Hakkasan

Haute Chinese via Mayfair
Popular plate: Tofu and aubergine in a clay pot make for a stellar side. The creamy interior juxtaposes nicely with the vegetable’s crunch.

When word hit that Hakkasan was opening a branch at the prestigious Emirates Palace, the city was abuzz. Known for dishing out high-priced, high-concept Chinese fare to a well-heeled and celebrity clientele, it's fast become a favourite with luxury-loving visitors and expats alike.
Though the menu doesn’t stray too far from the dishes that earned the original Mayfair venue a Michelin star, there are a few nods to local culture. Regional ingredients, like dates and hammour, make the occasional cameo, while the decor incorporates Arab elements. Though the restaurant is massive, latticed wood partitions give diners a sense of intimacy.