CONNECTOR.AE 18 CONNECTOR.AE 19 DINING AROUND DINING AROUND Nestledat the foot of JumeirahEmiratesTowers, Ninive isan ‘urbanmajlis’ with twinkling lights, lush greenery, and Middle Eastern charm. Its menu spans the Middle East and North Africa, with mezze, grills, and fragrant tagines to share. Standouts include pumpkin and spinach kibbeh, almond kunafa, and grilled octopus skewers. Perfect for a romantic date in an Arabic restaurant. Open Sundays to Thursdays from 6pm to 2am, and until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. www.ninive.ae Perched along Dubai Creek in Al Seef, Al-Fanar blends rustic charm with a celebration of authentic Emirati cuisine. From the terrace, guests can watch fishermen’s floating stalls while enjoying signature Arabic dishes like jesheed, featuring shredded, seasoned baby shark served with fragrant rice, or the indulgent Aseeda al Tamor, a spiced date pudding with syrup. The interior channels old Dubai with vintage décor, while the waterfront setting underlines the freshness of its seafood. Warm hospitality and hearty portions make it a standout spot for a taste of tradition. Open daily from noon to 11pm. www.alfanarrestaurant.com Set in Souk Al Bahar at Downtown Dubai, Siraj offers a refined blend of Emirati and Levantine flavours with a modern twist. Inside, elegant oriental-inspired décor pays homage to Arabic heritage, while the terrace provides prime views of Burj Khalifa. Signature dishes like lobster kebbe and shrimp kunafa showcase the creative edge to its otherwise traditional menu. Perfect for a romantic evening or a stylish night out, Siraj pairs culturewith culinary finesse. Open noon to 1amonMondays through Thursdays, and until 2am on Fridays to Sundays. @sirajrestaurant Located at Wasl 51, Sufret Maryam is Michelin-awarded Chef Salam Dakkak’s heartfelt tribute to her mother. Warm Palestinian hospitality fills the space, adorned with art and the aroma of freshly baked breads, including a standout 48-hour fermented sourdough. The menu elevates nostalgic Palestinian and Jordanian dishes, with highlights like labneh crème brûlée topped with za’atar ice cream. Recognised with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, it’s a place where heritage meets refined flavour. Open daily from 9am to midnight. @sufretmaryam Ninive, Sheikh Zayed Road Al-Fanar, Al Seef Siraj, Downtown Dubai Sufret Maryam, Jumeirah Ten To Try: Smash Burgers Smash burgers are the rebels of the burger world. They’re bold, flavour-packed and unapologetically crispy. Unlike the thick, juicy patties of a traditional burger, a smash burger begins as a ball of meat pressed flat onto a scorching hot grill. This ‘smashing’ creates a caramelised crust that locks in flavour, giving each bite a perfect balance of crunch and succulence. Born in American diners in the mid-20th century, smash burgers have made their way to Dubai’s food scene, where creative chefs are taking this simple yet genius technique and giving it a local twist. From classic cheese-laden stacks to adventurous flavour mash-ups, these hidden gems across the city are serving smash burgers worth seeking out.
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