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Betroot salad at CoyaNobuPrivate dining booth at Rang Mahal by Atul KochharAlléno at One&Only The Palm. Try the signature Extractions Pairing menu – the chefspent four years perfecting the techniquethat results in incredibly intense flavours.Meanwhile, old-school Italian glamourrules at Cipriani Dubai, which has recently opened its chic doors in DIFC. The menuincludes Cipriani classics such as Carpaccioalla Cipriani and the signature Bellini.Asian is another cuisine that the cityexcels at. Known across the world for itsexpertly crafted dim sum, Hakkasan atJumeirah Emirates Towers also boasts oneof the city’s best wine lists, curated by headsommelier Olivier Gasselin. Coming in atnumber 88 in Restaurant Magazine’s 2015list of the World’s Best restaurants, Zumain DIFC does contemporary Japanese izakaya-style sharing plates like no other,while the Asian-inspired sharing platesat Novikov – laden with truffle and foiegras – are as opulent as the décor (be sureto peruse the seafood counter overflowingwith interesting delicacies like Portuguesegoose barnacles). A hit in Moscow andLondon, the new Asian fusion restaurantat Sheraton Grand Hotel is already popularwith Dubai’s jet-set crowd.Staying with the fusion theme, Nobuat Atlantis, The Palm serves chef NobuMatsuhisa’s signature Japanese disheswith a Peruvian twist. The sleek diningroom is impressive but when the weather is balmy, be sure to book a table in thegarden. Of course, Peruvian cuisine hasSushi and robata at Zumaw w w. l u x u r y t r a v e l m a g . c o m . a uexploded in cosmopolitan cities aroundthe world and Dubai is no exception. Coyaat Four Seasons Resort Dubai, the MiddleEast outpost of the celebrated Londonrestaurant, serves sublime ceviches andtender antichuchos (barbecue skewers ofmeat) in one of the city’s most stunningdining rooms.Dubai is home to plenty of excellentseafood restaurants including two spectacular spots with floor-to-ceiling aquariumswhere the sea life swims right past yourtable. You’ll need deep pockets to dine atAl Mahara at Burj Al Arab or Ossiano atAtlantis, The Palm but the ‘underwater’experience and exceptional seafood aredefinitely worth it. Meanwhile, the vibe atCatch at Fairmont Dubai is more edgy andindustrial – a nod to its original locationin New York’s Meatpacking District – butthe Asian-influenced seafood dishes aredesigned for sharing.With Indians and Pakistanis makingup Dubai’s largest expat population, it’slittle wonder that exceptional South Asiancuisine abounds. A Michelin-awarded concept hailing from Manhattan, Junoonhas become the go-to for inventive, yetauthentic flavours since opening at theShangri-La. Ask the knowledgeable stafffor tips, and you won’t be disappointed.Indego By Vineet at Grosvenor HouseDubai also strikes the perfect balance ofrestraint and inventiveness – as you wouldexpect from multi-Michelin-starred chefVineet Bhatia – and the faultless food ismatched by exceptional service. Anotherrestaurant that’s nailed the often-trickymarriage of tradition and contemporaryflair is Rang Mahal by Atul Kochharat JW Marriott Marquis. With vivid murals and soft orange lighting, the strikingspace from London-based celebrity chefAtul Kochhar feels surprisingly intimate.1 0 MORE TO TRYRoberto’s: One of the city’s finest Italian restaurants also has fineBurj Khalifa views.Al Nafoorah: The high-end Lebanese restaurant has an extensivemenu of mezze, grilled meats and more.Toro Toro: Enjoy South American fare from acclaimed Mexicanchef Richard Sandoval in a very stylish setting.Prime68: Sitting atop the JW Marriott Marquis, this sleeksteakhouse serves meat cuts from across the globe.Qbara: Opt for one of the superb tasting menus at thishomegrown concept serving creative modern Arabic fusioncuisine.Bistrot