Visit these hotel-based restaurants in Dubai where flavour and provenance are prized above all
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Chef Izu Ani’s eunoia by Carine, a French Mediterranean restaurant at the Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai, is a cosy venue with pastel greens and off-whites paired with wood tones, natural materials and copper accents. A worthy option for your appetisers would be the tarte flambée (onion tart). Baked fresh with partially melted mozzarella balls on top, fresh tomatoes and caramelised onions, it is a wonderful way to start your night. The flavourful carrot salad with pistachio and tarragon was a pleasant surprise. The mains shine – our picks are the grilled tiger prawns with garlic butter and smoked tomato relish and the grilled squid Provençal. Desserts are worth saving space for. The raspberry cheesecake will be a stunning culmination to your experience.
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Hailing from Vienna, named after an ancient street in Italy, helmed by award-winning chef and pizzaiolo Francesco Calò, and now open in Dubai’s Address Beach Resort, Via Toledo promises foodies a “unique Italian culinary experience”. Pizzas, pastas and seafood specialities are the headliners, and unsurprisingly, a highlight is the Neapolitan-style pizza. Made with dough that’s been fried for a minute before being baked, the double-cooked pizza is a showstopper – crispy with a pillowy crust and topped with the perfect amount of rich, home-made marinara, it’s deliziosa. Prepared in a lip-smacking seafood broth, the pasta is commendably al dente while the fritto misto is another unmissable dish. With gorgeous Ain Dubai views and slick décor, Via Toledo is a welcome addition to the local dining scene.
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A fine-dining Indian vegetarian 15-course menu? Sign us up. Avatara, located in the space at voco Dubai that formerly housed sister restaurant Trèsind Studio, has knocked the ball out of the park with its degustation menu. With only 24 seats per night and helmed by chef Rahul Rana, the start is auspicious with the makhan malai, popping mishri and saffron spoon. We think it will be a pleasant surprise for anyone who hasn’t tried this sweet made from milk cream. While every dish delights, we may have had more than one helping of the green pea kachori with aloo rasa and masala Brussels sprouts and the dal vada with black lemon pickle. We can also safely say we have never tasted a version of paan like Avatara’s. Go on an empty stomach.
GET STEAMY
Xiao long bao, or steamed buns, are a firm favourite on our culinary scene and will never go out of style. Find out where to get your fill of these ubiquitous ‘soup dumplings’ across Dubai.
1 Din Tai Fung: This list would be incomplete without the hot, soupy steamed buns you’ll find at this firm favourite. Obviously, we love the truffle chicken xiao long bao for the ultimate indulgence on your plate.
2 Han Shi Fu: Order the 6-colour soup dumpling basket and thank us later. Coming in bright shades of blue, yellow, green and more, we think you’ll fall for the scallop and truffle dumplings.
3 Han Cuisine Restaurant: It may only have two xiao long baos on the menu, but that makes it easier on you. Pick chicken or beef and enjoy these hearty dumplings whenever you like.
