JUMEIRAH. There can't be many restaurants in the world where you hop in a 'submarine' to get to your dining table. But then Al Mahara isn't your standard seafood restaurant. The fish on your plate is as fresh as that swimming in the stunning aquarium in this award-laden signature restaurant, which serves western seafood with a Chinese touch. Connoisseurs of suave please note: there is a harpist to serenade diners. Gents need to wear a collared shirt and jacket.

DEIRA. Some venues score well on setting, others on food: the Bamboo Lagoon is one of the few to excel ­ and then some ­ in both categories. Why not impress your date by sashaying across this Polynesian retreat's wooden bridge, with water features underneath and leafy plants all around. Positive impression thus made, you may feast on all manner of Asian delights, including the sushi and sashimi bar.

JUMEIRAH. An ornate dining room featuring rich dark wood furniture, intricately designed pillars and molding, and elegant table settings, the Dusit Dubai's signature restaurant offers diners a chance to experience fine Royal Thai cuisine and hospitality in their most accommodating incarnations. Enjoy the chef's celebrated menu, which stands as the culmination of his more than three years of culinary "exploration" in places like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Japan. Ask for a table near a window, and you can enjoy an enchanting view of the desert whilst you dine.

GARHOUD. Widely regarded as one of Dubai's finest Thai restaurants, the distinctive Blue Elephant features a tranquil waterfall, exotic flowers and greenery, and intricate stained wood accents, creating the illusion that you're not in Dubai but in some quaint Southeast Asian village. The cuisine matches the decor stroke for stroke. Royal Thai dishes include herbs, spices and produce imported from Thailand, and the aromas of basil, chilies and lemongrass flow through the air, enticing first time patrons to order some of the spicier items (marked on the menu with red elephants). Saturdays feature an unforgettable lunch buffet.

DEIRA. Some of Dubai's most highly regarded sushi is served here Tuesday and Friday-Sunday evenings. The view may be a disappointment (a wall blocks the bustling creek banks), but the authentic atmosphere and exceptional menu are sure to please.