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    16 global restaurants that have undoubtedly made their mark in Dubai

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    4 hours ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 16 IMAGES
    For a myriad of culinary options, Dubai is the place to be.
    As the emirate is well-known for offering an unparalleled fine-dining experience no matter what the cuisine, Emirates Woman takes a closer look at all the global culinary havens that have made their mark in the city.
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    An exclusive interview with Executive Chef Cesar Ulloa at La Mar by Gaston Acurio Dubai

    Adding to the thriving Peruvian restaurant scene in Dubai is the recently opened La Mar By Gaston Acurio at the iconic, Atlantis The Royal.
    Known for its myriad options of fresh ingredients, this restaurant decided to bring a unique blend of ancient Peruvian cuisine with authenticity at its helm.
    Known for its dedicated cebiche bar and an anticucho grill, this restaurant promises the entire experience from start to finish with exquisite pisco sour cocktails to complement the meal.
    Inspired by the design of a Fisherman’s Wharf, the simple interiors promise a laid-back atmosphere with natural light and colourful hues to emulate that classic Peruvian feel.
    After already receiving awards internationally, the restaurant has recently been awarded one Michelin star in the latest 2023 guide.
    Adding to the dynamic food scene in this part of the world, Emirates Woman speaks to the restaurant’s Executive chef, Cesar Ulloa to delve into its culinary journey.
    Talk us through your career.
    Before discovering my passion for food, I was fascinated with the world of magic, but that quickly changed when I began cooking and learning culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu in Peru. 11 years ago, before I started working with Gaston, I had the opportunity to work at several Michelin restaurants including Celler de Can Roca Girona Spain (three-Michelin-star), Noma Restaurant in Copenhagen (three-Michelin-star), as well as Mugaritz Donostia, San Sebastian (two-Michelin-star). In 2012 I began working with Gaston at the original La Mar restaurant in Lima, and since then it has been a wonderful journey. Thanks to Gaston my culinary career has taken me all around the world and I am excited to see where my new chapter in Dubai takes me.

    Where does your love for food come from?
    Flavour! I enjoy trying and tasting different foods, cuisines, and most of all flavours. It’s a simple thing in life that brings me so much joy, inspiration, and excitement.
    This restaurant explores authentic flavours of Peruvian gastronomy. How was this a challenge and how did you overcome this?
    Peru boasts an abundance of ingredients that make distinctive regional cuisines and is recognised as one of the best cuisines in the world. It was important for us to capture the essence of Peruvian cuisine and bring a slice of Lima (capital of Peru where La Mar was first brought to life) so sourcing the right ingredients was definitely a priority. Leading up to the opening of the venue, it took us up to six to seven months to find the right produce – we’re currently sourcing most of our ingredients straight from Peru, from small ingredients such as chilli to staples such as potatoes and corn.
    What does it mean to you and the La Mar brand to work along Atlantis The Royal?
    Atlantis The Royal is the latest icon of Dubai and is home to a collection of ultra-luxury experiences, especially when it comes to F&B – there is no other hotel that offers a celebrity F&B showcase like Atlantis The Royal. The operations team has carefully identified each cuisine and has invited the best of the best to represent it. To be the Chef de Cuisine at La Mar, representing Gaston Acurio and my homeland’s cuisine is an honour. As I travelled with Gaston to his various venues across the globe I would always feel like an ambassador of Peru, and this is the same feeling while in Dubai and at Atlantis The Royal.

