If someone told you the food is all that matters at a restaurant, it’s probably a lie. While the focus is primarily on great food (quality, presentation and finally taste), other elements of the experience are equally important. The service, the ambience and most often the interior. More so now when conversations at the dinner table are limited and diners are usually after their perfect Instagram shots. Here are the city’s restaurants that photograph well.

1. Cavalli Club, Fairmont Dubai

Inspired and launched in collaboration with designer Roberto Cavalli, the venue is flamboyant, opulent and quite over-the-top. Massive chandeliers, animal print chairs and over 356,000 Swarovski crystals used as embellishments – doesn’t get more luxurious than this, does it?

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cavalli Club Dubai (@cavalliclubdxb) on May 23, 2016 at 7:13am PDT

2. Qbara, Wafi City

The dining area features a backdrop of 280 antique Afghani flying carpets, dyed to a rusty orange. The highlight of the venue is the huge patchwork wall of timber carvings, that’s illuminated with 3D projections.

3. Tre, Nassima Royal Hotel

Located on the 49th floor of the Sheikh Zayed road hotel, the three-level venue’s key feature is the lava stone sculptured dining table that seats 20. The top most floor has the King’s Room, complete with a throne and gold decor. 

4. Nobu, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Japanese restaurant has hand-woven curvilinear panels gracing the walls and ceilings, along with hand-wrought iron columns of flowers, leaves and buds.

5. Buddha Bar, Grosvenor House Dubai

The most striking feature of the massive dining area is its four-meter high gilded statue. One entire wall of glass and the red and gold chandeliers add to the pretty picture.

6. Hakkasan, Jumeirah Emirates Towers

The dark oak lattice work represents traditional Chinoiserie decadence indoors, while the terrace features rustic wooden pavilions and greenery.

7. Yuan, Atlantis The Palm

This award-winning restaurant has served diners including Kim Kardashian and Jourdan Dunn in the past. The opulent, but dark interior is inspired by Chinese elements.

8. Coya, Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach Road

The Peruvian spot’s interior is decorated with painted murals and rich Incan palettes. The corridor walls are adorned with bottles and colonial embellishments. Some of the historic art present has been flown in from Peru.

9. La Cantine du Faubourg, Jumeirah Emirates Towers

Low tables, modern art and organza drapes coupled with wood, stone and marble give this French restaurant its upscale vibe.