Bagatelle: Features a classic French-Med menu and agorgeous Art Deco-inspired dining room.Jean-Georges Dining Room: A classy spot serving contemporaryFrench dishes from Jean-Georges Vongerichten.The Artisan: Truly memorable Italian cuisine from the teambehind Florence’s three Michelin-starred Enoteca PinchiorriThe Ivy: Serves faultless British classics in very Englishsurrounds (think leather banquettes and wood panelling).Yuan: Known for its consistently excellent Szechuan cuisine andimpressive dining space.GRAPE EXPECTATIONSAlcohol is available in licensed bars and restaurants, which areusually attached to hotels. Exceptions include some standalonerestaurants in DIFC and Pier 7 in Dubai Marina.11

FLAVOURS OF DUBAICHEF'S GUIDETO DUBAIGeorgeCalombarisGEORGE TAKES A LITTLE PIECE OF MELBOURNETO THE MIDDLE EAST ON HIS TRIP TO DUBAI, ADESTINATION HE VISITS AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR.What attracted you tobe a guest Australianchef at the DubaiFood Festival?Dubai is such an epicentre, it’s the centre of the world and for us Aussies, it’sa great opportunity to promote whatwe do in Melbourne over in the Middle East, so when people are thinkingabout future travel, they have had ataste of what we do and come back toMelbourne for more.What dish, delicacy or foodieexperience did you most lookforward to in Dubai – and how wasit?I’ve been in and out of Dubai the last10 years, two to three times a yearin fact, I love going there. Some ‘goto’ places for me include Ravi’s, thelocal Pakistani restaurant in Satwa,it’s where all the workers go and Iloved the experience, the simpletables, the food comes when it’s ready,you can see it, it’s fast and quick,but delicious food.What influence has Emirati spicesand cuisine had in your own style ofcooking?I think more than anything, theinterest has been more than spices,12it’s been going to visit the datemarket. My perception was there wasonly really one type of date, I neverrealised there were so many, andwhen going to experience the market,the dates I tasted were all quitedifferent and complex in flavour.Meeting the stall holders and thentalking about what they sold, therewas real passion there. This experienceoverall has certainly influenced someof my dishes, including the dessertI prepared for the gala dinner duringthe Dubai Food Festival, peachbaklava.What produce did you choose tohighlight in your masterclass recipesand why?One of my dishes was kataifi prawns,the recipe is from my recent cookbook.The kataifi pastry is somethingsynonymous in the Middle East,however rather than using it in adessert we used it in a savoury dishhere.What was the best meal you ate inDubai and where was it served?The best meal I’ve had in Dubai wasat Bu Qtair in Jumeirah Road. I lovedthe fact it’s been there for so manyyears, it feels like it’s ingrained in theculture of Dubai. There’s only a fewdishes on the menu, it’s affordableand simple and I think it embodieswhat I feel Middle Eastern food is allabout.Name your favourite place to enjoy arefreshing beverage in Dubai.At.mosphere at Burj Khalifa – it provides a huge wow factor and you cansee all over Dubai.What is a must-do foodie experiencefor visitors to the city?You’ve got to go to Bu Qtair inJumeirah Road; you also need to tickoff the list going to the Burj Khalifa,even if just for a drink. Definitelyvisit the date market, it’s really eyeopening and you’ll learn so much, andif you’ve got time, the fish market.What will be on your must-do-listfor your next visit to Dubai?I like going to a place to discover somenew and exciting things, meeting thepeople that recommend their localsecrets and favourite places. I neverlike having a set plan, it’s all aboutnew experiences for me when I’mtravelling. If I’m in another city – Iwant to know all about the best foodplaces!