    What are the hero dishes according to you at the restaurant?
    As the only dedicated cebichería in Dubai, one of my hero dishes is of course cebiche! At La Mar you can explore a wide range of different cebiches from traditional cilantro, lime, and red onions to more unique creations such as nori and daikon. The other hero dish would be the Anticuchos, which was originally a street food and a major part of Peruvian culture. Anticuchos is grilled marinated meat packed with flavour and is served with a spicy salsa and Peruvian chilli paste. When I have these, the flavours transport me back to days as a child playing with friends.
    What are the three rules of thumb for a perfect Cebiche and what does LA MAR’s live cebiche bar add to the restaurant?
    The cebiche bar at La Mar is what anchors the restaurant, it’s a focal point that is interactive. Here we practice three very important rules of thumb which is to make sure you only use the freshest fish possible, Never use fish or seafood that’s been previously frozen, Always use fresh lime, never juice from a bottle – slice and squeeze and consume immediately. Ceviche is not a dish that should be left to linger.
    You take presentation seriously. How do you seamlessly combine design with gastronomy?
    Peruvian cuisine is so colourful, full of contrast focusing mainly on the ingredients. The country has more than 2,500 varieties of potatoes in every colour imaginable. More than fifty kinds of corn grow there, too, in shades ranging from midnight black to pale pink. So, our main focus is really the ingredient, whether it’s the delicate raw fish or the fresh garnish – we always let the ingredients be the hero. Our second focus is the chinaware, we went on a quest to find the right chinaware that will complement our dishes the most. We currently source handmade designs from both Spain and the UAE.
    What piece of advice would you give to those wishing to follow your culinary journey?
    Passion is the main drive in the hospitality industry in my opinion. You definitely need passion if you’re going to succeed. While a lot of perks come with the job which involves travelling the world, and working with amazing brands – it is possibly one of the most competitive sectors to work in, which is where passion comes in place and drives you forward.
    Working at LA MAR in different cities & continents, how do you take a brand globally while maintaining the essence of Peru?
    The DNA of La Mar is cemented by Gaston’s love for Peruvian cuisine and his energy to share it with the world. Of course, country to country the consumer tastebud differs, and they have desires for certain flavours, but we use this as an opportunity to educate the world about Peru and to entice them to explore the flavours of our cuisine. We story tell the diverse history and culture through the sense of taste no matter where we are. Another way La Mar remains true to its core is the fact that Gaston always recruits a handpicked team many of which are Peruvian nationals. I have been lucky to experience this a few times. During my career, my work with Gaston has taken me from Lima to Geneva, through each experience I’ve seen how he builds his teams while igniting enthusiasm and passion.

    How does the F&B Industry differ here from the rest of the world?
    Given its geographic location, Dubai is a cultural melting pot, and this is reflected in the F&B industry here; it’s one filled with excitement, diversity, and creativity. I think we are all very lucky to live in a city where you can discover all cuisines – especially when it’s authentic. In recent local reports, we’ve seen that Peruvian food is back on the rise – this is very exciting for everyone at La Mar. It’s been such a privilege to be part of a growing cuisine here in the Middle East region. At La Mar Dubai we try to elevate Peruvian cuisine through creative gastronomy, nicely mixing traditional flavours with unique plates. La Mar Dubai’s menu features exclusive dishes that have been crafted especially for this restaurant at Atlantis The Royal with the Dubai market and clientele in mind.
    You’ve been working with Gaston Acurio for years, what’s your biggest learning from him?
    Over the past 11 years, my journey with Gaston has taken me to different places across the world, which has been incredibly exciting as I have been able to become an ambassador for Peru. Even though we were cooking our native cuisine and Peruvian cuisine is becoming more popular, the customer differs from country to country, culture to culture. This means we never stop learning and this is something Gaston has ingrained in me.
    What’s next for La Mar?
    We opened our doors a few months ago and the feedback has been overwhelming and positive. It was also incredible being recognised during Dubai’s second edition of its Michelin Guide, where Tomislav Lokvicic, General Manager of La Mar was awarded Service of the Year and the restaurant received an honourable mention in the 2023 guide. For the time being we are going to continue delivering excellent service, delectable food, and culinary stories of Peru. We are excited to see more people to come to La Mar and experience Peru.
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    Executive Chef at Mott 32 on bringing a contemporary approach to Chinese fine dining

