Posted inFood & Drink, Features

Where the UAE’s leading ladies dine out

23 trendsetters tell us their favourite restaurants for 2022

by Time Out Editors

Ever wondered where the UAE’s leading ladies and Dubai’s most accomplished women like to eat? Ahead of International Women’s Day on Tuesday March 8, we spoke to some of the busiest females in the United Arab Emirates to find out where they carve out time to eat and why.

JUMP TO:

Eti Bhasin, owner, Dhaba Lane

UAE's leading lady:

Who is she…

A first-generation, 26-year-old restaurateur, Eti Bhasin is the owner of Dhaba Lane. While pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, she became fascinated with the world of hospitality through a small F&B family venture in the bustling streets of Karama, Dhaba Lane (then Khan Dhaba). Dhaba Lane opened its second outlet in 2022 in Garhoud, and there are plans to launch a third outlet.

Where she eats…

Hara Cafeteria

“A budget-friendly spot for chai. I definitely recommend Hara Cafeteria, a hidden gem in the midst of Karama’s streets, which has been a regular since my university days.”

Top tip: “Do give a try to their Disco Chai (from Dhs6)!”
Al Karama (04 396 5133).

Mint Leaf of London

“Experience-wise [this eatery] tops my list for any special occasion or get-together.”

Top tip: All the dishes I’ve tried are great, so this is my pick to celebrate special occasions.
Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC, mintleaf.ae (04 706 0900).

P.F. Chang’s

“P.F. Chang’s is my favourite go-to destination, whenever I am craving Chinese food.”

Recommended: “The Dynamite Shrimp (Dhs54) is a must-try.”
Various locations. pfchangs.com.

Gail Clough, owner, The Laughter Factory

Who is she…

Born and raised in Manchester, UK, Gail is the owner of The Laughter Factory. Her mum was a cleaner and her dad a bus conductor which she says means that she was “always spotlessly clean and got to travel on the number 53 bus, free of charge, any day of the week”. Gail now wonders whether that’s how she caught the travel bug.

At age 20, Gail was a nightclub DJ (or disk jockey as they were known back then) in over 11 countries. She spent seven years travelling the world alone. Some of her colourful experiences included driving herself to the Arctic Circle. Her past travels have meant she now has no inhibitions when it comes to eating alone in a restaurant. In her own words she says, “I spent most of my 20s by myself and now I am just weird.”

Where she eats…

Café Isan

“Chef New cooks authentic Thai food that is the best that I have found in Dubai. I have tried most Thai places but nowhere comes close for me.”

Top tip: When I am on the keto diet my faves are garlic cabbage (Dhs19) and chicken wings (Dhs39.95). I do however fall off the keto wagon frequently and have the prawn Massam curry (Dhs39), which is full of spuds. (I am half Irish, potatoes are in my DNA).
Cluster B, JLT, cafeisan.co (04 557 9778).

Mythos Kouzina & Grill

“They have great Greek food and fantastic staff that have been there for years.”

Top tip: I love their chicken gyros (Dhs32). It reminds me of my holidays in Greece and coming out of a nightclub at 5am. I can barely get past midnight nowadays.
Armada BlueBay Hotel, Cluster P, JLT, mythoskouzina.com (04 399 816).

Couqley French Bistro & Bar

“This French restaurant has a great vibe, and the manager Andy really takes care of everyone. I always have a great night there and it doesn’t break the bank – win win.”

Top tip: Definitely the steak frites (Dhs121).
Cluster A, JLT, couqley.ae (04 514 9339).

Hajar Fassal, pastry chef, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

Who is she…

After starting her career in the pastry kitchen of Kempinski Mansour Eddahbi Hotel, Marrakech, Hajar Fassal is now the pastry sous chef at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. She was born and raised in Morocco and has over 12 years of culinary experience. She came to the UAE when The St. Regis first launched in Abu Dhabi.

Where she eats…

Shang Palace

“I like Chinese food. At lunch, I like to dine at Shang Palace, which is located in the Shangri-La hotel. I am all about good food, and good atmosphere.”

Top tip: “Shang Palace has a dim sum lunch (from Dhs138), it’s all homemade, and it’s a buffet spread with so much variety. You choose what you’d like to have, and it’s all displayed on the table. It has really cool items, and you get to enjoy them at the table without having to get up.”
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, shangpalaceabudhabi.com (02 509 8555).

Chili’s

“I like to go to Chili’s. They have Mexican food that I like. Most of the time, I go for Chili’s.”

Top tip: “The spicy grilled shrimp tacos (Dhs71). It’s the sour and spicy flavour with the Mexican twist that I like. I’ll also go for a salad and still have room for the main.”
Various locations. chilis.com.

Off the Hook

“They have special seafood, and I am a seafood-lover. It’s the quality, and the taste.”

Recommended: “I normally order seafood with rice, with the curry flavour with medium heat.”
Various locations Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain. offthehookresto.com.

