Trendy
Butcher Shop & Grill
The backbone of this eatery, if you pardon the pun, is meat, meat and meat. The influence is South African with a hearty butcher on hand if you have a kitchen back where you are staying. If not, settle in for a
carnivore's feast with the obvious highlights the massive, juicy and perfectly cooked steaks. The chicken livers are also divine, wrapped in an aromatic herby sauce.
Mall of the Emirates
Tel: (04) 347 1167.
Website: www.malloftheemirates.com
Pierchic
Seafood-loving trendies are flocking to this 110-seat eatery at the landmark Madinat Jumeirah development. Set out on a wooden pier, with views out over the expanse of the Arabian Gulf, the venue is perfect for trying some local and international seafood dishes. Mains include the likes of poached Atlantic lobster with snow peas, Inoki mushrooms and passion fruit dressing or Arabian chilled seafood platter laced with Iranian caviar.
Madinat Jumeirah
Tel: (04) 366 6730.
Website: www.madinatjumeirah.com
Sushi
Fans of sushi and sashimi should head to the lavish lobby atrium of the Grand Hyatt Dubai for either lunch or dinner. This buzzing seafood eatery is a current favourite of the local beautiful people with a fresh and refreshing menu of Japanese treats, most prepared before your eyes as you sup on a saki or chilled Japanese beer.
Grand Hyatt Dubai, Al Qutaeyat Road
Tel: (04) 317 1234.
Website: www.dubai.grand.hyatt.com
Times of Arabia
Another emerging Madinat favourite. Choose from the relaxed Arabic-style interior or join the cool crowd out on the terrace, which often benefits from a cooling breeze. A wide variety of Lebanese dishes are available on an extensive menu with cold and warm mezze the most popular orders, though the local fish hammour is also a solid choice. Many diners opt for the mixed grill with four types of meat served in expertly grilled kebab form with a dip and warm bread. Unlike many restaurants down at Madinat they serve beer on draught in the form of Heineken. The pumping Arabic dance sounds can be a bit much for some, but this is the new face of Dubai and if you don't like it they'd probably prefer you went somewhere else anyway.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah
Tel: (04) 368 6044.
Ushna
Glamorous Madinat Jumeirah is the place to be in Dubai at the moment and they don't come much better than Ushna. This stylish ‘New Indian' restaurant delves into the cuisine of the north of the country to muster up some old staples and some funky new additions. A perennial favourite is the divine Tandoori platter, an ideal grazing dish to relax with and take in the sights and sounds of Madinat.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah
Tel: (04) 368 6506.