It’s prime time to grab yourself a table outdoors right now, so we’ve compiled a collection of our favourite al-fresco dining spots in Dubai for you to visit before the summer sets in.

Tasca, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira

A Portuguese restaurant by famed chef José Avillez has opened doors at the brand-new Mandarin Oriental Jumeira property. Offering gorgeous al fresco seating, the restaurant is inspired by a traditional Portuguese restaurant concept, a tasca, which is a typical casual Portuguese eatery. Tasca will offer a contemporary dining experience in a vibrant setting with sweeping ocean views. Tasca offers rich and varied contemporary Portuguese cuisine from across the region. The menu offers some of Portugal’s best flavours and products.

For reservations, call +971 4 777 2231.

Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club

Banish the Sunday back-to-work blues with a choice of food-filled evenings at Dubai Creek Yacht Club, which boasts an array of al fresco venues in one location. Soothe away any Sunday stress with Boardwalk Acoustic, where you can indulge in a three-course set menu comprising a sharing appetizer, choice of main and sharing dessert served up to the romantic sounds of the smooth acoustic set. A lively Spanish-themed ambience awaits guests at Casa de Tapas courtesy of Sunday evening’s three-hour Domingo Social, between 9pm and midnight. Unwind with friends over free-flowing post-work beverages as you soak up the venue’s authentic atmosphere and dine on authentic Spanish dishes. Get your groove on with a heavy dose of 80s-inspired retro at Miami Vibes each Sunday at Cielo Sky Lounge, the stylish rooftop bar, where you can enjoy sharing style platters and a happy hour deal with four drinks priced at Dhs40 per person between 9 and 11pm.

For reservations, call 04-2956000.

Walnut Grove, The Dubai Mall

A concept grown in the heart of South Africa that opened its first UAE location in 2016 at City Walk, Dubai, has opened its second venue at The Dubai Mall on the first floor. Walnut Grove offers a rustic yet authentic boutique dining experience, with warm and friendly staff and has something for everyone on the menu. The eatery boasts views of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains from the huge outdoor terrace; the ultimate spot to take visitors to for that Burj Khalifa selfie, while avoiding the crowds and sipping on artisan coffee. On the menu, expect everything from breakfast staples such as avo three ways, to lunch and dinner items such as Philly cheese steak sandwich, Casablanca salad, walnut truffle carbonara pasta, pistachio falafel burger and much more. The menu also has a dedicated kids’ menu.

For reservations, call 04 344 4441 or e-mail info@walnutgrove.ae.

The Courtyard, Manzil Downtown

Every Friday, enjoy a selection of barbeque favourites from live cooking stations and a delicious multi-cuisine menu in the relaxing, al fresco setting of The Courtyard during the ‘Backyard Brunch’. Indulge in traditional Levantine and Middle Eastern cuisine along with American and southern hemisphere delights in a contemporary Arabesque atmosphere. Expect kebabs, fish, authentic koftas, chicken tikka, spit-roasted lamb along with traditional sharing platters, plus much more. The Backyard Brunch takes place every Friday from 1pm to 4pm, with packages starting from Dhs265 with soft drinks, while children (6-11years) are priced Dhs133 per child and children up to the age of 5 years dine for free.

For reservations, call 04-8883444 or e-mail dine@emaar.com.