Best Restaurants in Dubai — The World’s Best Food Culture

1. Zuma — Best Japanese Food

Score 8.8 OUT OF 10

• Location: Al Mustaqbal Street
• Reservations: 10 am to 8 pm
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Drinks, and Late Night
• Price Range: AED 150 to 600

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Japanese cuisine and culture enjoy a large following in Dubai. As a result, the area has a variety of Japanese restaurants. Zuma is our top recommendation as it stands out from the pack and serves some of Dubai’s most excellent Japanese cuisine. Tales of the Cocktail has included the restaurant on its Best International Restaurant Bar list.

Zuma is located in Dubai’s International Financial Center (DIFC), and its culinary concepts are based on the well-known Japanese izakaya motif. The restaurant first opened its doors in 2009 and now has a seating capacity of 300 people.

There’s almost always a long waiting list at Zuma. So, if you want to delight your taste buds, make a reservation ahead of time. The restaurant is well-equipped to handle a large number of lunch and evening patrons. Zuma offers private dining rooms that are both vast and opulent, as well as one-of-a-kind settings for special occasions. Cocktail parties, corporate luncheons, and business meetings are all possible in this venue.

When it comes to the food, the restaurant adheres to modern Japanese cuisine. There are numerous items to choose from, and the menu’s execution is flawless. Sliced yellowtail with pickled garlic, ponzu, and asparagus with sesame and wafu sauce are all on the menu. Miso-marinated blackfish and unrivaled sushi displays are also among the specialties.

The bartenders at Zuma are skilled in the drink-making craft, and some of their specialty drinks include Passion Fruit and Raspberry Martinis. Also, if you want to taste Japanese wines, you can count on this restaurant as its wine program features a 3000-bottle cellar. The online booking for New Year’s Eve has already started, requiring full prepayments.

What Customers Are Saying

The Zuma restaurant has more than 3000 reviews and a rating of 4.5 on Tripadvisor. Its guests appreciate the pleasant atmosphere, the interior, and the cuisine. Many people choose this restaurant as a perfect spot for business and group outings. However, some customers seem to be disappointed with the lack of traditional Japanese options.

2. Nobu — Best Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge

Score 8.8 OUT OF 10

• Location: The Palm, Jumeirah Dubai
• Reservations: Required, opens at 12 noon
• Meals: Brunch and Dinner
• Price Range: AED 130 per person

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The Nobu restaurant in Dubai features refined Japanese food with a Peruvian touch. It is famous for its signature sushi and black cod, but there’s much more to try at Nobu. Also, if you tend to look for celebrities at well-known restaurants, this is the one! Several celebrities have been spotted dining here, including Kim Kardashian and David Beckham.

Though the restaurant is famous for its Japanese cuisine, the features include cutting-edge decor. The interior consists of curved wicker panels and soft lighting to create a calm and luxe atmosphere. No matter what kind of event you’re looking forward to, the Nobu team will arrange a memorable day for you. Whether you need to have gala dinners, business meetings, or private celebrations, Nobu Dubai will never disappoint you.

Nobu features an extensive menu with numerous new dishes added as “Nobu Now” to the menu. If seafood isn’t your thing, you can also try another vegetable, chicken, or beef-based dish. Aside from the seafood, you can try the chicken taco, short rib taco, crispy mushroom sesame salad, chicken wings, roast cauliflower, and wagyu truffle maki roll.

For seafood, you shouldn’t miss the flavorsome yellowtail sashimi with jalapenos, the crispy tempura, rock shrimp, lobsters, dynamite shrimp, squid pasta, and spicy cream sauce.

What Customers Are Saying

The Nobu restaurant has a ton of positive reviews online. The customers appreciate the friendly service and regard it as the finest restaurant in Atlantis. According to them, the waiters help create the perfect menu to enhance the overall experience. 