    Emirates Man

    by Ruman Baig
    3 hours ago

    Frankie Yang Tao, Executive Chef at Mott 32, talks to Emirates Man about the culinary evolution in Dubai and how important it is to blend traditional cuisine with modern techniques.
    What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
    The first thing I do every morning is cook breakfast for my daughter so I can spend quality time with her before the busy day ahead. I like to try different recipes and make a variety of dishes (she is a massive foodie). I then check guests’ feedback based on their experience from the night before and share their comments with my team, so we are constantly improving.
    Talk us through your career.
    Since I was a child, I have been deeply influenced and inspired by my family. I always wanted to explore and experiment with food. My grandparents are experts in cooking. Every Chinese New Year, we prepare a table full of dishes presented with different styles, tastes, and colours, which makes me admire the culinary process and inspires me deeply. I have been working in Dubai for 17 years (since 2006) and have experience cooking in various luxury hotels. My cooking style is not limited to Chinese food, as I am also experienced in Asian and European cuisine. From 2012 to 2016, I participated in the chef cooking and carving competition held at the Emirates Salon in Dubai. Such valuable experiences constantly inspire my process and have expanded my expertise. I am fascinated by the catering industry, and always treat my work with passion to keep the motivation going.
    How do you bring a contemporary approach to fine Chinese dining?
    I use a variety of cooking techniques combined with modern seasoning and take a lot of time sourcing the freshest ingredients from sustainable producers both local and abroad to maintain the quality of the food. However, what makes Mott 32 really stand out as a concept is its ability to marry traditional cuisine with modern culinary innovation.
    As the brand’s eighth global branch, what sets Mott 32 Dubai apart?
    Mott 32 Dubai is committed to providing customers with a unique and fashionable food experience, offering a standard of true Chinese cuisine that does not exist anywhere else in Dubai. The interiors are impressive, and we have an open-air terrace with views across Bluewater Island, JBR, Palm Jumeirah and the Ain Dubai (it is one of the highest restaurants in the world). Our traditional menu is in line with the brand’s culinary creativity, where we use familiar and bold flavours of Mott 32’s signature gastronomy through adapted versions of its classic dishes. The menu concept is consistent yet wide in its offering but of course, we have adapted iconic and traditional Chinese dishes to fit the local palate of the Dubai market. For example, we do not feature pork on our menu. Some may say this is a challenge being a Chinese restaurant, however I believe it is an opportunity to showcase the versatility of the cuisine and how it can be adapted in a skilful, yet exciting way. By replacing pork with alternative ingredients, it allows us to experiment with new delicacies and flavours, while still respecting the culture.
    Tell us about the concept of Mott32 Dubai.
    Every Mott 32 celebrates the culture and food of modern Hong Kong with a fusion of traditional and culinary innovation. It brings a menu inspired by Cantonese, Szechuan, and Beijing cuisines, and yet also showcases some of the famed restaurant’s own signature dishes. Our food aims to bring the best from the past, with honoured recipes passed down from generations to generations. The location of Mott 32 Dubai adds to its magnificence. Nestled on the 73rd floor of the Address Beach Resort, the Sunset Hospitality Group has made the whole dining experience so unique by incorporating culinary excellence, an energetic ambiance, and impeccable service all into one. Our culinary team has also been hand-selected by me, with most of our team members coming from other Chinese restaurants and 5-star hotels in the region. I truly believe we have introduced a completely new chapter of Chinese dining to Dubai’s restaurant scene.

