Eduan Maggo's choice of venues Eatopias

Golden oldies

The 360 Degrees Bar

What's in a name, you ask? Everything. And this one is an icon in itself.

This venue lives up to its name, with panoramic views of Dubai's skyline and the sea. We've found it magical at sunset, although the venue really comes alive much later, when the city's party animals turn up.

Drawing a diverse crowd — always stylish, of course — 360 is known for its deals where the guys score too.

Irish Village

This is one venue most of us know intimately. Yes, we've gone there for dinner. We've gone there to relax before going out. Heck, for most of us, this place is where we were introduced to Dubai.

This is the comfortable venue where we take a first date. This is where we celebrate date night. Some of us have even ended relationships here. In this venue we've celebrated New Year and Christmas. We've become regular faces at Halloween and St Patrick's day.

Yes, Irish Village has been an intrinsic part of our lives. We've complained about the menu changes, but yet we always return. And there's a reason for that: We love the vibe. And while it's still cool enough, let's enjoy sitting outside, before we need to cuddle up indoors.

Shimmers

This is going to be our little secret. One of the best places to eat outdoors in Dubai is Shimmers, on the beach with the Burj Al Arab looming above you while waves break a few metres away. Even better: the food’s lovely, too. It’s only open to hotel guests during lunch (or anyone who buys the beach/pool access pass for Dh750 per couple) but it’s at night that you really want to be here, under the low lights and gentle conversation, and from 7pm is when non-guests can make a booking. It’s a place to try the grills — the steaks and giant prawns are juicy and flavourful and come with all the proper sauces and sides — bearnaise, cauliflower cheese, great chips. If you’re looking for a super-special evening, they will also set up a private table on the beach, complete with red carpet and lovely table service (Dh3,000 with a bottle of bubbly).

Barasti

We must admit we only recently remembered Barasti actually serves food as well. This is one of the first watering holes many new residents are introduced to.

The music is always pumping and there's the sound of the ocean in the background. And its popularity means you're always likely to run into a familiar face or two.

Barasti is good for a night out, they host fun events and run great promotions.

And they make a mean burger.

Newbies

Layali

If it's a relaxing night out you're looking for, look no further. This shisha pool lounge is just above the bustle of The Walk but seems worlds away.

We went just after sunset, and were shown to one of the private cabanas that's perfect for intimate gatherings — yes, you can have the sides closed to create your own little majlis-style world inside. Then stretch out on the comfortable couches and prop yourself up with the abundant scatter cushions.

After a refreshing welcome drink, the food comes in never-ending salvos. The Arabic meze and spoils from the barbecue stations are not to be missed.

Riva Beach Club

Great food and drinks, a private beach and amazing views — what more does one need? This is the Dubai sold to expats abroad, but one that's rooted in reality.

We recently entertained visitors here, and they loved Riva almost as much as we did. Its Arabic meze features the staples, so fresh and flavourful it's difficult to not want to fill up on that. That would be a mistake, for the expansive grills are not to be missed before you stuff the remaining space with desserts which cater to sweet-tooths and others alike.

After enjoying your meal on the terrace, Riva plays its trump card: Take your drink to lounge under an umbrella on the beach facing the iconic Atlantis. Lap up the sun and sights and remind yourself that this is a little piece of heaven.

The W Grill

One of W Grill's selling points is its location: Sitting on the terrace under the stars, one has one of the best views of the nightly light shows projected on to the facades of Wafi. The clips of nature's wonders paired with a sweeping soundtrack is one of the highlights on Dubai's culinary scene.

One of the newest steakhouses in town, W Grill serves surf and turf that's hard to beat. The meat is succulent and cooked to perfection, giant prawns firm and smoky, the à la carte main courses have choices aplenty. Add to this a buffet for starters and desserts, and you'll get why this has become one of our favourite spots for a dinner that's less than ordinary.

Meridien Village Terrace

Ahhh, now here's a venue with possibly one of the best soundtracks in Dubai.

What better place to sit under the stars enjoying the company of one's near and dear ones than with the buffet — varied enough with something for everyone, with the comforts we've come to expect — with a band serenading one to the sweetest sounds?

The grilled items are especially yummy, and we must admit the dessert buffet here has added to the Dubai stone we've put on, all for a very reasonable price.