Taste of Turkey at Ruya in Dubai Marina

Ruya means dream in Turkish and specialises in Turkish and Anatolian cuisine.

Dubai Marina has added another compelling restaurant to its list of many. Ruya means dream in Turkish and specialises in Turkish and Anatolian cuisine. There is nothing grand about the interiors of this restaurant at Grosvenor House, but you will feel warm and at ease here, instantly. Other than the main seating area, they have a bar, where you can chill out with friends and enjoy the Dubai Marina view. If you are planning to visit anytime now, sit outdoors. Indoors, the background music plays at the right volume - so that you can have a conversation with your dining companion and are not forced to listen to the banter from the tables around. We sat next to the live kitchen counter, which is used to grill meat and bake bread.
We started our meal with Crudites - a serve of raw vegetable with Muhammara, a hot pepper dip originally from Syria and popular in Turkish cuisine. We scooped out the dip with fresh bread (courtesy of the live counter). We didn't quite relish Borek, the cheese was too salty for our taste. Borek is cheese-filled small pastry rolls covered with thin dough, served with burnt watermelon and goat's cheese salad. Gavurdagi salad was up next and we relished the mix of tomatoes, onion, parsley, and walnuts. For mains, we ordered Mint Manti and Goat's Cheese, which was an interesting variation of ravioli stuffed with cheese and dipped in tomato sauce. The highlight of the meal was the dessert - Firin Sütlaç, this traditional Anatolian rice pudding topped with ice cream and raspberries was a delight; just one spoon of the coffee-flavoured ice cream and we were sold.
The restaurant can accommodate 200 guests, but you should reserve a table before you go. It's known to get busy on weekends, with its brunch offerings and live performances by musicians.
Meal for two: Dh400
Will we go back? Yes, to sample their bitter chocolate desserts
anita@khaleejtimes.com
Cooking stations
The Novikov (043888744) Brunch, Sheraton Grand Hotel, inspires a heady atmosphere for the weekend - an animated, yet relaxed ambience with live music and an eye-catching market theme. Eight different interactive cooking stations will delight guests, including delicate dim sum, authentic sushi, and a lavish dessert and waffle station, complimented with a pop-up bar serving hand-crafted beverages, such as Novikov's unique organic detoxers, designed to kick start the long weekend of indulgence with revitalising ingredients.
For Dh410 (onwards), every Friday, 1pm until 4pm
Premium cuts, anyone?
Ruth's Chris Steak House (044549538), The Address Dubai Marina, has launched a new and improved global menu. Sample vibrant appetisers such as Veal Osso Buco Ravioli and Spicy Shrimp. Their signature steaks have also been developed, with new additions such as the Cowboy Ribeye. A new feature to the menu is the special cuts section, offering the guests a variety of premium cuts to choose from, such as the Tomahawk Ribeye. Plus, there is a Seafood Tower - a lavish display of fresh seafood, including cold water lobster, jumbo lump crab, shrimp and king crab served on a bed of ice with a light cocktail sauce and a Sriracha lime sauce.
For the urban bikers
TT Custom BBQ, Box Park, Jumeirah, aspires to emerge as a meeting point for bikers and the motor community in the UAE. More than just a restaurant, it immerses guests into the extraordinary lifestyle behind the biking scene. Plus, you explore the rich Turkish BBQ culture. Dishes are accompanied with Turkish Ayran, a refreshing yoghurt-based beverage, directly poured from the traditional Yayik suspended from the ceiling.
A French social table
The focus of Un Brunch à la Marina, Bistro Des Arts (045511576), Dubai Marina, is simple - relaxed ambience, delicious food, tasty drinks, and great fun. Central to the offering is the Social Table, placed in the middle of the restaurant. A choice of French breakfast favourites like Eggs Florentine and Galette Bretonne are some of the highlights. For those craving a sweet treat, the 'Creperie' offers dishes with toppings like salted butter, caramel, Nutella, etc. 
For Dh99 onwards, every Friday and Saturday, 8am until 2pm

• Food and Dining