Sadaf is an Iranian restaurant franchise famous for its value for money, all you can eat buffets. There are two branches in Dubai, this one on Sheikh Zayed Road and the other in Al Rigga. Both have been around for quite some time. Although the interior of this branch opposite the Trade Center has been … Continue reading Sadaf – Trade Center Area
The Maine, Dubai’s very own New England brasserie, has opened its second branch at the Studio One Hotel in Studio City – finally. Its interior is very much in-tune with the original branch at the DoubleTree in JBR of which I remember writing, “The interior of Maine could have been designed by Ralph Lauren, it … Continue reading The Maine – Motor City
Sikka is a homegrown Emirati themed restaurant-café concept which encompasses and entwines the cuisines of the UAE, Iran and India into one. Interiors of Sikka eateries, including this one at La Mer, are very special. Homely, simple and elegant they embrace the best of each society without being too retro and overburdenly nostalgic. The added … Continue reading Sikka – Jumeirah 1
Arguably the most important part of chaat is the actual chaat wala (the person who makes the chaat). This was particularly evident when I visited the Karama branch of Chatori Gali, the Barsha branch of which is one of my favourite chaat joints in Dubai. Located in the Shamma Building on 8C Street, dead opposite … Continue reading Chatori Gali – Karama
The food at Wagamama is consistently good and MUCH better in Dubai than in the UK. At one time Waga and Bentoya were the only places in Dubai where you could get a decent ramen. Now there are many, one which is miles better (of course I mean Daikan in JLT). But my kids were … Continue reading Wagamama – Dubai Marina
Liu Hotpot is an authentic Chinese restaurant similar to the ones you find in the China Cluster of International City. Only this is located at lake level of Lake Point Towers in Cluster N of JLT. Its interior has seating cubicles on either side, each with a traditional round table and a Lazy Susan. There … Continue reading Liu Hotpot Restaurant – JLT
This Applebee’s branch is far better than the one near the Trade Center. Located next door to its main competitor TGIF in Festival City, it’s very well designed yet strikingly similar to the American Rat Pack, Chili’s, TGIF, IHOP, etc. It’s perfect for a reasonably priced meal with friends and/or family, especially if you have … Continue reading Applebee’s – Dubai Festival City
Il Borro Tuscan Bistro is a fine dining Italian restaurant at the Jumeirah Al Naseem Hotel. That was too much of an understatement because Il Borro was actually named the best restaurant in the city at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2019 last February. Tastefully decorated inside and out its one of those restaurants … Continue reading Il Borro Tuscan Bistro – Madinat Jumeirah
This second branch of The Chinese Star Restaurant has just opened in Karama, the first and original is in Sharjah. Sandwiched between the Bhukkand Café and De Fish, Chinese Star is an authentic Chinese restaurant in the heart of Little India. From the street it’s unmistakably Chinese with cliché red lanterns hanging under its shop … Continue reading Chinese Star Restaurant – Karama
Chennai Curry Palace is a small South Indian restaurant in the recently opened Al Khail Gate Community Centre in Al Quoz. Its interior is clean, well-kept and doesn’t stink of spices as some similar establishments do. There’s a large glass enclosure behind which one can see their hot beverages guy making filter coffee (worth a … Continue reading Chennai Curry Palace – Al Quoz