Heather Cichowski, editor, Time Out Abu Dhabi

Who is she…

Time Out Abu Dhabi’s ed Heather Cichowski loves to discover all new things, especially in the capital, whether it’s an art opening, a new corner of the city, undiscovered walking trail, or a fresh place to eat, of course.

Where she eats…

No. FiftySeven Boutique Café

“I love a good breakfast spot, and will gladly eat breakfast foods any time of day. This is a cosy café in Al Marsay Al Bateen Harbour that’s popular with residents for a reason. From the minimalist Scandi-esque interiors to welcoming staff to playful ingredients in dishes that definitely deliver. It can make you forget about brunch.”

Top tip: Like a lot of fans, I make sure to stop by for breakfast. I am also gladly working my way through the rest of the menu. If you visit later in the day, you can’t go wrong with the crème brulee french toast (Dhs65), if you want breakfast and dessert in one.
No. FiftySeven Boutique Café, Al Bateen (02 441 6100).

Café Sushi

“This airy spot in the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr has a beautiful patio or you can enjoy the central kitchen with conveyor belt sushi. If you cannot decide what to order (I can definitely relate), go for the daily unlimited sushi deal or plump for a platter.”

Top tip: The chirashi sushi (Dhs69) is one of my regular orders. I normally go for raw and spicy, but I have yet to try a combination I didn’t enjoy.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr (056 502 4999).

Pickl

“Like many, I was a fan of Pickl through Time Out Market Dubai, so I was thrilled when the home-grown burger joint came to the capital and opened on the scenic promenade of Mamsha Al Saadiyat.”

Top tip: You can’t beat one of those simple, not basic burgers. I normally order a classic cheeseburger (Dhs30), and often make it a meal (Dhs55) that I can enjoy looking out at Soul Beach. If I can squeeze in room, I get an ice cream sando (Dhs27) then walk the promenade.
Various locations. eatpickl.com.

Heidi Shara, founder, Wear That

Who is she…

Australian-born stylist Heidi founded digital fashion advice platform Wear That in 2018. Revolutionising the way women shop, using technology and a personal stylist, she is on a mission to help busy women elevate their personal style. Knowing a thing or two about what’s hot and what’s not, Heidi is your go-to for on trend wears, and eats.

Where she eats…

OneLife Kitchen & Cafe

“This stylish spot is my go-to lunch spot because it has a cool vibe and great food – everything is so fresh and tasty. Plus, they play the best music!”

Top tip: Salad of the day (various prices). They have different salads every day, so pick a couple you like the look of and have them serve it on one plate.
Building 5, Dubai Design District. onelifedxb.com (04 513 4727)

CLAP Dubai

“Located on a central rooftop in DIFC, this restaurant has some of the best views and sushi in the city. It gives off a real New York City feel. With great service, energy and food, it’s my favourite spot for dinner.”

Top tip: Try any of the sushi options here, you won’t be disappointed.
Gate Village Building 11, DIFC. claprestaurant.com (04 569 3820)

Starbucks

My favourite place on earth, I order a Starbucks as soon as I open my eyes in the morning! What keeps me there? A lack of sleep and a coffee addiction. #startuplife.

Recommended: The classic Americano with almond milk (Dhs23) – simple, yet effective.
Various locations across Dubai. starbucks.ae

Hricha Saraf, founder, Bol Gappa

Who is she…

Hricha Saraf set up Bol Gappa after leaving a job in banking. Dubai’s Bol Gappa is a restaurant that comes from her passion for food and love for Bollywood movies, and it has outlets in Karama and at Dubai Parks.

Where she eats…

Tresind

“Let me start from the high end: My all-time favourite is Tresind in voco hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road. Regardless of the fact that there are so many fine dining Indian restaurants in Dubai, Tresind always surprises me with the presentation and taste of the food, especially with its starters and dessert.”

Top tip: “Honestly, I always feel like skipping the main course and jumping directly to dessert after my starters. They keep on changing the menu so whenever you visit them you will have something different to taste.”
Voco Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, tresind.com (04 308 0440).

Haveli Lounge

“I also love the Haveli Lounge in the V Hotel. This place is one of my favourites because of its ambience and the positive vibes….[it’s] a hotspot for our weekend outings.”

Top tip: “I like their mocktail concoctions”
V Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Rd (058 822 1177). 

Katrin Herz, GM, The Abu Dhabi Edition

Who is she…

Katrin Hertz has over 20 years of experience working in the hospitality industry. In December 2020, she joined The Abu Dhabi EDITION as general manager. Her career began in 1998 at The Ritz-Carlton Group as a concierge agent at Hotel Arts in Barcelona. She came to the UAE in September 2008 to oversee the operations of The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) as hotel manager.

Where she eats…

Market at EDITION

“On the weekends, I take off my GM hat and put on my mummy hat. I’m lucky to live right across from our beautiful The Abu Dhabi EDITION, so it’s just a quick family scooter and bike over, and it just feels really nice to be part of that neighbourhood.”

