Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera
Climb atop the Dubai Opera to the terrace restaurant to witness a view of the Burj Khalifa towering down on you with all its glory. A vision in day or night, paired perfectly with their new à la carte style Garden Brunch, along with an open oyster bar and a live DJ will have you experiencing true Dubai panache. Prices start at Dhs 180 per person. Call 04-3627312.
Fish Beach Taverna
There are few restaurants in Dubai where you can enjoy fresh air, green grass and sand all at once. Fish Beach Taverna is one of those places. This outdoor Aegean paradise creates a transporting ambiance convincing you you’ve flown straight to Santorini. With an array of hot and cold dishes, the menu captures Turkish and Greek cuisine. Also choose the fish of the day cooked to your preference. Prices start at Dhs 110. Call 04-5117373.
La Cantine du Faubourg
In Emirates Tower, dine at the luxurious La Catine Du Fauborg. Settle into the garden terrace and immerse yourself in French cuisine that encompasses all the senses. If outdoor seating gets tiring, La Cantine du Faubourg has multiplicity of seating including the private ‘table d’hôtes’. Taste their signature dishes, a fusion of French and Asian flavors in the honey-glazed short ribs or the yellowfin with prawn crackers. Price range ranges from Dhs 500. Call 04-3527105.
Asado
Embrace the beautiful outdoors on the terrace of the Argentinian restaurant, Asado. Dine against the backdrop of the Dubai Fountains and twinkling Burj Khalifa. Along with the spectacular view, Asado comes alive with live music and festive tango performances! Check out their weekend brunch for Dhs 200 for food only. Call 04-8883444.
Pierchic
Majestically floating above the blue waters of the Arabian sea, Pierchic is one of Dubai’s dining experiences that encompasses the ultimate view, romance and a luxurious ambiance. Walk out on the pier, stop for a drink halfway, and dine above the sea choosing from their award-winning seafood menu. On Fridays, try their sunset dinner with a three-course meal including bubbles priced at Dhs 350 per person. Call 04-4535454.
Latitude
Bring the kids to this dynamite Dubai brunch spot. Latitude has been one of the first Dubai brunch favourites, not only is it family friendly but home to an elegantly grand terrace overlooking hotel pools against quaint forestry. Couple the glimpse with an equally grand international buffet. Starting at Dhs 250 per person and Dhs 175 for the kids (age 4-12). Call 04-4323232.
Eauzone
The outdoor ambiance of Eauzone promises to channel spiritual Zen. As you dine, float atop tranquil blue waters on the wooden ‘Majilis’ inches away from the water itself. Eauzone fixates its Asian cuisine on a minimalist style with tastefully combined Eastern flavours. Experience a unique 4 course Asian degustation priced at Dhs 300 per person. Call 04-3999999.
TOMO Dubai
The Tatami Terrace will have you floating above the city skyline. The incredibly underrated restaurant located atop the Raffles hotel serves glamorous Japanese cuisine while providing a serene escape towering over Dubai. Notable for serving truly authentic cuisine, try their grand 8 course Yuki package priced at Dhs 750. Call 04-3577888.
Kris With a View
If you’re looking for a divine panoramic view of Dubai without the patio breeze, look no further. Kris With a View on the 19th floor of the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel provides visitors with an opportunity to gaze at the city from any angle. Feast your eyes on more than the shimmering lights as Kris has a mouth-watering buffets and food stations, with rotating themes and aromas daily. Prices start at Dhs 99 per person. Call 04-3771111.
Sea Fu Dubai
The intimate, romantic, and stylish restaurant set on the grounds of the Four Seasons, gives guest an incredible beach view. Contrasted with the dark and blue interior, against the hushed hues of sunset is mimicking stories of paradise. The menu offers an exuberant seafood set around exciting exploration of Eastern flavours. Prices range from Dhs 180-400. Call 04-2707802.
101 Dining Lounge
Found on the edge of the Palm Jumeirah, gaze at the vision of gliding boats on the water against the mainland city landscape. The energy of the secluded Palm getaway will invigorate your seaside senses. Include an international cuisine choosing chef specials such as Tuna Carpaccio, Punzu sauce, citrus and shiso and feel yourself unwind. Call 04-4401030.
Bateaux Dubai
What's the most unforgettable view? Try a view of the entire city as you dine on the sea aboard the Bateaux Dubai! The luxury cruise will show you the ultimate unique vision of the entire city while presenting fine dining and comfort. The magical French vessel is beyond comparison to any other view. Prices to come aboard start at Dhs 395. Call 04-8145553.
Trattoria Toscana
Settled next to the harmonious waters in the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, the Italian joint of Trattoria Toscana bustles with lively colour, laughter, and vibrancy. Outside the patio is canopied under luscious palm trees as you dine Dubai’s favorite Italian cuisine. Share the heavenly seafood Mezzi Paccheri al Sugo di Mare or Grigliata Mista di Mare con Agretto e Finocchi. Prices range from Dhs 105-170. Call 04-3666318.
