< Previous50 JULY 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Food Bar des Prés French finesse meets Japanese flair at this super cool sky-high DIFC newcomer There’s something about dining 51 floors up that makes every bite and sip feel extra special. Add in panoramic views of DIFC, a sushi counter glowing softly under copper lights, a menu that dances between Paris and Tokyo and a late-night bar that hums with understated energy – and suddenly, you’re not just out for dinner. You’re somewhere else entirely. New to the city, but not to those in the know, Bar des Prés is the brainchild of French chef and TV personality Cyril Lignac. The space is home to a layered sophistication you’d expect in the backstreets of Saint-Germain, only here, Parisian blue velvet and copper tones meet bamboo and rattan. It’s moody, it’s elegant – and it nails the balance between luxury and cool. for a little bit of acidity. A dish you might not stop thinking about long after you’ve left. From there, options lean indulgent. Chilean sea bass with a complexly flavoured tom yum foam is a clear standout – flaky, rich and delightfully sweet. While the A4 Japanese wagyu entrecôte comes charred and tender, ready to be dragged through a sticky barbecue sauce. You’ll want to make room for dessert. Lignac’s pastry background shines in the From the moment you step inside, it’s clear this isn’t your typical fusion spot. Food-wise, you’ll want to start with the signature crispy rice, topped with a trio of tuna, salmon and yellowtail, a dish that’s as satisfying in texture as it is in flavour. Each golden, bite-sized block of rice is pan-seared, offering a warm, toasty base for the trio of raw fish layered on top – tuna, salmon and yellowtail. Finished with a brush of soy and a whisper of lime zest, the starter is next level. No visit to Bar Des Prés would be complete without trying the chef’s signature crab and avocado galette. Creamy, ripe avo sits on a bed of madras curry crab before it’s topped with small bites of green apple “It nails the balance between luxury and cool” Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for its mealsTIMEOUTDUBAI.COM JULY 2025 51 Three of the best Japanese restaurants Mimi Kakushi Inspired by 1920s Osaka, Mimi Kakushi is all chic furnishings and an elegant-cool vibe. With excellent sushi, robata, claypots and grills (the black cod is terrific) Mimi Kakushi is Time Out Dubai’s Best Japanese Restaurant 2025 and you’ll certainly be back time and time again. Mimi Kakushi also does brunch, for when you want to sample all the signatures, while you should stop in at the bar for a drink pre- or post-dinner, too. O Open daily noon-2am. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah, mimikakushi.ae (04 379 4811). Reif Japanese Kushiyaki Chef Reif Othman is a well-known name here in Dubai, and his cooking is so good he even has a spot in Time Out Market Dubai. This is a top spot for when you’re in the mood for tasty, Japanese dishes in a cool, low-key setting. Renowned for its silky smooth ramen and delicious kushiyaki, there are plenty of street food-style plates to get stuck into, so gather your mates and order a bunch of stuff to share. O Open Sun-Thu noon-11pm, Fri-Sat noon-midnight. Dubai Hills Business Park, reifkushiyaki.com (04 255 5142). Zuma One of the pioneers in DIFC’s dining scene, Zuma draws in the crowds every day of the week – be it for brunch, business lunch or a regular dinner. The black cod is one of the most famous dishes globally, buttery soft, sweet and wonderfully moreish. The service is spot-on, the vibe is buzzing and the plates here are consistently brilliant – be it gyoza, sushi or robata. O Open Mon-Wed noon-3.30pm, 6pm- midnight, Thu-Fri noon-3.30pm, 6pm-1am, Sat 1.30pm-4pm, 6pm-1am, Sun noon- 4pm, 6pm midnight. Gate Village 7, DIFC, zumarestaurant.com (04 425 5660). vanilla mille-feuille with pecan praline, though the Guanaja chocolate biscuit (which is actually a hazelnut fondant) might just steal the show. Service is slick albeit a bit rapid. You could be in and out in under 90 minutes – if you wish – whether you’re seated at the buzzing sushi counter or in a comfy booth. Bar des Prés doesn’t lean too hard into formality and prices are relatively reasonable for the area. Whether you fancy a quick lunch with friends or a leisurely late-night dinner (a DJ comes on nightly from 9pm), the vibe at this hot spot stays consistently cool but approachable. It’s easy to see why this elegant newcomer is already making a good impression on Dubai diners – 51 floors up, but very much grounded in good taste. O Open daily noon-3pm and 7pm-midnight. Licensed. ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, bardespres.com (04 498 1616).52 JULY 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Khadak A destination for Indian cuisine cravings, inspired by Mumbai’s iconic street food Khadak means road , but not just any road. Taking inspiration from Mumbai’s busy Bhendi Bazaar, where you’ll find a never- ending treasure trove of India’s best street food, Khadak is about community. Picture wooden tables filled with family and friends bonding over bold flavours and spices while catching up on life. While we may not be in India, those popping flavours and feel-good vibes have landed in Jumeirah in the form of Dubai’s very own Khadak. The casual Indian restaurant, which is a relative newcomer to the scene, is already making waves for more reasons than one. Upon arrival gorgeous blue tiles sit adjacent to an open kitchen where a whole of culinary magic happens. Whether you fancy a spot indoors, complete with white and peach armchairs, or, in cooler weather, al fresco dining on the airy green-filled terrace, you can’t go wrong. Both spots are sunny and light, with funky rock music as the soundtrack. Even on a late Sunday afternoon, the whole place is packed with groups indulging in a leisurely lunch. It’s giving wholesome and oh so comforting... the same feeling you’ll get when you peruse the menu. Inspired by ‘forgotten recipes and bygone eras of India’, the selection here is an exciting one. Carefully curated by the former chef director at London’s renowned Dishoom (yes, that Dishoom), it’s innovative and fun, with a fusion you probably don’t expect. It’s a mish-mash in the best way. Start with small plates, which are proof that delicious things come in tiny packages. The broccoli and pomelo bhel, a reimagined take on the quintessential Indian snack, is a winner. Think rice puffs with steamed broccoli, pomelo, walnuts, pistachio and pomegranate, tossed in a honey, lime and tamarind dressing. It comes highly recommended from the server and for good reason. It’s light and refreshing, but with a kick. It’s a 10 out of 10 for presentation too. The baida roti, a Bohri favourite, boasts little golden parcels of pulled chicken and egg wrapped in rich naan dough and shallow fried paired with chutney. While it has all of elements of a true comfort food dish, the broccoli reigns supreme of the two. For the main event the boneless chicken oysters prepared in a fragrant coconut masala and tempered with curry leaves is a hit. Khadak’s recipe hails from the coastal kitchens of Mangalore and the thought behind it shows. The shabrati nihari, starring pulled goat slow-cooked with warm spices and served with ginger julienne, fried onions and lime, is another stunner. Our advice? Pair it with warqi paratha, flaky layered bread, infused with milk, ghee and a hint of ajwain for the ultimate combo. Portions are perfection, neither over or underwhelming. Wash it all down with an Irani chai, a rich blend of black tea, milk and cardimom. If you have space for dessert, the chilia bread and butter pudding is a delicious sweet yet spiced indulgence, as well as the chocolate chikki. It’s a rich tahini chocolate slab with salted peanut toffee and cardamom milk chocolate mousse you simply need to try. When a Indian cuisine craving hits, the road here in Dubai leads to Khadak. O Open Sun-Thu 9am-midnight, Fri-Sat 9am-1am. Unlicensed. Al Wasl Road, khadak.com (058 979 7830).TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM JULY 2025 53 Food Girl and the Goose Dubai’s hidden slice of Central America with a banging flavour-packed menu Somewhere between the cobbled streets of Granada and the smoky kitchens of Managua, there’s a place where every meal feels like a celebration. In Dubai, that spirit lives at Girl and the Goose – the city’s hidden slice of Central America tucked inside the Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel. The cosy, terracotta-hued spot feels less like a restaurant and more like the coolest supper club in town. Girl and the Goose is the brainchild of Gabriela Chamorro, a former Emirates cabin crew pro who traded jet-setting for stir-frying – and trust us, she knows how to