Here are the 15 best restaurants in Dubai that provide a place to eat as well as an excellent location for breathtaking views and impeccable decor. Let’s take a look at some of Dubai’s best restaurants:

3. La Petite Maison — Best Mediterranean Cuisine

Score 9 OUT OF 10

• Location: DIFC’s Gate Village 8
• Reservations: Advance payment required
• Meals: Lunch and Dinner
• Price Range: AED 815 for two (without drinks)

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If you’re a fan of Mediterranean food, La Petite Maison is the place to go! It offers Italian and French cuisine that has a touch of old Genese cooking. While you enjoy the food, the restaurant gives a perfect sense of comfort and happiness. It is situated in DIFC behind a small door with “La Petite Maison” written on it. It is a gorgeous little spot that has all the look and feel of the Cote d’Azur.

At La Petite, the bar counter will help you make the most of your experience, even if you’re going solo. As soon as you enter the restaurant, you’ll be greeted with a European flair. Depending on the food you’d like to have, the host team will lead you to the table if it is ready or to the bar for a drink while the food is being prepared.

All of the tables at La Petite have the same signature arrangement. You’ll see a big, juicy lemon, two fresh tomatoes, and a bottle of cold-pressed olive oil. They’re not there just for decoration, so you can go ahead and slice them up, squeeze the lemon and oil, and enjoy yourself.

You can also ask the experienced and friendly staff for food recommendations. From smoked aubergine and thinly sliced octopus to sardines with grapes and the cold crab-and-lobster salad, you’ll find every Mediterranean food to satisfy your taste buds.

What Customers Are Saying

The restaurant has plenty of reviews from satisfied customers. They have stated that the location, interior, and food are matchless. Customers appreciate the atmosphere and admire how quiet and romantic the environment is. Regardless, some customers have complained about the reservation process, as it can be hard to book a table there. 

4. Nathan Outlaw at Al-Mahara — Most Luxurious Restaurant

Score 8.6 OUT OF 10

• Location: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
• Reservations: Required, opens at 12 pm
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Price Range: 350 AED per person

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The restaurant Nathan Outlaw at Al-Mahara (Oyster Shell) is inside the lavish hotel Burj Al Arab. This restaurant features a floor-to-ceiling aquarium with a superb ambiance for the overall culinary experience. A dining room encircles the giant aquarium, with stylish decor to complement the aquarium and create a peaceful atmosphere.

At Nathan Outlaw, you’ll get to experience an outside terrace, octopus lighting, a gorgeous new bar, and a private dining room. The restaurant’s entrance is an exemplary golden seashell that leads you to the dining room. Even the bathrooms feature gold ribbons! The restaurant is quite popular among tourists, and many critics and writers regard it as the most luxurious hotel in Dubai.

There are different sets of menus. For example, the AED450 set menu includes seven starter options, six mains, and six desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. The food highlights include delicious seafood, and a dish worth trying here is the Cornish Porthilly Oysters.

The oysters are caught near Nathan Outlaw and served fresh with a fantastic red grape shallot vinegar and lemon. For the main dish, you must try the potted shrimp butter and courgettes served with potted shrimp butter. You can also consider the savory rocket and watercress salad or the minted new potatoes as side dishes.

What Customers Are Saying

Guests at Nathan Outlaw admire the exceptional service and delicious food. The customers say that the staff is attentive to details and that the food is of good quality. However, some customers express that they would appreciate a bit more variety in the menu. 

5. Ossiano — Best Underwater Restaurant

Score 8.8 OUT OF 10

• Location: Atlantis, The Palm
• Reservations: Required, opens at 6 pm
• Meals: Dinner
• Price Range: AED 1300 for two

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If you’re looking for a romantic seafood spot, there’s nowhere better. Ossiano is a luxury hotel, and though the rates are high, the experience is worthwhile. It is known for its savory seafood, but you can also try out its extensive veal and beef cuisine menu.

The underwater experience at Ossiano is matchless, mainly because you get to see yourself in the middle of the sea surrounded by over 60,000 fish. As a guest, you can enjoy the fish swimming in the Ambassador Lagoon. The aquarium also has floor-to-ceiling windows to give you a splendid view of Atlantis.