Bab Al Shams, Al Hadheerah RestaurantFLAVOURS OF DUBAIDESERT DININGFeastingamongthe dunesTHE ENDLESS SANDS OF THE ARABIAN DESERT PROVIDEA MAGICAL BACKDROP FOR A GOURMET MEAL.Travelling in a vintage LandRover with Platinum HeritageArabian Adventures 'Just For You' desert safari experienceExploring the enigmatic Arabian Desert is a quintessential Dubai experience notto be missed. While manytour operators offer desert safariswith wild dune bashing; followed bya barbecue dinner in a desert campwith belly dancing, henna tattoos andcamel rides; Platinum Heritage andArabian Adventures offer a rangeof experiences to suit any budget, aswell as some upmarket experiences,with private desert safaris followedby a gourmet dinner or traditionalbreakfast, perfect for couples andsmall groups.Arabian Adentures offers a JustFor You private sunset experience,group Bedouin camel and dune safaris, overnight glamping and dunebuggy adventure tours. Or choose aPlatinum Heritage traditional groupexperience at a Bedouin camp, oropt for a private-dining experience.Dining in the desert at Al Maha Desert Resort & Spaw w w. l u x u r y t r a v e l m a g . c o m . a uAfter an afternoon drive in a Mercedes G-Wagon and vintage LandRover through the tranquil DubaiDesert Conservation Reserve, spotting wildlife and stopping for a falconry demonstration, a six-coursedinner is served at a lantern-lit tableunder the stars. Then you can retireto the majlis, complete with carpetsand cushions, with an aromatic shisha pipe. Early morning dune drivesare also available, followed by an Arabic breakfast, while a local Bedouinregales you with tales of what desertlife was like in the pre-oil days.The acclaimed Al Maha DesertResort & Spa offers a private DuneDining experience that is similarlyluxe, and available to in-house guestsand as well as those staying elsewhere. Set within an oasis overlooking the russet sands of the conservation reserve, some 65 kilometressoutheast of Dubai, this romanticPlatinum Heritage Luxury Safariseco-friendly resort is modelled onan old Arab fortress. With starchedwhite linen, Persian carpets andflickering flame torches, the gourmet dinner – with menu options likemarinated seafood antipasti, Arabicmezze and Catalan seafood stew – isa first-rate affair.A more lively evening awaits atBab Al Shams Desert Resort. Risingout of the dunes just 40 minutes fromthe bustling city centre, the fort-likespa resort is home to several open-airrestaurants including Al Hadheerah.Based on an oasis village, the restaurant has a sumptuous Arabian buffetwith mezze and salads, wood-firedovens and spit roasts, and an array ofdesserts. Fuelling the 1001 ArabianNights fantasy are falconry displays,camel rides, belly dancers, musiciansand a spinning tanoura dancer. Thisis a great authentic experience that isvery family-friendly and lots of fun.15

FLAVOURS OF DUBAIAL FRESCODININGInkaHalibutfish at PierchicFoodwith aviewWHEN IT COMES TO AL FRESCODINING AND PANORAMICRESTAURANTS, DUBAI IS HARDTO BEAT.Views from the picturesque PierchicGazing at Dubai’s spectacularskyline or sparkling coastlineover a good meal is one ofthe pleasures of visiting thisever-changing city. Located on level 122of the Burj Khalifa, At.mosphere is theultimate restaurant with a view. Richlydecorated with polished mahogany wallsand dark brown leather chairs, the modern European menu focuses on seafoodand steak, while the view over the sea ofskyscrapers speaks for itself.If you’d rather look up at the world’stallest tower, Inka on the 31st floor ofSofitel Downtown Dubai has an unobstructed outlook. The modern Peruvianmenu from chef Christian Motte, whocomes from Lima via London’s acclaimedCeviche, features signature dishes such asgrilled octopus with quinoa risotto andsquid ink, along with four set menus (including a vegetarian option).At the foot of the Burj is the DubaiFountain, which shoots jets of water morethan 150 metres into the air, accompaniedby music, every half