My picks in Epicurean

This glamorous spot at the Grovesnor is heavy on the "wow factor." It's opulence incarnate—baroque style furniture, chandeliers, velvet armchairs, gentle ambient lighting. Go with someone you want to impress. Anglo-modern dishes are the kitchen's specialty, like roast breast of bitter duck accompanied by a parsnip purée and Madeira gravy. I'm definitely a fan.

Meet Vineet Bhatia, the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star and the toast of British Indian cuisine. His scrumptious, mild masalas have made him the toast of the town in Dubai. The Art Deco style, golden statues and red chandeliers may be a bit over the top for some tastes, but it certainly helps to transport you to another place. Ask for a starter assortment (not on the menu) and claim first dibs on the divine marinated smoked salmon. Yes, it's pricey. Yes, it's worth it.

Float over water while enjoying light, beachy fare. Whether you're staying at the One & Only Royal Mirage Hotel or not, you should give this place a try. It's casual by day, stylish by night. Request a table on top of the pool—no, that's not a typo. You'll actually be on top of the water on a floating majlis. The varied, funky menu is great, heavy on dishes with contemporary Asian flair. The chef recommends his freshly baked hamour wrapped in leaves delicately scented with Asian spices and aromatic herbs. Every sense is well attended to.

Quiet and secluded, this barefoot-chic oasis is a little-known al fresco spot on the beach in the Barj Al Arab Hotel offering views of the Arabian Gulf. The vibe is casual, but the dress code is formal—collars and trousers for men and closed shoes. The Mediterranean menu offers a slew of meat dishes, but you're better off sticking with the fresh seafood and a drink at the ocean side bar and watching the spectacular sunset over the Gulf.

Zheng who? When I was brought here in January of 2006, I asked the same question. It doesn't take long to learn the answer—and be all the better for it (or at least better fed). In thi east-meets-west delight in a hotel designed to look like an ancient Arabian palace, you'll find excellent quality, service and ambience. The décor is cutting-edge Chinese with a series of gorgeous, sexy rooms and outdoor tables peering onto the man-made canals behind the impressive Vegas-style Madinat Jumeriah Hotel. Few places offer such an unspoiled view of Burj Al Arab.