The mercury may be pushing 50 but that doesn’t mean it’s microwave meals for two each night; the UAE boasts some of the world’s best restaurants and with many offering vistas that are just as pretty inside as they are on the outside, there’s never been a better time of year to make the most of air-conditioned dining. Here’s our pick of the best culinary hotspots to try this summer.
Mint Leaf of London, DIFC, Dubai
Dubai’s most talked about Indian restaurant offers a mouth-watering menu of traditional Indian cuisine injected with a signature modern twist that has foodies in the know salivating all year round. Relax and enjoy exquisite, flavourful dishes in elegant surroundings. With dark slate and henna inspired carved wood interiors, the moody yet intimate feel is set to a backdrop of stunning views of the Burj Khalifa nonetheless.
Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC t: +971 4 706 0900 e: reservations@mintleafdubai.com
Novikov, Dubai
Novikov, the international and contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant located in the Sheraton Grand, Dubai offers a much-loved eclectic menu in one of the trendiest restaurants in the world. Loved by the beautiful set, Novikov is home to both a restaurant and lounge and comes alive under the dim glow from the focal lighting design that take centre stage here. Dishes are creative and the atmosphere is buzzing – a great place for those foodies (and fashionistas) in the know. Sheraton Grand Hotel, t: +971 4 388 8744
At.mosphere Lounge, Burj Khalifa
Where better to escape the heat and still enjoy the amazing Dubai cityscape than At.mosphere at Burj Khalifa. The lounge recently unveiled a brand new menu that has to be tried by both visitors and residents alike. Mixing seasonal produce with innovative culinary trends this all new lounge menu seamlessly blends the line between upscale and casual dining. A fusion of cuisine, enjoy small platters of delicious street food such as Lobster Buns with apple and fennel sauce and Truffle Mac’n’Cheese. As your palette is treated to an exciting mix of flavours, sit back and relax as you enjoy the unparalleled views out across this beautiful city from the world’s tallest building.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai t: 04 8883828 or e: reservations@atmosphereburjkhalifa.com
PLAY Restaurant & Lounge
Another downtown favourite, PLAY at the H Hotel has become a regular haunt of gastronomes in the know. Featuring signature Mediterassian cuisine ( a perfect fusion of Mediterranean and Asian dishes ), this award-winning restaurant is offering diners a special summer menu during July and August. This set menu is inclusive of two courses and a glass of house grape for just AED 300 for two people. As well as indulging in some of the best food in Dubai, you’ll be blown-away by the venue’s art deco inspired interiors who create an unforgettable dining experience.
36th Floor, H Hotel, 1 Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai t: 04 336 4444 e: info@playrestaurants.com
Nobu, Atlantis The Palm
It needs little introduction – Nobu is one of the world’s greatest fine-dining restaurant chains and Dubai’s branch is no different. Nestled in the winding yet cavernous interior of Atlantis, The Palm, Nobu is destination dining at its very best. It excels in its infectious infusion of traditional Japanese style cuisine with cutting edge South American influences, topped off with lashings of contemporary flair. A place to see and be seen, Nobu remains one of Dubai’s best eateries and is an ideal location for all manner of occasions from brunch to date night. Standout dishes include the legendary Miso-Marinated Black Cod as well as the Lobster Quinoa Ceviche. Delicious!
Atlantis, The Palm t: 04 426 2626
Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara, Burj Al Arab
Perhaps Dubai’s most iconic fine-dining restaurant, Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara is located within the luxurious Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Walking into the restaurant is an experience itself as you submerge through the golden archway and into a wall-to-ceiling aquarium. With its unique underwater feel (instagram moment anyone?) and an award-winning chef in Nathan Outlaw, Al Mahara offers the best dining experience in town. Seafood is the order / catch of the day here and the seafood connoisseur’s unique cooking style results in satisfying and aesthetically beautiful dishes that are almost too good to eat. Almost. With a relaxed atmosphere and a new menu, Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara is the ultimate indoor dining experience.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah t: 04 301 7600 e: BAArestaurants@jumeirah.com
The Insider UAE 