Top tip: “That avocado toast. My daughter wakes up every weekend and asks me ‘can we go for avocado toast?’, but I tell her once a month. Sitting on that terrace looking at all the boats, the water and the blue sky, and having that avocado toast is just a great start for any weekend.”
The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina (02 208 0000).

Tashas

“Keeping it in the neighbourhood, what we normally do at 4pm on the weekend is go to Tashas. Delicious cakes, it’s really great for the family and you have that outdoor seating. The team knows us because we go there. It’s a great team, simple food, great service.”

Top tip: “They have delicious cakes and coffee. I’m German so there’s nothing better than cake and coffee in the afternoon. It’s still part of a nice weekend ritual.”
Marsa Al Bateen Marina, Al Bateen, tashascafe.com (02 445 0890).

Beirut Sur Mer

“My husband is Lebanese, so we do crave Lebanese food, and and it’s quite a healthy cuisine, depending on what you pick. Beirut Sur Mer on Mamsha [is a top choice]: I think it’s just the setting as well. It really combines with everything nicely: You can go for a walk in the afternoon, you can go to the beach club and very reasonably get a day pass then walk over to Beirut Sur Mer. I just think it’s such a great outdoor option.”

Top tip: “Mezzes. You can have all these delicious tabbouleh and fattoush, those little grilled fish.”
Saadiyat Island (054 395 4000).

Lamiese Prior, owner, Rumour Hair Extensions

Who is she…

A woman who knows a thing or two about hair, Prior has been in Dubai for seven years and is known for working alongside some of the world’s leading hair brands before launching her own. Prior is a huge foodie and you will most likely find her trying out and re-visiting her favourite restaurants across Dubai. Food has always been a huge part of her life and she’s been a pescatarian diet for the past six years.

Where she eats…

Anar

“I discovered this restaurant a few weekends ago when I was walking past it to visit somewhere else and saw someone eating a dish that reminded me of eating Iraqi food as a child. The food is incredible, even as someone who doesn’t eat meat. There was a really nice vibe in the outside seating area and looking around, you could see so many people were enjoying their meals.”

Top tip: The vegetable dishes are great and if you don’t eat meat, you can also ask for the dishes to made without.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Road, anar.ae (04 368 6505)

Play Restaurant and Lounge

This glamourous restaurant has been a favourite for six years. The atmosphere is brilliant there. I’m not into clubs but this place has a luxury-dine-while-you-club feel. The entertainment is brilliant and it’s a restaurant that has always been popular ever since I’ve been here which speaks volumes.

Top tip: It has to be the Japanese carbonara (served from a cheese barrel), I just ask for it without the meat.
The H Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, playrestaurants.com (04 336 4444).

Sticky Rice

“I discovered this Thai gem in JVC around four years ago when it first opened, and it’s still my go-to. The food is unbelievably fresh and the restaurant has a really cool relaxed vibe. It is probably the best Thai food I’ve experienced in Dubai.”

Top tip: My go-to dishes are the sticky tamarind seafood (Dhs63) and the street pad Thai (Dhs49).
Sobha Daffodil, Shop No. 06 Dubai, JVC, stickyrice.ae (04 580 8350)

Lara Barbary, partner, corporate M&A practice, BSA

Who is she..

With a masters specialising in Sustainable Development Law from the Universite Paris Descartes – a part of the Sorbonne – Barbary has led teams in numerous high profile and high-value transactions for well-known international and regional clients across a broad range of industries, including oil and gas, hospitality, education and tech.

What she eats…

Al Beiruti

“It may look like another Lebanese restaurant or lounge, but Al Beiruti is anything but. Being from Beirut myself, I can easily judge a place for authenticity and ambience. Every visit feels like a warm welcome back to the beauty of my hometown. I am always immediately greeted by the friendly staff and the incredible aroma of Lebanese food.”

Top tip: The mezze is vast and always fresh and crisp, and the mains are generous and packed with flavour.
Exit 41, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Umm Al Sheif, albeiruti.com (04 320 0043).

Nammos

“Do you have a special occasion or maybe just want to treat yourself to quality time, as if you have been transported to Mykonos for a quick vacation while remaining in the heart of Dubai? Look no further than Nammos. It has become a staple of the Dubai lifestyle scene, but I find that it gets better with every visit. It doesn’t matter if you’re a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you’re guaranteed a good time.”

Top tip: I have yet to experience any dish that wasn’t cooked to perfection over there.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah, nammos.gr/nammos-dubai (04 270 7777).

Opa

“This has to be on my list of favourite spots in Dubai. It reminds me of a secret garden where you take that unassuming elevator to get to a mesmerising walkway leading you to a playful setting surrounded by vivid colours. The food is fantastic and takes centre stage with a carefully selected menu. However, Opa is more than that with a charming Greek entertainment line-up that complements rather than distracts from the foodie experience.”

