Must-try restaurants of the month.

Planning a date to impress your better half? Check out these new hotspots

ZETA

WHERE: Address Downtown WHAT: Mediterasian - Calfornia meets Asia MUST TRY: Sushi platter IMPRESSIONS: If, as they say, first impressions are the best, then Zeta, positioned at the furthest end of the gorgeous Address Downtown, wins you over. Expansive space, seamlessly divided as a restaurant and lounge, bean bags spelling out a relaxing evening with shisha, high bar stools offering exquisite views, twinkly lights on one side and romantic tables on the other – what’s not to love? Wherever you sit, you get the best possible view of the ever-fascinating fountains and Burj Khalifa. The food matches up to the views. In this California meets Asia menu, with the Asian part being stronger of the two, you find the regular favourites and some new ones. We went with our server’s suggestion - the mixed sushi platter – and it turned out to be the best. Be it the sushi, sashimi, nigiri or the California roll, they are all fresh, delicious and wonderfully presented. However, the Atlantic prawns didn’t work for us with the spicy cocktail sauce not being flavourful or spicy enough to make for a tasty bite. But it was compensated by the cod which ticked every box, a must-try indeed. Desserts deserve a special mention too, especially the warm chocolate fondant and mango pudding all of which rounded up a meal that was light, unfussy and refined. The added ingredient – the iconic views and serene spring vibe. Go for it on a date night!

ALL’ONDA

WHERE: Emerald Palace Kempinski WHAT: Italian-japanese MUST TRY: Ricotta Ravioli IMPRESSIONS: It blinds you at first. Then it makes your jaw drop. Emerald Palace Kempinski, on the western crescent of the Palm Jumeirah has so much glitter in every corner of its awe-inspiring interiors that it fits Dubai’s description as the city of gold. It’s flashy but also fabulous, so if you are in the mood to indulge in showing off some Dubai bling, you have a new address. All’onda, on the sixth floor, fits in perfectly with the rest of the hotel. The Dubai outpost of the erstwhile NYC restaurant offers a unique menu – Italianvenetian with a hint of Japanese and Indian influences. You know you are in for something special when you pass through a wall of greenery and then enter a space that emits a seriously sexy, dark vibe with dim lights and classy décor boasting of gondola shaped lamp shades. But that’s just the bar and the indoor dining area. The outdoor terrace is a happy space that offers breathtaking views of the Palm shoreline and the sea on the other side. The menu is a mix of Italian and Japanese but strangely the combination works well. We loved the Arancini and the ricotta ravioli as much as the sushi and roast salmon. The vibe is casual as you can stroll around the terrace with a drink in hand, take some insta worthy pics and then come back to the bar or dining area to grab a bite. With utterly divine desserts, upbeat music to add to the tempo and a fun ambiance this is one zone that feels great for every occasion – a brunch with friends or an intimate evening out with someone special.

TASCA

WHERE: Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai WHAT: Portuguese MUST-TRY: Blue Lobster and Prawn Rice IMPRESSIONS: This place has got it all – the vibe, the verve and the views. Tasca, one of the hottest new restaurants to launch in the last few months, has already become a favourite among the jet-set and it’s easy to see why. Offering scintillating views of the sea on one side and the Burj Khalifa on the other, this Portuguese dining destination has everything you need for a lively night out. With acclaimed Michelin-starred Portuguese chef José Avillez at the helm, the menu is a delight with a range of traditional classics with a contemporary twist. The recommendations include grilled scarlet shrimp with Tasca sauce and yuzu mayonnaise, blue lobster and prawn rice, cured and marinated seabass, piri piri chicken and the like. Seafood takes priority though the meats are equally good – especially when paired with robust Portuguese grape and some tempting cocktails. There are live demonstrations at both, the bar and the kitchen and if that’s not enough, you can take advantage of the spectacular outdoor seating complete with an infinity pool overlooking the Gulf.