8 of 9 places fit
Persian cooking with window tables over the Creek and old Dubai; order the kash-e bademjan, an aubergine dip, before the kebabs.
A Bedouin-style garden of rugs, lanterns and low sofas between the towers, with Middle Eastern and North African plates to share; Michelin lists it among Dubai's most romantic.
A 15-seat rooftop counter with a Michelin star, where everyone is served the same tasting menu at the same time.
Book the counter and watch the chefs build the ramen, with robata, sushi and a proper sake list, all at a Bib Gourmand price.
Bib Gourmand Mediterranean on the Yas Marina terrace, with 2-for-1 drinks from 4pm to 7pm Sunday to Friday.
Grilled fish and mezze on a beachfront terrace, a short walk from the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Classic Tuscan cooking on the Corniche, with a kitchen whose chef won Michelin's Young Chef award.
Modern Lebanese cooking with harbour views from Etihad Towers, plus fixed-price menus so nobody has to choose.