Top tip: Anything on their carefully curated menus is great and if you’re keen to end the night with some fun, break some plates!
Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, opadubai.com (04 357 0557).

Layla Tamim, head of partnerships, Fatafeat

Who is she…

Layla Tamim is the head of brand partnerships at Arabic food network Fatafeat. She is dedicated to championing Arab food culture in MENA and giving platforms to diverse regional talents. Her recent achievements include launching the Fatafeat podcast, and integrating Fatafeat to the first Arabic Alexa.

Where she eats…

Laffah

“As a certified foodie, it’s tricky for me to narrow down my picks. Laffah is one of my go-to’s for comfort food. It’s a home-grown cafeteria in Sharjah.”

Top tip: “I always grab their broasted chicken (from Dhs25) and shawarma (from Dhs8) whenever I’m in the city.”
Various locations. Al Qasba (main branch), laffahrestaurant.com (06 556 9877).

Tamba

“For a relaxed night out with friends, I gravitate towards Tamba, an Indian fusion restaurant in Abu Dhabi.”

Top tip: “The red snapper tacos and lamb chops (Dhs102) never fail to entice my taste buds with their explosion of flavours. Plus, the loft-style, warm ambience comes as bonus.”
The Hub at The Mall, World Trade Centre Mall, Corniche, tambarestaurant.com (02 672 8888).

Orfali Bros.

“My ultimate choice would have to be Dubai’s very best Orfali Bros. It’s a bistronomy that takes you through an authentic culinary journey with their contemporary dishes hailing inspirations from all over the world.”

Top tip: “Their shish barak (Dhs65) and musakhan pide (Dhs75) are to die for.”
Wasl 51 Mall, Jumeirah, orfalibros.com (04 259 2477).

Lily Hoa Nguyen, founder, Vietnamese Foodies

Who is she…

Lily Hoa Nguyen opened Vietnamese Foodies’ first location in JLT in early January 2018 and has quickly grown the brand to four locations in Downtown Dubai, Time Out Market Dubai and Nakheel Mall.

Born in the North of Vietnam and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, her love of cooking developed early in life. As the executive chef of this growing and much-loved brand, Hoa Nguyen ensures that all dishes are lovely prepared to the highest standards, following traditional Vietnamese techniques and only the freshest whole food ingredients, spices, and aromatic flavours.

Where she eats…

Pitfire Pizza

“For an everyday meal on a weekday our favourite option is going to Pitfire Pizza. My children love it so much there is hardly any week passes by without a Pitfire Pizza delivery to our home. I think Pitfire is the best pizza in Dubai. It also helps that they have a location right next to our JLT restaurant so we can go there for a meal after, before or even in between work.”

Top tip: The pepperoni primo (Dhs49) is my eldest son’s favourite.
Lake Terrace Tower, Cluster D, Jumeirah Lake Towers, pitfiredubai.ae (800 748 3473)

Sedap Asian Street Kitchen

“For a weekly gathering with my girlfriends, one of the quirkier places that we go to is Sedap Asian Street Kitchen in Al Seef. They are famous for their seafood dishes, the interior is colourful in a chilled way, and they have some of the best Singaporean dishes in Dubai at a very affordable price point.”

Top tip: My favourite is the salted egg prawn (Dhs58), which is jumbo prawns stir-fried in home-cured egg yolk sauce – you can feel that lots of labour have gone into making it. I also like their flower crab in black pepper sauce (Dhs128), it’s a flavour explosion.

Oriental Gastronome

“One of my newer discoveries is this Chinese in The Greens. Here, you can find Chinese food made very authentically, all of the dishes are really flavoursome and they use very high-quality ingredients.”

Top tip: The beef short rib in black pepper sauce (Dhs98). The portion is huge at the price point offered, and we always order double-portion – it’s that good!
First floor, The Onyx Tower 2, Sheikh Zayed Road, The Greens, orientalgastronome.business.site (04 399 1919)

Lina Malas, managing director, Aventura Parks

Who is she…

Lina Malas is the co-founder and managing director of Aventura Parks, the Middle East’s largest outdoor adventure park, where she practises her passion for creating leadership development programmes to all ages. In her time outside of the park, Lina teaches business courses as an adjunct professor at American University in Dubai, has worked in various non-profit organisations in the region, and supports education and sustainability initiatives.

Where she eats…

Zuma

“If fine-dining is on the cards, the globally renowned Japanese restaurant Zuma is the go-to for me. I especially love doing the Baikingu brunch here, which sees a tasting menu of their best dishes being served to the table.”

Top tip: When brunching here you must try the spicy beef tenderloin (Dhs595 for soft drinks package) and the green tea banana cake topped with toffee sauce (Dhs50).

LOWE

“My husband and I enjoy finding hidden dining gems within the city and LOWE is just that. A homegrown restaurant sat in the verdant community of Al Barari, we love sitting on the outdoor terrace here. The original menu is made up of seasonal ingredients cooked naturally with fire.”

