Known as one of the most vibrant hotspots in Dubai, DIFC attracts crowds from the globe-over as it’s a restaurant hub. sorts of crowds from expats to tourists, making it one of the city’s most exciting places to eat at, while some are royally approved too.
With the very best restaurants housed in the same vicinity, it’s an area regularly frequented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.
So, want to know which DIFC hotspots have the royal stamp of approval? Here’s the ultimate guide.
Avli by Tashas
Having opened just over two years ago in January 2019, Avli by tashas is regularly frequented by Sheikh Hamdan. The restaurant captures the essence of Greek cuisine combined with a chic and sophisticated space reminiscent of the Mediterranean. Sheikh Hamdan’s most recent public visit to the Mediterranean eatery was back in December over the Christmas period.
Gaia
Loved by both Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan, GAIA is the brainchild of Chef Izu. The restaurant encompasses the Greek Goddess of Earth, the mother of the sun, the mountains and the sea and is the inspiration for each exquisite Mediterranean dish. In January 2019, the Crown Prince of Dubai and the Ruler of Dubai were spotted dining at the Grecian-inspired restaurant. But even before that, Sheikh Hamdan gave GAIA his seal of approval back just five days after it opened in October 2018. After his visit, Chef Izu posted a cheeky picture with the Dubai royal, as he sported a wide grin.
BB Social Dining
The home-grown concept serving Eastern cuisine has a compact space offering various vegan options with polished yet light-hearted service for you to create your own unique heartwarming experience. Located in Gate village 8 DIFC, Dubai, the atmosphere is both sophisticated and elegant.
The Arts Club
Sheikh Mohammed was spotted at the newly opened exclusive spot The Arts Club on Tuesday, January 12, dining at their Nikkei Cuisine concept, Rōhen.
Shanghai Me
Located in DIFC, Shanghai ME takes a modern approach to fine Asian Cuisine while bringing a slick 1930’s inspired aesthetic with opulent interiors to set the mood. From a variety of classic dishes to delicious cocktails, this place should definitely be on your list. Showing his support for the F&B industry in Dubai during the pandemic, Sheikh Mohammed safely dined at the restaurant back in September 2020.
CÉ LA VI
While it’s not located directly in DIFC, this hotspot is just a stone’s throw away. This renowned Singaporean restaurant located at Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai features a 360-degree versatile terrace with an infinity pool featuring delicious contemporary Asian food in a magnificent ambience amidst the captivating views of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has definitely given his seal of approval to the restaurant.
Zuma
Located in the heart of DIFC, Zuma has a sophisticated twist on the traditional Japanese Izakaya style of informal eating and drinking. Sheikh Mohammed is believed to have visited the establishment on multiple occasions.
