MiyaKo JapaneSe $$
Map p206 (%04-317 2222; http://www.dubai.regency
.hyatt.com; hyatt regency Dubai; 3-course busi-
ness lunches Dh75, mains from Dh90) The cool
minimalist dining room of this excellent
Japanese eatery feels very Tokyo, with sleek
surfaces of stainless steel, shoji screens and
an authentic tatami room. The sushi is stel-
lar and the shabu shabu is superb, made
with tender and tasty beef; the crumbed
fried oysters and braised pork belly (kaku-
ni) merit special attention, as well. Reserva-
tions essential.
al Mansour dhoW arabiC $$
Map p206 (%04-205 7333; http://www.radissonblu
.com; outside radisson blu hotel, Deira; 2hr
dinner cruise Dh185) For a traditional experi-
ence, book a table on this old wooden dhow
cheerfully decorated with bands of twink-
ling lights and operated by the Radisson
Blu Hotel. The international buffet is heavy
on Middle Eastern and Indian choices and
accompanied by an oud player. Afterwards,
relax with a sheesha in the upper-deck
lounge.
ashiana i nDian $$
Map p206 (%04-207 1733; http://www.starwood
hotels.com; Sheraton Dubai Creek hotel & Towers,
baniyas rd; mains Dh80-120; h7.30pm-11.30pm
daily, noon-3pm Fri; v) This oldie but goodie
is still one of the city’s top Indian restau-
rants. Presentations of the northern Indian
fare are brilliant: dum biryani is cooked in
a pot sealed with bread, elegantly perfum-
ing the meat. Sophisticated, complex cur-
ries justify the prices, as do the solicitous
service, atmospheric dining room and live
sitar music. Good vegetarian food, too. Res-
ervations essential.
suMibiya JapaneSe $$
Map p206 (%04-205 7333; http://www.radissonblu
.com; radisson blu hotel, baniyas rd; mains Dh70-
145; c) At the first Japanese yakiniku-style
restaurant in Dubai, every stone table has a
recessed gas grill where you cook your own
meat, then pair it with sauces and condi-
ments. Though the Wagyu beef and seafood
run high (from Dh125), the set menus are a
relative bargain. There’s nothing romantic
about the narrow windowless room, but it’s
foodie fun for families or groups. Reserva-
tions recommended.
china club Chine Se $$
Map p206 (%04-205 7333; http://www.radisson
blu.com; radisson blu hotel, baniyas rd; yum cha
Dh95, mains Dh70-135) Lunchtime yum cha
is a superb deal here. At dinner, the clas-
sics are also spot-on, including a standout
Szechuan-style spicy boiled lamb and a
crispy, delicious Peking duck carved and
rolled tableside. Private dining rooms with
plush red decor are ideal for a group, while
the main dining space is a disappointing
study in beige. Reservations recommended.al-daWaar inTernaTional $$
Map p206 (hyatt regency Dubai; buffet lunches/
dinners Dh165/230) In a city that likes to
teeter on the cutting edge, this revolving
restaurant on the 25th floor is as delight-
fully old school as a bag of gummi bears.
Tacky you think? Not so. Actually, the decor
is quite sophisticated, the buffet varied and
bountiful, and the views of the city are a de-
light, especially at night.spice island inTernaTional $$
Map p206 (%04-262 5555; renaissance Dubai
hotel, near Salahuddin rd; buffets with soft/
house/premium drinks Dh169/219/289; h6.30-
11.30pm; c) With dishes from China, Japan,
India, Italy, Mexico and Mongolia, plus sea-
food and loads of desserts, Spice Island is
not just a visual feast, it’s one of the best
all-round buffets in town. Its recession-
friendly prices give it an edge with young
expat families; the kiddie play area with
supervised activities like face painting
doesn’t hurt either. Friday brunch is busiest
so be sure to reserve ahead of time.Glasshouse MediTerranean
brasserie inTernaTional $$
Map p206 (%04-212 7551; hilton Dubai Creek,
baniyas rd, rigga; mains Dh95-110, brunches
Dh220) Glasshouse is one of Dubai’s most
accomplished brasserie-style restaurants
which, as the name suggests, has vast
picture windows overlooking palms and
the Creek beyond. The daily brunch and
comfort-food menu offers fresh takes on
classics, such as pea and broad bean risot-
to and a tiger prawn bruschetta with red
chilli, garlic and lemon. Come on Monday
and Wednesday and get drinks for just Dh1
when ordering two courses. Reservations
recommended.d
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