    Having been in Dubai since 2006, how have you seen the culinary industry evolve in the region?
    In recent years the hotel and restaurant scene, as well as the increasing importance of sourcing sustainable produce from local farms and suppliers, have all contributed to the development of Dubai’s ever-expanding F&B industry. Simultaneously, there is an on-going need for fresh cooking exhibitions and large-scale food festivals. Most of the participants are professional chefs and culinary experts, which promotes the multicultural development of global tastes and deepens the depth of local culinary culture. The city’s culinary scene continues to evolve as society’s tastes and interests in food change and diversify. Dubai is definitely one to watch for all chefs around the world and now, we are seeing the rise of prestigious culinary awards, such as the MICHELIN Guide Dubai and Gault & Millau. After only four months of operations, I am delighted that Mott 32Dubai is already the recipient of one toque in the Gault & Millau UAE 2023 Guide.
    It is the world’s first luxury Chinese restaurant to expand from the East to the West, what makes it a pioneer in the Chinese fine dining scene?
    “Mott 32” pays homage to 32 Mott Street in New York, where the city’s first Chinese convenience store opened in 1891. The store served as the nucleus for what is now a vibrant Chinatown in one of the most dynamic cities. It brings the American Tang cuisine style back to Hong Kong in the form of high-end Chinese food and as a result, the menu design is simple and elegant. The unique collection comprises drinks, snacks, appetisers, and dishes from around the world. The name alone is classic. When it comes to Chinese food, few places can compare to Hong Kong. Whether it’s the best char siew or Peking duck, classic Cantonese cuisine or innovative cuisine, these restaurants can always satisfy all needs with outstanding dishes, with the highest quality of hospitality and beautiful surroundings.

    What are the hero dishes?
    We have created an ethical menu which offers Chinese dishes with Western cooking techniques and elegant presentation. Some of the diners’ menu favourites include the Applewood Roasted Peking Duck (which takes 48 hours to prepare), Truffled Mushroom Lettuce Cup Appetisers and Chilled Chicken with Szechuan Pepper and Chilli Sauce. Main courses include the signature Smoke Black Cod, Crispy Triple-Cooked Wagyu Beef Short Rib and Kung Pao Lobster are a must try. Guests also enjoy our selection of dim sum freshly made daily and plant-based signatures for those looking for a more sustainable approach to eating.
    How is Mott 32 Dubai different from its counterparts in other countries?
    We firstly implement the same quality of dishes and service as all Mott 32 restaurants globally. With its expansion to Dubai, we try to evoke the city’s energy and creative passion within our dishes and culinary style and have also curated signature cocktails and mocktails that are reflective of Dubai’s lively ambiance, such as the Fujian Negroni, Hanami, and Forbidden Rose.
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    The ultimate editor-approved guide to Dubai’s Wasl 51

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    Bringing you all the best hotspots in Dubai, our editor-approved guide to another bustling community is back. This time featuring Wasl 51.
    From all the quaint eateries to an upcoming workout hub, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of all the activities to try out on your next visit.
    Restaurants & Cafés
    BLK Cab Coffee

    Homegrown in Dubai, BLK Cab Coffee has five locations across the emirate, one of them being in the heart of Wasl 51. As the name would suggest, the coffee chain is inspired by the black cabs of London. The coffee spot is the ideal place to meet for a quick work meeting or to see friends over a nice brew on the weekends.
    Brunch & Cake

    Created with love, Brunch & Cake believes in delivering each dish with the best possible ingredients. From zucchini pancakes to delicious French toast, the restaurant was created to push the boundaries of F&B in Dubai. Bringing grandma’s goodness to the table, the restaurant offers a perfect mix of healthy, wholesome and visually appealing items on the menu. Located at Wasl 51, ground floor, it’s open daily from 8am to 10pm.
    For more information visit brunchandcake.com
    Lana Lusa

    With Portuguese roots, the restaurant revives the neighbourhood soul of old southern Europe. By working in an open kitchen, the chefs create a series of mouth-watering dishes ranging from salted cod to grilled chicken. For a secluding and calming environment, this restaurant is an ideal place to leave the relentless pace of city outside. If you want a quick bite or a candlelit dinner, this restaurant has it all. Located in Plaza 1, Al Wasl road, it’s open on weekdays from 8am to 12am and on weekends from 9am to 12am.
    For more information visit lanalusa.com
    Milk Bar

