Dubai's 10 most decadent restaurants

Read article : Dubai's 10 most decadent restaurants

(CNN) —In the glimmering Middle Eastern city of Dubai, where luxury is good and over-the-top opulence is even better, there's no shortage of fancy restaurants.

Some are more decadent than others. Here are our top 10 stops on Dubai's fine dining circuit.

Be prepared for exquisite dishes by Michelin-starred chefs, with price tags to match.

1. Billionaire Mansion Dubai

The view from a table at Billionaire Mansion Dubai, the newly opened venue owned by Italian F1 boss Flavio Briatore, is a bit like going on safari.

Long-legged women roam in packs while men peacock in name-brand clothing.

And absolutely everything -- from the white-suit-black-tie staff to the tree growing in the middle of the restaurant -- is meant to catch the eye.

Located downtown in the Taj Dubai, this swanky spot doesn't really pick up until after 9 p.m. when the brief performances -- like silk ribbon dancing or sultry jazz singing -- start.

The menu is split into Japanese and Italian. Dishes (like a tuna tartare with white truffle sauce or salt-crusted baked sea bass) are larger and less fussy than you would expect.

As the evening moves on, diners should be prepared for sparkler-equipped dancers or bull-masked hoverboard-riding staff to wind between tables.

Just like on safari, the more exotic animals come out at night.

Credit card max-out:125 grams of Beluga Volzhenka Caviar ($640).

Worth the splurge: The wasabi prawns with mango and golden passion fruit salsa. This lightly battered dish is salty, sweet, crunchy and, with five large prawns, just the right size ($40).

2. Cavalli Club Dubai

Cavilli Club Dubai: Zebra stripes and Italian food.

Chandeliers made of Swarovski crystals hang from the ceiling of this purple-lit late-night venue where a large screen projects fashion shows on the wall.

It's not subtle -- but given that it's done in collaboration with over-the-top designer Roberto Cavalli, that's no real surprise.

Even the elevators are lined with zebra print fabric walls and the gold women's bathroom is dotted with private back-lit makeup mirrors.

While Cavalli Club is definitely a party destination, it still offers a solid four-course Italian dinner.

Mains, like meaty monkfish tail poached in squid ink or Mediterranean sea bass wrapped in zucchini, are visually gorgeous if a little under-seasoned.

By 11 p.m. the DJ's music will be pumping.

Credit card max-out: 850g of Wagyu grade 9+ New York steak ($681).

Worth the splurge: A dish of red prawns carpaccio with celery, cheese and watermelon soaked with Aperol spritz ($41).

3. Social by Heinz Beck

Heinz Beck, the chef behind Rome's three-Michelin-starred restaurant La Pergola, has brought his unconventional brand of Italian cuisine to Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah.

With pristine wooden floors, retro photos and glass-fronted kitchen, the decor of Social by Heinz Beck is classic luxury with a modern twist -- a mantra that also extends to the menu.

Expect to find Italian staples such as tiramisu and carbonara turned completely on their heads.

The interior goes for a European high society feel.

There's more of a typical Dubai vibe, from the terrace which offers a vista over the resort's grounds and the sci-fi Marina skyline across the water.

Credit card max-out:The indulgent five-course tasting menu paired with wines from around the world ($226 per person).

Worth the splurge:The Heinz Beck signature, Fagottelli Carbonara. Delicately soft pasta parcels filled with hot pools of buttery sauce ($23).

4. Pierchic

Pierchic: Over-water ostentation.

Corner tables on the terrace enjoy uninterrupted views of the "seven-star" sparkling Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

The food here is fancy and elaborate -- and has the price tag to match.

Oysters, caviar and lobster, topped with flourishes like truffle and foie gras, dominate the Mediterranean menu.

Portions are pleasantly large.

A rich starter of Alaskan king crab topped with caviar and saffron-infused hollandaise could easily be a main, while an elegant main of Chilean sea bass with smoked sweet potato could serve two.

Credit card max-out:50 grams of Beluga Imperial Caviar ($776), whole line-caught sea bass ($245), or a seafood tower with oysters, lobsters, prawns, crab, salmon and more ($245).

Worth the splurge: The venue's smoky sweet potato. Served alongside a dish of Chilean sea bass, it's rich, sweet, caramelized and incredibly decadent ($68 for complete dish).

5. Nobu Dubai

Ask Dubai locals for a great Japanese restaurant, they'll mention one of the holy three: Okku, Zuma or Nobu.

All are equally impressive, but Nobu, located in Dubai's castle-shaped Atlantis hotel on the city's man-made Palm Island, wins by location alone.

