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Eat around the world in Dubai
Wed, April 27, 2022
Explore award-winning restaurants as chefs bring a slice of their native heritage and food from different countries to Dubai menus.
Explore award-winning restaurants as chefs bring a slice of their native heritage and food from different countries to Dubai menus.
1
Home-style Greek at Mythos
Tucked away in Dubai's Jumeirah Lakes Towers district is Greek-owned Mythos Kouzina and Grill, an authentic taverna featuring rustic-style furniture and Cycladic design elements. Here you’ll find hearty home-style dishes — including popular favourites such as gyros & souvlaki — and a warm, welcoming vibe that will make you feel right at home. It’s a fast favourite with the JLT locals, but also with those further abroad too, with people travelling from far and wide for what’s renowned as Dubai’s best Greek food. The dishes are classically Greek – but are also so much more than just tzatziki and gyros.
2
Irresistible Asian at Indochine
One of the trendiest spots in DIFC, Indochine boasts tropical foliage and chic vibes. There’s a relaxed lounge area, a terrace and an elegant dining space. Set up in New York in 1984, the French-Vietnamese eatery opened in Dubai in late 2019 and has been a hit ever since. Dishes are adventurous, and their risks pay off. Don’t miss the kaffir lime and lemongrass-infused escargot, Vietnamese ravioli, the lamb char sui or the crunchy fried bananas for dessert.
3
Celebrated Chinese at Hutong
Made famous by its sibling in London's The Shard, this Michelin-selected venue offers beautifully served dishes within its brooding but glamorous interiors – accentuated by subtle Arabian notes and a wishing tree centrepiece that bears an array of vermilion-red 'blooms' featuring guests' handwritten notes on it. The menu favours Northern Chinese preferences, with one of the star ingredients here being the humble chilli. Expect fiery plates that are stuffed with flavour and imagination at Huntong, from the scallop, squid and shrimp dumplings to the truffle egg fried rice.
4
European gems at Marina Social
Located at the InterContinental Dubai Marina, this restaurant focuses on elevated British classics in a casual yet chic setting that overlooks pristine yacht-filled waters from a large terrace. Leave your meal in the hands of the chef and opt for one of the degustation menus or try the innovative goat’s cheese churros and signature beef Wellington from the sharing style a la carte selection.
5
Fusion French at LPM Restaurant
Transport yourself to the Cote d'Azur at LPM Dubai — a spot that serves up what many think is the best French food you can find in Dubai. The award-winning restaurant, situated in DIFC Gate Village, focuses on Niçoise cuisine, with Italian flavours coming into play on the Mediterranean dishes that put a spotlight on quality ingredients. The classy restaurant has been winning awards since it opened, which will be no surprise once you’ve tasted the food. Within the high-end hotspot, the cream walls are hung with modern art with tables draped with crisp white cloths and silverware. Fresh tomatoes, lemons and olive oil provide a centre-piece, showing everyone that the focus is on high-quality ingredients.
6
Contemporary Indian at Carnival by Trèsind
A sister venue to the acclaimed Trèsind, Carnvial by Trèsind offers a post-modern take on fine dining and traditional Indian dishes. The chic venue is adorned with black and white chevron floors and illuminated copper-coloured trees. The modern and vibrant theme extends into its menu, but the traditions of Indian cooking remain intact. If you are having trouble deciding what to order, opt for the 15-course degustation menu, either with, or without meat.
7
Portuguese favourites at Lana Lusa
Stop into this cute neighbourhood-style restaurant in the ever-growing Wasl 51 complex. The Portuguese proprietor has used her grandmother's recipes to ensure every detail stays true to her home town. It boasts a petite terrace and a menu of traditional dishes, with the utterly moreish Portuguese custard tarts pasteis de natatopping every foodie's pastry list. There is also the option to enjoy breakfast at the eatery, with fragrant cups of coffee making it the perfect morning pit-stop.
8
Enigmatic Italian at Il Borro
Il Borro brings the taste of Tuscany to the Middle East with a modern interpretation of the 1,000 year old cuisine. Started by the son of Salvatore Ferragamo, Ferrucio Ferragamo opened the restaurant in Dubai to diversify the family empire — this time, drawing inspiration from their Tuscan estate. The organic food on the menu represents the simplicity of Tuscan cooking, so you’ll find plenty of homegrown organic olive oil, seasonal vegetables and honey.
9
Latin American delights at Amazonico
This buzzing restaurant at Dubai International Financial Centre is incredibly popular, and deservedly so. The jungle-esque décor is on point and will make you feel as though you’re deep in the rainforest, travelling along the Amazon River. The dishes, meanwhile, are just as impressive as this larger than life dining destination looks. They have a separate sushi menu, but there’s also a long list of creative Latin American plates, specialising in expertly grilled meats. Lauded as one of MENA's 50 Best restaurants, this three-floor space lives up to the hype.
10
Lebanese plates at Ibn AlBahr
The best Arabic seafood and mezze is available at Ibn AlBahr, offering a taste of Lebanon on the shores of Dubai. Bring your family and friends to enjoy the grilled fish, priced by the kilo and cooked to perfection. You’ll find the fresh catch generous enough to satisfy your entire crew. Don't miss out on all-time favourites like creamy cashew nut prawns and spiced fish curry when you visit. Remember to book an outdoor table in winter to admire the picturesque waterside setting at Palm Jumeirah.
11
Terrific Turkish bites at Sultan Saray
This authentic Turkish eatery is a local favourite here in Dubai when it comes to tasty Middle Eastern cuisine (with a touch of theatrics) and serves up a wide variety of mezze, kebabs, and tempting desserts. For dinner and a show, go for the Kwag al Sultan, to which servers apply the final fiery touches tableside. It's worth the order just for the Instagram likes. Their breakfast is also legendary, with waves of both hot and cold, sweet and savoury small plates ensuring you get to feast on all the spot's top dishes.
12
Japanese flair at Zuma
With locations in thrilling cities, including Miami, London and New York, Zuma is right at home in Dubai. Inspired by nature’s elements, the setting includes chic granite counters and rusted-steel walls. Whether you take a seat at the private dining area, sushi and robata counter, or main restaurant, Zuma does not disappoint. The menu has it all, from small plates such as salmon and tuna tartare with caviar, to signature dishes including seabass with yuzu, truffle oil and salmon roe.
13
North American flavours at Bull & Bear
Waldorf Astoria DIFC's flagship eatery, Bull & Bear, has dazzled since arriving in the area, with a sophisticated black and gold interior that acts as a precursor for the mouthwatering morsels that emanate from the kitchen. Its 18th-floor perch and floor-to-ceiling windows guarantee gorgeous vistas of Dubai, while the open-plan cooking counters give you a peek at the chefs at work too. The Alligator Pear, a dish centred around avocado, is not to be missed, while their unique take on the prawn cocktail – an Instagram-worthy sight – and expertly grilled steaks are hits too.
14
Terrific Thai at Café Isan
Trust Café Isan to offer the best of Thai street food in Dubai. Explore new, delightful flavours that will enliven your tastebuds and transport you to the streets of the Southeast Asian country. Indulge in hot meals, served fresh, with fragrant spices that will entertain your palate. The food at Café Isan is inspired by the culture of north-eastern Thailand, also known as Isan. You can enjoy lighter curries, clear soups, as well as delicious pad Thai noodles, with vegan options also available.
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