< PreviousBest Restaurants 2025 10 APRIL 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Fusión CevicheBest Restaurants 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2025 11 I f there’s one thing we all have in common, it’s our love for food. But with so many options for places to eat in Dubai, this town can be tough to navigate. For the past 12 months, we’ve scoured every corner of this city to compile the best restaurants across cuisine categories and themes. Held annually since 2005 (meaning this year is its 20th anniversary), the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards are the most respected accolade an eatery can receive in the region. Our judging process is unlike any other, and the most trusted by both the hospitality industry and diners across the city. Why? We review anonymously, pay our own way and aren’t swayed by advertisers, partners or friends. We take our job of telling you where to spend your hard-earned money very seriously. So, from Asian to Turkish, brunches to tasting menus, here are the very best restaurants in the city. It’s official: we bring you the very best restaurants in Dubai Taste of the town Taste of the town Best Americas & Caribbean WINNER Fusión Ceviche A petite, unassuming Peruvian spot in JLT, Fusión serves absolutely brilliant ceviche. With super fresh fish and packed full of flavour (and a fair amount of heat) Fusión is a terrific place. With a handful of tables, bag a spot at the counter and go with the chef’s recommendations for the most authentic experiences. A laid-back restaurant that’s a top one to check out if you’re looking for something a little more off the radar. O Open daily 1pm-11pm. Cluster Q, JLT, @fusionceviche (04 449 6292).Best Restaurants 2025 12 APRIL 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM HIGHLY COMMENDED Amazónico Dubai One of the coolest spots in DIFC, Amazónico is a super spot for a lively evening out. Start off with drinks at the centrepiece downstairs bar and try Latin American flavours, before heading to the restaurant, or sushi counter, for dinner. Round off your night at the rooftop bar. The menu is diverse and brilliant, with ceviche, grills, claypots and more all bursting with flavour, while the décor makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a rainforest (in the best of ways). O Open daily noon-3am. DIFC Pavilion, amazonicorestaurant.com/Dubai (04 571 3999). Lila Wood-Fired Taqueria In the mood for tacos? This cute taqueria in Umm Suqeim is a low-key, unlicensed restaurant that makes for a fun spot for casual dining. Serving an eclectic and sociable menu, this relaxed Mexican joint is a decent shout for a laid-back meal with mates. Kick off with guac and chips before diving into the taco list. Yellowfin tuna, sweet potato and more can be found, but the top choice is the skirt steak version, laden with tender meat, loads of spices and melted cheese. Utterly delicious and a hit for a casual meal with the gang. O Open Tue-Sat 1pm-11pm, Sun 1pm-10pm. Umm Suqeim, lilataqueria.com (04 282 0005). Best Asian WINNER Jun’s Hailed as one of the most creative Asian restaurants in Dubai, Jun’s comes from acclaimed chef Kelvin Cheung and proudly serves up ‘third culture cooking’. A blend of flavours from around the region, with some North American influences, expect everything from lobster pani puri and red- hot chicken karaage and waffles through to Jamaican-Chinese lamb neck, jalapeño onion burger and bone marrow shrimp fried rice. And of course, the famed rainbow heirloom carrots, the only vegetarian dish we’ve ever eaten that tastes like actual smoked salmon. Try them, and a heap of other signatures when you’re there. Innovative, fun and thoroughly delicious – with top-notch service and Burj Khalifa views to boot. A sure-fire winner. O Open daily noon-1am. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, junsdubai.com (04 457 6035). HIGHLY COMMENDED Hawkerboi Found in JLT, Hawkerboi offers a cool night out with a fantastic selection of dishes and an interesting list of mixed drinks. Hawkerboi started life as a supper club, before setting up in its permanent location in April 2023. The open kitchen serves street food-style plates, think chicken satay, crispy fried squid, duck gyoza and banana blossom salad, as well as perfectly roasted meat, flavoursome curries and palate- popping stir-fries. There’s a tasting menu – which comes in at Dhs360 for nine courses – if you want to explore different dishes, too. O Open Mon-Thu noon-3pm, 6pm-midnight, Fri noon- 3pm, 6pm-1am, Sat-Sun noon-4pm, 6pm-midnight. The Park, JLT, @hawker.boi (505 427 5217). Kooya Filipino Eatery It’s been a long time coming, but Time Out Dubai’s top three Asian restaurants finally includes a place dedicated to Filipino cuisine. Kooya Filipino Eatery is refreshingly fun and welcoming, designed to reconnect Dubai’s enormous Pinoy population with the motherland. Flavours like salt, vinegar, tamarind, coconut, ginger and soy lead the way, while portions are generous and well-priced. Mains include moreish chicken inasal, beef belly caldereta and crispy pancit canton, while the fried chicken wings in ginger and tamarind gravy are a fail-safe introduction for newcomers to the cuisine. O Open Mon-Wed noon-11pm, Thu noon-3pm, 4pm-11pm, Fri noon-midnight, Sat 11am-midnight, Sun 11am-11pm. Jannah Place Hotel, Dubai Marina, kooyafilipinoeatery.com (050 427 6891). Amazónico DubaiBest Restaurants 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2025 13 “Innovative, fun and thoroughly delicious” Jun’sBest Restaurants 2025 Best Chinese WINNER Long Teng Seafood Restaurant Long Teng is renowned for its Chinese seafood dishes, which it does extremely well. Set over several floors in Business Bay, this authentic spot is the go-to when it comes to traditional, fresh seafood dishes – from noodles to stir-fries. There’s also a wide selection of dim sum – from crystal prawn to veg, as well as cute little chick- shaped custard buns. It’s so good there’s even a location in Time Out Market Dubai. O Open daily noon-11pm. U-Bora Business Tower, Business Bay, @longtengseafood (04 241 1666). HIGHLY COMMENDED Hutong Hutong hails from Hong Kong and has locations worldwide. The DIFC branch is a cool spot for lively late-night dinners, fun brunches, business lunches or a dinner date. The menu is fantastic too, with a top selection of dim sum (don’t miss the truffle mushroom bao) as well as plenty of Sichuan-style dishes – including the spicy signature red lantern crab. It’s fiery. O Open daily 12.30pm-3.30pm, 6pm-11.30pm. Gate building 6, DIFC, hutong-dubai.com (04 220 0868). XU This modern Cantonese restaurant has stunning interiors and despite its surprising Best Tasting Menu WINNER FZN by Björn Frantzén Sibling to the Frantzén in Stockholm and Zén in Singapore, FZN in Dubai offers a nine-course tasting menu featuring chef Björn Frantzén’s modern Nordic cuisine with Japanese influences. The restaurant at Atlantis The Palm is an exclusive experience that’s sure to wow diners, and is a real treat for a special occasion. Starting from Dhs2,000, this is one of the most expensive tasting menus in Dubai, but it’s also the best. O Open Tue-Sat 7pm-1am. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, restaurantfzn.com (050 107 6322). HIGHLY COMMENDED Row on 45 Row on 45 – a petite 12-seater dinner destination from acclaimed British chef Jason Atherton is a real treat. The 17-course haute cuisine menu is presented in three acts and takes place in various locations including the bubbly lounge, main dining room and chef’s library, for a truly immersive experience. Row on 45 focuses on quality ingredients that are plated with panache and blends European and Japanese flavours. O Open Tue-Sat 7pm-1am. Grosvenor House Dubai, Dubai Marina, rowon45dubai.com (056 832 4545). Trèsind Studio This acclaimed Indian restaurant, found at The St. Regis Gardens, is helmed by chef Himanshu Saini and is consistently excellent. The studio-style space is set up so all tables face the kitchen, like a stage – meaning all eyes are on the talented chefs at work, carefully tweezing edible flowers and painting swirls of sauces on to plates to enhance the already exquisite creations they’ve whipped up. It’s ideal for a special occasion. O Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight. The St. Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah, tresindstudio.com (058 895 1272). Long Teng Seafood Restaurant Best Restaurants 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2025 15 location in Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, has easily become one of the city’s hot spots. From the team behind Twiggy, Ninive, and La Cantine du Faubourg, the standard of service and quality of food at XU is high – as you’d expect. A solid line-up of dim sum and stir-fries are sure to impress, with tasty plates including salt and pepper squid and pan-fried scallop dumplings. The black pepper beef tenderloin is a hit, while if you’re feeling bougie opt for the caviar prawn toast. Don’t miss it. O Open Mon-Fri noon-4pm, 6pm-1am, Sat-Sun noon- 5pm, 6pm-1am. Kempinski Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, xudubai.ae (04 394 6252). Best European WINNER Dinner By Heston Blumenthal One of the most famous chefs in the world, Heston Blumenthal, opened a restaurant in the eye-popping Atlantis The Royal in 2023. And two years later, it still hits all the high notes. A stunning experience from start to finish, the service is impeccable, grape list wide ranging and dishes creative and expertly prepared. You’ll have seen the Insta posts of the famed ‘meat fruit’ and if you’re a carnivore it’s well worth trying. As is everything else on the British menu, especially the steak and a dessert from circa 1810. Quirky, fun and elegant at the same time, this is one for a special occasion that will be truly memorable. O Open Tue-Sat 6pm-11pm, Sun noon-3pm, 6pm-11pm. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, dinnerbyheston.com (04 426 2444). HIGHLY COMMENDED Bull & Bear This formerly North American restaurant (New York-inspired to be exact) has completely shifted its focus to a European offering led by British chef Marc Hardiman (formerly of London’s famed, but now closed, Galvin at Windows). The lovely grown-up vibes and slick service, however, have stayed the same. It’s a truly refined experience with a short and sweet menu that features just 19 thoughtfully crafted dishes, which highlight local ingredients and sustainability. Unmissable plates include a purple potato wrapped in seaweed and caviar, a sustainable crab sandwich and a satsuma wagyu steak with duck fat fries. To really get a deeper experience, make sure you go for one of the three tasting menus on offer starting from Dhs295. O Open Mon-Sat noon-3.30pm, 7pm-midnight, Sun 1pm-4pm, 7pm-midnight. Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, DIFC, bullandbeardifc. com (04 515 9888). Lana Lusa We’ve long been fans of Lana Lusa’s traditional Portuguese cuisine (that’s why you’ll also find it in Time Out Market Dubai), but in its new home at the Four Seasons Private Residences, both the food and the dining experience have levelled up. It’s a gorgeous space for a start, with a dreamy terrace overlooking Dubai Water Canal, and while there’s still that home-cooked vibe, with recipes from the founder’s grandmother, the menu also includes more diverse Mediterranean dishes. It’s licensed as well, with Portuguese grape and mixed drinks to pair with your meal. O Open Mon-Thu noon-midnight, Fri-Sun 9am- midnight. Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai, Jumeirah, lanalusa.com (04 380 1515). Best French WINNER La Petite Maison Dubai A global giant when it comes to French dining, LPM is a stalwart. Whether you’re looking for a business lunch, an anniversary dinner or catch-up with friends, the time is always right for a meal at LPM. Found in DIFC, there’s a sophisticated vibe to match the delicious dishes made with quality ingredients. The atmosphere is always buzzing – grab a drink at the bar too – while the plates will have you dreaming of when you can return. The lamb chops are a highlight, we’ve waxed lyrical about the potato gratin for many a year and those snails, well, they’re a gloriously garlicky must-try. And not only is it Time Out Dubai’s Best French Restaurant 2025, it’s also our Restaurant of the Decade, thanks to its incredible consistency across the years. O Open Mon-Fri noon-1am, Sat-Sun 12.30pm-1am. Gate Village 8, DIFC, lpmrestaurants.com/dubai (04 439 0505). Dinner By Heston BlumenthalBest Restaurants 2025 16 APRIL 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM HIGHLY COMMENDED L’Atelier Robuchon For French food-lovers this restaurant from the late great Joël Robuchon is a must-visit. Found in DIFC there’s a cool vibe, which gets livelier as the night goes on. It underwent a revamp in 2023 and it’s even better than ever. On the menu there’s everything from beef tartare to scallops Saint-Jaques, cheese soufflé and lamb chops, to Asian-inspired dishes such as black cod and tuna tartare. There’s a tasting menu and business lunch too. O Open daily 12.30pm-3.30pm, 6.30pm-midnight. Gate Village 11, DIFC, atelier-robuchon.ae (04297 7729). La Cantine du Faubourg If you like a trendy vibe paired with excellent food, La Cantine du Faubourg is a brilliant choice. This super-cool spot at Jumeirah Emirates Towers is not only a go-to place for party people, it’s also home to a laundry list of incredible French food. In winter the terrace is a charming place to sit, full of twinkling lights and DIFC views, while indoors there’s a lively-chic lounge vibe that stays buzzing into the early hours. Our top picks include tuna ceviche, honey-glazed beef short ribs and ‘les coquillettes de mon enfance’ (a truffly, cheesy pasta dream). O Open Mon-Thu noon-1am, Fri-Sat noon-2am, Sun 1pm-1am. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, lacantine.ae (04 352 7105). Best Greek WINNER Mythos Kouzina & Grill Despite facing new competition every year, Mythos remains the top place to enjoy a great Greek meal, prepared expertly at a reasonable price. Found in JLT, this cute taverna-style spot has a friendly vibe, petite terrace and a menu jam-packed with home-cooked favourites that you won’t be able to get enough of. From creamy, garlicky tzatziki, to comforting, flavour-laden moussaka and gemista, a glorious baked feta and an unmissable mixed grill platter. O Open daily 12.30pm-3.45pm, 6pm-11.30pm. Armada Avenue Hotel, Cluster P, JLT, mythosdubai. com (04 399 8166). HIGHLY COMMENDED Ammos With its white-washed walls, light, airy dining room and views of Ain Dubai from the terrace, Ammos is a welcoming, sophisticated space. Channelling Greek island vibes, its menu is fairly classic fare, with orzo seafood, chicken souvlaki and grilled sea bass among our top picks. Most of the ingredients are sourced directly from Greek suppliers, making it as close to a true Grecian dinner as you can get in Dubai. There’s even plate-smashing during the weekly Greek night. O Open daily noon-11pm. Rixos Premium Dubai JBR, The Walk, JBR, ammosgreek.com (052 777 9473). GAIA GAIA is from acclaimed chef Izu Ani, who’s a popular name in the city a super-smart restaurant, this is all neutral tones with pops of colour and it’s a really stunning space. It has high-end, fancy vibes (one for a special occasion) and there’s even an exclusive hidden bar, NYX, which is a favourite with celebrity guests. When it comes to dining, the sea bream carpaccio is one of the most Instagrammed dishes out there, but the quality is as good as it looks, while the modern take on moussaka is also a highlight when dining at this chic spot. O Open Mon-Fri noon-3pm, 6.30pm-11.30pm. Sat- Sun 12.30pm-3pm, 6.30pm-11.30pm Gate Village 4, DIFC, gaia-restaurants.com/dubai (04 241 4242). Best Indian WINNER Jamavar Dubai Hailing from Bengaluru in southern India and with a famed outpost in London’s fancy Mayfair, Jamavar Dubai sits at the fine dining end of the city’s many Indian restaurants. Huge chandeliers shine over the ornate dining room, but there’s a garden-esque terrace decked out in warm yellows if you fancy a more casual feel. Small plates may be inspired by India’s street food markets but there is nothing informal about these delicately plated morsels. Mains include a perfectly spiced crab pepper masala, a slow-cooked goat curry and the signature Old Delhi butter chicken, which is reason enough to visit. O Open Mon-Fri noon-midnight, Sat-Sun 12.30pm- midnight. Address Residences Opera District, Downtown Dubai, jamavarrestaurants.com (04 553 7852). Mythos Kouzina & GrillBest Restaurants 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2025 17 HIGHLY COMMENDED Khadak New casual Indian restaurant Khadak has a story to tell. It does this through everything from knick-knacks and wall-art to its revival of long-forgotten recipes and the culinary adventures of its chef founder Naved Nasir, famed for his years at London’s Dishoom. The menu pays homage to Indian street food stalls across the country, with examples including Radio Café kheema pao, a nostalgic tribute to Bombay’s former Radio Café and chicken sukka, from the coastal kitchens of Mangalore. Every dish is described to make you want to try it – and served to make you want to tell everyone about it. It’s a hit, don’t miss out. O Open Mon-Fri noon-2am, Sat-Sun 9am-2am. Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 2, khadak.com (058 979 7830). Trèsind One of the most avant-garde Indian restaurants in the city – and the sister of Carnival by Trèsind and tasting experiences Avatara and Trèsind Studio – there’s a lot to recommend Trèsind. Found at the One&Only Royal Mirage, it’s a fancy place for a special occasion, and prices reflect that. However, the quality of the cooking is expert and it’s a fantastic choice with dishes such as tandoori portobello and butter pepper garlic prawns prepared tableside for a touch of theatre. The mixed drinks are inventive and worth ordering, too. O Open daily noon-11.45pm. One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, tresind.com/dubai (056 420 9754). Best Italian WINNER L’Amo Bistrò Del Mare This high-end Italian restaurant can be found in a beautiful location at Dubai Harbour, offering super views and a sophisticated vibe. A recent shake up to the menu and a new chef in the form of Alessandro Salvatico have put this Italian restaurant right to the top of the list. Serving simple Italian food and seafood-focused dishes with ingredients imported daily from the Mediterranean, including Sicily Best Brunch WINNER Zuma This fabulous brunch has both à la carte and buffet aspects to it. You get to select one of the restaurant’s signature mains, which is brought to your table, as you help yourself to a generous spread. It’s a brilliant way to try one of the city’s best Japanese restaurants as there are so many excellent dishes to tuck into and a large range of sushi. O Dhs545 (soft drinks), Dhs645 (house beverages), Dhs795 (bubbly). Sat 12.30pm-4pm. Gate Village 7, DIFC, zumarestaurant.com (04 425 5660). HIGHLY COMMENDED Netsu This high-end Japanese restaurant comes alive every Saturday afternoon for brunch, a seemingly never-ending delivery of rather brilliant Japanese cuisine. Each table receives starters to share, including salmon tacos, wagyu beef gyoza and Korean fried chicken, followed by a seasonal sashimi platter, served shrouded in dry ice for a touch of theatre. Signature maki rolls are made tableside, while you can choose one large dish like the grilled giant tiger prawn. O Dhs450 (house beverages). Sat 12.30pm-3.30pm. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, Jumeirah 1, mandarinoriental.com (04 777 2232). Traiteur If you’re after high-quality food and a chic setup Traiteur is for you. It takes over Brasserie du Park and Noépe for a Saturday afternoon extravaganza. The terrace is the best place to sit, perched next to the Creek overlooking the yachts and with a view of the Dubai skyline. Noépe turns into a massive seafood station with lobster, prawns, sushi, oysters and more, while there’s an excellent barbecue area outside too. O Dhs450 (soft drinks), Dhs575 (sparkling), Dhs795 (bubbly), Dhs895 (premium bubbly). Sat 1pm-4pm. Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, hyatt.com (04 602 1814). https://magnet.itp.com/magnet/app/navigator/view_file.php?sf_ id=13512084&sl_id=2&coming_from=navigate&r=1741090872&fetch_ type=image&a_id=1&img_id=13512084&dynamic_creation=1&user_ id=1729430&server=np&a7x=1 https://magnet.itp.com/ magnet/app/navigator/view_file.php?sf_id=13512084&sl_ id=2&coming_from=navigate&r=1741090872&fetch_ type=image&a_id=1&img_id=13512084&dynamic_creation=1&user_ id=1729430&server=np&a7x=1 Jamavar Dubai18 APRIL 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM and the Adriatic Sea, there’s a little bit of something for everyone. With a charming setting, glittering views of Ain Dubai, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina, the set-up is pretty special – making for a popular spot for special occasion meals. O Open Mon-Thu noon-3pm, 6pm-11.30pm, Fri- Sun noon-11.30pm. Dubai Harbour Yacht Club, amorestaurant.com (04 278 4800). HIGHLY COMMENDED Chic Nonna This stunning DIFC restaurant is comfortably one of the top Italian eateries in town. Offering up classic Italian food that’s a perfect mix of homely dishes like pizza and pasta and more refined options that truly show off the chefs’ skills. The dining room is delightful, too with huge floor-to-ceiling windows that open fully in the winter to reveal views of Burj Khalifa and an elegant feel. The massive grape cellar is also a plus. Chic by name, chic by nature, it’s a charming place for lunch or dinner. O Open daily noon-11.30pm. DIFC, chicnonna.com (04 605 2000). Scalini To find Scalini, you need to hop into a lift and head down to its sunken garden at Restaurant Village at Four Seasons Resort Dubai. A popular place at any given time of day or night, Scalini draws in a loyal crowd. The terrace is a charming spot for an al fresco dinner with friends, while inside bright whites and modern art give a cool feel. Pizzas, pasta, grills, salads and more all fly out the kitchen. Having started out in London’s high-end Knightsbridge, this chic restaurant is now one of the best-known Italian spots in Dubai. O Open daily 1pm-midnight. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah, scalini-dubai. com (04 349 0068). Best Japanese WINNER Mimi Kakushi Inspired by 1920s Osaka, Mimi Kakushi is all chic furnishings and mood lighting. With excellent sushi, robata, clay pots and grills (the black cod is terrific) Mimi Kakushi retains its title as the best Japanese restaurant in Dubai, and you’ll certainly be back. Mimi Kakushi also does an excellent brunch, for when you want to sample all the signatures, while you should stop in for a Japanese-inspired drink at the restaurant bar for a drink pre- or post-dinner, too. O Open Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sun noon-2am. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah, mimikakushi.ae (04 379 4811). Al Safadi Restaurant Sufret Maryam HIGHLY COMMENDED Reif Japanese Kushiyaki Chef Reif Othman is a well-known name and his cooking is so good he even has a spot in Time Out Market Dubai. This licensed branch of his eponymous restaurant is a top choice for when you’re in the mood for tasty, Japanese dishes in a cool, low-key setting. Renowned for its silky smooth ramen and delicious kushiyaki, there are plenty of street food-style plates to get stuck into. O Open Sun-Thu noon-11am, Fri-Sat noon-midnight. Dubai Hills Business Park, reifkushiyaki.com (04 255 5142).Best Restaurants 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2025 19 and families looking to share a hearty, delicious meal in a low-key, relaxed setting. Salads, mezze, grills – all the classics are present and correct here, and you won’t be disappointed in the quality. O Open daily 9am-1am. Sheikh Zayed Road, alsafadi.ae (04 227 9922). HIGHLY COMMENDED Al Beiruti With branches across Dubai and in Lebanon, Al Beiruti is a popular choice for lovers of authentic Lebanese cooking. The outpost found along Sheikh Zayed Road is a buzzing spot day or night, with a cool restro-café feel and a lively atmosphere. Choose from various types of hummus, perfectly spiced falafel and a tasty chicken liver dish. Follow it up with a mixed grill and don’t forget to finish your meal with some delicious kunafa. It’s one not to be missed. O Open daily 8am-3am. Sheikh Zayed Road, albeiruti.com (04 320 0043). Em Sherif Café Known in Beirut as one of the most elegant restaurants in the city, Em Sherif comes with lofty expectations. And here in Dubai it lives up to those high hopes. The menu in Dubai is a more casual, home-style experience than the Beirut original and the food is utterly delicious. Start with creamy hummus and sesame-studded falafel before moving onto the cheese pie and a perfectly cooked mixed grill. A charming experience with generous, tasty plates – it’s no wonder Em Sherif is so popular in this city too. O Open daily noon-2am. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, emsherif.com (056 577 7900). Best Middle Eastern and North African WINNER Sufret Maryam Casual Restaurant Of The Year There must be something in the water at Wasl 51. The best MENA restaurant of the year – and a newcomer to the category – Sufret Maryam is the latest creation from Salam Dakkak, chef-owner of Dubai institution Bait Maryam. Her latest venture is a lot bigger but still cosy, thoughtfully Zuma One of the pioneers in DIFC’s dining scene – and a huge hit all around the world – Zuma draws in the crowds every day of the week, be it for brunch, business lunch or a regular dinner. The black cod is one of the most famous dishes globally, buttery soft, sweet and wonderfully moreish. The service is spot-on, the vibe is buzzing and the plates here are consistently brilliant – be it gyoza, sushi or robata. O Open Mon-Wed noon-3.30pm, 6pm-midnight, Thu- Fri noon-3.30pm, 6pm-1am, Sat 1.30pm-4pm, 6pm- 1am, Sun noon-4pm, 6pm-midnight. Gate Village 7, DIFC, zumarestaurant.com (04 425 5660). Best Lebanese WINNER Al Safadi Restaurant There are several branches of this outstanding Lebanese restaurant across Dubai, but the one on Sheikh Zayed Road is a spot you should most certainly put on your to-visit list. For classic Lebanese dishes done well, in a buzzing setting, Al Safadi is a popular choice with groups of friends Grand PrixNext >