The restaurant has a beautiful spiral staircase that leads you to a vast underwater dining room. Overall, the interior is fancy, with subtle lighting for the perfect date night. Although Ossiano isn’t exactly meant for solo dinners, we believe the fish there are enough to give you some company.

The dishes at Ossiano are presented with excellence. You’ll get to experience the yummiest oysters, rainbow trout, Alaskan King crab, razor clams, black cod, lobster, and Hokkaido scallops on the seafood menu. Some pricey dishes include Beluga caviar and the premium platters that feature oysters, lobster, prawns, crab, and a nicely grilled market fish. The restaurant is suitable for memorable and special occasions because of its classic aesthetic.

What Customers Are Saying

The Ossiano restaurant has a majority of positive customer reviews. The guests at this restaurant love the breathtaking aquatic experience. Their pleasant ambiance and attentive staff are also appealing to them.

6. Coya — Best Window View

Score 9 OUT OF 10

• Location: Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach Road
• Reservations: 12.30 pm to 2:00 am
• Meals: Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner
• Price Range: AED 130 per person

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The Coya restaurant and bar is a famous Peruvian restaurant in Dubai. The restaurant features live music and window seats for you to enjoy the beautiful city. Moreover, an open kitchen allows you to see the chefs preparing savory dishes for you. Whether it’s a birthday party, a business meeting, or a casual friend’s gathering, the restaurant is lively for all types of arrangements.

The restaurant is divided into a dining room, a members-only bar, and the Pisco lounge. During the daytime, you can get a better look at the lavish, sparkling decor while having a meeting with your colleagues or on a lunch date. The place is also known for its aesthetic cutlery and friendly service.

The food at Coya is inspired by Peruvian cuisine with a touch of Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish food culture. The lunch menu has various options, with two starters and one main dish in the lunch price for one person. Also, you get to enjoy the opening bite of guacamole or edamame prepared in front of you as a healthy dose before starting your meal.

There are plenty of options for veggie lovers, including a manchego and kale salad and other tasty bites. If you’re a meat-eater, you’ll love the veal heart skewers, lamb ribs with tamarind glaze, and oxtail empanadas. Other prominent options include Arroz Nikkel, which consists of Chilean sea bass with rice.

The drinks at Coya are Peruvian-inspired cocktails, such as the Popcorn Sour. Overall, you get to enjoy delightful South American cuisine with a lively ambiance at Coya.

What Customers Are Saying

A lot of customers praise the food and decor at Coya. They love the cozy atmosphere and the delicious set lunch. However, some customers complain that the food portions are tiny. 

7. Nusr-Et Steakhouse — Best for Steaks

Score 8.2 OUT OF 10

• Location: Restaurant Village Four Seasons Resort Dubai
• Reservations: Required, closes at 12 am
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Price Range: 515+ AED per person

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Have you seen the famous guy sprinkling salt on meat? Well, he’s none other than the owner of this steakhouse. Nusret is a Turkish butcher and chef who first opened this steakhouse in Turkey and then expanded to Dubai. The restaurant is famous for its salt-bae technique of flavoring the steak! Nusret’s video of meat seasoning became viral in 2017, which is why he’s known as the “salt bae.”

Since 2017, the restaurant has opened 15 steakhouses in Turkey and across the Middle East. The food is primarily protein-heavy and beef-based. Some famous steaks include smoked beef, beef carpaccio, steak tartare, and smoked rib-eye. The steaks come in different famous cuts, such as those from New York, Dallas, and Kobe. If you aren’t into steaks, you can also go for the signature spaghetti and the beef ribs.

Their desserts are worth trying, too; the pistachio baklava is the restaurant’s signature dessert and is served right from the baking dish. The baklava has the famous vanilla ice cream from Gaziantep and coarsely ground pistachios.