Top tip: Everything here is great, but I love the grilled Omani prawns served with dried lemon crème fraiche (Dhs100).
KOA Canvas, Wadi Al Safa 3, lowe-dubai.com (04 320 1890).

Kamat Vegetarian Restaurant

“I found this authentic Indian restaurant fairly recently and fell in love with it. It reminds me of the wonderful time I spent in India, and its great value for money.

Top tip: The masala dosa (Dhs12) is delicious.
Multiple locations across Dubai, with one in both Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. kamat.ae (various phone numbers).

Louise Charlesworth

Who is she…

Time Out Dubai’s ed Louise Charlesworth has been eating in Dubai’s restaurants for close to 15 years. (Luckily, she loves running almost as much as she loves eating). When Charlesworth is not writing, eating or running, she’ll be found with her family, chilling out at one of their favourite places – Kite Beach, Safa Park or anywhere on Palm Jumeirah.

“Where I like to eat depends on heaps of factors – my mood, who I’m with, how long we’ve got, how close we are to pay day. There are more than 200 restaurants on the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards shortlist, so I’ve got plenty of incredible places to choose from. As have you. But sometimes, hunger strikes and those cravings take over.”

Where she eats…

21grams

“Original, fuss-free and simply terrifically tasty food that works any time of day. Servers know their stuff and when the bill comes, I can’t quite ever believe I’m that full for that price. Plus, the super spacious new venue comes with a total sun trap of a terrace and is walking distance from my home. Result.”

Top tip: Cevapi (Dhs75). I’d rather like that pink pickled onion on everything I eat.
Meyan Mall, Al Thanya Street, Umm Suqeim 2 (050 841 5021).

Sultan Saray

“For a room full of happy diners, you don’t have to go much further than Sultan Saray, which luckily counts as another of my locals. For some of the largest portions of totally delicious traditional Turkish cooking in town, this is your first and last stop.”

Top tip: Cheese and muhamara pide (Dhs42).The ultimate comfort food.
Al Thanya Street, Sheikh Zayed Road, sultansaray.ae (04 229 0600). 

Trèsind Studio

“There are some restaurants I’ll travel for and this is top of the list. An absolute marvel of modern Indian cuisine created by the genius that is Himanshu Saini (not to mention amazing collabs with guest chefs), Trèsind Studio is currently closed while it relocates. Counting down the days to the new launch at Nakheel Mall, which we’re told will be this month.”

Top tip: Everything and anything the chef puts before you. Literally drooling at the thought of what Saini will do with pani puri next.
Re-opening soon. East Wing Rooftop (Near The View), Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah. tresindstudio.com (058 895 1272).

Nadia Rouchdy, climate change and sustainability consultant

Who is she…

Eco-conscious Nadia has more than ten years’ experience in social impact, sustainability, environmental management, and climate change and energy policy. She has worked with companies like DUCKLIFE, Careem, Emirates Nature and WWF to help develop their climate sustainability practices. Rouchdy has recently completed her MSc from SOAS, University of London in Environmental Science with a focus on the impacts of climate change on refugees.

Where she eats…

Single Fin Café at the Surf House

“The energy at this café is amazing, I love that the menu is as local, organic and sustainable as possible. A rare find in Dubai, it’s a haven of flip-flop wearing surfers. The owners are lovely and it always makes me want to be more active – they are the ones who introduced me to paddle boarding.”

Recommended: Their avocado toast (Dhs44) is my go-to after getting back from a good paddle board ride.
Jumeriah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah 3, surfingdubai.com (050 504 3020)

Kinoya

“After trying many ramen places in the city, I’ve now settled on Kinoya as my favourite. The food is great, the service even better, and the ramen always fulfils my craving – which happens often!”

Top tip: I always get the miso spicy ramen (Dhs50) without the chicken and with an additional egg. I heard they are doing a vegan version soon, which I’m excited to try.
P2, Tower 2, The Onyx, The Greens, kinoya.ae (04 548 6776).

Natasha Sideris, CEO of The Tashas Group

Who is she…

Natasha Sideris is the CEO and Founder of The Tashas Group. Growing up in the restaurant business, by her father’s side, she not only learned a tremendous amount but the passion for hospitality got under her skin.

The first tashas opened in 2005 and there are now 20 in South Africa and the UAE. Not only has tashas been an incredible success, she has also created three other concepts – Avli by tashas, Flamingo Room by tashas and Galaxy Bar. Originally from South Africa, this foodie now calls Dubai home.

Where she eats…

Goldfish Sushi & Yakatori

“Some of the best Asian food I have had in a very long time – the service is amazing and it has an unpretentious vibe.”

Top tip: They have the best salmon nigiri (Dhs40 for two pieces) ever.
Galleria Mall, Al Wasl Road, goldfishsushiyakitori.com (04 886 4966).

LOWE

“The owners are extremely talented, very humble and down to earth. They love what they do and are brilliant at it. As I have been traveling, I haven’t been for a while, and I can’t wait to go back.

