Indian

Winner
Asha’s
Wafi, Oud Metha (04 324 4100).

Highly Commended
Ashiana
Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, Deira (04 228 1111).

Indego by Vineet
Grosvenor House Dubai, Tower One, Dubai Marina (04 399 8888).

The elegant, modern decor of Asha’s is complemented by efficient, friendly service. And the food? It sings. The kebabs are guaranteed palate pleasers, comprising the most tender cuts of meat, roasted and grilled to as close to perfection as you’ll likely taste in the city. We’re happy to present the award to Asha’s for the first time, in its 10th year.

This year’s highly commended awards go to Ashiana – the venue is cosy and inviting, while the cuisine itself is packed with rich, colourful spices – and Indego by Vineet, a restaurant wonderfully represented by the statue of Shiva at the door. In the form of Nataraja, Shiva is known to perform a divine dance; divine, being a perfect adjective for the fish tikka or the madras homestyle chicken.

International

Winner
Beach Bar & Grill
One&Only Royal Mirage, Jumeirah (04 399 9999).

Highly Commended
Bateaux Dubai
Al Seef Road (opposite British Embassy), Bur Dubai (04 399 4994).

The Observatory
Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites (04 319 4000).

Beach Bar & Grill’s menu features everything from traditional Arabic mezze to club sandwiches to Mediterranean seafood dishes. Try the Portuguese cataplana of shellfish (clams, mussels, prawns, scallops and crabs with cooked beef chorizo, tomatoes, vegetables and fresh herbs) or the simple-yet-delicious seafood and steak. The restaurant is laid back, yet ever so classy, and the kind of place you wish you had the time and money to eat at every lunchtime.

Bateaux Dubai has proved a fantastic addition to the city’s slew of international restaurants with innovative set menus, which are served swiftly and efficiently each and every night as the boat-based restaurant meanders down the creek. The Observatory offers a small but varied menu (grills, steak, fish, pasta and more) and considering its outstanding service, quality of food and memorable setting, the restaurant offers unbeatable value.

Italian

Winner
Medzo
Wafi, Oud Metha (04 324 4100).

Highly Commended
BiCE
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, The Walk at JBR (04 399 1111).

Bussola Pizzeria
The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi (04 511 7136).

Run passionately by Italian dame Nonna Livia, Medzo has come back to win the top prize for the first time since 2006. The veal loin wrapped in prosciutto, for example, is a triumph in taste and appearance, served with a reduction of veal stock and pan juices that complement the porcini ragout perfectly.

After its renovation, Italian favourite BiCE in Hilton Jumeirah has gone from strength to strength and now offers sleek, understated decor, and impressive food. The second highly commended goes to Bussola Pizzeria, which marries traditional Italian pizzas with a wonderful setting – a perfect place to entertain out-of-town-guests or simply enjoy a laid-back meal with friends.