This chain restaurant (one of 33 around the world) is well-established for fantastic food.

Absent are traditional sleek and minimalist Japanese-style interiors.

Everything in this popular dining spot is decorated in mesh screens and curved wooden beams, creating the feeling of being caught in a giant fishing net with a hugely sexy twist.

Food is a rich take on Japanese fusion with Arabic touches, ranging from a spicy salmon miso taco to a creamy cheesecake with yuzu sorbet.

Credit card max-out: The Grade A9 Australian Wagyu Beef ($223) is incredible. Diners can choose from a range of styles but "anticucho" is highly recommended.

Worth the splurge:Nobu is famed for its Black Cod Miso ($60); while this will never disappoint, the lighter lobster quinoa ceviche salad ($53) is fantastic.

6. At.mosphere Burj Khalifa

At.mosphere Burj Khalifa: Super slick, super views.

It's hard to miss the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower, during any Dubai visit.

While most folks head up to the viewing platform (from $35) for amazing views of Dubai from the sky, a more luxurious option is to book a dinner at At.mosphere.

This fine-dining restaurant is as super slick and expensive as you might expect.

Tables by the floor-to-ceiling windows offer urban sunsets while a multi-course tasting menu lays on the decadence.

There's wasabi roots from Japan, Australian Wagyu beef, lobster and more, all offered alongside suggested wine pairings.

Credit card max-out: The seven-course experience tasting menu with wine pairing will set you back a steep $436 per person.

Worth the splurge:A hand-cut beef tartare served with caviar is deliciously rich (part of a tasting menu at $185 per person).

7. Enigma

Theatrics and incredible food star at Enigma, a newly opened venue in the luxurious Palazzo Versace Dubai which is creating a real buzz.

Chefs change every four months, bringing with them set menus that are revealed on the night.

First there was Quique Dacosta (whose Spanish restaurant has three Michelin stars) whipping up smoking truffle creations.

Until June 20, 2016 it's Bjorn Frantzen (famed for the fine-dining Restaurant Frantzen, which was awarded two Michelin stars after only two years of operation) with a 12-course Nordic-inspired tasting menu.

Dishes are elaborate, decadent and incredibly creative.

Meals can take upwards of three hours.

For extra indulgence, cocktails can be grabbed on the column-lined terrace while the sun sets over the Dubai Creek.

"It's essentially a pop-up in a five-star deluxe hotel with chefs changing four times a year," says Samantha Wood, founder of restaurant review website foodiva.net.

Credit card max-out: The "full story" 12-course tasting menu costs $231 at weekends.

Worth the splurge: The beautifully presented scallop in its own shell served with dried roe on a bed of a fir tree (not priced individually).

8. La Cantine du Faubourg

La Cantine du Faubourg: Inviting cafe vibe.

Popular with Dubai's in-the-know crowd, this French restaurant is one of those places where folks go to see and be seen.

Billowy white fabric and high ceilings create an inviting cafe vibe.

In cooler months, the venue's terrace is packed with high-heeled well-groomed fashionistas.

Like Le Petite Maison, another posh cafe beloved by locals, Cantine features French cuisine done well.

Dishes include smoked salmon blinis with caviar and buttery sea bass served on a bed of black quinoa.

Optional supplements of seared foie gras ($16 for 30gr), black truffle ($19 for 2gr) or caviar ($20 for 5gr) allow for customizable amounts of decadence.

Credit card max-out: Enjoy 250gr of Imperial caviar ($1,361) or order the 500gr chateaubriand steak ($133).

Worth the splurge: "Les coquilletes de mon enfance," an elaborate mac 'n' cheese dish with truffles and gruyere ($25).

9. Al Muntaha

Al Muntaha: Skyline dining.

Like the Burj Khalifa, the ostentatious "seven star" Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is one of those properties that defines the Dubai skyline.

While the reservation-only venue's launched a few new offerings lately (including an outdoor terrace beachfront restaurant and Gold on 27, an incredibly decadent bar with foie gras-infused whiskey cocktails), its staple for luxury dining is Al Muntaha.

This contemporary European venue sits 200 meters above sea level, providing amazing views of the Arabian Gulf alongside deliberately fancy food.

The atmosphere is subdued, all clinking silverware and sophisticated diners. A new summer menu, launching mid-June, features dishes like Alaskan king crab served with lemon and caviar, or roasted veal fillet with foie gras.

Credit card max-out (and worth the splurge):The menu is currently under renovation, but expect to pay several hundred dollars per person.

