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Food & Drink
Gourmet foodie holiday
Dubai is a foodie lover's dream, with fine-dining, casual bites and plenty of homegrown favourites to sink your teeth into.
1
Sustainable, locally-sourced dishes served up in an inventive way
Boasting Mediterranean flavours and local ingredients, this Michelin-lauded cool European restaurant in bustling DIFC is known for plating super-creative dishes with a big emphasis on on sustainability. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through a selection of their tapas-style plates. Options start with signature iced citrus olives and move onto octopus carpaccio, rosemary Padron peppers, kombucha-glazed local beetroot and mini pizzas. Don't forget to order the paella, known to be among the best in the city — the black squid ink version is an umami-filled crowd pleaser.
2
Legendary Pakistani eatery with a huge following
This popular casual dining spot in Satwa serves up a menu of Pakistani curries, fresh naan bread and expertly grilled meats. Ravi Restaurant has gained a huge following among residents and is frequently recommended to tourists looking for an authentic culinary experience. Signature dishes include the mutton karahi, chicken tikka, lentil fry and biryani. Cool down the spices with a rich yoghurt lassi.
3
Hip Tokyo-inspired street food
This anime-inspired D3 spot stole the limelight when it brought a very special dish to the UAE - Tokyo's take on the pizza. But that's not the only reason you should head to this casual, buzzing Japanese restaurant, decked out with neon pop art and anime-inspired decor with outposts at Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Design District and the Pavilion at The Beach. The menu offers up traditional favourites like yaki udon noodles and chicken katsu curry, with a selection of more innovative plates including wagyu tacos, plus there are plenty of sushi options too.
4
Creative dishes served up with flair at a down-to-earth spot in DIFC
There are all the Bs at this cute spot, but the one you won’t find is boring. The dishes at this cool DIFC restaurant come from top brains and the bao, bites, bowls and barbecue dishes are super-inventive, creative and cool. From edamame hummus to soft shell crab bao, everything is delicious and has had buckets of thought and care poured into it. Don’t miss the katsu sandos too, and while you’re there the baonut is a must for dessert fans.
5
Local name wowing in his own right
Known for his kitchen performances at Zuma and PLAY among other top names, local chef extraordinaire Reif Othman has set up shop on his own to massive applause. This casual dining spot in Jumeirah's Dar Wasl Mall has won a slew of awards, serving up his take on Asian street food with a strong Japanese accent. Take your seat in the relaxed, wood-accented interiors and enjoy a plethora of sharing plates. Fans return for The Experience, a curated tasting menu and Singaporean breakfasts on weekends.