    After starting as a family-owned, home-based dessert shop, this café provided a comfortable and trendy atmosphere with milk as its main ingredient. The urban environment focuses on bringing people together with lovingly prepared sweets accompanied with a cup of specialty coffee for the ultimate treat. Located in Shop 19, Wasl 51, It’s open from Monday to Sunday 10am to 10pm.
    For more information visit milkbar.ae
    Saya Brasserie

    This cosy concept has an array of delicious dishes in an Instagrammable setting. From Moroccan hummus to custom desserts, this restaurant provides the highest quality in everything served. Whether an enjoyable lunch or a romantic dinner, this restaurant has become an oasis of the sweet and desired. Located in Wasl 51, it’s open from 9am to 1am.
    For more information visit sayacafe.ae
    La Fabbrica Italiana

    This restaurant brings an exciting new side of Italy to Dubai. Based on a piece of Focaccia, this 2000-year-old Italian tradition is served with a modern touch at this haven. By serving history, the love of food, culture and customer is all combined together under one roof. From Burrata’s to Tiramisu, La Fabbrica is considered a foodie’s time machine with every bite of its heritage served on a plate.
    For more information visit lafabbricaitaliana.com
    Orfali Bros Bistro

    By pushing the boundaries of cooking, Orfali Bros allows guests to discover new flavours to Dubai’s food scene. By invoking a sense of creativity, pride and joy at the kitchen, the chefs bring their experience to the table with an avant-garde flair. Enhanced with an element of multiculturalism, the restaurant has evolved into a work of gastronomical art. It’s open from Sunday to Saturday 12pm to 12am.
    For more information visit orfalibros.com
    Salons
    The Lash Show

    Your eyes have the power to change your complete look and the lash show believes the same. It’s the first-ever concept beauty salon & café in the region. This one-stop shop for your lash and nail needs offers its clients an array of innovative techniques to leave them feeling flawless. With this salon truly being love at first blink, guests have the option to choose from various mocktails as their session takes place. It’s open daily from 11am to 9pm except for Tuesdays.
    For more information visit thelashshow.ae
    Fitness
    51 Gym

    This one-stop shop fitness centre lets everyone discover their potential with all the state-of-the-art fitness equipment and premium amenities. With classes ranging from boxing, TRX, HIIT, yoga, Reformer and Pilates, guests will surely come back for more. Whether you’re a beginner or a fitness fanatic, this gym has enough sessions and expert levels to best suit your needs. Located in Plaza 1 Entrance, it’s open on weekdays from 6am to 10pm and at weekends from 8am to 8pm.
    For more information visit 51gym.ae
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    Images: Instagram, Feature Image: Supplied by Wasl 51 More

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    10 Dubai restaurants where you’re likely to bump into someone famous

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 hour ago

    While being a popular hotspot for tourists worldwide, these note-worthy eateries in Dubai have also hosted some famous celebrities becoming spots where you’re most likely to bump into a royal or A-lister.
    Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori

    If you’re on the hunt for some delicious Japanese food, this delectable haven is a must-visit. The restaurant promises authentic Japanese flavours and has a casual setting at its home at The Galleria Mall on Al Wasl Road. Expect plenty of super-fresh sushi and tasty grills, with interesting ingredients sourced from Japan and you’re even likely to spot celebrities such as the esteemed tennis player, Roger Federer who paid a visit to the restaurant this month.
    SUSHISAMBA

    Shortly after the restaurant opened and made a mark for itself in Dubai, Fazza thought it fit to host one of his most famous friends at the restaurant. The emirate’s Crown Prince was seen visiting the hotspot with famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this year and the restaurant’s team described it as an “honour” to welcome this Dubai royal and even shared a photo from his visit on their feed, as the duo enjoyed all the delectable dishes with the rest of the entourage. With 360-degree views overlooking Dubai’s skyline, this one-of-a-kind hotspot is a must-visit.
    Indochine

