< PreviousBUBBL Y UNDER DHS100 44 June 2024 timeoutdubai.com ROKA Dhs95, Drappier Carte d’Or Brut NV Now this might be a surprise. One of Dubai’s best Japanese restaurants ROKA, sister restaurant of Zuma, from chef Rainer Becker, is also home to a glass of bubbly under Dhs100. ROKA is known for its excellent robata and Dubai’s branch has a terrace boasting Burj Khalifa views. Its bar is famed for serving trendy Japanese-inspired mixed drinks, but now you know it’s also home to some of the best-value bubbly in town. Perfect pairing: Black cod marinated in yuzo miso (Dhs210). A classic, with good reason – trust us. O The Opus by OMNIYAT, Business Bay, rokarestaurant.com (04 439 7171). THE GUILD Dhs95, Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Want to know where to get the cheapest glass of Veuve Cliquot in town? Make a beeline for European restaurant The Guild in DIFC, where you can perch at the very pretty bar, all twinkling lights and swathes of foliage, and order bubbly by the glass for just Dhs95. Move onto the restaurant for dinner, where you can sit in either The Rockpool – with a pond of fresh seafood – and The Salon, with an open-fire grill. Then, back to the bar we say. Perfect pairing: Grilled Western Australian octopus (Dhs125). A delightful tentacle with a punchy romesco sauce cooked on the open fire grill for a touch of drama. O ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, theguilddubai.com (054 279 6826). ABOVE ELEVEN Dhs99, Laurent Perrier Brut La Cuvée Not only does this trendy bar overlooking Palm West Beach and the Marina beyond have some of the best views and the best bar food in the city, it also has some of the best prices for bubbly by the glass. Get a glass of Laurent Perrier for Dhs99. Don’t mind if we do. Meanwhile the food menu is Nikkei-themed, so expect tartares, ceviche, bao, tiraditos, anticuchos, sushi, robatayaki and traditional Peruvian plates. Perfect pairing: Above Eleven ceviche (Dhs65). This signature with sea bass, A11 leche tigre, crispy calamari, cancha, choclo and sweet potato is light and refreshing, perfect for a summer evening. O Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, aboveeleven.com/dubai (04 666 1420). ALICI Dhs99, Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Cuvée A fancy seafood and Italian restaurant might not be the first place you think of when it comes to bargain bubbly. But Alici is bucking the trend with a glass of Perrier-Jouët for under Dhs100. That means you can splurge on the lobster pasta, artfully presented and packed with tender shellfish in an unctuous tomato sauce. The views are gorgeous, too. Perfect pairing: Linguine gentile all’astice (Dhs385). Don’t miss that aforementioned lobster pasta, it’s glorious. O Bluewaters Dubai, alici.com (04 275 2577). IL BORRO TUSCAN BISTRO Dhs99, Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Cuvée Il Borro isn’t just one of Dubai’s most popular restaurants for its ever-brilliant Italian “Perch at the very pretty bar, all twinkling lights and swathes of foliage, and order a glass of bubbly for just Dhs95” Mayabay menu and stylish set-up in Jumeirah Al Naseem’s Turtle Lagoon. It’s also a great place for sipping a drink and that terrace is one of those places that literally begs you to get a glass of bubbly in your hand. Once you’ve had that pre-dinner tipple, you’ll be spoilt for choice – tuna tartare, lobster pasta, burrata, all of Dubai’s favourites can be found here. A top place for a date night or catch-up with friends. Perfect pairing: Pizza al tartufo (Dhs225). Splash out on a moreish pizza scattered with buffalo mozzarella and Umbrian black truffle. O Jumeirah Al Naseem, Umm Suqeim, ilborrotuscanbistro.ae (04 275 2555). MAYABAY Dhs99, Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Cuvée Once you’ve had your glass of bubbly at Il Borro, why not head across the lagoon to Mayabay, also offering glasses of Perrier- Jouët for under Dhs100. One of Dubai’s best Asian restaurants, and well-known for its excellent brunch, Mayabay’s Thai-Japanese menu is expertly crafted. Enjoy everything from sushi to