Oceans at Le Royal Meridien looks like a scene right out of Humphrey Bogart’s Casablanca – the slowly rotating palm-leaf fans, combined with the potted palm trees and rattan everywhere create a romantic atmosphere. The gorgeous patio is perfect for outdoor dining during the more balmy months, too.

While seafood is the real star of the show, featuring almost exclusively on the menu, the Indonesian chef here is all about fusion. Unlike some lobster bisques that skimp on the shellfish, his version features two fat chunks of tender lobster swimming in a creamy tomato broth that boasts a deep, clean taste.

Oceans’ signature salad is popular for good reason – the vegetables are crisp and fresh while the temperamental calamari, which can be hard to get right, is cooked to perfection. Available in starter and main-course sizes, this salad could make a meal on its own – even the small version.

Flavour pairing is another essential part of what makes Oceans good, like the Maine scallops tucked inside medallions of Scottish salmon served on a bed of asparagus spears and alongside a big bowl of feel-good mashed potatoes. The prawns served on top of rice inside a coconut shell are complemented by Thai red curry, giving the dish a little fire without overpowering the taste of the seafood.

When it comes to dessert, the apple crumble is a perfect choice. But if you only have room left to split one offering with your better half, make it the gooey warm chocolate melt – a lava flow of chocolate encased in chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a fresh strawberry on the side for the purists.

What? Oceans
Where? Le Royal Meridien
Cost: Reasonable for what you get – main courses run between AED 150 and 250 and are worth every fil
Why? Beautiful seafood, dreamy atmosphere, attentive yet unobtrusive staff
Why not? While romantic, the dim flickering candlelight makes the menus a bit difficult to read
We say: Check out the business lunch – three fabulous courses for only AED 110
Contact: 02 674 1094