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The Best International Food in Dubai
High End:
Bateaux Dubai $$$
Bur Dubai, +971 4 399 4994
Cuisine: International
This is a must for tourists and especially first timers to Dubai. The Bateux will cruise you along the enchanting old Dubai landmarks in 2 and half hours and serve you up a fantastic 4 course meal on board an air-conditioned, glass luxury dhow. Some of the landmarks you’ll see are the Twin Towers, Gold Souk, Dubai Museum and lots more. Food is delicious, although a bit limited on choice, but don’t let this put you off as what is on offer is all brilliantly done. Save some room for the chocolate fondant. Evening meals board at 1945 and Friday Brunches start at 1230.
The only negatives, the Bateaux do not accept children under the age of five for the evening meals or the Friday Brunch.
As this cruise gets booked up pretty quickly, you are advised to call and book in advance.
Mid Range:
Anise $$
Intercontinental Dubai Festival City, +971 4 701 1111
If you love Dubai's Friday Brunch atmosphere, there are many restaurants in Dubai that serve up buffets during the week. However, many lack quality so much so that the food appears like its been sat out for ages. For international cuisine, buffets are a really good idea as you can control the portion size of your favourite dishes and try so much - but only if you trust the quality. The Intercontinental Dubai Festival City is an amazing hotel on the Dubai Creek and offers great restaurants, amongst them, the fabulous Anise. We heard many positive things about Anise before trying and yes we were impressed. The restaurant isn't small and intimate - quite the opposite, large and airy, but the interior is sleek, modern and edgy. There is no a la carte, just a set buffet price for lunch (165 AED) and dinner (195) inclusive of soft drinks, desserts and coffees. Kids pay 50% off this price if they are under 12 and under 5 years are free. The range of food is huge - everything from arabic, asian, indian, italian, mexican and more. There are live cooking stations and we didn't find the food looked tired. Presentation is immaculate. All this for a great price and great service - you must try!
Budget:
Teatro $$-$$$
Towers Rotana, +971 4 312 2202
It’s great that among the giant five star restaurants that charge and arm and a leg for ambience and interior, there are some restaurants that still offer the same great quality and choice of food within a relaxed and charming environment but don’t break the bank. Teatro is one of those friendly venues, that’s perfect for a couple, family or business dinner. Choose to sit window side to enjoy dubai skyline views. Opt for their great value set menus or choose the early bird deal which gives you 50% off your bill. Refer to the hotel site for more info. Food is an array of Indian, eastern and Italian and quality is super. We loved the tempura prawns and butter chicken.
Grapeshisha Choice:
Al Forsan $$
When you holiday in Dubai, don't limit yourself to venturing in the city area only, try out places a little on the outskirts and you'll find peace and sometimes better service. Al Forsan is a warm, romantic eatery based in the beautiful Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa which is only a 15 minute drive from the centre of Dubai. It may not seem too far but you will feel like you're in the middle of nowhere once you arrive. The setting is truly arabian authenticity and decor beautiful. Al Forsan is has seating indoor and out, but if the weather is nice - opt to sit outside, so romantic! They offer Al la Carte and buffets, please check for the time you want to visit. The food international with many arabic choices, we found the vegetarian dishes in the buffet to be a bit limited to many cold dishes but the non - veg choices were vast. Children are well looked after here and you can tell its family friendly, their are kids' menus or the option of paying 50% off the buffet for 5-12 year olds. Under 5 yrs are free. At sundown, pop upstairs to the Al Sarab Rooftop bar for views across the desert.