hour from 6pm until11pm. The terrace at Rivington Grill of-Al Muntaha at the Burj Al Arabw w w. l u x u r y t r a v e l m a g . c o m . a uRustic decor at Inkafers a great vantage point, together withexcellent modern British cuisine, whileSerafina boasts the largest licensed terrace overlooking the spectacle. It offers awide selection of rustic northern Italianclassics, plus more extravagant optionslike burrata with black truffle honey andgold leaf.TOMO at Raffles Dubai, meanwhile,offers perhaps the city’s most authentic Japanese from chef patron ChitoshiTakahashi – far removed from the fusionyou’ll find at the likes of Nobu and Zuma.The tatami floor terrace features low tablesand outstanding views of Dubai’s futuristicskyline, as does the al fresco bar servingsake and cocktails until late.Down by the Creek, Vivaldi byAlfredo Russo at Sheraton DubaiCreek offers traditional Italian food withMichelin-star pedigree and a glassed terrace with picture-perfect views of the abrasthat ply the waterway. The views are justas magical aboard Bateaux Dubai, thecity’s premier floating restaurant thatglides up and down the waters at night.With wood furnishings, gourmet cuisineand a pianist, it’s one of the most popularwater-side venues.If you’d rather be beside the ArabianSea, Sea Fu at Four Seasons Resort is achic beachfront restaurant with concertina doors opening onto a shaded terrace(after dark, the sunken lounge in front ofthe fire pit is the place to be). The Asianinspired menu has varied tempting treats,including lobster macaroni and forbiddenrice with scallops, prawns and calamari.At the end of a wooden walkway infront of Al Qasr hotel in the Arabianstyled Madinat Jumeirah resort, Pierchicis one of Dubai’s most picturesque spots.The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel provides an Instagram-worthy backdrop dayor night, while the Mediterranean menuincludes caviar, oysters, scallops, sashimiand lobster, as well as an array of freshfish. Outdoor seating is allocated on afirst-come, first-served basis so it paysto be prompt.Taking an abra through the tranquilwaterways of Madinat Jumeirah to PaiThai also scores high on the romance scale.Book a table on the inviting outdoor ter17

At the end of a woodenwalkway in front ofAl Qasr hotel in theArabian-styled MadinatJumeirah resort,Pierchic is one of Dubai’smost picturesque spots.The sail-shaped BurjAl Arab hotel providesan Instagram-worthybackdrop day or night.The romantic Pai Thai at Madinat Jumeirahrace and enjoy what many believe to bethe city’s most accomplished Thai cuisine.On the 27th floor of the Burj AlArab, Al Muntaha – Arabic for ‘TheUltimate’ – certainly lives up to its name,with sky-high views over the coastlineand city. It’s best experienced duringthe day, but if you’re heading here fordinner, book a table overlooking theglittering Palm and Dubai Marina toavoid staring at the inky darkness of theocean. The modern European cuisine isvery good but, like At.mosphere, you’repaying a premium for the panorama.One of our favourite views has to befrom the terrace at 101 Dining Lounge& Bar at the exclusive One&Only ThePalm. Take the water taxi that departsfrom sister hotel, One&Only RoyalMirage, and time your arrival to watchthe sun set. Then dine on tapas andfresh seafood, as the resident DJ entertains the fashionable crowd.The Beach at JBR is a low-rise beachfront mall with a number of restaurants(although most don't ser ve alcohol). With beautiful Moorish tiles anda latticework ceiling, Almaz by Momoalso has two outdoor terraces that areperfect for people watching. The contemporary North African menu has favourites like tagines and pastilla, whilethe patisserie and ice cream section willtempt even the most disciplined diner.18Fruity delights at Rivington GrillQUICK AND CASUALAprès: This chalet-style restaurantoverlooking the slopes of SkiDubai at the Mall of the Emiratesserves pastas, wood-fired pizzasand French bistro classics.malloftheemirates.comBayt Al Wakeel: Watch the abrascruise past from this breezyterrace jutting out over DubaiCreek as you enjoy hot and coldmezze, grilled meat and fishdishes. visitdubai.com/en/pois/bayt-al-wakeelLeopold’s of London: With anoutdoor terrace overlooking theocean at The Beach at JBR,this trendy café serves excellentmodern European fare.leopoldsoflondon.comEntrance to Rivington GrillOne&Only The PalmSeared scallops at Rivington Grillw w w. l u x u r y t r a v e l m a g . c o m . a uDining over ocean panoramas at Pierchic

