Restaurants
Located at the Waldorf Astoria DIFC, Ekai is billing itself as a ‘dine and unwind’ venue, hoping to entice those who are looking for a lounge setting to sip on mixed drinks and dig into a Mediterranean-inspired menu.Vivid blue walls, modern artwork and a DJ booth set a lively tone for this dinner-only venue. Licensed. Open daily, 6pm-3am. Burj Damman, DIFC, ekaidubai.com (04 422 4589).
After opening in early May, this new concept hotspot from the Buddha-Bar is one to check out. Sat in the Grosvenor House, the large restaurant with terrace has views over Dubai Marina. Malouf is a popular name in the Levantine culinary scene, not to mention well known in Dubai and is head chef at the new location. Fans of Ruya will remember the space fondly, as this was the last restaurant to operate here. The newest venture by the famous Lebanese Australian chef is a modern take on Middle Eastern fare. The celebrity chef has dreamed up creative takes on…
Dubai’s much-loved Al Safadi restaurant has reopened its branch on Sheikh Zayed Road in DIFC. Refurbished to accommodate 360 hungry diners under Al Safadi’s new brand image, the 22-year-old restaurant chain still promises its “homemade” experience, with delicious Lebanese food made from the freshest produce and only the most authentic spices and herbs from the Levant. Sit by the large windows to revel in city views from day to night. Unlicensed. Open daily, 9am-1am, Sheikh Zayed Road, DIFC (600 500 601).
Enjoying dinner while watching a highly theatrical show is one of the top things to do in Dubai this summer. And there’s another new venue toc check out – 53, the highest dinner show experience in Dubai. 53 serves dishes inspired by the flavours of Mediterranean, Latin American and Asian cuisine accompanied by live entertainment shows, and creative performances that will take place across different elevated stages in the venue. With stunning bird’s eye views of the Dubai skyline through the large glass windows and chic interiors, this is sensory overload at its best. Licensed. Open daily, 6pm onwards (beverages…
Recently opened on Al Wasl Road, Monno aims to bring authentic Italian eats to Dubai’s foodie scene. With fresh ingredients imported directly from Italy, diners will drool over traditional pasta dishes, Italian pizzas, plates of antipasti and a selection of traditional Italian desserts (of course, you know that tiramisu is most definitely on the menu). Greenery is complemented with dark wooden pieces of furniture, and the ambiance is inspired by the classic trattorias in small Italian towns. Unlicensed. Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1. Open daily, from 12pm-midnight. monno.ae (04 332 22550).
A newly opened steak-house with views over the Emirates Hills Golf Club, Cleavers is aiming to be the go-to for special occasions, good food and Sunday supper with the family. The venue’s main dining room is a bright, light and airy glass roofed room. There is also a large garden terrace and patio for when the sun goes down and in the winter months. Specialising in serving premium cuts of meat, Cleavers offers an array of dishes for meat lovers. Licensed. Montgomerie Golf Academy, Emirates Hills. Open Tues-Thurs, 6pm-12.30am, and Fri-Sun from 6pm-1.30am. (04 572 4473)
If you are hankering for slices of authentic Neapolitan pizza then you will be pleased to hear that Via Toledo has opened its doors at Address Beach Resort, Jumeirah Beach Residence. Headed up by pizza champion Francesco Calo you’ll find VIP toppings on the thin crust slices such as beluga caviar and gold leaf. Don’t worry if you are after a classic taste as there are much-loved favourites on the menu too at the spot that Open daily 6pm-2am, Address Beach Resort, JBR (050 545 9278).
New to Bluewaters Island is Vaga serving up plates of Armenian and Arabic food daily from noon until late. All the dishes on the menu will be familiar to those who like to eat Arabic and Armenian cuisine but VAGA’s presentation has aesthetic appeal due to being prettily presented. The décor across the sprawling eatery is just as stunning. Expect warm copper tones, plush velvet chairs and a mirrored spinning DJ deck which will is the main focus after dark. Open daily, noon-late, Bluewaters Island, Dubai.
