The city in the desert is known for defying odds.

A glimmering beacon in the Middle East, luxury is found in nearly every public corner of Dubai, as over-the-top opulence is welcomed with open arms.

And fine dining is no exception.

While some are more decadent than others, CNN dropped its list of favourite restaurants on Dubai’s fine dining circuit, and we thought we would share them with you.

Just in case, you know, you happen to find yourself in the city wanting to drop a few extra dirhams – or dollars.

Cavalli Club Dubai

Those chandeliers? Made of Swarovski crystals.

Hanging from from the ceiling of the purple-lit late-night venue, the decor is completed with fashion shows projected on a large screen – and nothing about it is subtle:

Done in collaboration with over-the-top designer Roberto Cavalli, that’s no real surprise. Even the elevators are lined with zebra print fabric walls and the gold women’s bathroom is dotted with private back-lit makeup mirrors.

Definitely a party destination, Cavalli Club still offers a solid four-course Italian dinner:

Mains, like meaty monkfish tail poached in squid ink or Mediterranean sea bass wrapped in zucchini, are visually gorgeous if a little under-seasoned.

And by 11PM, the DJ’s music will be pumping.

Credit card max-out: 850g of Wagyu grade 9+ New York steak ($681/R8 900).
Worth the splurge: A dish of red prawns carpaccio with celery, cheese and watermelon soaked with Aperol spritz ($41/R530).

Pierchic

Located at the sea end of the pier, the romantic “over-water destination” offers epic views:

Corner tables on the terrace enjoy uninterrupted views of the “seven-star” sparkling Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. The food here is fancy and elaborate — and has the price tag to match.

Oysters, caviar and lobster, topped with flourishes like truffle and foie gras, dominate the Mediterranean menu.

Thankfully, portions are pleasantly large:

A rich starter of Alaskan king crab topped with caviar and saffron-infused hollandaise could easily be a main, while an elegant main of Chilean sea bass with smoked sweet potato could serve two.

Credit card max-out: 50 grams of Beluga Imperial Caviar ($776/R10 100), whole line-caught sea bass ($245/R3 200), or a seafood tower with oysters, lobsters, prawns, crab, salmon and more ($245/R3 200).
Worth the splurge: The venue’s smoky sweet potato. Served alongside a dish of Chilean sea bass, it’s rich, sweet, caramelised and incredibly decadent ($68/R885 for complete dish).

At.mosphere Burj Khalifa

Near the top of the world’s tallest tower sits Burj Khalifa where those with a decent amount of cash can book a dinner at At.mosphere for the most luxurious view:

Tables by the floor-to-ceiling windows offer urban sunsets while a multi-course tasting menu lays on the decadence.

There’s wasabi roots from Japan, Australian Wagyu beef, lobster and more, all offered alongside suggested wine pairings.

Credit card max-out: The seven-course experience tasting menu with wine pairing will set you back a steep $436/R5 700 per person.
Worth the splurge: A hand-cut beef tartare served with caviar is deliciously rich (part of a tasting menu at $185/R2 400 per person).

Billionaire Mansion Dubai

Newly opened by Italian F1 boss Flavio Briatore, CNN describes the Billionaire Mansion Dubai akin to going on a safari:

Long-legged women roam in packs while men peacock in name-brand clothing.

And absolutely everything — from the white-suit-black-tie staff to the tree growing in the middle of the restaurant — is meant to catch the eye.

The swanky spot doesn’t pick up until after 9PM when “brief performances — like silk ribbon dancing or sultry jazz singing — start”.

The menu is Japanese- and Italian-inspired, with dishes like tuna tartare with white truffle sauce or salt-crusted baked sea bass are large and unfussy:

As the evening moves on, diners should be prepared for sparkler-equipped dancers or bull-masked hoverboard-riding staff to wind between tables.

Just like on safari, the more exotic animals come out at night.

Credit card max-out: 125 grams of Beluga Volzhenka Caviar ($640/R8 300).
Worth the splurge: The wasabi prawns with mango and golden passion fruit salsa. This lightly battered dish is salty, sweet, crunchy and, with five large prawns, just the right size ($40/R520).

Social by Heinz Beck

The man behind Rome’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant La Pergola has brought his “unconventional brand of Italian cuisine to Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah”:

With pristine wooden floors, retro photos and glass-fronted kitchen, the decor of Social by Heinz Beck is classic luxury with a modern twist — a mantra that also extends to the menu.

Expect to find Italian staples such as tiramisu and carbonara turned completely on their heads.

The interior goes for a European high society feel.

Credit card max-out: The indulgent five-course tasting menu paired with wines from around the world ($226/R2 900 per person).
Worth the splurge: The Heinz Beck signature, Fagottelli Carbonara. Delicately soft pasta parcels filled with hot pools of buttery sauce ($23/R300).

Don’t mind if I do.

[source:cnn]