stir-fries, dim sum, curries and more. And don’t forget the mochi for dessert. Perfect pairing: Salmon sashimi (Dhs70). Fresh fish that’s pretty as a picture and tastes just as good as it looks. O Jumeirah Al Naseem, Umm Suqeim, mayabayrestaurant.com (04 275 2500). TO DXB_606_40_44_Champagne feature_13279283.indd 44TO DXB_606_40_44_Champagne feature_13279283.indd 4424/05/2024 11:1624/05/2024 11:16Say 'ciao' to a Sunday brunch experience like no other with Tutti A Tavola! Indulge in the flavors of Italy while enjoying live music, as we bring La Dolce Vita straight to the Palm. AED 325 soft beverages | AED 425 house beverages AED 525 classic package | AED 725 evolution package Every Sunday 1PM - 4PM For reservations and more information, please contact us at +971 4 245 5800, email wpalmdining@whotelsworldwide.com or message us on WhatsApp at +971 50 189 4111 TUTTI A TAVOLA46 June 2024 timeoutdubai.com Food Fusion Ceviche Bring the heat Where to find the best Latin American plates in Dubai TO DXB_606_46_47_FOOD LEADER_13270961.indd 46TO DXB_606_46_47_FOOD LEADER_13270961.indd 4624/05/2024 11:1724/05/2024 11:17timeoutdubai.com June 2024 47 1AMAZÓNICO DUBAI WINNER! One of the coolest spots in DIFC, Amazónico is a super choice for a lively evening out. The menu is diverse and brilliant, with ceviche, grills, claypots and more all bursting with flavour, while the décor makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a rainforest. Latin American is a competitive cuisine in this city, but Amazónico’s brilliant attention to detail has regained it the title (having previously won this award in 2021). O DIFC Pavilion, amazonicorestaurant.com/dubai (04 571 3999). 2AMELIA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE This steampunk-inspired venue is a restaurant, bar and nightspot all in one. A previous winner of Time Out Dubai’s Best Late Night Dinner, Amelia comes alive the later it gets with a cool crowd and live DJ. When it comes to food there’s a Nikkei menu with tiradito, ceviche, oysters and more for raw fans. Don’t miss the tableside guac with plantain chips. One for a big night out. O Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai, amelialounge. com (04 328 2805). 3COYA HIGHLY COMMENDED! With a lively vibe COYA attracts a cool crowd. From anticuchos to claypots, there’s loads to dive into, packed full of authentic flavours. The churros are one of the most popular desserts around. A global name, COYA is a must-visit for fans of Peruvian food. O Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah, coyarestaurant. com (04 316 9600). 4EN FUEGO This fiery restaurant at Atlantis The Palm is a place for party people. From ladies’ nights to brunches – it picked up Time Out Dubai’s Best Party Brunch 2023 – this Mexican spot lays on loads of entertainment too, from fire dancers to singers and more. A menu of tasty Mexican favourites include guacamole, enchiladas, tacos and fajitas, keeping everyone happy. O Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 2626). 5FUSION CEVICHE HIGHLY COMMENDED! A petite spot in JLT that serves absolutely brilliant ceviche. With super- fresh fish and packed full of flavour (and a fair amount of heat) it’s a terrific place to delve into Peruvian food. With only a handful of tables, bag a spot at the counter and go with the chef’s recommendations. O Cluster Q, JLT, @fusionceviche (04 449 6292) . LATIN AMERICAN CUISINE is a melting pot of tastes, spices and cooking techniques, which makes it a favourite among diners in Dubai. From the rich and hearty dishes of Mexico to the fresh and zesty flavours of Brazil, these Latin American restaurants have plenty of flavour and flair. These are the best in the city, as named at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2024. 6LA MAR BY GASTÓN ACURIO A Peruvian restaurant from an acclaimed chef, this cool spot made a name for itself in Miami before opening in the famed Dubai hotel Atlantis The Royal. With a zingy, fresh menu and casual-cool interiors, featuring an open kitchen. Don’t miss the clasico ceviche, while the tiradito chucuito with fresh scallops is a must-try. O Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 2900). 