Three of the Marina best

LEADING FOOD CRITIC Samantha Wood (foodiva. net) selected her three favourite venues in Dubai Marina during a recent ‘Dine Around’ tour. RUYA DUBAI, Grosvenor House Dubai (starters) Concept Colin Clague’s ‘modern Turkish’ restaurant continues to attract rave reviews. Highlight I loved the fresh Pide when I came for lunch, but tonight’s pleasant surprise was the duck kibbeh. “If you only have one night in Dubai, eat here,” recommends Wood. Accompaniments Ruinart Rosé Champagne, Soho Jagger Pinot Gris, 2014 Marlborough, New Zealand MARINA SOCIAL, InterContinental Dubai Marina (mains)

Concept Jason Atherton’s British-European menu remains popular judging by the full house tonight. With the open terrace and sax playing, and an appearance from the man himself, it felt a good night to be out.

Highlight The BBQ veal short rib and Black Onyx beef rib eye would be the obvious choices, but I couldn’t stop picking at the fresh beans.

Accompaniment Achaval Ferrer, Malbec, 2013 Mendoza, Argentina BiCE, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah (desserts) Concept Wood has a “soft spot” for this Italian, which opened shortly after she arrived 17 years ago (it’s been renovated recently). It serves traditional Italian classics. Highlight Small but wonderful chocolate soufflé, the rectangular plate also had a tiramisu and millefoglie with lavender Chantilly cream. Accompaniment Chateau de Cabidos, Cuvee Gaston Phoebus Petit Manseng Doux 2011, Pays Tolosan, France