ARMANI/HASHI
At the base of Burj Khalifa, the best place to sit at this intrinsically stylish venue is on its terrace, which boasts arguably the best view of the dancing Dubai Fountain. A vast menu – including sashimi, maki rolls, teppanyaki, tempura – is at first intimidating, however the small plates are meant to be shared, allowing diners to get a full-flavoured taste of the contemporary Japanese offerings. From the simple – crisp basil-miso asparagus and spicy salmon maki rolls – to the more inventive – a roll that includes mozzarella, avocado and crab is quite the mouthful – everything is well presented and fresh.
Fish is flown in daily, and a sea bass glazed in a subtly sweet plum sauce, as well as a tangy yellowtail ceviche, are highlights from the kitchen. The service is just as high quality as the dishes, with staff knowledgeable about the menu, helpful when diners seem overcome by the wide variety of choice and always discreetly available.Must try: The wagyu tataki showcases paper-thin slices of the rich beef that are well matched to generous shavings of black truffle and succulent nameko mushrooms.
Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
+971 4 888 3888
dubai.armanihotels.com
ZUMA
Nestled into a corner of Dubai International Financial Centre’s (DIFC) sleek Gate Village, izakaya-inspired Zuma is something of a fine-dining institution in the city. Earning its place for three consecutive years on the prestigious San Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants list, the restaurant’s airy, light-filled and Zen atmosphere permeates the contemporary bi-level venue. Focusing on fuss-free presentation and simple creations that highlight the quality of ingredients used, toothsome raw wagyu is stuffed into sushi and topped by caviar, while indulgent otoro sashimi practically disintegrates in the mouth.
Squeezes of lime add an exciting touch to crispy fried squid, while skewers of robata offer tantalising bites of marinated grilled meats, fish and vegetables. In the evening, the upper-level bar and lounge brims with Dubai’s chic set sipping on unique cocktails, such as the Zuma Spring Punch, to a DJ playing low-key beats.Must try:For ultra-tender meat with a little kick, the spicy beef tenderloin with sesame, red chilli and sweet soy is a treat for the taste buds.
Gate
Village 06, DIFC
+971 4 425 5660
www.zumarestaurant.com
THIPTARA
Jutting out into Burj Lake from the luxe Palace Downtown Dubai hotel, Thiptara – which appropriately translates to “magic at the water” – is akin to having an exclusive little Thai island of gourmet delights right here in the Middle East. Inside the exotic pagoda restaurant, where glowing lanterns hang from intricately designed, vaulted ceilings, it’s easy to see why the intimate space is a popular destination for special occasions and romantic evenings; diners should request a seat on the waterfront terrace in the cooler months for the best view of the lake and surrounding skyscrapers.
Chef Chaiwat Kawikitpraphat has designed a menu of royal Thai cuisine with authentic recipes that take their cue from Bangkok-style seafood. Chilli, basil, galangal, lemongrass and kaffir permeate a colourful menu that includes a sweet and spicy tom yum goong soup, the succulent yum nuer yang beef salad and moreish thod maan poo deep-fried crab cakes. But explore as much as possible and opt for one of the tasting menus.Must try:Literally a mouthful, the goong mung korn phad grapao – or stir-fried lobster with a dose of spicy ingredients – is a guaranteed indulgence
The Palace Downtown Dubai
+971 4 888 3444
www.theaddress.com/dining
ZEPHYR ROOFTOP LOUNGE
It’s difficult to think of a better place from which to view Dubai’s always-lively Sheikh Zayed Road than from the 47th floor of a skyscraper. Perched on the rooftop of Warwick Hotel Dubai, Zephyr Rooftop Lounge draws a chic crowd looking to relax in a laid-back atmosphere with cocktails and Asian-inspired bites served around a tranquil poolside. Placing a greater focus on an evening of upbeat socialisation – backed by a low-key DJ – groups of friends can choose a number of tantalising nibbles to accompany refreshing drinks and a brilliant sunset.
Salted edamame and fried calamari with jasmine tea and jalapeño peppers are a favourite finger food that inspire moreish appetites. Try generous dishes of punchy orange and miso-caramelised salmon or tender lamb chops with crispy noodles. For get togethers and long evenings catching up with friends or colleagues, platters filled with a variety of plump dim sum, meat-filled gyoza, crunchy spring rolls or juicy yakitori will surely hit the spot.Must try: The wok-fried beef and lemongrass is at once savoury and full of tart exotic flavour
Warwick Hotel Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road
+971 4 506 9600
www.warwickhotels.com
CHINA GRILL
This expansive restaurant – a hot transplant from New York City – has cultivated a loyal following since opening at Westin Dubai Mina Siyahi Beach Resort & Marina in 2014. More than just a vibrant atmosphere among modish, hip décor, the restaurant also serves up a tasty selection of what it refers to as “Asian-inspired world cuisine” in a series of sushi, dim sum and plates large and small. Take, for example, the soundly European roasted eggplant and burrata, which adds an Asian twist of miso glaze, or a pasta mixed with a profusion of Asian mushrooms, and you’ll get an idea for the inventive mindset of the brand.
But if you’re in the mood for something more strictly Asian, your choices are still ample: cod is tea-smoked with Thai basil and pomelo salad, while Korea’s famed barbecued short ribs are also on the menu, kalbi-spiced and accompanied by kimchi.Must try: The king scallop and lobster siew mai dim sum in lobster broth is wonderfully textured and full of fresh flavour.
The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort &
Marina
+971 4 511 7333
www.chinagrilldubai.com
ZENGO
From the minds of celeb chefs Richard Sandoval and Akmal Anuar, guests here are treated not only to a world- and Orient-fusion menu, but fantastic views of the Gulf from the restaurant’s seaside location. Meaning “give and take”, Zengo’s chefs collaborate with artful results on sharing dishes served in a warm and relaxed setting decorated with natural materials.
But relaxed doesn’t mean boring, and the open-plan space showcases live cooking counters where a sushi master whips up fresh bites of fish, from ceviche and sushi to maki rolls, and a robata grill with charcoal imported from Japan where baby chicken, wagyu ribs and octopus are expertly prepared – with ingredients from carefully chosen artisan producers that are plucked during peak seasons globally. Be prepared to stay well into the evening to enjoy a resident DJ and three unique bar areas – themed after mist, fire and smoke.Must try: The duck maseca pancake is a mouth-watering serving of duck-leg confit with chipotle barbecue sauce.
Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina
+971 4 316 5550
www.zengo-dubai.com
TOMO
Clinging near the top of the iconic Raffles Dubai pyramid with unobstructed views of the lengthy Dubai skyline, Tomo’s Tatami Terrace is the spot to grab a seat as the sun sets beyond the Burj Khalifa. While many hip, but westernised, Japanese restaurants boast contemporary leanings, Tomo’s chef and owner Chitoshi Takahashi prefers more authentic flavours, staffing a kitchen with chefs who have spent considerable time refining their skills in Japanese cuisine.
The restaurant is replete with simple Japanese aesthetics and elegance, dimly lit and filled with rich wooden accents and traditional Japanese floor seats and low tables. A large menu opens a window into a real taste of Japan with a wide variety of rice and noodles, as well as grilled and fried meats, nigiri and sashimi, and plenty of wagyu options. Whether choosing seafood donburi or hand-rolled, melt-in-your-mouth fatty tuna, it’s sure to recall your favourite excursion to the Land of the Rising Sun.Must try: Grilled fish from the teishoku menu accompanied by steamed rice, miso soup and pickles for a taste of simple authenticity.
Raffles Dubai, Oud Metha
+971 4 357 7888
www.tomo.ae