make you feel right at home. Expect a warm welcome, a menu full of heart and the chef herself making the rounds like you’re old friends. The atmosphere is easy-going but elevated, while every bite is big on Central American soul. Dive into fresh tortillas piled high with slaw and salsa verde, plus crispy plantain chips scooping up guac like it’s a sport. Tacos? Of course. Beef cheek or skirt steak, buttery empanadas bursting with caramelised onion and goat’s cheese – order a few, regret nothing. Take your pick from a selection of zingy ceviche – sea bass aguachille is one of the most refreshing dishes around, with a cooling jalapeño sorbet propping up the thin layers of fish. Sounds odd, but it just works. Mains are where the magic keeps on coming. Share the grilled octopus if you’re feeling generous, but don’t even think about doing the same with the short rib clay pot: tender, smoky meat, creamy beans and pickled onions – all ready for you to wrap and stack your own way. It’s a delicious dinner with a side of DIY. And just when you think you’ve peaked, dessert rolls around with a twist. Pick your sweet treat from a deck of illustrated cards, inspired by a nostalgic Central American game. Will you end on a crispy churro high? Or fall for the horchata tres leches? Just get both, really. The space itself is just as charming as the menu. Think sun-dappled tables, cosy warm cinnabar-hued chairs you’ll want to sink into and a jungle of greenery draped overhead like you’ve stumbled into a secret garden. Vintage-style glass chandeliers cast a glow over it all, making it the kind of place that transfers a ‘quick bite’ into a leisurely meal complete with dessert (and maybe another round of drinks). So when a craving for punchy flavours strikes, you know where to go. Your tasty snapshot of Central America in Dubai is waiting. O Open daily noon-1am. Licensed. Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel, Business Bay, girlandthegoose.com (04 575 3760).54 JULY 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Bars, Pubs & Clubs Ling Ling Ultra Lounge A super-cool late-night Atlantis The Royal spot to see and be seen at In a city that’s absolutely bursting with buzzy nightlife destinations, it’s tough to come across a hot spot that really steals the show the way Ling Ling does. Found on the 23rd floor of Atlantis The Royal, Ling Ling is a true trifecta. It’s an all-night destination that masterfully blends restaurant, bar and club. Arrive early to have a pan-Asian dinner, then head to the bar for a tipple and stay extra late to let your night culminate at Ling Ling Ultra Lounge, the intimate club nestled within this spacious venue. To get to the ultra-exclusive lounge and club, you’ll just have to walk a few steps from the bar down a discreet corridor. With plush seating and ambient purple lighting, Ling Ling Ultra is giving super exclusive. With a pricey entry fee and a strict door policy, you’ll find yourself among a well- heeled crowd in Dubai. It’s all dress to impress here. The space boasts vibey deep red and purple LED strip lighting, luxurious furnishings in rich, sultry colours and panoramic views of the city’s skyline. On one side you’ve got a sleek marble bar, while the DJ booth anchors the other. A series of exclusive VIP tables are nestled in between. Speaking of... if you’re feeling flush and want to snag one of these tables, be prepared for a minimum spend of Dhs3,000. But for some, that’s a small price to pay for a night at this spot, which picked up a Highly Commended award in the Best TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM JULY 2025 55 Three more to try Hot clubs 1-OAK This New York-born nightclub is known for its cool crowd and larger- than-life parties. With branches in Las Vegas and LA, Dubai is on a line- up with some of the coolest cities on the planet and the JW Marriott Dubai outpost is a must-visit. The luxe nightclub can be found in Dubai’s Business Bay and gets busier the later it gets. Expect different DJs every night of the week, plus there’s a cool terrace, too. O Open daily 8pm-3am. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, 1oak-dubai.com (052 881 8888). BLING It’s no secret that FIVE Palm Jumeirah is one of the hottest party hotels in town. So it’s no surprise that its hidden nightclub, BLING, is the party to be at on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday (yes, really). Described as one of the most exclusive private nightclubs in the world, at BLING you’ll get old-school hip-hop and R&B. Oh and you can make an entrance by driving a supercar right into the centre of the dance floor. Because… why not? O Open Tue, Thu-Sun 10pm-4am. FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, blingdxb.com (058 869 8996). The Avenue Top-drawer sound, stage and lighting create a killer club vibe at The Avenue, an Arabic-leaning nightlife venue that is audacious, daring and basically packed out every single day. Its city skyline views are stunning, though you’re not really there for those. Party people head here for the live entertainment, world-class DJs, luxurious lounges and pulsating dance floor. Mondays are seriously big here – so flip your week on its head and start it here. O Open daily 11pm-4am. Shangri-La Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, @theavenueclubdubai (058 522 8000). this venue has the chance to really dial up the luxury elements, from service to drinks selection and overall vibe. After all, luxury is niche, not mass. So whether you choose to spend the entire evening at Ling Ling, or stop by to party it up at Ling Ling Ultra Lounge, the absolute trifecta is calling your name. It will be a night to remember long after that last track fades, trust us. O Open Fri-Sat 11pm-3am. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, linglingdubai.com (04 426 2600). Nightclubs category at the Time Out Dubai Nightlife Awards 2024. The club is only open two nights a week, Friday and Saturday from 11pm onwards, and its weekly themed nights are a major draw. You can jam to Afro-house on Fridays and to hip-hop and R&B on a Saturday night. Expect a line-up of talented artists and DJs to keep the party going well into the early hours. What sets Ling Ling Ultra apart is its intimate scale. Unlike larger nightclubs, 56 JULY 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Attractions Atlantis The Palm A bit of bling We all know Dubai loves things to be *just that little bit* extra. The city where only fabulous is allowed, it’s not hard to find some incredible things to get up to. But there are some spots in the city where you can really take it to the next level, from nibbling on edible gold to hotel suites inside an aquarium. It’s time to go all out. It doesn’t get much swankier than these Dubai attractions, writes Sian TraynorTIMEOUTDUBAI.COM JULY 2025 57 Be wowed by gastro-theatre at Krasota This restaurant is taking dinner to the next level. The gastro-theatre only seats 20 at a time, making it a very exclusive experience. Starting from Dhs1,500 per person, you’ll be treated to some insane visuals and art projections while you dig into a swanky seven-course menu. All themed around an ‘Imaginary future’ the unique evening will give your Insta some serious swagger. O From Dhs1,500. Open daily 6pm & 9pm. Address Downtown Hotel, Downtown Dubai, krasota.art (04 433 1258). Book a private helicopter ride Climb taller than Burj Khalifa and get a serious flex with a helicopter flight over the city. The private tour will let you take some stunning videos over Palm Jumeirah as you travel for 25 minutes over everything from Downtown Dubai to Jumeirah. It’s also a pretty luxe way to beat the traffic. O From Dhs6,353 (private tour for up to six people). Times vary. Pick-up points vary, helicoptertourdubai.com (058 282 7779). Cool off with a golden ice cream this summer The activated charcoal and edible gold ice cream dished up at Scoopi’s Time Out Market Dubai location is as delicious tasting as it is dramatic looking. Gleaming mounds of nitrogen-frozen, smooth-as-butter jet black ice cream are bedecked with a glittering gold leaf crown and served in charcoal waffle cone for the Insta-grid win. O Dhs114. Open Mon-Thu noon-midnight, Fri noon- 1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-midnight. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai. Dig into gold-topped steak at Salt Bae’s restaurant Created by Nusret Gökçe (also known as viral sensation Salt Bae), you can have your dishes seasoned in very flamboyant fashion. Opt for the Nusr-Et Golden steak wrapped in gold leaf (Dhs1,700) or a golden bone-in rib-eye (Dhs3,500) for something truly bling. Sprinkling on a heavy coating of bougie (rather than salt, ahem), you can even finish with a golden baklava for Dhs420. Now that’s a blingy dinner. O Open daily noon-1am. Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah, nusr-et.com (04 407 4100). Get some Zzzs in an aquarium Don’t worry, you don’t need a scuba mask as you’ll be unwinding in an incredible underwater suite at Atlantis The Palm, admiring more than 65,000 marine animals. With floor-to-ceiling windows, you can take a bubble bath next to the sharks. O Prices vary. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 2000). Hire out a VIP limousine If you’ve had enough of riding around in a regular taxi, try a stretch limo. This isn’t any limousine either, it’s the GMC Gucci model, upholstered with the designer prints. Available from SKYE VIP Limousine, you can switch on the party lights, pop the tunes on and you won’t even notice any traffic jams. O Prices vary. skye-limo.com (050 772 0595). Take a night-time dip at Cloud 22 Looking to staying out of the sun by still want to visit Time Out Dubai’s Best Pool Club? Take a moonlight swim in one of the most sought after rooftop pools in Dubai – Cloud 22 at the luxurious Atlantis The Royal. Gazing out over the bright lights of Palm Jumeirah, lounge on a comfy bed or splash out on a cabana and enjoy the sparkling views in style. Why not nibble on caviar toast and oysters while you’re there? O From Dhs300. Thu-Sat 7pm-11pm. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 2700). Try a 24-karat gold facial This is about as luxurious as it gets. You might have heard of a charcoal or clay face mask, but have you tried one made of gold? Lightening and brightening your face, the gold is mixed with a special agent to help it dissolve into your pores and work its magic. O Dhs2,625. Al Thanya Road, Umm Suqeim, biolitedubai.com (04 346 6641). Krasota Cloud 2258 JULY 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Shopping Hotel merch worth making room for in your suitcase Cool Stuff Boutique hotel smell? You’ll want one for every room. O Dhs238 (home spa diffuser kit). Banyan Tree, banyantree.com. Fan yourself pretty. O Dhs180 (paper fan). Mandarin Oriental, shopmo.com. What the bottle says. O Dhs60 (water bottle). Available in all Rove hotels, rovehotels.com. Who said bucket hats are only for kids? O Dhs190 (bucket hat). Dukkan Avantique x 25hours Hotel, Trade Centre Area (available in hotel only). Trips to the beach, gym or supermarket never looked more chic. O Dhs330 (Ritz-Carlton tote bag). The Ritz-Carlton, ritzcarltonshops.com. Consider your jeans-and- a-nice-top situ upgraded. O Dhs365 (graphic T-shirt). FIVE MODE, fivemode.com. Mama ShelterTIMEOUTDUBAI.COM JULY 2025 59 There’s nothing quite like a hotel bubble bath. Recreate a luxe Kempinski staycay in your own bathroom at home. O Dhs651 (Ferragamo bath and body set). Kempinski Boutique, kempinskiboutique.com. Upgrade your breakfast in bed, one plate at a time. O From Dhs55 each (Mama coupe red plate). Mama Shelter, Business Bay mamalovesyou.com. Bring a mascot home for the little one or for yourself. O Dhs110 (camel mascot). 25hours Hotel, Trade Centre Area (available in hotel only). Team ‘khallas’ or ‘yallah’? O Dhs50 each (mugs). 25hours Hotel, Trade Centre Area (available in hotel only). Eateries with merch takeaways Café Isan You’re only an OG fan of Dubai’s best Thai restaurant if you have a T-shirt or hoodie to prove it. O From Dhs75. Armada Avenue Hotel JLT, Cluster P, JLT, cafeisan.co (058 529 1003). Café Kitsune The French-Japanese brand sells everything from great coffee to glassware. Pick up a checkerboard bag for the gym or a backgammon set for downtime, all in Kitsune’s synonymous green shade of course. O Prices vary. Various locations, maisonkitsune.com. Nightjar Coffee Roasters Showing off its coffee bean roots, each stone-washed T-shirt from one of Dubai’s coolest cafés boasts a graphic print you’ll be wearing on repeat. O Dhs190. Various locations, nightjar.coffee. One Life Kitchen & Café Top off your weekend look with a cap from the d3 hot spot while you tuck into a plate of Turkish eggs. O Dhs125. Dubai Design District, onelifedxb.com (04 513 4727). Pickl How strong is your sock game? Upgrade your sock-drobe with a pair from brilliant burger brand Pickl. O Dhs35. Various locations, eatpickl.com. Ralph’s Coffee Now brewing in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates, you can pick up your own mug from Ralph Lauren’s café. O From Dhs150. Mall of the Emirates, ralphlauren.global (050 171 9843). Ed’s pickNext >