Here is a list of the finest of the fine where you can dine with an aura of elegance and some sublime food.
Being called a ‘foodie’ is passé. ‘Foodies’ will eat anything once just to say they’ve tried it all. ‘Gourmands’ on the other hand, have a taste for the finer flavours in life. They appreciate tasty food but care more about the overall experience of dining. Start working on achieving gourmand status by dining at these spectacular restaurants in and around Dubai.
- La Petite Maison
Located in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), this restaurant’s ‘old Genoese,’ cooking is reminiscent of sitting at an Italian Nona’s kitchen table. It uses entirely local produce — notably artichokes, courgettes, lemons, olives, tomatoes, peppers and girolles — and pairs it with the freshest seafood, meat, and pasta to produce a style that’s light and healthy and tasty enough to elicit loud reactions of ‘mamma mia’ with every bite.
- Zeng He’s
The award-winning chefs at Zheng He’s are alchemists that blend Western techniques with traditional Chinese flavours. The dockside setting adds to its offbeat aura with views of the Burj Al Arab and the Gulf beyond. The signature Fortune Beggar Chicken and Peking Duck are the must tries here as they showcase the skills, technique and flavours this restaurant champions.
- Table 9
Think of this concept restaurant at the Hilton, Dubai Creek as a stage where the best chefs put on their best performances by curating their signature dining experiences. Table 9 is synonymous with food that pushes the envelope of diners’ expectations and delivers a meal that memorable for more reasons than one. Opt for the ever changing four-course menu or seasonal options such as king crab ravioli and portobello mushroom carpaccio. This spot is also perfect for Sunday brunches and romantic nights out.
- Thiptara
Offering patron sublime Thai cuisine with a focus on Bangkok-style seafood is the aptly named Thiptara, which means ‘Magic from the Water’. Overlooking the dreamy Dubai Fountain, this is the most romantic restaurant on this list. With a menu that pays respect to age-old, authentic Thai culinary traditions; expect a culinary tour of Thailand covering the gamut of tastes, textures, and aromas it is famous for. Try traditional courses with Thai iced tea or a cognac from the restaurant’s spirits selection.
- COYA
The best restaurant in Dubai when it comes to Lat-Am or Latin American cuisine COYA’s culinary compass points to Spain, Japan and China, countries which have contributed to Peru’s eclectic cuisine. Peruvian-style Sashimi and ceviche star alongside superhits like COYA’s arroz Nikkei (with Chilean sea bass and fluffy rice). For dessert, you cannot go wrong with the churros at COYA, unless you don’t dunk them in the luscious, molten chocolate at least twice per bite.