New Shanghai is an Aussie owned casual dining Chinese restaurant specialising in internationalised Shanghainese cuisine. Located next door to Eataly at fountain level of Dubai Mall, it’s interior is instantly recognisable as Asian. Like Din Tai Fung, there’s a glass-enclosed live cooking station at the entrance where, you guessed it, their dumplings, wontons and xiao … Continue reading New Shanghai – Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
I was bitterly disappointed with the quality of the hotpot at HOPO; the broth tasted…um, actually it didn’t…it didn’t have any taste. And the condiments…well, let’s just say they left much to be desired. And that’s a pity because HOPO is otherwise a very well executed restaurant. Located in the Manila Centre not far from … Continue reading HOPO Asian Restaurant – Satwa
Texas Roadhouse is one of my favourite casual-dining steakhouse franchises. To me, it represents an untouchable value for money proposition – excellent food, excellent service at an affordable price. There are no less than five outlets in Dubai now, this latest La Mer branch included. Kitted out in its all-American, Western-themed corporate uniform, the restaurant … Continue reading Texas Roadhouse – La Mer, Jumeirah-1
From the creators of Dubai’s funkiest nightclub, Stereo Arcade, comes Akiba Dori, a fully-licensed food hall-style indoor alleyway inspired by the back streets of Akihabara, Tokyo. Located in Building 8 of Dubai Design District (D3), Akiba Dori boasts six unique storefronts – a baked goods section, a café, a Japanese street food kitchen, a modern … Continue reading Akiba Dori – Dubai Design District
800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria is a Los Angeles-based build-your-own pizza chain which was awarded the title of “true Neapolitan pizza” by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana in 2012. It took Dubai by storm when it opened its first franchise at Me’aisem City Center a couple of years ago. My wife and daughter are HUGE fans. … Continue reading 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria – MOE, al-Barsha
Luigia – The Best of Italy is a fully licensed Italian restaurant and pizzeria at the Rixos Premium in JBR. In a city littered with Italian restaurants, particularly pizzerias, I walked in thinking, what could this new kid on the block possibly have to make a difference? It has a modern, cinematic themed interior, highlighted … Continue reading Luigia – The Best of Italy – JBR
Bu Tafish is a seafood restaurant with a heavy Arabian influence. It’s located in one of Dubai’s most prime locations, just beside the grand mosque on Jumeirah Road, next door to The One. The interior is a total contrast to other Arabian seafood restaurants and looks more like an American diner. That said, it’s unmistakably … Continue reading Bu Tafish – Jumeirah-1
Is glossy red lacquer slowly replacing red and white checkered tablecloth as the Italian stereotype? This is the third restaurant I have visited which uses shiny Diablo Rosso to personify its…Italiano. But that’s all the handsome, subtle interior of Prego’s uses. Located on the ground floor of the Media Rotana in Barsha Heights, this instantly … Continue reading Prego’s – Barsha Heights
Biryani Express is a railway-themed Indian restaurant at the new Pavilion Mall in the French Cluster of International City. Its interior is a modern mishmash of urban and rural, with exposed red brick walls (one of which is decorated with some interesting graffiti) and orange, red and brown furniture giving it a welcoming warmth. Trainspotters … Continue reading Biryani Express – International City