Aside from its juicy and savory steaks, the restaurant also offers majestic views of the Dubai skyline through its vast windows. The tables are wooden and paired with leather-backed chairs. The service is friendly and swift, and the overall dining experience is casual compared to other restaurants.

What Customers Are Saying

The Nusr Et-steakhouse has a mix of positive and negative customer reviews on TripAdvisor. Most customers rate it positively and comment that the atmosphere and food were excellent. However, others weren’t happy with the food, complaining that the steak was over-seasoned. 

8. At.mosphere — World’s Highest Restaurant

Score 8.8 OUT OF 10

• Location: Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
• Reservations: Required a few days in advance
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Price Range: AED 680 to 980 per person (higher for window seats)

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At.mosphere is at the top of Burj Khalifa, on the 123rd floor, 442 meters above the ground. The dress code at this restaurant varies for each setting. For example, smart/casual is for the lounge, and smart/elegant is for the restaurant.

The inside of the restaurant features a decked-out style that resembles the interior of a cruise ship. The decor consists of high gloss woods that reflect the magnificent views of the Dubai Skyline. At.mosphere can seat 130 guests and is open throughout the week. The restaurant offers sky grills, seafood platters, and an a la carte menu.

Its popular dishes include foie gras, wagyu tenderloins, scallops, oysters, salmon, steak, cocktails, and wine.

Some names worth mentioning include Pannacotta with crispy mango and passionfruit jelly and chocolate souffle with chocolate ice cream for desserts. Other flavorsome mains include Chicken Supreme served with winter vegetables, comte rice, and Albufera sauce. The Albufera sauce is prepared using fat, stock, and flour.

You can enjoy breakfast, high tea, light lunches, and lavish dinners at At.mosphere. However, make sure you reserve a table ahead of time as the seats are always full. The service is friendly and prompt, and the atmosphere is perfect for a date night or any other special event.

What Customers Are Saying

Guests at At.mosphere love the majestic view, especially when it’s time for sunset. In addition, customers admire the exclusive drinks, the yummiest food, and the friendly service.

9. Paros Dubai — Best Bar and Pub

Score 6.4 OUT OF 10

• Location: 46th floor of the Taj, Jumeirah Lakes Towers
• Reservations: Required
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Price Range: AED 430 for two persons

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Paros restaurant features a rooftop poolside bar that offers a majestic view. It also serves as a fantastic indoor area for eating out during the summer. The restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine to enjoy the flavors of Southern Europe, the Middle East, and the Levant. The dress code is smart casual, which means you can spend your lazy afternoons here in comfort.

If you wish to visit the restaurant at sunset, make sure you get the “Sundowner” deal offered between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The deal offers house beverages and free-flowing grape beverages. If you’re up for a night out with friends on Wednesday, the three-hour house beverage package is a must-try with a three-course meal and five drinks.

Some popular dishes at this restaurant include Gemista, roasted whole sea bass, vegetable bayaldi, roasted lamb shank, and chicken saganaki for the main course. They also offer Spanish octopus tentacles, jumbo tiger prawns, pan-seared scallops, and Kataifi prawns for seafood grill lovers. The famous desserts are Greek Yogurt Cheesecake, Baklava, Porlokaopita, and Galaktoboureko. The restaurant’s atmosphere is inspired by the Greek Islands, where you can have a worthwhile nightlife experience on the rooftop.

What Customers Are Saying

Most of the customers at Paros restaurant consider it the ideal spot for brunch. They also appreciate the rooftop experience and the restaurant’s prompt service. In addition, people love to spend their evenings there and enjoy the food and view.

10. Ravi Restaurant — Best South Asian Food

Score 8 OUT OF 10

• Location: Satwa Road, beside the Satwa Roundabout, Dubai
• Reservations: Not required
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Price Range: AED 65 for two persons

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For those in Dubai, the Ravi restaurant is an affordable option to eat out. The food is delicious and perfect for anyone who loves Asian food. Some famous foods include Mutton Kebabs, Chicken Tikka, Keema fry, Nihari, and Chicken Chana.

