Chinese

Winner
Hukama
The Address Downtown Dubai (04 888 3444).

Highly Commended
Shang Palace
Shangri-La Hotel Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 343 8888).

The China Club
Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek, Baniyas Street (04 222 7171).

Hukama exudes a quiet sophistication, which is substantiated by the weighty menu that blends provincial Chinese cuisine with contemporary fare. À la carte choices sit opposite a perfectly formed range of dim sum, while portion sizes are small, but surprisingly filling – perhaps because each perfectly balanced dish is bursting with flavour.

The hefty prices at Shang Palace are more than justified once you bite into expertly prepared dishes such as sautéed tenderloin with fresh chilli or the poached fish with Szechuan peppercorns. And The China Club offers a serene environment in which cuisine from across China is served by knowledgeable, helpful staff.

Contemporary European

Winner
Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire
InterContinental Dubai Festival City (04 701 1111).

Highly Commended
Rhodes Mezzanine
Grosvenor House Dubai, Tower One, Dubai Marina (04 399 8888).

STAY by Yannick Alléno
One&Only The Palm, Palm Jumeirah (04 440 1010).

This category celebrates the innovation of the Dubai chefs who push the boundaries of European haute cuisine. Reflets has managed to retain the award thanks to the attentiveness of the staff and the quality of the food, which tickles, tricks and teases taste buds.

Rhodes Mezzanine continues to capture the imagination of the city’s most discerning diners with its wonderful venue, attentive staff and unique takes on British classics, while STAY by Yannick Alléno is a work of art in terms of aesthetic finesse and the food served – a special mention goes to the splendid dessert library.

French

Winner
La Petite Maison
DIFC (04 439 0505).

Highly Commended
STAY by Yannick Alléno
One&Only The Palm, Palm Jumeirah (04 440 1010).

Traiteur
Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira (04 317 2222).

The French almost single-handedly shaped the modern-day perception of dining, which is fitting considering some of modern Dubai’s best restaurants are of the French variety. La Petite Maison is the beating heart of DIFC’s restaurant scene, which, considering its esteemed neighbours, is quite some feat. Everything about it oozes effortless sophistication, from the wonderfully knowledgeable staff to the buzzing atmosphere and the superb Niçoise food.

Though STAY by Yannick Alléno’s contemporary credentials place it high in our regard (especially in the form of its playful, creative desserts), we also love its undeniably French demeanour, which filters into divinely prepared dishes such as wild pigeon chartreuse (served with foie gras, savoy cabbage and perigourdine sauce) and poached goujonettes. Rounding off this esteemed roster is Traiteur. The long-standing Deira restaurant has never once strayed from its Gallic culinary principles, and the result has always been quality, filling, traditional French fare. As clichéd as it might sound, the escargots delight on every visit, while the high-ceilinged setting, combined with the sizzle of the kitchen and charming service, makes for a quite fantastic evening out.