Your Foodie Guide to Dubai

Amazonico (DIFC)

Cuisine: Latin American

What I thought would have been over-hyped by social media turned out to pleasantly surprise. Having gone to both the Mayfair restaurant and now Dubai, it is safe to say that London needs to seriously up its game. Amazonico UAE takes it to the next level (as per Dubai style) with an immersive jungle experience, vibes from the DJ and bursting flavours coming from the theatrical open kitchen. The energy at this place is simply unmatched. 

Plates to order: 

• Mazorca – grilled corn, panca butter
• Bife Angosto Wagyu – Grassed-fed Wagyu sirloin  
• Piña Rostizada – Roasted caramel glazed pineapple 

Ce La Vi (The Address)

Cuisine: Contemporary Asian

While the culinary concoctions are certainly up there, the views of this restaurant are what puts it on this list. Sat opposite the Burj Khalifa on the 54th floor of the Address Sky View Hotel, your evening will be filled with dazzling city lights and I hate to say it but many MANY Instagram opportunities. I’m talking a beautiful red flower display created specifically for the photos ladies. No effort from us needed just perch and pose. 

Plates to order:

• Tandoori Carrots 
• Roasted Black Cod 
• Butternut Squash Misoyaki 

Asia Asia (Dubai Marina)

Cuisine: Pan-Asian

Situated overlooking the iconic marina,  Asia Asia’s outdoor terrace is buzzing and is a little more on the affordable side too which is always welcome. (side note: emphasis on the little, Dubai is crazy expensive). By the end of eating out in Dubai you really are sick of the endless soy sauce and sushi but just when you thought you were done, the crispy sweet potato arrives and before you know it you’ve eaten the whole thing without sharing with the fam. Oops. Sorry not sorry. Plus, it’s kinda cool watching the super yachts harbour in from the sea. (*adds to vision board*, guilty)

Plates to order:

• Sweet and Sour Chicken 
• Thai Red Curry 
• Crispy Sweet Potato (with truffle)

Il Borro (Jumeirah Al Naseem)

Cuisine: Tuscan Bistro

A calmer setting that transports you to the lakes of Tuscany. Surrounded by the waters of the turtle sanctuary of the Al Naseem, Il Borro does Italian food right. Andrea Boccelli plays in the background whilst you tuck into some tomato focaccia along with a spot of burrata. Deliciosooooo. 

Plates to order: 

• Homamde Pumpkin Tortelli with Umbrian black winter ruffle 
• Burrata di Andria con tartufo nero 
• Watermelon and Feta Salad 

Zuma (DIFC)  

Cuisine: Contemporary Japanese

If you don’t know about Zuma until now, seriously?! If there’s one place that you’re going to go to on this list, make it Zuma. Having been to the restaurants in Miami, Las Vegas, London, New York, Dubai’s Zuma knocks these guys out of the park. The massive ambient dining room is always filled with that warming buzz and the food…well I simply have no words. Just go.  

Plates to order: 

• Miso Black Cod
• Grilled Chilean Seabass
• Chocolate fondant (from the secret menu)

Clap (DIFC)

Cuisine: Japanese

Yep ok, let’s laugh at the name now. Great, done? CLAP is the authentic newbie to the DIFC scene but has already secured its place as one of the top restaurants in the city. We took a risk trying this place out but to no surprise it beat our expectations. Expect the unexpected, right! 

Plates to order:

• Tofu Teriyaki
• Salmon Teriyaki Braised Lettuce 
• Grilled Baby Chicken 

Shanghaime (DIFC)

Cuisine: East Asia

So, Chinese is the last choice of takeaway on a Friday night for my family and I, but Shanghaime might have changed that. From fishing out pieces of chicken in a dish filled with fiery hot chillies to the classic beef in black bean, Shanghaime is another must-go. Plus, the interior and private dining room are the height of art-deco, very extravagant, but cool. 

Plates to order: 

• Spicy Popcorn Chicken with Dried Chilli 
• Wok Beef with Garlic & Black Pepper Sauce
• Wok Vegetables with Chili Garlic Sauce

Amal (Third Floor Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa)

Cuisine: Indian

One of the first restaurants we visited in Dubai 5 years ago and still one of our absolute faves. Overlooking the extravaganza of the Dubai Fountain spectacles, the regional aromas of Indian will not disappoint. From exotic curries to the elegant yet entertaining outdoor dining experience, Amal holds a special place in my heart. 

Plates to order: 

• Nizami Murgh Biryani – Fragrant chicken layered with saffron infused basmati rice 
• Amritsari Seekh Kebab – Royal cumin spiced minced lamb skewer coated with pepper 
• Pani Poori Shots – Crispy Pooris, masala quinoa chat, sweet and spicy shots 

Nammos (Four Seasons Resort, Jumierah Beach)

Cuisine: Greek

A new opening in the restaurant scene, Nammos Mykonos takes Arabia. Experience Mediterranean elegance and style in the opulence of the Four Seasons Resort at Jumierah Beach. This setting is the definition of glamour by the sea. 

Plates to order: 

• Mediterranean Spread Platter
• Classic Greek Salad 
• Fresh Fish from display 

Nusr-Et (Four Seasons Resort at Jumeriah Beach)

Cuisine: Steakhouse

This is last on the list for a reason (over-hyped) but you have to go at least once. Nusr-Et is the epitome of trending, however nobody minds SaltBae sprinkling some seasoning over a juicy cut of fillet steak, every now and again, especially if its the gold signature! 

Plates to order:

– Any steak. 

For more foodie adventures, check out some of our other articles!

Featured Image Credit: Author