Life

For those always on the lookout for places to dine in, these well-known establishments in Dubai have had the seal of approval from UAE royalty.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, is a massive foodie and has been known to make many a visit to the various eateries across Dubai.
READ: 6 Dubai restaurants which have Sheikh Mohammed’s stamp of approval

With that, EW has decided to take a deep dive into 10 of the Dubai restaurants which have Sheikh Hamdan’s stamp of approval.
Roka

Sheikh Hamdan’s a fan, and so are we. While Roka only opened earlier this year, His Highness has already paid a visit, something which the establishment itself was “humbled” by. Read EW‘s recent interview with Roka’s executive head chef here.
Ammos

Bringing the charm of Greek cuisine to Dubai, this restaurant provides an unforgettable experience with authentic Mediterranean hospitality offering culinary textures and aromas to your plate. Located in Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR, the Dubai crown prince was spotted eating there.
For more information visit ammosgreek.com
Alici

After having spotted Sheikh Hamdan at this stunning seafood restaurant, he posed for a picture with the head of operations and also seemed to enjoy the restaurants freshly baked breads with one of the light house salads on his visit.
For more information visit alici.com
Carine

While offering a mouth-watering selection of French Mediterranean inspired dishes, curated by Dubai’s Chef Izu Ani, this restaurant is definitely a bustling fine dining space and addition to the fast-paced ever-evolving Dubai dining scene.
For more information visit dubaigolf.com/carine
Somewhere

As travelling might have a taken a backseat this year, you can still take inspiration from this Mediterranean-inspired travel themed café, which is extremely Instagrammable and is known for its topographic design. Located in Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue extension, the theme of the restaurant has certainly caught everyone’s attention.
Avli by Tashas

Being one of the first visitors to this luxe café concept in DIFC celebrates modern Athenian culture making it one of the most popular hotspots in the emirate while having the interiors reminiscent of the rustic courtyards of the Mediterranean, this authentic restaurant is definitely a must-visit especially after receiving Sheikh Hamdan’s approval.
For more information visit avlibytashas.com
Shanghai Me

With a contemporary take on Cantonese cuisine, located in DIFC is this 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.
For more information visit shanghaime-restaurant.com
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.
For more information visit thisisbb.com
Gaia

In January 2018, the Crown Prince of Dubai and his father HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Ruler of Dubai, were spotted dining at the Grecian-inspired restaurant. But even before then, Sheikh Hamdan gave Gaia his seal of approval back just five days after it opened. After his visit, the chef posted a cheeky picture of the Dubai royal strangling him, as he sported a wide grin.
She Burger

Are there any burger fans here? Then you would be happy to know that Fazza has given this edgy urban burger chain his stamp of approval. Open in Dar Wasl Mall, the burger place caters to chicken and beef lovers alike, and if you are vegetarian, then you should try She Burger’s ‘Krazy Kale’ or ‘Avo Salad’ salads.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Instagram More

With the holiday season officially here and the difficult year that has been 2020, we’re all on the lookout for somewhere extra special to celebrate this year.
Well, if you’re still looking EW has just the place for you. Enjoy DIFC fine-dining hotspot Cipriani’s specially curated festive menu this Christmas.

The Italian restaurant features an elegant setting with maritime-inspired interiors followed by a delicious limited-edition menu offered for a short period.

The world-renowned restaurant is an ode to its heritage and continues to impress even to date. Hero dishes on the festive menu, which EW editors were lucky enough to try, include the lobster salad, the gnocchi and the veal medallion.
The traditional dishes offered this month for the Christmas season will help you create cherished moments with your loved ones as you dine at DIFC’s award-winning Italian restaurant.