Top tip: Don’t be put off by the creative menu, the food is cutting edge but still very accessible.
KOA Canvas, Wadi Al Safa 3, lowe-dubai.com (04 320 1890).

Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Café

“You feel as if you are in a beautiful, rustic village when you go to the Arabian Tea House. It is such a juxtaposition from what I am used to, and I love it. The food is fresh and delicious.

Top tip: Away from the glitz and glamour of Dubai, it’s a must-see for visitors when in they’re in the city.
Al Bastakiya, Al Fahidi Roundabout, arabianteahouse.com (04 353 5071).

Nicole Smith-Ludvik, stuntwoman

Who is she…

A professional skydiver, yoga instructor and stuntwoman. You may recognise her as the fearless stuntwoman standing atop the Burj Khalifa in Emirates Airline’s most recent viral ad campaign. Most think she’s a daredevil before all else, but the truth is, she’s a diehard foodie.

Where she eats…

Boca

“It’s in the heart of DIFC, but it isn’t as stuffy or pretentious as other fine dining establishments in the area. Chef Matthijs Stinnissen in my humble opinion is the most creative chef in the entire city. He’s leading the city’s conversation on zero food waste and sustainability. Where possible, he locally sources ingredients and his dishes are a work of art.”

Top tip: Everything. There’s not a single dish I’ve tried that I haven’t loved. The tasting menu changes with the season, so there’s always something new.
Gate Village 6, DIFC. boca.ae (04 323 1833).

Pulcinella

“The. Best. Pizza. In. Dubai! It’s best when it’s fresh out of the oven, which means you have to eat it there. It’s truly a taste of Naples. ”

Top tip: The margherita pizza (Dhs55).
Canal Residence, European Building , Shop 1-E, Sports City. pulcinelladubai.com (054 773 3243).

Vaibhav Vegetarian Restaurant

“It’s a restaurant and bakery in Bur Dubai, a bit off the beaten path. This place is always busy. It’s easy to tell this is the ‘regular spot’ for the community as they are always busy. The owner, Suresh, loves feeding people. He’s so passionate about serving excellent, authentic Indian food. ”

Top tip: The pav bhaji (Dhs19) is my guilty pleasure. It’s a thick vegetable curry served with a pillow-soft roll. There’s never enough pav (the roll) so order an extra one.
Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai. vaibhav.ae (04 353 8130)

Patthama Chaklang (aka Chef New), founder, Café Isan

Who is she…

A multi award-winning self-taught street food chef who turned to YouTube to get some cooking tips out of desperation for a taste of home here in Dubai. Her journey started on a farm in rural Thailand before she became a legendary home cooking sensation right here in Dubai.

Café Isan started with just Dhs200. Fast forward to last month and she’s just signed up her fourth restaurant – regularly cooking for an impressive list of Thai celebrities. Chef New’s absolute love for and connection with the ingredients is second-to-none and definitely a key part of her success.

Where she eats…

Tent Jumeirah

“A quaint beachfront setting and historic Emirati-feel that takes you back in time. The food is fresh and expertly prepared. As a big fan of non-fussy food, I really like this. And I often go late at night as it’s open 24 hours.”

Top tip: Their sea bass grilled with salt (Dhs89) is simple, but phenomenal.
Mina Rashid, tentj.ae (055 454 8254).

Betawi

“I love this restaurant for its excellent value, authentic flavours and relaxing lake-side location. And I pass by it on my way to work so I often stop off for lunch.”

Top tip: The soto Betawi (Dhs39) coconut milk soup is yummy and the pecel ayam special (Dhs38) grilled chicken combo with a spicy sauce are my go-to.
Lake Terrace Tower, Cluster D, JLT, betwai.ae (04 454 2329)

YaLu Jiang Barbecue Restaurant

“I adore hot pot restaurants. This one is just Dhs59 for an all-you-can-eat affair and the selection of fresh seafood is very good. They bring you a spicy or ‘normal’ soup base in a kettle and the rest you add yourself. Think whole crab, innards, shrimps, Asian veg, various noodles, and various condiments and sauces to mix in. I can and do sit there for hours.”

Top tip: It’s a hot pot experience, so come hungry and get creative.
Ground floor, Al Telal Building, Al Barsha, @yalujiangbarbecue (04 546 8515).

Rima Zanoun, founder, MAKAW Chocolate

Who is she…

Born and raised in the UAE, Rima Zanoun is the founder of MAKAW Chocolate. The entrepreneur has an extensive background in business, life coaching and mentorship. Zanoun is focused on selling happiness through raising human potential and creating new experiences.

Where she eats…

Avli by tashas

“It’s hard to narrow it down to three as we certainly are spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants in the UAE. I must say, my ultimate favourite is Avli by Tasha’s at DIFC. The menu is superb and the atmosphere is sublime.”

