When it comes to dining at the Burj Al Arab, there is certainly a common theme: luxury. This 28-storey, five-star hotel is widely regarded as one of the finest hotels in the world.
So much so that it is often referred to as "the only seven-star hotel in the world", although no such distinction actually exists.
The hotel, which sits on a man-made island and was completed in 1999, boasts 202 luxury suites; Rolls-Royces to transport guests, a helicopter and helipad, a private beach and six restaurants, it really is a hotel like no other.
The helipad has been the backdrop for many media events, including Andre Agassi and Roger Federer playing tennis and David Guetta performing a DJ set.
Considering how extravagant the hotel is; there is a surprising amount of choice for dining at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai: The World's Most Luxurious Hotel.
The Al Mahara restaurant is the most famous, thanks in part to its giant aquarium (nearly a million litres) and its ever-changing Michelin-starred residences.
Guests are well catered for throughout the day; breakfast at Burj Al Arab being just as decadent as the other meals.
There are also more relaxed options, as this is a family hotel after all. These offer more buffet-style dining, with a wider range of choices.
Here you can order classics from the children's menu such as pizzas; pastas and burgers, as well as more grown-up dishes.
Burj Al Arab restaurant list
Some of the restaurants at Burj Al Arab are Middle Eastern in terms of cuisine; while others lean towards a more modern European palate.
The ingredients you'll see throughout the hotel are lobster, caviar and truffles, as these are customer favourites.
The plating is often very elegant; perfectly matching the decor. The wines and champagnes are also sumptuous; as are the fine cocktails.
Burj Al Arab has a lot to offer, and this guide is a great place to start. Below, you'll get a taste of each restaurant and bar, as well as how to book.
Al-Mahara
Comfortably one of the most famous restaurants in the world, Al Mahara is located on the ground floor of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
The restaurant features a giant aquarium which, combined with the soothing lighting, gives diners the sensation of actually being underwater.
A pretty phenomenal list of chefs have graced its kitchens; including Nathan Outlaw and Kim Joinie-Maurin.
At the time of writing, Andrea Migliaccio (of Capri's two-Michelin-starred Ristorante L'Olivo) is at the helm, serving elegant, refined Italian cuisine with a focus on seafood.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the king crab, which comes with carrot couscous, green apple and paprika mayonnaise. It may sound far-fetched, but in such expert hands, it works.
Where: Ground floor
Bab Al Yam
Located on the waterfront on the ground floor of the hotel, Bab Al Yam is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike.
The open kitchen allows diners to watch the magic happen; the brick oven producing delicious dishes.
The terrace is a lovely place to soak up the sun, while the lounge offers a more elegant and intimate space for dining.
Groups are welcome, with the buffet offering a wide range of dishes including:
Sandwiches
Salads
Soups
Mezze
Pasta dishes
Rice dishes
Hamburgers
Steaks
Fish and much more.
Dessert comes in the form of baklava, fruit salad and other delicacies from this part of the world.
Where: Ground floor
Al-Iwan
For something a little more casual, Al Iwan offers delicious mezze and grilled plates in an elegant but more informal setting.
Here, on the first floor, diners can start with classic hummus or opt for the Beirut version; which also includes pickled cucumber, parsley, walnuts, tomato and cumin.
From there, there are other Arab favourites such as tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, stuffed vine leaves and fattoush.
Moving on to hot mezze, there are delights like grilled halloumi, chicken wings and spinach pastries.
From the grill (a must), enjoy hearty dishes like traditional chicken shawarma, grilled lamb chops or aubergine kefta.
The restaurant even offers a children's menu, with fish fingers, nuggets or spaghetti bolognese to satisfy little critics.
Where: First floor
Sahn Eddar
On the first floor, you'll also find Sahn Eddar, a relaxed family dining room.
Arabic for 'home reception', it's a great place for a relaxed lunch with the kids or even a place to discover one of the best afternoon teas in Dubai.
That said, it's still the Burj Al Arab, so caviar is available as a starter for those interested.
Other starters include vitello tonnato, red prawn carpaccio with strawberries or foie gras terrine with white chocolate. Classic daytime bites are available, including salads; pasta and rice dishes, pizzas and burgers, with luxury touches like truffle and wagyu also making an appearance.
Where: First floor
Al Muntaha
Even more luxurious than Al Mahara is Al Muntaha, located on the 27th floor. Although it doesn't have a giant aquarium like Al Mahara; it does offer stunning views of the surrounding city.
Headed by critically acclaimed chef Saverio Sbaragli, who trained with Alain Ducasse, the restaurant offers diners sumptuously elegant Italian and French fine dining.
As such, you can expect the quintessence of luxury when it comes to the menu.
The tasting menu includes morels stuffed with consommé; veal fillet mignon with rosemary ash and purple artichoke; or Sevruga Impérial caviar with pumpkin velouté.
There's also plenty of choice à la carte, so all kinds of guests are sure to be well served.
Where: Twenty-seventh floor
Gilt
More of a gourmet bar than a restaurant, Gilt offers utterly stunning golden interiors; as well as panoramic views.
Overseen by world-renowned mixologist Thibault Mequignon, the bar serves up some truly unforgettable sips; with mixes of exotic and perhaps more familiar flavours.
For something earthy, the Toncafe cocktail includes Irish whiskey, tonka, almond liqueur, cream, coffee and black salt.
For something more sparkling and fruity, try the Ume, made with umeshu, green tea, verjuice, soda and absinthe. Elegant small plates: lobster bao, beef tartare with crispy chips or truffle French toast.
Where: Twenty-seventh floor
Skyview Bar
Offering some of the most breathtaking views in all of Dubai, Skyview Bar offers classic but supremely elevated cocktails, as well as house mixes and much more. There's a truly stunning range of Macallan whiskies, including rare casks, sherry oak bottles and even M Lalique (the most expensive whisky ever sold at around £14,000 in today's money). Elsewhere, you'll see high-end spirits from around the world, as well as wines, fortified wines and assorted champagnes. This is probably one of the most distinctive bars in the world, where you can enjoy sumptuous drinks 200m above sea level.
Where: 27th floor
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