Sometimes you’re just not in the mood for a big meal. Let’s just say a large portion of one thing. You’d rather tease your tastebuds with smaller portions of various things. That’s when it’s handy to know which restaurants serve the best nibbles in town.

1. Calamari at Busaba Eathai, The Beach, JBR (04 428 1421)

The UK import serves the BEST calamari (AED 41) in town and there is no room for debate. It’s a portion of crunchy (less chewy) squid in a light batter, topped with ginger slivers and green peppercorn. We promise you, you will be asking for a repeat of this tasty starter.

Recommended

Here’s How Much It’ll Cost To Rent A Place In DubaiDon’t Leave Your Pup Behind At These Pet-Friendly Spots In DubaiThe Lovin Merch Secret Is Finally Out Of The Bag

2. Jasmine tea smoked Wagyu beef ribs at Hakkasan Dubai, Jumeirah Emirates Towers (04 384 8484)

From everything we’ve eaten at this award-winning Chinese restaurant, it’s the beef ribs (AED 150) that’s won our hearts. The sweet-sticky dish is a winning combination of melt-in-your mouth beef and subtle flavours of Jasmine tea. Absolute bliss!

3. Gambas al ajillo at Salero Tapas & Bodega, Kempinski MOE (04 409 5888)

Sharing platters are essential to Spanish cuisine, but you’d want the gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimps in English) all to yourself. Think juicy shrimps (AED 60) swimming in olive oil with a hint of spice.

4. Truffle fries at Parker’s, The Dubai Mall

Previously nestled in the corner of Al Khazan Park and now in The Dubai Mall, this is not a restaurant but an experience. Entry is given only to those diners who bring the ‘golden key’ with them – follow them on Instagram to find out how you can get one. The truffle fries are decadent and to describe them as just ‘amazing’ would be an understatement.

5. Salmon Tartare, Atisuto, Galleria Mall (04 343 6303)

If there’s one restaurant that just gets better with each visit…it’s hands down this casual Japanese eatery. The standout dish though on its menu is the salmon tartare (AED 56). Served in crispy baskets, these little parcels of deliciousness are essentially chopped salmon mixed with spicy mayo and topped with avocado and orange tobiko.

6. Black truffle comté cheese fritters at J&G Steakhouse, St. Regis Dubai (04 435 5577)

If there’s one dish this swanky steakhouse should get extra credit for…it’s these ball-shaped fritters. For AED 65 you get eight pieces of wonderfully crunchy treats with the right amount (we’re talking taste and aroma) of truffle. 

7. Chicken wings at Perry and Blackwelder’s, Madinat Jumeirah (04 366 6197)

These deep-fried delights are served in many ways. You have the option of BBQ, Texas Spicy, Lemon Pepper or even Teriyaki. Remember whatever way you choose to have it, 10 pieces (AED 65) won’t be enough. They’re that good!

8. Sweet potato fries at Claw BBQ, Souk Al Bahar (04 432 2300)

This spot masters Southern hospitality and besides that, the two things that take us there so often are the mechanical bull and the sweet potato fries (AED 25). Though they’re served as a side, the fries are actually worth ordering even before the mains arrive.

9. Chicken satay skewers at Cargo, Pier 7 (04 361 8129)

Served on a platter (AED 185) with other Asian bites such as beef satay, tandoori skewers and duck wontons, the chicken satay at Cargo is our fave pick of them all. The beauty of the dish is being able to get the tender chicken off the skewer without struggle. 

10. Chicken Puff at Ping Pong, The Dubai Mall (04 339 9088)

Who goes to a dim sum restaurant and orders chicken puff (AED 25)? Well, we do! Each portion consists of three pieces (which we promise will be wiped out in no time), each topped with a piece of pineapple. A bite into the baked pastry reveals a mildly sweet and flavourful honeyed chicken.