10. Qbara

Arabic food is given a modern twist in Dubai's homegrown Qbara restaurant.

Located beside Raffles Hotel near the Dubai Creek, this funky venue is intimate in reds and golds, draped in shadows and subtly sexy.

A cool DJ and rotating artwork projections add to the buzzing vibe enjoyed by an Emirati and expat crowd.

Food spans everything from salads to small hot dishes, but the thing uniting it all is the edgy take on traditional Middle Eastern cuisine.

There's scallops seared with sumac (a tangy lemony spice) served with pomegranate onions or lobster kibbeh (a fried wheat parcel stuffed with flavored meat) with avocado labneh (a soft cheese).

Dates, pine nuts, hummus and more dot the expansive menu.

"If you have one night only in Dubai, then this restaurant is a must -- and ultimately my favorite restaurant in this emirate," says Samantha Wood.

Credit card max-out:Out-pricing even the tasting menu ($136 per person) is the hefty mixed grill. This star of Arabic cuisine features pure-bred Angus sirloin, tiger prawns, Syrian lamb kofta, grilled lamb cutlets and more ($204).

Worth the splurge: The decadent dessert made with iced nougat, baked kunafa pastry and gently flavored orange cream (part of a tasting menu for $136 per person, or on its own for $14).

Danae Mercer is a freelance travel journalist who lived in Dubai for over two years.

World's 15 most expensive hotel suites

Read article : World's 15 most expensive hotel suites

Money's worth nothing, until you spend it.

That's the philosophy behind all extravagant luxury goods, and nothing says "senseless overspending" like blowing thousands on a place to sleep, shower and store your clothes while you go about your day.

For anyone with a few hundred thousand to squander, this is a to-do list. For the rest of us, it's a can't-do, won't-do, don't-even-want-to-do list.

15. Peninsula Suite, The Peninsula, Hong Kong

US$10,000 per night

A stay at Hong Kong's grande dame begins at the airport, where you're picked up by a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce, part of The Pen's signature fleet.

Or, if you're feeling really flash (and flush), you can arrive by helicopter -- the hotel has two rooftop helipads for their super-rich guests.

At more than 371 square meters, The Peninsula suite, on the 26th floor, provides the most stunning vistas over Victoria Harbour, along with a 24-hour butler and chauffeur service, mini-gym and fully equipped kitchen.

14. The Sultan's Suite, Çirağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul

US$15,332 per night

Originally built of wood in the 16th century, and eventually the residence of the last Ottoman Sultans, this palace was rebuilt in marble for Sultan Abdülaziz in 1857.

Now a lavish five-star hotel with a guest list that includes Prince Charles, Liz Hurley, Uma Thurman and Giorgio Armani, it has all the trimmings: a gorgeous pool, boat and helicopter service and an amazing breakfast buffet.

The Sultan's Suite overlooking the Bosphorus comes with private butler service, opulent chandeliers, period furniture and fine art. What more could the average oligarch need?

13. Ritz-Carlton Suite, Ritz-Carlton, Moscow

US$18,000 per night

The floor-to-ceiling windows in the Ritz-Carlton Suite frame an unparalleled view of the Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral and Christ the Savior Cathedral.

With classic Russian Imperial furnishings, the 232-square-meter suite comes with a spacious living room, dining area, library, office, grand piano and heated flooring, perfect for bone-chilling Moscow winters.

12. Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab, Dubai

US$18,716 per night

There are luxury hotels, and then there's the Burj Al Arab. Since its 1999 opening, the iconic, sail-shaped Dubai resort has been a benchmark of no-holds-barred extravagance that others have tried and failed to emulate.

All of the suites -- the word "room" does not exist here -- are arranged over two floors and have whirlpool baths, living and dining areas and dedicated butlers.

11. Royal Suite, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

US$24,550 per night

There are a pair of Royal Suites at Hotel George V. Both have private terraces overlooking the historic art deco fountain of the Three Graces.

Stuffed with magnificent French antiques, these vast suites are adorned with 18th- and 19th-century fine art. Crystal chandeliers glitter and huge vases of pale pink roses perfume the air.

The master bedrooms have spacious marble bathrooms with steam rooms, sauna and a walk-in dressing rooms.

10. Royal Towers Bridge Suite, Atlantis, Bahamas

US$25,000 per night

This 10-room suite with gold sofas, cushions, gilt mirrors and chandeliers is enough to make minimalists break out in hives. This is shameless glamour.

