Defining European cuisine is no easy feat. With arguably the most diverse flavours, European cuisine has provided the culinary world with an array of staple foods. From pasta to pastries, haggis to halloumi and crepes to cheese fondue - Europe has it all. Unconfined to its mother continent, European cuisine, also referred to as Western cuisine, has spread cross-continentally, with influences in Australasia, the Americas, Southern Africa and Oceania. Playing host to a range of versatile ingredients, each region has developed an entirely unique style of cooking. Where Italy favours the subtlety of Mozzarella, France is famed for it’s more pungent Roquefort.
Historically, European food was developed in royal and noble courts, so, it’s no surprise that traditional portion sizes are fit for a king! With some of the largest portion sizes in the world, Europe’s food traditionally served the purpose of creating full bellies to fight off the cold weather, though we don’t have that issue in Dubai, we’re quite happy that’s one tradition that hasn’t wained. Join us on a journey through the monumental flavours of one of the smallest continents.
France
La Petite Maison
One of the most talked about names in French cuisine is La Petite Maison. With restaurants all over the globe in London, Istanbul, Miami, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi & Dubai, it’s easy to see why. La Petite Maison epitomises French Mediterranean cuisine with local produce from the heart of Nice topped off with olive oil straight from Alpes Maritimes. Call 04-4390505.
Couqley French Bistro and Bar As Audrey said, Paris is always a good idea - but it isn’t necessarily an easy option. That’s where Couqley French Bistro and Bar comes in. For a truly authentic taste of Parisian cuisine, Couqley French Bistro and Bar offers a variety of tantalising treats. The restaurant simply oozes charm in a vintage Parisian setting. Call 04-5149339.
Bistro Des Arts
Take a minute to stroll through 1970s Paris with Bistro Des Arts. Overlooking the Dubai Marina, the Parisian bistro offers guests a host of French home-styled food in a rustic garden terrace. Start the day with an “ooh la la!” over Croque Monsier or tuck into the bistro’s Famous Chocolate Moelleux. Although technically invented in Austria, Bistro Des Arts French-perfected homemade croissants are to-die-for! Call 04-5511576.
Greece
Mythos
Picture great food in a cosy Greek taverna and you’ve got Mythos. Their homemade meatballs, known as ‘keftedakia,' are a divine nod to modest and flavourful Greek cuisine. Combining traditional Greek dishes with fresh ingredients, this soulful spot is the perfect home away from home. Call 04-3998166.
Elia
Following its opening in 2007, Elia has pioneered the Greek cuisine scene. Head Chef Yiannis Baxevanis has over 30 years experience in culinary arts, creating a menu that embraces the fundamentals of Greek cuisine. The Bur Dubai restaurant’s menu sticks to crowd favourites such as Moussakka whilst giving them that fine dining edge. Call 04-5012690.
Shimmers
Soak up the sun at the Jumeirah Mina A’Salam beach. With spectacular views of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, the restaurant offers a fantastical, lit spot to dine at night. Shimmers sits on the shore playing host to Greek cuisine, a casual chic atmosphere and a relaxed seating arrangement on the sand. Call 04-4323232.
Russia
Tchaikovsky
At the epitome of the phrase ‘dinner and a show,’ is Tchaikovsky. The Russian restaurant features authentic cuisine, live music and highly entertaining dance performances. Indulge in a lavish seafood buffet every Saturday and be prepared for some unforgettable entertainment. Call 04-4488222.
Suvoroff
Suvoroff first opened its doors in the Murjan Cluster of JBR in September 2008 and quickly became popular among Russian expats. The menu, half written in Russian, offers an array of traditional dishes such as borscht, potato pelmeshki whilst the decor exudes character. Call 04-4370178.
Uzbegim
Fusing the similar tastes of Uzbekistan and Russia is Uzbegim. With three restaurants in the region in Bur Dubai, the Marina and Marina Walk, the restaurant boasts affordable home-cooking.
Call 04-3927311.
Italy
Bussola
As an award winning restaurant, Bussola has incorporated one concept within three restaurants. Start the evening overlooking the sunset in the Bussola Lounge before enjoying the sumptuous tastes of Italy in the lower restaurant, which offers diners a fine dining experience. For a more casual atmosphere, head to Bussola’s pizzeria where you can try out the restaurant’s signature pizzas.
Call 04-5117373.
BiCE Mare
One of the most entrancing views in Dubai is that of the Dubai Mall fountains - and what better way to take it all in than over fresh risotto? BiCE Mare’s terrace offers Italian and seafood inspired cuisine in the heart of Downtown Dubai. The popular eatery encompasses style and flavour in a contemporary setting. Call 04-4230982.
Positano
Where seafood, fresh vegetables and authentic produce meet, it doesn’t get much more Italian than Positano. Based in the JW Marriott Marquis, this award-winning restaurant has a team of highly skilled chefs with an air for handcrafted cuisine. Plus, children below 6 can dine for free! Call 04-4143000.
Spain
El Sur
In a casual setting, El Sur does not compromise on fine flavour. Specialising in tapas, El Sur uses fresh ingredients and dynamic recipes with their innovative menu pushing the boundaries of what you would expect to find in a traditional Spanish restaurant. Get transported to the city of Madrid hitting every gastronomic spot on the way! Call 04-3997700.
Salero
This distinctive tapas cuisine fuses traditional food-sharing platters with a modern twist and selections from Spain’s best bodegas. From the vibrant kitchen firing up authentic paella dishes, and home-made Sangria, to flawless Flamenco performances, it is the closest you will get to stepping into a local bodega in España right in the heart of Dubai with live entertainment. Call 04-4095888.
Casa de Tapas
Modelled on the traditional rustic bodega style venues in the alleyways of Madrid, Casa de Tapas is one of the most iconic Spanish restaurants in the UAE. Located at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, the restaurant features delightful classic dishes created by a highly qualified team of Spanish chefs. Everything from paella and tapas selection to drinks, music and décor, has been designed to offer a mouth-watering dining experience full of Spanish flavour in the heart of Dubai. Call 04-4161800.
United Kingdom
The Scene
For a genuine taste of home without all the fluff, The Scene is the ultimate gastronomic pub experience. With an air for flavour and keeping it traditional, Chef Simon Rimmer has mastered the art of true British cuisine. The Scene offers favourites such as Beef Wellington, Cherry Bakewell Tarts and who can say no to an all-weekend roast? Call 04-4222328.
Rhodes W1
One of the biggest names in the British culinary world, Gary Rhodes has put British food back on the map. By returning to the roots of the nation’s cuisine, Rhodes has reinforced the gastronomic beauty of British flavours. With a fine dining, elegant atmosphere, Rhodes W1 adds flare to all its dishes whilst giving a nod to traditional cooking. Call 04-3176000.
Reform Social & Grill
Located in The Lakes, Reform Social & Grill is one for the family. Mirroring its sister restaurant, based in London, the vibrant venue features a restaurant and bar alongside a garden and lakeside view. The first class British menu includes a BBQ menu complete with food from former British colonies such as the Carribbean, Africa and Australia. Call 04-4542638.