Orfali Bros

Orfali Bros is run by three brothers from Aleppo, Mohammad, Wassim and Omar Orfali, who channel their family's Syrian cooking into something thoroughly modern. Its current Michelin Guide listing shows two stars, and it also appears on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list, yet the dining room inside Wasl 51 Mall in Jumeirah keeps a friendly, unstuffy feel. The result is food that feels personal rather than showy.

The restaurant serves tasting menus. Aromas of Aleppo focuses on the flavours of the brothers' home city, the OG menu brings together the signature dishes that made their name, and the longer Voyage menu travels through Syrian, Turkish and Armenian influences. Expect reworked classics such as kibbeh, unexpected combinations of spice and sweetness, and inventive breads and desserts, which are a particular strength. Non-alcoholic pairings are offered alongside the menus, and the team explains each course as it arrives.

According to the Michelin Guide, the restaurant serves dinner from Wednesday to Monday, with lunch on Sundays, and closes on Tuesdays. Reservations are strongly advised, especially at weekends, and are taken through the official website or by phone. Allow at least two hours for the shorter menu and longer for the Voyage. Prices are high, as you would expect at this level, but lower than many of the city's starred restaurants.

It suits food lovers and couples marking an occasion, and anyone curious to see how Middle Eastern cooking is being reinvented in Dubai. Mention allergies when you book, as the menus are set. Vegetarian adjustments may be possible but should be arranged in advance. Children are welcome, though the length of the tasting menus makes it better suited to adults. Arrive a few minutes early, as service follows a set rhythm.

Wasl 51 is a low-rise mall on Al Wasl Road in Jumeirah 1, with parking on site, and a taxi from Downtown Dubai takes around 15 minutes. The brothers also run Threebros, a more casual venue, for those who want a less formal taste of their cooking. City Walk, Jumeirah Mosque and the cafés of Jumeirah are close by, and Brunch & Cake in the same mall is a good choice for breakfast on another day.