Dubai & Abu Dhabi 7 - Full PDF eBook

The views of fancy yachts and a forest of
sleek high-rises impress almost as much
as the Asian-infused fare at this chic sea-
food shrine that’s always packed to the gills
thanks to dock-fresh ingredients and flaw-
lessly crafted plates. The Friday brunch is
hugely popular and, again, concentrates on
seafood. Reservations essential.

MaZina buFFeT $$$
Map p220 (%04-436 7777; The address Dubai
Marina, Dubai Marina; buffets with alcohol Dh250,
breakfast buffet Dh150, family buffet Dh195;
h6.30am-10.30am, noon-3pm & 6.30-11pm; c)
Like Las Vegas, Dubai is buffet city, so it’s
hard to stand out from the pack. But Mazi-
na does get a few things right: the sushi, for
instance, and the Thai red and green cur-
ries. The clincher, though, is what’s called
the Teppanyaki Ice Cream station, where
premium ice cream gets mixed up with
your choice of ingredients: everything from
nuts to M&Ms and gummi bears. Friday is
for the ladies-who-breakfast with a special
buffet, while Saturday is family brunch
with face painting and other kiddie-geared
distractions. Reservations recommended.

al-KhaiMa MiDDle eaSTern $$
Map p220 (%04-316 5550; le royal Meridien
beach resort & Spa, cnr Murjan ave & Dhow St,
off al-Sufouh rd, al-Sufouh, Dubai Marina; mains
Dh85-200; h7pm-midnight) In the cooler
months there are few places more roman-
tic than the majlis-style tents in the gar-
den of the relaxed Meridien resort. Classic
mezze such as baba ghanooj, hummus and
fattoosh are orchestrated into culinary
symphonies, and the enormous platters
of charcoal-grilled kebabs are just as deli-
cious. Wind down the evening pasha-style
while languidly puffing on the sheesha.
Reservations recommended.

TaGine MoroCCan $$
Map p220 (%04-399 9999; The palace,
one&only royal Mirage, al-Sufouh rd, al-Sufouh;
mains Dh75-170; h7pm-11.30pm Tue-Sun; v)
Get cosy between throw pillows at a low-
slung table in the dim dining room, then
take your tastebuds on a magic-carpet ride
while tapping your toes to the live Moroc-
can band. Fez-capped waiters serve big
platters of tagine and couscous with all the
extras and a vegetarian choice. This is the
real deal. Book ahead and request a table
near the band.

Tribes aF riCan $$

Map p220 (Mall of the emirates, al-barsha; mains

Dh40-60; c) At last, a restaurant in a mall

with muted lighting. All the better for ap-

preciating the bush decor with its shields,

spears and faux fur throws. The food is gen-

erally meaty plus some alternatives, includ-

ing Mozambique prawns and Ugandan fish

croquettes. There are steaks, beef ribs, cur-

ries and various pies, as well as nine styles

of burgers, including spicy salmon. Tribal

drumming is a regular floor show that con-

tributes to the Out of Africa experience.

franKie’s iTalian bar & Grill iT alian $$

Map p220 (%04-396 7222; oasis beach Tower,

The Walk at Jbr, Dubai Marina; pasta Dh80-130,

pizza Dh45-60) Look for the neon-lit movie-

style sign with super-chef Marco Pierre

White and horse-racing legend Frankie

Dettori as the star billing. Considering the

celeb connections, this Italian bar and grill

is comfortingly down-to-earth with its cosy

russet tones, parquet flooring and nightly

easy-listening pianist. There is nothing

nouveau about the huge portions either

with gnocchi, tagliatelle and lasagne dish-

es and an exceptional spinach and ricotta

ravioli on a mushroom cheese fondue. The

traditional oven churns out decent pizzas,

as well. Reservations recommended.

seZZaM inTernaTional $$

Map p220 (Mall of the emirates, al-barsha; mains

Dh50-70; c) A great choice for fussy fami-

lies or a diverse group of friends, the giant

food court here has several stations that

dish up everything from freshly made

sushi to burgers, pasta and pizza (including

a saucy little choice topped with chicken

tikka). A great venue for Friday brunch (see

the boxed text, p110) and also notable for its

setting overlooking the adjacent Ski Dubai

winter wonderland.

6

Drinking &

nightlifE

oroofTop bar CoCkTail bar

Map p220 (arabian Court, one&only royal Mi-

rage, al-Sufouh rd, al-Sufouh; h5pm-1am) The

fabric-draped nooks, cushioned ban-

quettes, Moroccan lanterns and Oriental

carpets make this candlelit rooftop bar

one of Dubai’s most sublime spots. Come at

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ew

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