Cheesecake Factory

The Spots by the Window Go Fast — Get There Early

This is one of those places I keep coming back to because it genuinely never lets us down. Both locations — Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall — have these beautiful, almost private-feeling spaces with views that do half the parenting for you before you've even opened the menu. At Mall of the Emirates you're looking straight onto the Ski Dubai slopes, and at Dubai Mall you're looking out over the aquarium walkway with the tank right there in front of you. Either way, the kids are quietly mesmerised and you actually get to eat.

The menu is enormous, which sounds overwhelming but really just means everyone gets exactly what they want. Portions are generous enough to share with small children, all meat is halal, and they bring a free plate of banana and bread to babies in high chairs without you having to ask. That last detail sounds small until you're desperately trying to keep a one-year-old happy while waiting for food.

Insider tip: the window seats are the whole point and they go fast — visit on a weekday or arrive early to make sure you get one.