Decent restaurant in Dubai

[thainy77]

Hi all, i rotate out of Dubai so know my way around fairly well but my girlfriend is coming over at the end of the month and i wanted to take her to a decent restaurant. As i'm usually here with work colleagues decent restaurants are not normally the kind of places we frequent.

Any help much appreciated.

[Chilli]

The Japanese restaurant (Bonsai, or something) at the habtoor Grand hotel is excellent. Book in advance and get a seat outside. It's only a small area, but the food is some of the best I've ever had.

[dxbtiger]

Any preference on the sort of cuisine?

[thainy77]

Cheers, I had a look at the Habtoor website and Bonsai isn't mentioned anywhere?

We're not fussy eaters so anything is good as long as it's a bit special.

[yorky500]

The Grand Grille at the Habtoor Grande Hotel - sublime steaks, great atmosphere (all the waiters etc are Saffers) and just cool enough to sit outside to eat.

Start the evening off in the White Lounge/bar - very nice and relaxing (next door to the steakhouse)

[dxbtiger]

If you are looking around the Marina area then Mezzanine in the Grovesnor is good as well, a Gary Rhodes restaurant.

Pier Chic as well, good for sea food, on a pier that juts out into the sea near Burj al Arab, accessed through Al Qasr iirc.

[thainy77]

Good shout on Mezzanine, i'll see if i can get in.

ETA: I see Mezzanine is semi formal, have you worn a suit when you have been or could i get away with trousers, shirt and tie?

Edited by thainy77 on Wednesday 13th April 08:11

[joncastle]

thainy77 said:

Good shout on Mezzanine, i'll see if i can get in.

ETA: I see Mezzanine is semi formal, have you worn a suit when you have been or could i get away with trousers, shirt and tie?

Edited by thainy77 on Wednesday 13th April 08:11

Don't even need the tie - smart casual, shirt and chinos will be fine.

And there's loads more good stuff around here. I like 19, at The Address Montgomery, and La Classique at Emirates Golf Club is supposed to be good. There's also Rhodes 20Ten at The Meridien, Frankies (co-owned by Marco Pierre White), but my all-time favourite is still Verre. Just a shame it's such a schlepp to get to.

But the best table of all is the one in my back garden, right next to the barbeque and the cooler full of beer!

[Lost soul]

thainy77 said:

Hi all, i rotate out of Dubai so know my way around fairly well but my girlfriend is coming over at the end of the month and i wanted to take her to a decent restaurant. As i'm usually here with work colleagues decent restaurants are not normally the kind of places we frequent.

Any help much appreciated.

If you know your way around fairly well why do you need to ask

[6th Gear]

I highly recommend La Petite Masion in the DIFC. The food is wonderful, a mix of French Mediterranean.

A few other personal favourites are -

Indian – Aangan (Dhow Palace Hotel) - best curry in town in my opinion.
Japanese – Zuma (DIFC) and Kisaku (Al Khaleej Palace hotel). Kisaku is the real deal. Surroundings a bit dated but food very nice.
Lebanese - Karam Beirut (Mall of Emirates) and Al Nafoura (Emirates Towers) – the best Lebanese food by a long mile
French – Traiteur (Park Hyatt) and Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire (Festival City)
Italian – Bussola (great pizzas on the upper open deck) and Jamie’s Italian (Festival City) is low key and fun.
Atmosphere and surroundings – The Beach Bar & Grill at the Royal Mirage Palace hotel is lovely. It’s right on the beach. A nice spot for lunch when the weather is nice.

[thainy77]

Lost soul said:

thainy77 said:

Hi all, i rotate out of Dubai so know my way around fairly well but my girlfriend is coming over at the end of the month and i wanted to take her to a decent restaurant. As i'm usually here with work colleagues decent restaurants are not normally the kind of places we frequent.

Any help much appreciated.

If you know your way around fairly well why do you need to ask

[thainy77]

joncastle said:

Don't even need the tie - smart casual, shirt and chinos will be fine.

And there's loads more good stuff around here. I like 19, at The Address Montgomery, and La Classique at Emirates Golf Club is supposed to be good. There's also Rhodes 20Ten at The Meridien, Frankies (co-owned by Marco Pierre White), but my all-time favourite is still Verre. Just a shame it's such a schlepp to get to.

But the best table of all is the one in my back garden, right next to the barbeque and the cooler full of beer!

Cheers, good to know as that is pretty much all i have with me .

I've tried Verre but i'm not holding out much hope of getting in if what my mates tell me is true.

[dxbtiger]

19 at the montgomerie is one I forgot about and is a good shout. Best meal I've eaten in dxb was there.

Was quiet when I went though

[thainy77]

Thanks for the help guys, i'm booked in at Verre on the 29th.

I actually have a reservation for Mezzanine on the 30th too but won't be going to that one, if anyone wants it let me know otherwise i will cancel it.

Thanks again.

[Chilli]

thainy77 said:

Thanks for the help guys, i'm booked in at Verre on the 29th.

I actually have a reservation for Mezzanine on the 30th too but won't be going to that one, if anyone wants it let me know otherwise i will cancel it.

Thanks again.

Is that Ramsey's in the Hiton?

[thainy77]

Chilli said:

Is that Ramsey's in the Hiton?

Thats the one.

[JADF]

"Celebrities" at the Palace hotel, at the One & Only. It's fantastic!

[0to60]

dxbtiger said:

If you are looking around the Marina area then Mezzanine in the Grovesnor is good as well, a Gary Rhodes restaurant.

Pier Chic as well, good for sea food, on a pier that juts out into the sea near Burj al Arab, accessed through Al Qasr iirc.

BOOOOM....definitely booking that pier chic for when I come out there in a week..cheers for the heads up. Looks great