    At the end of 2019, over three decades after the flagship restaurant opened in NYC in 1984, Indochine arrived in Dubai. It didn’t take long for the new DIFC haunt to attract its own celebrity crowd and less than a year on Indochine Dubai has played host to tennis ace Roger Federer, Dubai-based influencer entrepreneur Karen Wazen, Italian fashionista Chiara Ferragni and actress Lindsay Lohan.
    The Arts Club

    While The Arts Club hasn’t been open for long, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai already visited the exclusive Dubai members’ club twice. He’s dined at the club’s Brasserie, a concept born at its European flagship venue, The Arts Club London, and their Nikkei Cuisine concept, Rōhen.
    Avli by Tashas

    Avli by tashas is regularly frequented by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan, the Crown Prince of Dubai. The restaurant captures the essence of Greek cuisine combined with a chic and sophisticated space reminiscent of the Mediterranean after having opened more than two years ago in January 2019.
    GAIA

    Gaia by Chef Izu Ani is another of Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan’s favourite spots, but it’s also frequented by celebrities. Rapper 50 Cent paid a visit to this famous eatery back in 2019 and it’s sure to attract many more such individuals thanks to the delicious food and the chef’s popular reputation.
    Also read: The Dubai royal-approved guide to DIFC restaurants
    Buddha Bar

    As sophistication reaches new heights at this striking venue, popular UK singer Craig David has previously been spotted at this venue which brings a host of sensory experiences to you with exceptional views of Dubai Marina. Located at Grosvenor House Dubai, this majestic two-storied venue features striking overhead chandeliers, opulent décor and large bay windows.
    CZN Burak

    While this establishment by Turkish celebrity Chef CZN Burak has only been open for a few months, it’s already had many famous faces come through its doors. Known for his viral videos on social media with his over the top cooking techniques, Chef Burak has welcomed personalities such as Christiano Ronaldo and Sheikh Hamdan have all been seen at this dining haven.
    Nusr-Et Steakhouse

    Royals King Mohammed VI of Morocco and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, have both previously been spotted at Nusr-et by ‘Salt Bae’. Similarly, UFC champion Conor McGregor, who is currently residing in Dubai, was also recently seen dining at the venue. Located at Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach Road, this intimate restaurant is constantly buzzing with energy.
    Nobu

    This sleek Japanese restaurant situated at the renowned Atlantis, the Palm, brings one of Dubai’s finest dishes in an innovative Japanese-Peruvian setting with a winning formula featuring celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, as it continually welcomes familiar faces such as the Kardashians, David Beckham and Jennifer Lopez and her Alex Rodriguez.
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    The ultimate Iftar guide for Ramadan 2023 in Dubai

    Experience Ramadan in Dubai with a modern twist to the traditional restaurants.
    For a more intimate experience, there is a myriad of culinary havens in the city that have curated a special menu for a bespoke feast during the occasion.
    From Nikkei cuisine to Peruvian, the options are endless as each menu comes with an age-old twist.
    So, if you need inspiration on where to potentially break your fast, Emirates Woman has curated the ultimate guide to restaurants situated across Dubai
    Bulgari Majlis

    This Ramadan, Bulgari’s Majlis makes its way back to Dubai. Infusing Middle Eastern flavours with an Italian flair, this luxe soiree is taking place at the Bulgari Resort Dubai. Offering the guests both iftar and suhoor under the glimmering lights of the stars, the Bulgari Majlis also comes with an additional incentive of a breathtaking view of the Yacht Club. The Bulgari Majlis will be ongoing throughout the month of Ramadan. Iftar will be served from sundown until 9pm, Dhs450 per person. Suhoor will begin from 10pm until 1am and is priced at Dhs295 per person.
    For more information visit bvlgarihotels.com
    Mina Brasserie