The grand foyer dazzles the eye with an elaborate floor made of four kinds of marble. The 15-meter-long living room holds a baby grand piano. The vast entertainment center comes with a full-service bar.

Throw in the eye-popping balcony views, and a butler, and this is no ordinary pad.

9. Ritz-Carlton Suite, Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

US$25,050 per night

At 120 square meters, the Carlton Suite has many of the usual big suite highlights -- Frette linen sheets, an oversized marble bathroom, huge beds, flat-screen TVs and individual rain shower booths.

The clincher is the fact that it tops the tallest skyscrapers in Tokyo and has proposal-worthy views over the Imperial Palace, Roppongi Hills and Mount Fuji.

8. Villa La Cupola Suite, Westin Excelsior, Rome

US$30,000 per night

For the ultimate in La Dolce Vita, check into the stunning Villa La Cupola suite in Rome's Westin Excelsior.

One of the largest in Europe, the suite is inspired by ancient Rome, with extensive use of marble, stained glass and frescoes. There's a gorgeous wraparound terrace where you can soak up the sun, a private spa with sauna, whirlpool and steam bath, as well as private cinema.

7. Presidential Suite, Hotel Cala di Volpe, Sardinia, Italy

US$32,736 per night

Perfect for sun-kissed networking, the Presidential Suite overlooks the sparkling brine of the Costa Smeralda. Billed as one of the most gorgeous suites in the world, this three-bedroom luxury pad stands above the rambling towers and pantile roofs of the luxury Porto Cervo resort.

An understated blend of Mediterranean style and sensational bay views, the suite also has its own pool on the private roof terrace, along with a wine cellar and outdoor gym.

6. The Royal Villa, Grand Resort Lagonissi, Athens

US$34,356 per night

With a butler, private chef and pianist at your beck and call, there's little need to lift a finger -- except to sip martinis -- when you stay at this three-bedroomed villa.

When you're feeling more active you can also take advantage of an indoor pool, outdoor heated pool and gym, as well as a steam bath and massage room.

There's also a nearby private marina and beach.

5. Hugh Hefner Sky Villa Palms Resort, Las Vegas

US$35,487 per night

The Hugh Hefner Sky Villa, high in the Palms' Fantasy Tower, is fitted out with everything Playboy: racy artwork selected by Hef himself, a huge, rotating circular bed and an indoor pool, branded with the Bunny logo, leading to a hair- -- and libido- -- raising cantilevered spa bath high above the Strip.

This 836-square-meter, two-bedroom pad also includes an orgy-sized bathtub, bar and poker table and an indoor waterfall.

The eye-watering price doesn't include breakfast -- or Bunnies.

4. Penthouse Suite, Hotel Martinez, Cannes, France

US$37,500 per night

On the Croisette, Hotel Martinez has a Michelin-starred restaurant, piano bar and huge private beach.

Decked out in art deco style, you'll have a sitting room, dining room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms with hammam, shower, spa bath, dressing room and sauna at your disposal, as well as a huge terrace overlooking the Bay of Cannes.

3. Ty Warner Penthouse Suite, Four Seasons Hotel, New York

US$41,836 per night

This 400-square-meter penthouse tops the entire top floor of this magnificent hotel, offering a 360-degree view of the Manhattan skyline.

The nine-room suite is the brainchild of designer Peter Marino, architect IM Pei and the hotel's owner Ty Warner (the billionaire creator of the Beanie Babies).

It sports fabrics woven with platinum and gold, an indoor-outdoor Zen garden, a stupendous chandelier, the services of a personal butler, personal trainer/therapist and private chauffeur.

2. The Presidential Suite, The Raj Palace Hotel, Jaipur, India

US$45,000 per night

This positively palatial suite was a former Maharaja's residence. At nearly 1,500 square meters, the suite is one of the biggest in Asia, and comprises a four-floor apartment lavishly decorated in gold leaf, stucco, ivory and mirror work.

With a private roof terrace and swimming pool offering panoramic views of the pink city of Jaipur, and its own private museum, there seems little reason to leave.

1. Royal Penthouse Suite, Hotel President Wilson, Geneva

US$65,000 per night

For the security-conscious, or the merely paranoid, there's nowhere better to stay than the Royal Penthouse Suite at the Hotel President Wilson Hotel, which has panoramic views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc.

With bulletproof doors and windows, it's the perfect safehouse for visiting heads of state, or privacy-conscious celebs.

Taking up the entire top floor of the hotel, the suite has its own private elevator to whisk guests to an apartment with 12 rooms, which hold a Steinway grand piano, billiard room, library and private fitness center.