While also offering a private lounge area called Socialista, guests can mingle late into the night while they embrace its Venetian traditions.
Starting at Dhs390 per person, the Christmas menu is available on December 24, 25 and 26 for lunch and dinner with a choice of one appetizer, starter and dessert which will have your tastebuds tingling located in DIFC, Gate Village 10, open from noon to 12am.
For more information regarding reservations visit ciprianidubai.com
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied More

December’s – ‘The Party Issue’ – Download Now
The Gift Guide – Download Now 
As the sister to Zuma, this Business Bay hotspot Roka has taken the challenge of being the new contender head-on and has become an instant hit amongst the Dubai restaurant crowd.
Situated in The Opus, a building designed by Zaha Hadid, Roka has brought its unique style of contemporary Japanese Robatayaki cuisine to Dubai and it’s an absolute must-try. Like its elder sibling Zuma, Roka’s flagship restaurant is located in London, but it’s undoubtedly already carved its place in the F&B space in the emirate under the leadership of executive head chef Libor Dobis.

Emirates Woman sat down with the critically-acclaimed chef to find out what it has been like opening a restaurant in the middle of a pandemic, how he believes the Dubai restaurant scene sets itself apart from other places, Roka’s hero dishes and the future of the establishment in Dubai.
Can you talk us through your career history?
My career really kick-started in London in 2004 when I started working at I Sapori by Stefano Cavallini, an Italian restaurant. My passion for food always stemmed from South-East Asian flavours and cooking techniques so I developed to work for the likes of Nobu, Nahm, a famed Thai restaurant at the time, and Naamyaa by Alan Yau. Finally, I landed at ROKA and worked both in the Mayfair and Canary Wharf locations where I worked my way up to Head Chef before moving to Dubai.
What eventually brought you to Dubai?

From a career perspective, I was ready for the next step and a new opportunity but there was no way I was leaving the ROKA family so when the project in Dubai presented itself, I jumped at it. From a family perspective, we were also looking for a new adventure and Dubai seemed like the ideal place at this stage in our life.
How does the food and beverage industry here differ from other places around the world?
Dubai is a new and different world. It is relatively young from an industry perspective with lots of new restaurant opening all the time, it’s booming! There are obviously cultural diversities in every country, which need to be adapted to whether this is from a customer or business perspective.
ROKA opened just before the pandemic and then closed. What was that like for you as a chef?
It was tough, I won’t lie, having just arrived in the country and then virtually going straight into lockdown. However, you must take the positive experiences out of difficult situations, I learnt a lot during this time.

How was ROKA affected during lockdown? How did you adapt?
I believe all restaurants were affected similarly. We started takeaway relatively quickly and when we were able to reopen, we adapted the restaurant swiftly in-line with the government’s regulations. During the time we were closed we took advantage of it and used it to plan and strategise new menus etc.
ROKA really has found its own niche in the Business Bay area. Would you agree?
I definitely agree, YES! We are fortunate to have a fantastic location; the terrace views are to die for. To top it off we are in a building which I believe is becoming an icon of the Dubai skyline – really it could not be better.
What are the hero dishes at ROKA?
We have a large amount of ROKA signature dishes from London on our menu that have been firm favourites here as well. The likes of the Kampachi Salad, Lamb Cutlets and Mushroom Hotpot. In addition, there are dishes that are unique to the Dubai menu which I would consider are hero dishes now, such as the Bone Marrow & the Baked Potato.
What do you think sets ROKA apart from other eateries in Dubai?
ROKA has heart, warmth and energy, which is a unique feeling I believe, it hits you when you walk through the doors. It is driven by the passion to deliver consistently high levels of food, service, drinks; every element. The ROKA culture is a “thing” that exists throughout all the locations and I am yet to see this replicated elsewhere.
Who would you say your chef inspiration is?
Honestly, it is difficult to say as there are so many great chefs, and I have had many mentors but if I had to choose I would name David Thompson, who I worked for at Nahm, and the ROKA Group Executive Chef Hamish Brown, he has a unique passion and incredible pallet.
What are the hurdles you’ve experienced during your career as a chef?
I would say the lockdown was probably the most stressful time, the business is forced to close, and you have no idea what the next day will bring…

On the opposite end of the spectrum, what are the milestones?
Moving to Dubai was a milestone for sure. It started a new chapter in my life personally and professionally and has opened many doors that I never thought of when I was back in London.
What future do you see for ROKA in this region?
I see ROKA having a very bright future internationally and within the region but ultimately the expansion is not within my control so I would simply say, watch this space!
December’s – ‘The Party Issue’ – Download Now
The Gift Guide – Download Now 
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied More