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Zuma

Zuma (Gate Village 6, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai) – with its “power lunch” style interior, this restaurant is reminiscent of the Four Seasons Restaurant at New York’s Park Avenue. The Dubai outlet of chef Rainer Becker’s six-strong chain of izakaya-style Japanese restaurants serves inventive small-plates of Japanese cuisine in a bright downstairs restaurant and strong cocktails in a dimly lit upstairs lounge bar. One media report raved about their crispy fried squid, whose ” crisp peppery coating and a squeeze of fresh lime makes Zuma’s take on the dish among the best we’ve tried.”

Tagine

Tagine (One & Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh Road, Jumeirah, Dubai) – despite the Dubai location (near The Palm Jumeirah), the cuisine, décor and live music here are all Moroccan. Expect dishes such as harira soup, couscous, lamb shanks and, of course, tagines. The dining area, meanwhile, is divided into smaller rooms and alcoves to ensure privacy and there’s also an option of live outdoor seating when the weather’s cool.

Table 9 By Nick and Scott

Table 9 By Nick and Scott (Hilton Dubai Creek, Deira, Dubai) – rated “#1 Restaurant in the Middle East”, this high-end eatery is competing with other celebrity chef-driven restaurants in Dubai. Taking a step away from formal fine dining, the award winning chefs have created a seasonal fluid menu made up of aptly named “smaller” and “larger” plates, giving guests the freedom to create their own bespoke dining experience. Guests are equally welcome to indulge in a multi-course tasting menu or simply enjoy a couple of small dishes with a glass of wine on any night of the week.

Shimmers

Shimmers (Mina A’Salam, Umm Suqeim, Dubai) – upon entering this restaurant through the Mina A’Salam Hotel (on the right side of Madinat Jumeirah), patrons are won over by its mere location – by the beach and a great view of the Burj Al Arab building. Those actually eating here are pleasantly surprised by its spicy tomato & lemongrass soup. Shimmers is also known for its smoky flavored king prawns (served with a squeeze of lemon and a touch of fresh black pepper).

Roberto’s

Roberto’s (Gate 1, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai) – another celebrity chef within shouting distance of similar outposts, Roberto Rella (who once managed the world renown Italian restaurant Bice), is competing for the attention of well-heeled travelers.

Reflets Par Pierre Gagnaire

Reflets Par Pierre Gagnaire (International Dubai Festival City, Dubai) – Michelin star French chef Pierre Gagnaire aptly had his Dubai outpost named after him, attracting a stream of high-brow diners accustomed to similar locales in Paris and London. Media critics have given their desserts, in particular a thumbs-up, ranging from palate-teasing experiments (rocket leaves and cherry compote) to indulgent classics (a traditional opera cake).

Rhodes Mezzanine

Rhodes Mezzanine (Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai) – British celebrity chef Gary Rhodes runs the show at this restaurant, overseeing one of the most disciplined kitchen staffs in Dubai, guaranteeing that his “British classics with French flair” are satisfactory to its patrons.