The Observatory - The Marriott Hotel, Dubai Marina

The Observatory is one of those talked about spots which not only hosts great views of the Marina and the Palm but also has an exotic menu, a great setting, indoor smoking area and fantastic cocktails and no matter what day of the week it is, you can always guarantee a good vibe from the other customers who descend on The Observatory for after work drinks. The interior is dark with wood and leather and black and brown seating, either in the form of regular tables or the occasional high set tables with breakfast bar stools and communal seating around large circles in the center of the room, accommodating around 12 people at one time. The views are seen through floor to ceiling windows and the low lighting gives off a stunning view of the cities flashing lights.

Even though it looks like the kind of place that would be over priced and relatively snooty, The Observatory is actually reasonable (especially if you bring a voucher from the Entertainer book with you) and not the kind of place where overly fancy dress is a necessity. Depending what you are in the mood for, customers can either chill out in the bar area and enjoy light bar snacks - my particular favourite being the beef satay, potato dippers or mini burger sliders. Alternatively, a proper sit down dinner option is also on the cards, with favorites such as steaks, pork belly and pounded tuna tartare on the menu.

Happy hour runs from 5pm until 8pm offering up a selection of delicious (and cheap) cocktails, wines, spirits and bar food. Definitely a great spot to take a friend who is visiting - cheap and cheerful with the glitz and glamour of Dubai.

The Spice Emporium - The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina

The Spice Emporium restaurant at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina in Jumeirah, Dubai offer exotic Asian fusion (mostly Thai) grub in an atmosphere which takes you straight to Thailand. On entering, you are instantly met by friendly faces, paper lanterns, open kitchens and far east trinkets (both large and small). The cooking stations reminds me vaguely of Bennihana with the roaring woks, dancing grills, Teppan, tandoor, and steaming baskets , open air and on full display for the customers to watch their food being prepared from a far. The attractive low-slung tables in chocolate brown and the soft latino music pumping around the room adds to the Asian experience.

On my last outing, eight of us dinned together around a large spacious table inside, however on previous visits, I have ate outside in the pretty, dimmed lit terrace which mirrors the same kind of vibe. The staff are friendly and there to help with a good knowledge on most dishes. They also make sure the bowl of prawn crackers (served with a sweet chilli dip) in the middle of the table is constantly topped up (I think I managed to consumer a bowl to myself !) To start, we opted for a variety of small dishes to share amongst us (tasty chicken spring rolls and piping hot Thai prawn cakes).For mains, there was a selection of curries, sea bass, chicken based stir fries and beef. I chose the Stir fried beef with ginger, mushroom, chili and spring onion which was a slight disappointment.. it was missing that certain je ne ce quoi and wasn’t as tasty as I had preempted. My neighbor went for a better option of stir fried chicken with cashew nuts which was divine – tender chicken with the crunch from the cashews and a perfectly sweet and spicy sauce – excellence! I also tried the sea bass, cooked just right, melting in my mouth, perfectly marinated with thai herbs. On previous occasions I have tried the chicken green curry (one of my favourite dishes from my Thailand travelling days) and it was delightful, and if I was to visit again, this would be my dish of choice – the flavor combination was perfect.

I would highly recommend this as a mid week treat. The food is not overly expensive and the service is quick. They also offer a ‘ladies night’ promotion on a Tuesday where they take 50% off your food bill making it very possible to spend under 100aed (if you are not drinking). And finally, to add to the experience of delicate textures, heady flavors and aromas, exotic food and helpful staff, roughly every 30minutes you will be treated to a local Thai dance which is performed in the middle of the restaurant! Score (if you like that kind of thing!) 

Shades - The Address Hotel, Dubai Marina

Looking for somewhere to kick back and relax with a drink, tapas or/and shisha? If so, then Shades is the place for you.

Located at the Address Hotel in the Marina, this ‘chill out’ lounge does not only house great laid back tunes but also stunning views on the infinity pool and Marina.

Situated on the 4^th floor, Shade’s is vast, decked out with a combination of large cabana beds, sofa areas and a seated area at the back where people can dine.

 Open all day and night, you can visit shades during the sun shine hours and hang out by the pool (for a steep 300aed however!), or go for sun downers for a drink or two.

Not the busiest of spots in Dubai, so if you are looking to somewhere with a bit of buzz, Shades would not be the place for you. However I have heard that at the weekend, when the resident DJ Enigma8 steps up to the decks, the entire venue buzzes well into the early hours of the morning (something to check out for sure!).

 Drink and food are reasonably priced and happy hour happens daily between 7pm-9pm (half price on selected drinks and cocktails) so get involved!

http://www.theaddress.com/en/dining/shades-1

Apron and Hammers - Dubai International Marine Club, Dubai Marina

Apron and Hammers - Dubai’s answer to London’s The Big Easy with a twist. Set in two different locations in Dubai, one in the Marina and one in down town Dubai this, in my option, is the best surf n’ (slightly) turf restaurant I’ve been to so far.

I’ve had the pleasure of dining in the Marina location twice now and both on occasions my seafood cravings were satisfied. 

The menu presents a variety of favourites of mine, swinging from tasty salads, bowls of seafood to burgers and pasta. My dishes of choice however would have  to be the 'what we do best' buckets – freshly caught jumbo prawns, shrimp, mussels,  crab, and lobster – the fun part being when you order these particular dishes they come with aprons, hammers and tiny little forks to ‘fish’ out the yummiest bits!

Set on a boat at one end of the Marina (by the beloved Barasti to be exact!), it’s a venue suited for all types on weather, with an undercover area at the bottom of the boat and outdoor seating at the top, however if you are prone to a bit of sea sickness I would aim to go when its not to breezy… the boat does to tend to rock when the winds up (not ideal on a hangover!)

I’ve been with both family and friends, and on both occasions there was not an empty plate in sight (always a good sign!) 

Top tips:

• ·      The portion sizes are huge (especially the salads!) so if going with kids, sharing options are definitely the way forward!
• ·      If you are not drinking, I would suggest ordering the mint lemonade – extremely refreshing and tasty! Perfect ratio of mint, lemon and sugar!
• ·      The atmosphere is on the whole better upstairs (keep this in mind when you are booking a table!)
• ·      Avoid wearing white – it’s the kind of food which ends up on your clothes by the end of the evening!
• ·      If you’re looking for a tasty side, I would always suggest the corn on the cob, if you are a fan this corn its a dreamy accompaniment to your food..

   www.apronsandhammers.com