    Follow the crescent moon and stars and you’ll find the award-winning Chef Michael Mina’s team innovating, in the kitchen. With dishes such as Hummus Fois Gras and Date Tiramisu, guests can indulge in an array of unforgettable dishes designed exclusively for the occasion with the freshest ingredients. Priced at Dhs295, this menu includes a starter, main and dessert along with Ramadan beverages from sunset to 8pm at Four Seasons DIFC.
    For more information visit minabrasserie.com
    Amelia Lounge

    Experience Nikkei cuisine with an authentic twist at Dubai’s luxe hotspot Amelia Lounge. With a dedicated set menu, guests can embark on a delectable journey like no other with traditional dishes crafted to perfection. Priced at Dhs295, this experience is available from sunset until 8pm. Located at Address Sky Views, this one-of-a-kind experience can be savoured with your loved ones.
    For more information visit amelialounge.com
    Cleo

    For a delectable spread of Levantine delicacies, this restaurant is a must-visit. This lavish buffet is designed to cater to different tastes with a selection of mouth-watering snacks and live stations including decadent desserts and a variety of fresh juices. With mains such as Chicken Mandi and a spread such as Raspberry tart and the restaurant’s signature Luqaimat, there’s a treat for everyone. Priced at Dhs169 this feast features a variety of dishes with something for everyone. Located at Hyde Hotel, this restaurant’s calming interiors are a delight for all those who enter.
    For more information visit restaurantsandbars.accor.com
    Piatti by the Beach

    Piatti By The Beach announces a special offering for the holy month of Ramadan; Piatti will be serving a set menu that promises to delight the senses with a range of exquisite dishes, and guests can enjoy a divine selection of mocktails and desserts. Diners can begin their meal with nourishing dates, followed by the Soup of the Day, a comforting and hearty dish made with the freshest ingredients. To end things on a sweet note, guests can opt for Piatti’s classic tiramisu: a heavenly dessert that tantalizes the senses and satisfies the sweet toothPriced at Dhs300, the special iftar takes place at Raffles The Palm.
    For more information visit rafflesthepalmdubai.com
    La Lezardubai

    During this Ramadan, you can enjoy Iftar at the newly opened Turkish Lalezar Restaurant. Iftar menu includes Iftar plate, cold starters like wine leaves, ezme or pesto and cheese, delicious Turkish salad, soup of the day, hot appetizer, and of course special main course from our chef comes with a surprising dessert. Located at The Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, it takes place from Sunset to 10pm and is priced at Dhs159 per person.
    For more information visit lalezardubai.com
    The MAINE Land Brasserie Business Bay

    The Maine located in the bustling Business Bay area of Dubai offers a delightful menu for guests during the holy month of Ramadan. This is the ideal spot to enjoy a memorable Ramadan meal with family and friends. The restaurant’s inviting ambiance, courteous staff, and exceptional food make it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and is priced at Dhs315 per person. Located at The Opus, Business Bay, this venue is a must-visit.
    For more information visit themaine.ae
    Clap

    With the largest rooftop terrace in DIFC to enjoy the stunning sunset, visitors can unwind with the restaurant’s multiple ingredients including a fusion of Japanese and Arabic flavours with panoramic views of the city. Begin your fast with a traditional Iftar platter, including succulent dates and other delectable dishes such as miso soup, sea bass panko with creamy tonkatsu mayo, spinach miso risotto with yuzu truffle dressing and a lot more. The Goma Kunafa Dessert, a novel confectionery has been crafted for this distinguished occasion. Priced at Dhs275 per person with a booking for a minimum of two people, this unforgettable dining experience can be enjoyed in the heart of Dubai at Gate Village 11.
    For more information visit claprestaurant.com
    LPM Restaurant & Bar

    For a specially curated Iftar menu, with signature classics and new exclusive dishes, this Parisian haven offers a host of dishes to savour with your love. Priced at Dhs250, this includes their signature dishes such as Burrata Et Tomatoes, Grilled Sea Bream and more. To end a sweet note, guests can choose from different ones including Chocolate and Hazelnut Choux and other delectable choices. Located in the heart of DIFC at Gate Village 8, this Côte d’Azur truly offers an unforgettable iftar.
    For more information visit lpmrestaurants.com
    Chanca by COYA