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
The Al Hadheerah desert restaurant is a delight for visitors of Dubai and an entertaining night for residents. The alluring set up captures the Arabian desert enchantment at its finest, from the traditional décor to the native food. Discover the live stations creating delicious meals before you along with variety of Arabian dishes.Buffet is priced at Dhs 450 from Saturday to Wednesday and Dhs 520 person on Thursdays and Fridays. www.alhadheerah.com
Gaucho
Hidden away in the Dubai International Finance Centre, Gaucho hosts a hideaway from the hustle and bustle of urban living. The incredibly stylish Argentinian inspired spot has its own flair on contemporary Argentinian cuisine, culture, style and you can feel it as you dine al fresco. Set menu priced at Dhs 395. Call 04-4227898.
El Chiringuito - Rixos The Palm Dubai
A brand-new spot at the very end of the Palm, El Chringuito is a glorious tropical dream waiting to be witnessed. Outlooking the beach, its not just the view that sets the tone. The ravishing bougainvillea drapes around white sofas, creating a breezy ambience only available in the tropics. Theirà la carte menu mains range from Dhs 80-125. Call 04-2779180.
Life’n One
Efforts for sustainability, consciousness, and peace, the Life’n One Café centres around well-being of the mind, body, and soul. The boho chic wellness centre and restaurant bestows an outdoor garden decorated for pure serenity. The food is created with mirrored consciousness taking a ‘food as medicine’ approach. Everything is GMO free, Gluten free, Refined Sugar Free and incredibly delicious. Prices range from Dhs 50-60. Call 04-3436676.
40 Kong
Located above Sheikh Zayed Road, this rooftop bar couples a sky-high view, lounge vibes, and a short menu to ‘please thy self’. 40 Kong also offers state of the art, skilfully designed mixed drinks to sip as you gaze at the city below, and what a gaze indeed, because Kong doesn’t believe in walls, only glass screens all around. Bite into the delectable Black Cod or Black Angus Tenderloin, priced at Dhs 190. Call 04-3558896.
Shimmers
Grecian island vibes make home on the private beaches near Madinat Jumeirah. Shimmers restaurant sits right on the sands with the entire waterfront and Burj Al Arab as your view. Take your taste buds on a Greek voyage with their authentic cuisine, try the Sta Karvouna fresh from the coals or Psaria Tis Imeras. Prices range from Dhs 120-230. Call 04-2482880.
Rüya
The terrace of Rüya sets the mood of vibrancy and glamour near the Marina waters and Cayan towers. The mood buzzes with Anatolian richness but revitalized with an urban edge. Rüya stays true to its deep Turkish roots, but explores the cuisine just enough to keep customers excited. Signature dishes include the Lamb Shank Clay Pot and Mint Mati. Call 04-3999123.
Al Falamanki
Travel to old streets of Beirut at the terrace of Lebanese favourite Al Falamanki. Sitting outdoors among the retro furniture, checker print table cloths, and flowered umbrellas will take you to the age of Falamanki’s joyous adventure of a life. Traditional Lebanese cuisine awaits, prices rage from Dhs 40-120. Call 800-325262654.
Turkish Village Restaurant
Turkish Village on Jumeriah, does not shy away from exhibiting pure Ottoman culture. Captivating you with the cultural interior and a shimmery terrace under the starry canopy sky, be swept away by the Ottoman luxury and cuisine. Signature dishes include the traditional Tuzda Tavuk and Kuzu Tandir Pilavli. Princes range from Dhs 200. Call 04-3449955.
Aroos Damascus
Tasty Arabic food for an incredibly decent price take a break from Jumeirah frills. Aroos Damascus sets up an outdoor patio on almost half a block of Deira. This casual and delightful Arabic joint lets you dine surrounded immersed in the hustle and bustle of busy Dubai and the menu presents all your classic Arabic favourites for a price that’s tough to beat. Prices range from only Dhs 20-50. Call 04-2219825.
Boardwalk
This Marina inspired restaurant is placed on the shores of the Dubai Creek and overlooks stunning waters. Enjoy a Mediterranean menu comprised of fresh seafood, calzones, and the famous Boardwalk Fish & Chips. A tranquil landscape for couples and families, enjoy the calmness of the creek. Indulge in unlimited antipasti for lunch at Dhs 90 per person. Call 04-2956000.
Sho Cho
Retro 80’s and fine dining Japanese unite at Sho Cho’s. Enjoy the breeze of the sea at the atmospheric lounge that serves sushi and seafood alike with highlights of Japanese authenticity. Sho Cho has been a Dubai favorite for over a decade and still going strong. Feast on Mondays for Dhs 140 and add Dhs 40 for bubbles. Call 04-3461111.