Top tip: “My go-to dishes are the Greek salad (Dhs62), of course, the Lemonato baby chicken (Dhs168) and the sea bass ceviche.”
Gate Village Building 9, DIFC, avlibytashas.com (04 359 0008).

Bombay Canteen

“Now when I’m craving some soul-warming food, my go-to is Bombay Canteen at Galleria Mall in Abu Dhabi. I love their modern twist yet authentic take on Indian cuisine.

Recommended: “Their biryanis are simply perfect and definitely hit the spot. This gem is a real hit with the locals, too.”
The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 621 0104).

Nolu’s

“On a more regular basis, I eat very clean. Nolu’s in Abu Dhabi definitely has me covered. I absolutely love the vibrancy of the menu and the colourful plates.”

Recommended: “I have been a regular for years and I cannot get enough of their superfood bowls especially the Buddha bowl (Dhs70).”
Various locations. Al Bandar, The Galleria, nolusrestaurants.com (02 557 9500).

Sanaz Kollsrud, GM, Madame Tussauds Dubai

Who is she…

The general manager of Madame Tussauds Dubai, Kollsrud moved to Dubai in 2004. With over 15 years’ experience in the hospitality and leisure industry, she is a powerhouse of all things tourism in the city – which means she knows a thing or two about where to eat.

Born and raised in Iran, this mum of two has a penchant for Middle Eastern cuisine, but her passion for travel means her cravings are broad. During the week you’ll find Kollsrud helming the first-ever wax work experience in the GCC, but in her spare time she’ll likely be relaxing with her family on the beach.

Where she eats…

Wokyo Noodle Bar

“This Japanese flavoured place has a comfortable and cool vibe; so there’s no need to worry about the dress code. The outside seating is my favourite, especially in wintertime – nothing beats slurping warm ramen on a cold Dubai day. Plus, it’s a winner for the whole family as the kids’ menu here is tasty and healthy.”

Top tip: Sapporo ramen (Dhs50). The broth is the best part of the dish – it’s fresh and cooked for 10 hours.
Al Safa 1, Al Hadiqa Rd, Wasl Square Block 8, Shop 34. wokyo.com (04 330 5188).

Kaftan Turkish Gourmet

“Being Iranian, Turkish cuisine holds a lot of similarities to food from home. The restaurant has the perfect location on La Mer, with a beach-vibe outdoor terrace that makes it my go-to breakfast spot. Again, for families it is a perfect spot to bring along bikes for kids to play while dining and there’s free refills on the fresh Turkish black tea – winner!”

Top tip: Turk kahvalti tabagi (Dhs77). A traditional Turkish breakfast board including cheese, su boregi, beef cold cuts and sojouk, honey, butter, jam with bazlama bread and rolls.
Jumeirah 1 (04 344 6288).

3Fils

“A perfect place to escape the usual city scene and dine in a unique setting. You feel the cool breeze of the harbour, especially in wintertime, and you can smell the ocean – a calm and peaceful setting. The food is delightful, made with real quality fresh products and it’s great for sharing. They have kids’ maki rolls and can adjust some of the dishes to satisfy the little ones’ taste buds.”

Top tip: Go for either the salmon carpaccio (Dhs49), wagyu overload burger (Dhs78), soft shell crab rolls, and if you have space for dessert, go for the chocolatey African Powerhouse (Dhs37).
Al Urouba Street, Jumeirah Fishing Harbour 1. 3fils.com (056 273 0030).

Sandy Hayek, Co-CEO, Time Out Market

Who is she…

With her experience in hospitality spanning over 18 years, Hayek is passionate about good food. Starting her career in Scandinavia, she has a bachelor’s degree in international hospitality management and an associate degree in agriculture.

Joining Time Out Market Dubai as general manager in early 2021, Hayek has played a critical role in its successful launch and continued business growth. Before that, she served as the F&B operations manager for Nakheel Group, launching Depachika Food Hall on Palm Jumeirah and the Food District at The Pointe. Prior to that, she held senior management positions within award-winning dining and retail concepts including La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie in Downtown Dubai and Galeries Lafayette, among others.

Where she eats…

Mimi Kakushi

“This place transitions you to feel to Osaka in the 1920s. As someone who is in the industry, I notice the little details and Mimi Kakushi get everything right – from the flooring to the chopsticks and playlist choice. Not to mention the fabulous, front of house team led by the super well-experienced gentleman Mathieu. Plus, the food is delicious – with an extraordinary twist that is exciting.”

Top tip: The wagyu and foie gras gyoza with truffle soy butter (Dhs85).
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah, mimikakushi.ae (04 3794811).

The Lighthouse

“An unpretentious venue with simple honest food. The extensive menu has everything from bakery to salad, fish, meat, and desserts, so it’s perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Recently opened in Nakheel Mall, it’s a bright venue with minimalistic approach that reminds me of Scandinavian countries, it also has a super cute little gifting section by the entrance.”