    For Peruvian cuisine at its finest, this elegant venue is a must-visit with its special Iftar menu. Guests can indulge in a delightful array of exquisite flavors, featuring an eclectic mix of dishes that will transport your taste buds to new culinary heights. With dishes such as Artichoke Ceviche, Chilean Sea Bass and more, visitors can choose from a menu catered to different palates. To satisfy your sweet tooth, the menu offers Delicia de Luna, made up of dates cream, rose water, and pistachio to end the evening on a flavourful note. Priced at Dhs285, it takes place from sunset until 7:30pm and is located at the Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah.
    For more information visit coyarestaurant.com
    Josette

    Celebrate French cuisine in a sophisticated environment with a new sharing menu evoking sharing and abundance, for the Holy month of Ramadan. To perfect the ambiance of elegant and sophisticated décor and culinary playfulness of flavour, Arabic-inspired tunes will drift between guests as The Josette Quartour, Josette’s live quartet in collaboration with Dubai Opera elevate the night even further, the sweetest surrender. The new sharing Iftar menu is available throughout the month of Ramadan from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Priced at Dhs285 per person, a minimum booking of two people is required.
    For more information visit josette.com
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    10 luxe fine-dining restaurants to visit in Riyadh

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    43 mins ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 10 IMAGES
    In the last few years, Saudi Arabia’s capital city has become a haven for fine-dining restaurants.
    With an array of choices to choose from, Riyadh is making its mark as a culinary epicentre in the GCC.
    From spectacular views to international brands making their way into the country, there are a plethora of refined restaurants that are worth a visit.
    With the Kingdom’s capital leaving tourists and residents spoilt for choice, here’s some of the best restaurants to dine at in Riyadh.
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    Images: Supplied & Feature image: Instagram @mnkyhse More

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    Salt Bae’s Dhs600,000 Abu Dhabi restaurant bill divides opinion

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    35 mins ago

    Would you ever guess a restaurant bill could cause a stir on social media? Well, it can…
    During a recent fine-dining experience at Nusr-Et Steakhouse in Abu Dhabi, a few diners spent over Dhs600,000.
    Nusret Gökçe, founder of his namesake restaurant and also known as ‘Salt Bae’, took to Instagram to share the astronomical restaurant bill on Instagram.
    Quality never expensive #saltbae #saltlife #salt…,” he captioned the post sharing the receipt of the restaurant bill.

    Of course, the post Salt Bae shared with his 49.2 million followers garnered a lot of attention and definitely divided opinion amongst his fans.
    In the breakdown of the bill, his followers were able to see that five portion of beef carpaccio would set you back Dhs1,200 on five portions of beef carpaccio, while two beef tenderloins came it in at a whopping Dhs4,500. To top it off, there was Dhs30,000 spent on VAT alone and over half a million dirhams spent on beverages.
    Naturally, the comments rolled in on the post.
    “Seeing this dinner bill and thinking this can save an entire city from hunger for days makes me feel sad,” one user commented. “No one should EVER pay 405 for a still water.”
    “This is so stupid… Paying this much for one meal,” another follower stated.
    Meanwhile another said, “90 percent of this is just alcohol, what quality are you talking about?? Did you produce the Petrus Louis 13?”
    Another person joked that despite the expensive bill it was “Only 27 on sparkling water.”

    After going viral in 2017 with his signature salt-sprinkling pose, the Turkish restauranteur has opened branches all across the world including Mayfair, London and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With each restaurant serving astonishing dishes such as gold-leaf covered steaks and Golden ottoman steaks, diners around the world have previously made comments pertaining to the exorbitant prices on these menus.
    Would you pay a visit to this world-famous restaurant?
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    Images: Instagram @saltbae More