Reflets Par Pierre Gagnaire (International Dubai Festival City, Dubai) – Michelin star French chef Pierre Gagnaire aptly had his Dubai outpost named after him, attracting a stream of high-brow diners accustomed to similar locales in Paris and London. Media critics have given his desserts in particular a thumbs-up, ranging from palate-teasing experiments (rocket leaves and […]
Rajdhani Restaurant (Rolla Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai) – given the large expatriate Indian community, which is a significant portion of the workforce in Dubai, it was inevitable that at least some restaurants, such as this one, serve Indian cuisine. Rajdhani is popular for its Thalis (the Indian meal that is served on a steel tray […]
Prego’s (Madinet Zayed Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers, Abu Dhabi) — The best of Abu Dhabi’s Italian restaurants, Prego’s offers up authentic, well-executed Italian fare, including delicious handmade pastas (you can see them being made!) and wonderful wood-fire oven pizza and pasta. The fresh-out-of-the-oven breads and virgin olive oil on arrival is scrumptious, with a […]
Porter’s Pub (Grand Millenium Al Wahda, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi) – Home-sick Americans passing through Abu Dhabi will likely hit this place. Along with beef hamburgers, salads, jumbo hot dogs, this restaurant also serves Philadelphia cheese steaks, and even chicken quesadilla is thrown in (even though that’s technically a Mexican dish). Classic rock and pop […]
Nobu (The Crescent — Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai) – the world-renowned Japanese restaurant created by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, combines his cutting edge style with South American influences to create a truly stunning space and unforgettable dining experience. Complemented by a sushi bar and sake lounge, Nobu gives you the perfect excuse to dress […]
Nautilus (Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi) – located in the marina wing of Yas Viceroy Hotel, this is a fine restaurant for seafood lovers. There is an assortment of fresh fish, clams, caviar, scallops, and prawns. Well-regarded dishes here include the sea bass and salmon. The space-age décor also stands out […]
Le Café (Emirates Palace Hotel, Corniche Street, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi) – along with chicken caesar salad, chicken paninis, and desserts such as tarts, caramel tiramisu, novelty cakes and biscuits, the standout dish at this restaurant would have to be the critically-acclaimed Camel Burger (a camel meat patty served with a side of chickpea […]
Jazz Bar (Corniche Road West Al-Khudeirah Hilton Abu Dhabi Hotel, Abu Dhabi) — One of the city’s oldest and most consistently fine restaurants serves up fabulous cocktails, clever contemporary fusion cuisine, and live jazz in a modern Art-Deco-inspired interior. The South African bands play on a raised platform behind the curved bar, so it’s possible […]
Hemingway’s (Hilton Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi) – Decent-tasting Tex-Mex food and other items ranging from enchiladas, fajitas, jumbo shrimp and burgers through to finger lickin’ Cajun spiced salmon. That, as well as “Inca Arrows” (huge fingers of deep fried chicken breast, breaded mozzarella sticks, and a salad, along with a tangy barbecue sauce).
Hakkasan (Emirates Palace Hotel, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi) – opened in 2010, this is a well-regarded Chinese restaurant among the expat crowd. Hakkasan’s signature dishes like Peking duck with caviar and grilled Wagyu beef with king soy sauce are served alongside a set of new dishes created especially for an Emirate clientele. The restaurant […]