FLAVOURS OF DUBAICHEF'S GUIDETO DUBAIGaryMehiganGARY SHARES HIS CHOCOLATE INDULGENCE,SMOKEY EGGPLANT AND MEMORIES OFTHE 123RDFLOOR OF BURJ KHALIFA.What attracted you tobe a guest Australianchef at the DubaiFood Festival?Dubai is a great international hub, acity on the move. It was exciting to bepart of an international food festivaland I got to go with my buddies!What dish, delicacy or foodie experience did you most look forward to inDubai – and how was it?I love the labna, hummus and smokeyeggplant - there is nowhere else thatseems to make it as good.What influence has Emirati spicesand cuisine had in your own style ofcooking?I love using Middle Eastern spices- particularly cumin, fennel and sumac which I use a lot in my cooking.Also a big fan of purslane (green leafyplant) - I know it’s not a spice but I loveit and you see it everywhere.What produce did you choose to highlight in your masterclass recipes andwhy?I wanted my classes to be fun,friendly and comfortable, which iswhat my food is all about. I chosechocolate because it’s indulgent andpretty much everybody’s favourite.I am also a big fan of Vietnameseand Chinese food, I used duck,fish sauce, coriander, chilli, ginger delicious.What was the best meal you ate inDubai and where was it served?At Ravi's Restaurant in Satwa, servingPakistani food. It was local and down toearth – it was recommended by a friendand I loved it; delicious.Name your favourite place to enjoy arefreshing beverage in Dubai.Burj Khalifa at At.mosphere Bar on the123rd floor. It has such a great viewacross the city.What is a must-do foodie experiencefor visitors to the city?Bu Qtair as it has the best fried fish intown. It may have basic décor but isworth a trip for the taste.What will be on your must-do-list foryour next visit to Dubai?I would love to do a desert safari,haven’t done this yet. I love the ideaof a four-wheel drive through the desertand staying at a bedouin campsite.21

FLAVOURS OF DUBAIDINNER AND DANCESupperclubsFINE FOOD, LIVE MUSIC ANDENTERTAINMENT COMBINE AT DUBAI’SGLAMOROUS SUPPER CLUBS.MusicHall DubaiThe Act at Shangri-La Hotel, DubaiDumplings at PachaThe dinner-and-a-show concept has proved popularin Dubai, and makes fora memorable night out.On the 42nd floor of the Shangri-LaHotel and styled like an opulent Victorian theatre with velvet curtainsand balcony booths, The Act is one ofthe city’s pioneering venues. Directedby David Ley, formerly of the famousBox Nightclub in New York City, theshow takes place every Tuesday andWednesday evening with a sizzlingmix of cabaret, vaudeville and aerialartistry accompanied by authentic Peruvian cuisine.Pacha Ibiza Dubai is anotherhip nightspot that brings the entertainment to your table. As well asboasting big name DJs and the city’sbest-dressed clubbers, the three-level venue at Madinat Jumeirah alsohosts a dinner show every Tuesdayto Saturday. The impressive spectaclefeatures aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, dancers and magicians, witha pan-Asian à la carte menu, or threePachaw w w. l u x u r y t r a v e l m a g . c o m . a uSeafire at Atlantis, The P

The private luxury deck will jut out 100 metres into the Arabian Gulf. It's due to open in the second quarter of 2016. . including Nobu Matsuhisa, Giorgio Locatelli and Gordon Ramsay. Grosvenor House Dubai . p8-11_LTD_fine dining v2.indd 10 18/03/2016 10:18 AM www.luxurytravelmag.com.au 11 Betroot salad at Coya Nobu.