Not only is the food excellent, but the staff is also hospitable and knowledgeable. Furthermore, the restaurant was chosen to be at Expo 2020, an event that all restaurant owners were looking forward to.

Though the interior is not as lavish as other restaurants on our list, we included this restaurant for those who want a taste of South Asian food. In other words, it is for those who frequently need an affordable yet healthy eating experience in Dubai.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers admire the simplicity and affordability of the meals. Most of its customers are ones who need to eat in restaurants frequently. And although the decor and atmosphere are not as pleasant as their competitors’, the food is delicious.

11. Ce La Vi — Best Sky-High Bar

Score 8.6 OUT OF 10

• Location: Tower 2, Sky View Hotel
• Reservations: Required ahead of time
• Meals: Lunch, Brunch, Dinner, Late Night
• Price Range: AED 350 for two people

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The Ce La Vi restaurant is known for its dazzling downtown Dubai views. The restaurant features a wrap-around terrace, a sky bar, an infinity pool, a restaurant, and a club lounge. To get the most out of this beautiful restaurant, you must get a seat on the terrace. The restaurant is located on the 54th floor and allows you to experience Dubai’s famous nightlife in the best way.

There is ample space at Ce La Vi for all your events; the bar is in the middle, the lounge on the left, and the restaurant on the right. There are floor-to-ceiling doors that are mostly wide open according to the weather there.

The starters include the signature Seaweed Parker rolls prepared by Singaporean Chef Ko. Other starters worth trying are the Miso Chickpea Hummus, Yuzu Labneh, Gem Lettuce Salad, Yellowfin Tuna Crudo, and Creamy Salmon Dip With Salmon Roe.

Furthermore, the mains are mouth-watering—you can have a taste of a lifetime by choosing the black truffle risotto that is presented with light sushi rice. The meal is served in a bowl, and there are many shavings of black truffle on it.

Another popular dish is the Westholme Wagyu Beef, served with confit potatoes, crunchy broccoli, and a Japonaise sauce.

What Customers Are Saying

Ce La Vi has thousands of reviews on Trip Advisor and a rating of 4.5. The guests at this restaurant love it as it has one of the best rooftop bars with delicious food. People also appreciate the service of the personnel.

12. Akira Back — Best Japanese Food With a Korean Touch

Score 9.2 OUT OF 10

• Location: Palm Jumeirah
• Reservations: Need to call in at least an hour before dining
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Price Range: AED 399 per person

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Akira Back is named after the internationally renowned chef famous for his mouth-watering and delicious Japanese dishes. He has received training from other prominent chefs such as Masaharu Morimoto and Nobu Matsuhisa, and his trademark is making Japanese food with a Korean touch.

The Japanese restaurant is located on the 5th floor of the hotel, and it features a dramatic atmosphere perfect for a romantic date. A glowing tunnel leads you to the restaurant, and there is a dining room featuring creative art with an industrial touch. The decor includes metallic furniture and plush seating, all of which are accented by stunning views of the Palm. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to have a glimpse of the clouds and give a sky-high dining experience.

The popular dishes at Akira Back include raw tuna pizza, tender grilled octopus with chipotle miso and salsa verde, sushi, maki, sashimi, lamb chops, jasper grilled salmon, and wagyu rib cap don. The dishes are divided into hot and cold plates, a robata grill, sushi rolls, and salads. The Lorenzo Shira AE is a tofu and seaweed salad that features lovely vegetables and tangy pomegranate seeds.

To sum up, while dining at Akira can be a bit pricey, there are numerous delicious dishes and an elegant, relaxing atmosphere that offers a lot.

What Customers Are Saying

The majority of the customers have given positive reviews for Akira Back restaurant. The guests at this restaurant love their Japanese food, and most customers wish to revisit the place. 

