 6pm to midnight, Thur and Fri 6pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 3165550. Taxi: Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa. geales-dubai.com

Hakkasan

Cuisine: Chinese

Dhs700 for two

An exceptional restaurant with talented chefs and great atmosphere – the winner of Best Chinese at the What’s On Awards 2015. The bar does tremendous cocktails and the outdoor seating area is lovely. The crispy duck salad alone has had fans hooked since 2011.

Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, Mon to Sat noon until 3pm, Sun to Sat 6pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3848484. Metro: Emirates Towers. jumeirah.com

Inka

Cuisine: Peruvian

Dhs450 for two

The ceviche and squid risotto at this Downtown restaurant is bound to impress.

Floor 31, The Sofitel Dubai Downtown, Downtown Dubai, daily 6pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 3469295. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. inkadubai.com

The Ivy 

Cuisine: British/International

Dhs500 for two

Dubai’s take on the legendary London hangout might be in a quiet mall, but the food, décor and service are first-class. Their Friday brunch is one of the best in town, and their new ladies’ night is a three-course affair.

Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, daily 7.30am to 4pm, 5pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3198767. Metro: Emirates Towers. theivydubai.ae

JW Steakhouse

Cuisine: Steakhouse

Dhs650 for two

The dark woods and juicy steaks here ensure people keep returning. Renowned for its quality and consistency, it’s easy to see why.   

JW Marriott, Deira, Dubai, daily 5pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 6077977. Taxi: Near Hamarain Shopping Centre. marriott.com

Kitchen 45

Cuisine: Modern European

Dhs700 for two

The menu shows off the obvious skill of the kitchen team, and the restaurant’s location on the top floor of the Embassy club guarantees superb views and somewhere to enjoy a post-prandial cocktail.

Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Mon to Wed 7pm to midnight, Thur and Fri 7pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 3176000. Taxi: Dubai Marina. grosvenorhouse-dubai.com

La Serre

Cuisine: French

Dhs450 for two

This Parisian-inspired bistro has a sun-filled boulangerie on the ground floor and a sophitisticated dining room upstairs. A truly classy place with a fun atmosphere serving food from the top drawer.

Vida Downtown Hotel, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, daily noon until 3pm, 7pm to 11pm, boulangerie 7am to 10.30pm. Tel: (04) 4286969. Taxi: Vida Downtown Hotel. laserre.ae

The Maine Oyster Bar & Grill

Cuisine: Seafood

Dhs380 for two

Maine tackles a lot (meat, pizzas, craft cocktails, fresh oysters and so on), but does so very well. Definitely worth visiting. We order the succulent octopus starter every time. Without fail.

DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel, JBR, Dubai, daily noon until midnight. Tel: (04) 4576719. Taxi: DoubleTree Hilton. themaine.ae

Marina Social

Cuisine: International

Dhs650 for two

The Michelin-starred British chef Jason Atherton brings us fine dining and surprising flavour combinations, such as the goat’s cheese churros.

InterContinental Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 6pm to 11.45pm. Tel: (04) 4466664. Taxi: InterContinental Dubai Marina. marinasocialdubai.com

Maya By Richard Sandoval

Cuisine: Mexican

Dhs650 for two

Celebrity chef Richard Sandoval’s authentic Mexican restaurant really stands out from Dubai’s many Tex-Mex pretenders. Make sure you visit the tequila tasting room and the rooftop terrace.

Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort And Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3165550. Metro: Dubai Marina. maya-dubai.com

Novikov

Cuisine: Pan-Asian

Dhs500

Novikov boasts an extensive menu, starry clientele and service that’s speedier than the sports cars lined up outside. Read our full review here.

Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 6pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 38888744. Metro: World Trade Centre. novikov-dubai.com

Okku

Cuisine: Japanese

Dhs600 for two

You’ll be wowed by innovative twists on Japanese favourites here. There’s tempura, meat, fish, sushi, salads – and lots of wasabi. The cocktail bar is always rammed, the crowd is glamorous and the atmosphere is fabulous. It’s so good it won the What’s On Award for Best Japanese in 2013, 2014 and 2015. 

The H Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sun to Thur noon until 3pm, daily 7pm to 12.30am. Tel: (04) 5018777. Metro: World Trade Centre. okkudubai.com

Pierchic

Cuisine: Seafood

Dhs700 for two

Perched on the edge of a private pier, Pierchic is a contender not only for the best location in Dubai, but also for best seafood restaurant. A must for any romantic occasion.

Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3666730. Taxi: Madinat Jumeirah. jumeirah.com

Rang Mahal

Cuisine: Indian

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

Rhodes W1

Cuisine: British

Dhs500 for two

Gary Rhodes’ beautiful restaurant does excellent British classics such as steak and kidney pudding, prawn cocktail, and egg custard.

Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Mon to Sat 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3176000. Taxi: Grosvenor House. rw1-dubai.com

Rhodes Twenty10

Cuisine: Steakhouse

Dhs650 for two

European grill cuisine from Gary Rhodes, with an emphasis on sharing plates. It’s all about steak, and it does steak well.

Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai, Sun to Tues 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3165550. Metro: Dubai Marina. leroyalmeridien-dubai.com

Roberto’s

Cuisine: Italian

Dhs600 for two

Roberto’s is always busy, thanks to its menu of Italian classics created with fresh, quality ingredients. Book a table on the terrace during the cooler months, do not miss out on the raw bar and enjoy a drink on the bar post-dinner. It was a What’s On Awards winner in both 2014 and 2015.

DIFC, Gate Village 1, Dubai, daily noon until 3pm and 7pm to midnight, bar daily noon until 2am. Tel: (04) 3860066. Metro: Financial Centre. robertos.ae

Signature By Sanjeev Kapoor

Cuisine: Indian

Dhs650 for two

Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor might not be behind the stove, but the kitchen at his restaurant serves some exciting Indian cuisine. We’ve never had a bad meal here.

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

Social By Heinz Beck

Cuisine: Modern European

Dhs580 for two

German superchef Heinz Beck has three Michelin stars and here’s why. Flawless cooking and invention in a coolly elegant setting. Don’t you dare leave without trying his trademark dessert raspberries 1.1.

The Waldorf Astoria, The Palm, Dubai, daily 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 8182222. Taxi: The Palm, east crescent. waldorfastoria.com/dubaipalm

Thai Kitchen

Cuisine: Thai

Dhs500 for two

One of Dubai’s most popular restaurants, not just because of its lovely setting by the water but because of its talented Thai team and authentic sharing dishes.

Park Hyatt, Deira, Dubai, daily 7pm to midnight, Fri 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3172222. Taxi: Park Hyatt. dubai.park.hyatt.com

Wakame

Cuisine: Pan-Asian

Dhs600 for two

Wakame blends influences from China, Japan, Korea and Thailand to add delicious twists to classic dishes. Solid food and a stylish setting.

Sofitel Downtown, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily, noon until 3.30pm, 6pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 5036666. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. sofitel.com.

Zheng He’s

Cuisine: Chinese

Dhs600 for two

Waterside at the Madinat’s Mina A’Salam, this modern Chinese restaurant serves both dim sum and substantial dishes. It’s not cheap, but it is never quiet.

Mina A’ Salam, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, daily noon until 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3666730. Taxi: Mina A’Salam. jumeirah.com

PRICEY (Dhs750+ for two)

Indego By Vineet

Cuisine: Indian

Dhs1,000 for two

Multi-Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia’s Dubai outpost is a fine example of Indian cuisine, and stands out in a city boasting a glut of quality Indian restaurants. It took home the Best Indian What’s On Award in 2013, 2014 and 2015. 

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

JG Dining Room

Cuisine: French

Dhs1,000 for two

Award-winning Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has created French fare with an Asian twist for this elegant fine-dining restaurant. Even things as simple as the pea soup are exceptional.  

Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3436118. Taxi: Four Seasons. jean-georges-dubai.com

La Petite Maison

Cuisine: French

Dhs900 for two

One of the most popular restaurants in Dubai, LPM is a regular winner at the What’s On Awards. Always fizzing with energy, expect French food of the highest quality. When inside its walls you’ll feel like you could be in Nice, in New York, in London or indeed Dubai. The fancy French Toast dessert is legendary. (It won a What’s On Award in 2013, 2014, 2015.)

DIFC, Gate Village 8, Dubai, Sun to Fri noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4390505. Metro: Financial Centre. lpmdubai.ae

Nobu

Cuisine: Japanese

Dhs1,000 for two

Renowned across the globe for its outstanding Japanese cuisine, the cavernous Nobu is a highlight at the glitzy Atlantis hotel.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, Sat to Wed 7pm to 11.30pm, Thur 7pm to 12.30am, Fri noon to 4pm and 7pm to 12.30am. Tel: (04) 4262626. Taxi: Atlantis The Palm. noburestaurants.com

Qbara

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Dhs800 for two

A treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds, Qbara serves Middle Eastern cuisine in a stylish setting. Their soft shell crab is one of many highlights on the enticing menu.

Wafi Fort Complex, Oud Metha, Dubai, Sat to Wed 7pm to 2am, Thur and Fri 7pm to 3am, Fri and Sat 12.30pm to 3pm. Tel: (04) 7092500. Taxi: Raffles Dubai. qbara.ae

Stay By Yannick Alleno

Cuisine: French

Dhs850 for two

Stay is the signature restaurant serving Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alleno’s take on French classics. This is seriously special cooking.

One&Only The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Tue to Sun 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4401030. Taxi: One & Only The Palm. thepalm.oneandonlyresorts.com

Zuma

Cuisine: Japanese

Dhs1,000 for two

Dubai’s stalwart Japanese restaurant is the template for the late opening cocktail bar-cum-restaurant formula prevalent across the city, and its kitchen serves consistently outstanding food. A constantly evolving menu ensures standards never drop. It took home a What’s On Award in 2013, 2014, 2015.

DIFC, Gate Village 06, Dubai, Sun to Thur 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to midnight, Fri and Sat 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 4255660. Metro: Financial Centre. zumarestaurant.com

OK, that’s enough temptation. Grab a fork – we’re hungry.