It’s not often one can say that a decision to dine out began with a three-minute-long submarine ride and ended with a seven-star meal of fresh seafood in an ‘underwater’ restaurant. But that’s exactly what happens at Al Mahara, which serves modern French seafood cuisine and is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The luxurious aquatic theme is quite simply extraordinary to behold, as diners find themselves seated around the huge aquarium, called The Oval, which is filled with a variety of indigenous and non-indigenous Gulf sea life. The visual taster is only a fraction of this to come though, as the menu reveals a sumptuous and exquisite array of delicious seafood dishes. The Four Flavours Oysters is particularly popular, while the Foie Gras and Smoked Eel Terrine is deliciously sublime with red-black fruit pickles. But whatever is selected, will undoubtedly be extraordinary, as Al Mahara’s chefs are unable to produce mediocrity when it comes to their cuisine. This is a restaurant to be visited at least once in your lifetime – and preferably with a good reason to celebrate.

Dress code: Semi-formal. Gentlemen are required to wear a shirt with collar and long sleeves, trousers (no jeans) and closed shoes (no trainers) or national dress. A jacket should also be worn at dinner time.
Location: The Burj Al Arab, Umm Sequim, Dubai
For reservations call: 04 301 7600