7LILA WOOD-FIRED TAQUERIA In the mood for tacos? Serving an eclectic and sociable menu, this low- key Mexican joint in Umm Suqeim is a decent shout for a laid-back meal with mates. Kick off with guac and chips before diving into the taco list. Yellowfin tuna, sweet potato and more can be found, but the top choice is the skirt steak version, laden with tender meat, punchy spices and moreish melted cheese. O Umm Suqeim, lilataqueria.com (04 282 0005). 8SUCRE Hailing from Buenos Aires, Sucre serves a menu of Latin favourites. The grills are fantastic and the vibe is buzzing. Sucre is also popular for its upbeat weekend brunch, as well as Alma Bar – a Soho export that’s hidden away inside the restaurant making for a top spot for late- night drinks. O Gate Villa 5, DIFC, sucredubai.com (04 340 0829). 9TAMOKA Tamoka has lively vibes, cool décor and stunning sea views. The food has a creative element to it, while portions are generous. Top picks include jumbo prawns and red snapper, while the calamari is a must-order to start. There’s also a super bar – Caña by Tamoka – which took home Time Out Dubai’s Best Beach Bar at the Time Out Dubai Nightlife Awards 2023. O The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, JBR, tamokadubai.com (04 318 6099). THE BEACH BAR & GRILL A chic yet laid-back seaside spot, The Beach Bar & Grill comes from renowned chef Mauro Colagreco. Found at the exclusive One&Only Royal Mirage it has a prime space on the seafront with delightful views. The menu has Argentinian influences and the parilla is a focus. Empanadas are a must-order, while the grills – particularly the octopus and sea bass – are not to be missed. The meat cuts, as you’d expect, are also top-notch. O One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, oneandonlyresorts.com (04 399 9999). “The top choice is the skirt steak taco, laden with tender meat, punchy spices and moreish melted cheese” TO DXB_606_46_47_FOOD LEADER_13270961.indd 47TO DXB_606_46_47_FOOD LEADER_13270961.indd 4724/05/2024 11:1724/05/2024 11:1748 June 2024 timeoutdubai.com THERE CAN’T BE many restaurants that dedicate a whole course of your meal to bread, but at Row on 45, about seven courses in, that’s what you’re faced with. But this is no part-baked roll warmed up in the oven for a few minutes, this is a flaky, buttery brioche accompanied by chicken skin butter. Butter that, no matter how full you might feel, demands to be smeared over a hunk of that brioche and devoured. We could write a whole 350 words solely about this course, but that wouldn’t be super helpful for you, dear reader. Instead, let’s rewind to the beginning of the Row on 45 experience, for it is an experience. Up on the 45th floor of Grosvenor House, above Jason Atherton’s City Social, is the same chef’s ultra-fine-dining spot. On arrival here you’re welcomed into a plush lounge, accompanied by an ornate (and well-stocked bar). The first few courses of your gastronomic journey will begin here, with small bites of delectable, heavily Japanese-influenced flavours. For this is a tasting menu-only venue, seating just 22 people at any one time and covering 17 courses in three distinct rooms. After the lounge you’ll be escorted to the main dining room, where chefs diligently work on impressive dishes, plating up with precision. The final flourish often comes at the table, where explanations of the flavours and ingredients are shared by Row on 45 O Open Wed-Sat 7.15pm-1am (last seating 8.45pm). Licensed. Grosvenor House Dubai, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai Marina, rownon45dubai.com (056 832 4545). WHAT IS IT... Jason Atherton raises the stakes with this high-concept, intimate tasting menu restaurant WHY GO... For a special occasion experience from a top chef the restaurant’s star players. Atherton’s love for Japan shines through, taking fruit, sauces and proteins from the country and putting them through a classic French or British prism. This is a refined experience, with service to match. As you might expect for a meal that will be north of Dhs2,500 for two people. Though the team deserves credit for making sure it is not overly stuffy, something the classic pop and rock soundtrack helps with. Of all the tasting menu experiences in Dubai, Row on 45 is the offering that focuses the most on ingredients and flavours over showmanship or storytelling. For a special occasion it is absolutely worth it. Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for its meals TO DXB_606_48_52_DXB JUNE FOOD REVIEWS_13271132.indd 48TO DXB_606_48_52_DXB JUNE FOOD REVIEWS_13271132.indd 4824/05/2024 15:3924/05/2024 15:39timeoutdubai.com June 2024 49 IT WOULDN’T BE unreasonable to assume that opening a restaurant inside a shopping mall hotel could be a tricky move. Will it be somewhere only frequented by weary shoppers, or a dining destination that draws people in all on its own? Eugène Eugène does the latter. Kempinski Mall of the Emirates is a hotel that has stood the test of time. Now, the Rikas Group’s new French import (that joins Chinese restaurant XU) has made it a bit of a dining hot spot, too. The beautiful, playful and atmospheric restaurant has given Dubai’s well-heeled diners a reason to visit Al Barsha for top-quality French fare. The magical greenhouse- inspired venue will surprise you with its grandeur. The high glass ceilings allow the space to bathe in natural light during the day, while at night there’s a romantically dim amber light. The show-stopping green marble bar is a great place to start the evening before moving on to comfy rattan sofas surrounded by palm and olive trees, laurel, sage and rosemary. Much of the menu offers Eugène Eugène O Open daily noon-11.30pm. Licensed. Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, eugeneeugene.ae (04 379 8963). “So good, they named it twice” WHAT IS IT... A stylish restaurant that successfully embraces casual French classics with greatness WHY GO... To try a newcomer from the team behind La Cantine du Faubourg effortlessly homey, yet refined takes on French classics. Think foie gras terrine, chicken cordon bleu and tarte fine aux pommes. Salmon tartare is served on warm buckwheat waffles with a dollop of crème fraîche and is moreish and well-balanced. Dover sole meunière is a classic done well. A dish that shines due to its simplicity and buttery, lemony tang. The bavette steak is perfect for when you want a more affordable cut that doesnt skimp on flavour. And when you’re feeling flush, you can’t go wrong with the striploin in entrecote sauce. Clearly, a huge draw of Eugène Eugène is the food. But it is more than that. It’s a visually stunning modern brasserie with a cool playlist and a vibe you won’t get enough of. So good, they named it twice. TO DXB_606_48_52_DXB JUNE FOOD REVIEWS_13271132.indd 49TO DXB_606_48_52_DXB JUNE FOOD REVIEWS_13271132.indd 4924/05/2024 15:3924/05/2024 15:3950 June 2024 timeoutdubai.com WE’RE JUST GOING to come out and say it. JLT needed Franky’s Pizzeria. A casual, licensed neighbourhood eatery that looks great, has a cool atmosphere and offers good value for money (not a single dish is over Dhs100). On top of all of that, and most importantly, you’re getting fantastic antipasti, delicious pizza and memorable desserts. What’s not to love? Located at The Park, Tom Arnel’s three-story structure of restaurants, which also features Splendour Fields and Hawkerboi, Franky’s takes up the entire rooftop space with its maximalist interior design and star-of-the- show pizza oven. Think plenty of foliage, large light features and tiny trinkets all over the place. It’s offering a sort of Instagramability that’s lacking in the more casual-leaning neighbourhood. Plus, it has a great view of the park. The menu is simple and straightforward. Fuss-free and with a selection of dishes that groups can agree on to share. Start with Franky’s famous family meatballs, which come swimming in a glorious tomato sauce, dollops of stracciatella cheese and garlic focaccia that’s perfect for scarpetta. You might as well also get the tableside stracciatella service, where a very friendly member of staff arrives with