Top tip: You can find me here at least twice a week having the grilled sea bass à la Polita with artichoke, fennel and root vegetables (Dhs132).
Building No.6, Dubai Design District, thelighthouse.ae (04 422 6024)

Mama’esh

“Due to my Lebanese origins, I crave Middle Eastern cuisine all the time. This place has the best hummus, freshly baked bread and zaatar (which is not an easy thing to find). My favourite location is the Al Manara villa branch which manages to keep its charm and authenticity, while expressing the best of Palestinian cuisine.”

Top tip: The craving that makes me drive for hours to find a parking space is the zaatar jabali manaesh (Dhs12) which includes delicious Palestinian zaatar topped with fresh tomatoes, onion and thyme leaves.
Villa 1081, Umm Suqeim, Al Safa, mamaesh.com (600 548 287)

Supriya Takkar Fernandes, founder, Vasai Local Restaurant

Who is she…

The founder of Vasai Local Restaurant has lived in Dubai for 20 years. Originally from Mumbai, India, Supriya Takkar Fernandes didn’t know that when she took a break from her 9-5 corporate career, she would end up in the 24/7 world of restaurants. She challenged herself to become a restaurateur and to introduce Koli cuisine to Dubai.

Where she eats…

Yoko Sizzlers

“When I am really hungry and want to have a quick a satisfying meal, Yoko is my favourite all time restaurant.”

Top tip: The Yoko’s special chicken pepper sauce sizzler (Dhs63) with loads of veggies and fries is my super favourite. It’s a nice combination of healthy and not healthy – but ah! – a satisfying meal. It ticks all the boxes.”
Various locations. yokosizzlers.com.

Raw Coffee Company

“Being a coffee and café-lover, Raw Coffee Company (the one in Al Quoz) is my fave… to sum it all up, a great cappuccino along with a morning bread. I love the whole vibe of this café. Sometimes I drive all the way there just to chill, take a break or have a coffee and work.”

Recommended: “I love the veggie burger (Dhs48) there, it is a robust burger with amazing veg flavours – [I’ll take it] anytime over any chicken burger.”
Al Quoz, rawcoffeecompany.com (04 339 5474).

Thamara Kumari, sous chef, MAZI Abu Dhabi

Who is she…

Thamara Kumari was born and brought up in Sri Lanka. She never thought she wanted to be a chef, but she developed a passion for cooking early in her mother’s kitchen. She started her culinary career as a service crew at Kuwait Catering Services and she’s now sous chef of MAZI Abu Dhabi.

Where she eats…

Sontaya

“Sontaya has a beautiful location surrounded by the water complemented by the modern Southeast Asian food with unique and delicate ingredients.”

Top tip: “My most favourite dish in Sontaya is the chicken pandan (Dhs65) which is wrapped in pandan leaf marinated with Thai herbs.”
The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island (02 498 8088).

LPM

“LPM offers French and Mediterranean cuisine, and they are serving their dishes with high-end ingredients similar to some of the items that we are using in our kitchen.”

Top tip: “I really liked the ceviche de loup de mer with sea bass fish fillet with smoked tomato jus (Dhs99).”
The Galleria Al Maryah Island, lpmrestaurants.com (02 692 9600).

The Cheesecake Factory

“I picked The Cheesecake Factory as my third go-to place as the ambience is very friendly and we used to go there with my team to have team building.”

Top tip: “It will always be the original cheesecake (Dhs29.40). It’s very creamy with graham cracker crust and sour cream topping.”
Various locations. thecheesecakefactoryme.com.

Zain Mahjoub, associate director of VIP relations, Art Dubai

Who is she…

As associate director at Art Dubai, Zaincommitted to putting the Middle East in the world-class art scene. She previously held several positions as the Sharjah Art Foundation and her experience spans the commercial and not-for-profit arts and culture sectors in the Middle East.

Where she eats…

Meat Me There

“If I had to choose my top three picks, I would definitely start with a good burger. Living in Dubai, there’s nothing better than having a satisfying burger on a weekend before you start yet another ‘healthy week’. My go-to burger place is Meat Me There.”

Top tip: “They have the juiciest burgers with a picturesque view overlooking Umm Suqeim’s fishing harbour. I never regret ordering their classic Meat Me Burger (Dhs36.75).”
Al Souq Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim (04 338 7330).

Orfali Bros.

“My second choice would be something that hits home, Orfali Bros – fellow Syrians who’ve found a way to make some of my favorite dishes unique.”

Top tip: “They make a dish called Eat H (Dhs47) that reminds me of my grandma’s cooking.”
Wasl 51 Mall, Jumeirah, orfalibros.com (04 259 2477).

Nolu’s

“To get out of my comfort zone, I go all the way to Nolu’s in Abu Dhabi to enjoy a hearty and rich Afghani meal.”

Top tip: “I enjoy their hearty and rich Afghani dumpukht.”
Various locations. Al Bandar, The Galleria, nolusrestaurants.com (02 557 9500).