Located
at the ground floor of the world’s tallest atrium,
this café and restaurant is one of the most fashionable
places to eat in Dubai. Arabian delights are served
up along with Arabic coffee just off the lobby area
of the Arab Tower. The Lebanese mezze dishes are most
popular starters, while the main courses include the
divine kaban laban (minced lamb with onion and yogurt
sauce). The ambience may be a little overdone but for
a place to relax in the midst of some impressive architecture,
Al Iwan is difficult to beat.
Swedish
cool style comes to Dubai in this chic eatery (not part
of the European furniture chain). It may be housed in
a large shopping centre but it could easily be some
new breezy style haunt in Stockholm upon entering. The
decor matches the simple food, which includes Scandinavian
specials, such as prawn smørrebrods and meatballs.
Deira
City Centre Mall, Deira
Tel: (04) 295 0434.
Irish
Village
Price:
Dh250, Wine: Dh70
This
truly unique restaurant is part of a whole street that
has been built to look like it is has just been flown
in from Dubai. The Irish Village serves up hearty pub
grub, with fish and chips and Irish stew on the menu,
and also serves the Irish ales Guinness and Kilkenny.
Celtic culture is currently en vogue in Dubai making
the Irish Village a very popular place to meet. There
is also a large outside seating area.
Near Dubai
Aviation Club, PO Box 55400
Tel: (04) 282 4750. Fax: (04) 282 4751.
Spago
Price:
Dh250, Wine: Dh75
This
Italian restaurant, which has no connection to the Los
Angeles venue of the same name, is proving very popular.
On the top floor of the Dubai Marine Hotel, this open-plan
restaurant allows diners to see the Italian chefs at
work. The clientele are young and has a lively atmosphere.
The food is authentically Italian.
The
Tamasha restaurant at the Ramada Continental Hotel occasionally
has live ‘Tamasha’ evenings. These involve
savouring some excellent Indian dishes (mainly spicy
curries and other South Indian dishes) to the accompaniment
of live music and Indian performers. These theme nights
have attracted a cult following.
