THe HoT lisT
RestauRants Zuma
La Petite Maison
1
tabLe 9 by nicK and scott Atmosphere T9 is still struggling to entice the younger, trendier crowd it wants, but the cutting edge food, upbeat soundtrack, video screen and local artworks are ready and waiting. Interior It's not Verre any more, but it still hasn't had the overhaul it deserves. Food The reason that T9 tops the Hot List. The most exciting menu being served in Dubai. Location Hilton Dubai Creek really needs a new bar for preand post-dinner drinks. Price The seven-course tasting menu is Dhs450. WhAt’s On sAys… Keep an eye out for T9's cooking school, coming soon. The lads are promising practical 'how to' classes. Hilton Dubai Creek, Dubai, Sun to Fri 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 2271131. table9dubai. com
2
Rivington Grill
La Petite maison Zuma Atmosphere LPM is quite possibly the busiest and most popular high-end restaurant in town. Interior A long cocktail bar, open kitchen, perfect lighting and well spaced tables. Just right. Food Order beef, lamb, fish or veg – anything you like – LPM has never let us down. The choice of wines is spot on, too. Location DIFC. The centre of Dubai and the centre of the city's food scene. Price It's not at all cheap, but it's worth the Dhs1,000 that should easily cover a meal for two. WhAt’s On sAys… Consistently the busiest restaurant in the city. For a very good reason. It's the best at what it does. DIFC, Gate Village 8, Dubai, Sun to Fri noon to 2.30pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4390505. lpmdubai.ae
The elite of the eating out scene
3
Atmosphere The upstairs bar is as busy on a Wednesday night as at the weekend. Make sure you book a table if you want to dine in the restaurant. Interior Bright and busy dining room downstairs, sultry lounge/bar upstairs. Food Ask what's new on chef Refai Bin Othman's menu. The kitchen often adds new dishes, and is less set in its ways than most big brands.
oKKu
4
Rivington gRiLL
Atmosphere At the start of the evening there's a healthy babble, but post-10pm the tunes take over. Interior The basement-like location, dim lighting and adjacent bar call for cocktails. Food Okku is on a par with Zuma and Nobu in the food stakes. Order the duck salad, baked king crab legs and veal short rib.
Location DIFC. A short walk from its sister restaurant, LPM.
Location This home-grown brand resides at One Sheikh Zayed Road.
Price Be prepared to spend at least Dhs1,000 for two for the best Japanese food in town.
Price Dhs800 would leave you stuffed with some of the best Japanese dishes in Dubai.
WhAt’s On sAys… After a few short years, Zuma is already a Dubai institution.
WhAt’s On sAys… Okku has upped its game. Watch out, Zuma.
DIFC, Dubai Sat to Thur 12.30pm to 3pm, Sat to Wed 7pm to midnight, Thur and Fri 7pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 4255660. zumarestaurant.com
5
The Monarch Dubai Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sun to Thurs noon to 3pm and 7pm to 3am, Fri and Sat 7pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 5018777. okkudubai.com
Atmosphere When people are asked for the Dubai restaurant they dine at most often, many of them say the Riv. It inspired loyalty. Interior Make the most of the terrace before the summer hits. Food We always go for at least one of the daily specials. Go on a Saturday for roast on the terrace. Location Souk Al Bahar, just above the Baker & Spice Friday farmers' market, which is worth a pre-lunch visit. Price Two can dine for less than Dhs500 without drinks, depending on what they order, of course. WhAt’s On sAys… We awarded it three silver hats in The Black Hat Guide. The ultimate accolade in its price band. Outstanding. Souk Al Bahar, Level 3, Old Town, Dubai, daily noon to 7pm. Tel: (04) 4230903. rivingtongrill.ae
MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 123