13. Thiptara — Best Thai and Asian Foodt

Score 8.8 OUT OF 10

• Location: Atlantis, The Palm
• Reservations: Required, opens at 6 pm
• Meals: Dinner
• Price Range: AED 1300 for two

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If you’re looking for a romantic seafood spot, there’s nowhere better. Ossiano is a luxury hotel, and though the rates are high, the experience is worthwhile. It is known for its savory seafood, but you can also try out its extensive veal and beef cuisine menu.

The underwater experience at Ossiano is matchless, mainly because you get to see yourself in the middle of the sea surrounded by over 60,000 fish. As a guest, you can enjoy the fish swimming in the Ambassador Lagoon. The aquarium also has floor-to-ceiling windows to give you a splendid view of Atlantis.

The restaurant has a beautiful spiral staircase that leads you to a vast underwater dining room. Overall, the interior is fancy, with subtle lighting for the perfect date night. Although Ossiano isn’t exactly meant for solo dinners, we believe the fish there are enough to give you some company.

The dishes at Ossiano are presented with excellence. You’ll get to experience the yummiest oysters, rainbow trout, Alaskan King crab, razor clams, black cod, lobster, and Hokkaido scallops on the seafood menu. Some pricey dishes include Beluga caviar and the premium platters that feature oysters, lobster, prawns, crab, and a nicely grilled market fish. The restaurant is suitable for memorable and special occasions because of its classic aesthetic.

What Customers Are Saying

The Ossiano restaurant has a majority of positive customer reviews. The guests at this restaurant love the breathtaking aquatic experience. Their pleasant ambiance and attentive staff are also appealing to them.

14. Pierchic — Award-Winning Italian Restaurant

Score 8.6 OUT OF 10

• Location: Jumeirah Al Qasr
• Reservations: Required in advance
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Price Range: AED 350 for a 3-course meal

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If you love Italian food, you’ll find Pierchic to be an incredible experience. The restaurant offers an open-air dining experience with a view of the majestic, calm waters of the Arabian Gulf. In the kitchen, you’ll find Paul Lupton, an award-winning chef.

The restaurant features an extensive seafood menu along with an exclusive cocktail menu. It also hosts a brunch every Friday with a 4-course set menu. The menu includes house beverages and fresh seafood dishes. The seafood platter at Pierchic consists of various crustaceans, including fresh clams from New Zealand and lobster from Oman.

The seafood includes seared king scallops with foie gras and gin-and-tonic cured salmon served with crispy rice and dill pollen. Apart from seafood, you can also enjoy lamb, beef, and other meats. The restaurant offers a romantic Italian dining experience for the people of Dubai.

What Customers Are Saying

The majority of the customer reviews for Pierchic are positive. People love the views and consider it a perfect spot for business meetings and group bookings.

15. Hakkasan — Best Chinese Cuisine

Score 9 OUT OF 10

• Location: Atlantis, The Palm
• Reservations: Required in advanc
• Meals: Dinner
• Price Range: AED 398 per person

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The Hakkasan restaurant brings traditional Chinese cuisine with a Cantonese essence. It is a London flagship restaurant that aims to provide contemporary and innovative meals with award-winning cocktails. Some of its famous cocktails include the Hibtini or Shanghai Rouge. Skilled mixologists prepare them.

The restaurant features a gold and fiery red theme and is ready to welcome you on New Year’s eve. Hakkasan has recently changed its location, but the menu and chefs are the same. Some popular dishes at this restaurant include jasmine-tea smoked Wagyu beef ribs, crispy duck and pomelo salad served with hoisin sauce, stir-fried tiger prawn with pineapple dish, and roasted chicken with tender, succulent meat.

Hakkasan is a busy restaurant and opens daily at 6 pm for dinner. Overall, this London flagship restaurant features a perfect ambiance with rich jewel tones and carved wooden screens.

What Customers Are Saying

Many people love the Hakkasan Chinese restaurant for its savory Asian food. People regard it as one of the best places for dining out with family or friends. A majority of the customers are satisfied with the food and the ambiance.