9 Great Restaurants in Dubai

Al Nafoorah is a Middle Eastern poolside restaurant set in Dubai’s luxurious 5-star Jumeirah Al Qasr hotel. Located right near the Burj Al Arab and with views past the pool and out over the sea, it brings you a setting that matches the exquisite tastes.

The food is mainly Lebanese, and your best bet is to get a selection of the dishes to experience it all. There's a choice of kebabs to try, but the lamb is so tender, you can't miss out on that. There are vegetarian options too, with a range of bread and hummus, and they also put on a great international breakfast.

Atmosphere Grill & Lounge sits at a lofty 442 metres above Dubai, earning itself the title of the world's tallest restaurant. Sitting about halfway up the world's tallest building, you can take in Atmosphere’s stunning vistas while dining on fine French cuisine.

The food is exquisite, and you'll find breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, and even an afternoon tea option if you'd rather just soak up the views over something lighter. You can dine à la carte for dinner, with seafood and grill menus, or choose a set menu if you want the full experience. For the best views, make sure you reserve a table in the restaurant, not the lounge.

Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant offers you an international buffet at the top of the Hyatt Regency Dubai, on the waterfront. The setting is next to none, providing 360-degree views of the Emirate as you dine on a range of international favourites.

You're bound to find something you like here, with a range of Asian and continental dishes on offer. There are Indian curries available with different starters and types of bread, a sushi selection with oysters to complement, and a range of western dishes from risotto to burgers. You'll also be treated to a selection of desserts from around the globe.

Stay by Yannick Alléno is a fine-dining restaurant created by one of Paris’s most celebrated Michelin chefs. Situated in One&Only The Palm Hotel on The Palm Jumeirah, the interior and exterior of this refined dining spot are simply exquisite, with delicate table decorations and marble arches adorning the outdoor area.

The set menu often changes, but will always bring the taste of France to your table. The Wagyu beef steak is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and for dessert, you make an individual request to the pastry chef. The presentation of the food is an art form in itself, and there’s also a wine pairing option if you desire.

Amritsr is an open-all-hours Indian restaurant in downtown Dubai, most easily accessed by Burjuman Metro Station exit 2. The scents of spices beckon you through the modest exterior, where you'll be greeted by a relaxing setting decked in homely Indian colours and authentic Punjabi food.

This is a great spot for vegetarians, with starters like pakoras, rolls and samosas available with mushroom or paneer cheese. The paneer is spot on, cooked to perfection to give it a nice, firm bite. Meat-lovers aren't forgotten either, with the mutton rogan josh being particularly popular.

The Restaurant At Address Downtown is a luxurious restaurant next to The Dubai Mall, boasting great food and with views of the Burj Khalifa. You'll find a variety of cuisines, with the restaurant coining their cuisine global bistronomy (French casual fine dining).

The mix of casual and fine dining works wonderfully, allowing you to grab a real quality dish, even if you need to eat on the go. There's a mix of Middle Eastern, Indian and European cuisines, and it’s a family friendly restaurant where kids under 5 eat for free. The interior offers you something different too, with a modern design like an apartment to give a homely feel.

Bait Maryam is a Palestinian restaurant that's hidden inside Jumeirah Lakes Towers. The interior is like a boutique Palestinian home, and the food you'll be eating is as close as you can find to Palestinian homecooked food as well.

You're best off eating the true Middle Eastern way and ordering a range of dishes to try from. All your favourite dips are here, like hummus, mint and yoghurt, and perhaps our favourite of the night, baba ghanoush. You're constantly getting topped up with fresh, warm bread straight from the oven, and the staff are more than happy to suggest combinations. Make sure you ask about the daily specials for the mains – the honey glazed lamb special is a must-try.

Ayamna is a restaurant sitting on the edge of The Palm Jumeirah, which offers Lebanese cuisine in an authentic setting. You can take a seat indoors surrounded by marble decor, or dine by lantern light outside on the terrace.

You can choose to order a set menu or dine à la carte, but the beauty of the set menu is that you get to try a range of starters, which are worth it. Each of the dishes is freshly made and wonderfully presented. The lamb kofta is a top highlight of the mains, perfectly seasoned and grilled, with a tenderness you’ll struggle to find elsewhere.

Sardina Seafood Restaurant is a relaxing place to dine on the first floor of The Mall, opposite Jumeirah Beach resort. We all know that the best seafood restaurants are right by the sea, and Sardina Seafood is no exception.

The menu offers a range of fresh seafood, with calamari and clam starters to die for. You'll find a wide array of freshly caught fish, of which you can choose your own. The chef was delighted when we asked about the origins and cooking methods of each dish, so if you need any recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask. Kids aren't forgotten either, and you can often be tempted to try the fish nuggets and chips for yourselves.