a platter of cheese, basil, bresaola, shaved melon, olives, confit garlic, lemon zest and fried bread. Cheese is mixed table-side with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano and salt. Add it to the bread, enjoy with one (or all) of the toppings. The pizzas are Neapolitan, being moreish and comforting. Toppings range from margherita to the crowd-pleasing diavola as well as the very Dubai black truffle-topped variant, which is earthy and wonderfully cheesy. The dough at Franky’s is more on the lighter side, which makes it entirely easy to inhale an entire pie on your own (we did). For an even lighter pizza, the more crispy and sourdoughy stracciatella pizza is delicious Franky’s Pizzeria O Open Mon-Thu 4pm-midnight, Fri 4pm-1am, Sat noon-3pm, 4pm-1am, Sun noon- 3pm, 4pm-midnight. Licensed. The Park, JLT, @ frankyspizzeria (050 427 5217). WHAT IS IT... An atmospheric and great value-for-money pizzeria that stands out in JLT WHY GO... To dig into tasty pizza at a cool spot and impressively topped. With every slice you get chunky tomato sauce, cheese and Kermit-green basil leaves, all kicked into overdrive with punchy pesto. On most evenings there’s a DJ and a nice buzz in the air from all the chatter. Ingredients are fresh, the methods are traditional and the dough is delicious. It’s a brilliant addition to Dubai’s varied and ever-evolving pizza scene. “The very Dubai black truffle pizza is earthy and wonderfully cheesy” TO DXB_606_48_52_DXB JUNE FOOD REVIEWS_13271132.indd 50TO DXB_606_48_52_DXB JUNE FOOD REVIEWS_13271132.indd 5024/05/2024 15:3924/05/2024 15:3952 June 2024 timeoutdubai.com SOME BRUNCHES ARE all about the eye-popping selection of dishes, others are about a party vibe. Some are a laid-back afternoon in the sun kind of occasion. The Pisco Brunch at La Mar, while having stellar views, is fairly niche. However, if raw fish and Peruvian drinks are what you’re after for your weekend treat, then you’re in exactly the right spot. Arriving in Dubai by way of Miami, La Mar comes from Gastón Acurio and the brunch is a decent way to sample the celebrity chef’s Atlantis The Royal restaurant (and to have a nosy at the world-famous hotel). Be sure to arrive early to wander through the lobby taking in all the much-Insta-ed sights (the fire wall, towering fish tanks, elegant water droplet sculpture and more). And the wonders keep coming as you step into the lift to La Mar – which is like travelling inside a waterfall. Take a seat on the terrace for the best spot – as the restaurant overlooks the famous fire and water fountain FireBlaze. Of course this is more spectacular by night, but it’s still a pretty good view for a Saturday afternoon. In fact, the scenery is a main draw. When it comes to food it’s a petite menu, but if ceviche and tiradito are your go-tos, you’ll be a happy diner. The ceviche classico – a chef’s selection of fish with sweet potato and leche de tigre is, as you’d expect, the star, with punchy, zingy flavours and super- fresh fish, while tiradito chucuito is also a stand-out plate. Those who are fans of the titular drink will be pleased too, as La Mar’s signature beverage is front and centre on a solid menu. There’s a live DJ giving some vibes and while it’s not heaving, there are plenty of families meaning it has less of a lively brunch feel than others. If you want to experience a celebrity chef restaurant for an all-inclusive price, trying signature dishes and taking in a great view, stick La Mar on your to-brunch list, though it’s probably more of a one-off visit than becoming your go-to Saturday spot. WHAT IS IT... A Peruvian brunch with super views in a world-famous hotel WHY GO... If your perfect afternoon is made up of ceviche and Peruvian drinks La Mar Pisco Brunch O Dhs385 (soft drinks), Dhs455 (house beverages), Dhs495 (sparkling), Dhs195 (kids aged five-12). Sat 12.30pm-4pm. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 2626). À LA CARTE BRUNCH REVIEW TO DXB_606_48_52_DXB JUNE FOOD REVIEWS_13271132.indd 52TO DXB_606_48_52_DXB JUNE FOOD REVIEWS_13271132.indd 5224/05/2024 15:3924/05/2024 15:39Next >