Gastronomic:
Al Mahara
Making a fair stab at being the most expensive restaurant in Dubai, the Al Mahara often divides local opinion. Some say it is overpriced for what you get, but others swear by it, and dining here is a real treat,
especially if someone else is paying. The experience begins with a three-minute mock submarine ride to the bottom of the Arabian Gulf into the restaurant where a huge aquarium awaits. This is meant to put diners in the mood for savouring the high quality seafood that has brought the restaurant numerous awards, including being listed by Restaurant Magazine as one of the 'World's Top 50 Restaurants'.
Burj Al Arab Hotel, Jumeirah Beach
Tel: (04) 301 7600.
Website: www.burj-al-arab.com
Al Muntaha
Al Muntaha has the best location in Dubai, suspended hundreds of metres above the Arabian Gulf, at the top of the Burj Al Arab hotel. Service is immaculate and the slanted glass windows give the restaurant the feel of a great ocean liner heading out to sea. Al Muntaha also delivers on the plate, with starters such as lobster Caesar salad or seared scallops and mains the likes of grilled hammour (a local fish) or roasted prime beef rib with mustard crust. There is live music at the restaurant six times a week.
Burj Al Arab Hotel, Jumeirah Beach
Tel: (04) 301 7600.
Website: www.burj-al-arab.com
La Baie
Under the expert guidance of head chef Carl Stockenstrom, this fine dining restaurant rather fancies itself to be located in a major European capital, with its mellow piano music, unfaltering service and elegant table settings. The food is similarly impressive and it all adds up to a meal that may stretch the credit card but is guaranteed to be of the highest quality. One of the most exotic starters is the marinated sturgeon carpaccio with caviar and yoghurt sauce, while a highlight among the mains (and rumoured to be the chef's favourite) is the grilled hammour on a bed of green lentils.
Ritz Carlton Dubai, Jumeirah Beach
Tel: (04) 399 4000.
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com
Signatures
This excellent French restaurant is well worth the trip out to Jebel Ali. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the chefs in action as they conjure up such innovative starter treats as lobster salad with foie gras and seared scallops wrapped in pastry. The highlight of the main menu is the sea bass served on a bed of red cabbage and cooked to perfection. Candles add to the cosy décor, making this the perfect place to take a loved one for an evening of fine French cooking. The wine list offers over 50 choices.
Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, Bur Dubai
Tel: (04) 883 6000.
Website: www.jebelali-international.com
Verre
Gordon Ramsay's Dubai venture has proved a resounding success and is firmly established as the best place to eat in Dubai. With Britain's multi-starred Michelin chef behind things, Verre could not really go wrong. The minimalist décor might not suit all tastes but the simple surrounds and the well thought-out lighting help focus deserved attention on the food. A nice touch is the chef's specialities - tasty morsels of food that come between the impressive courses. Mains include salmon with a fricassee of peas and horseradish or poached chicken on a bed of tagliatelle. The desserts are divine. The three-course lunch specials offer excellent value.
Hilton Dubai Creek, Beniyas Road
Tel: (04) 227 1111.
Website: www.hilton.com