< PreviousBREAKFAST WITH A VIEW 30 January 2025 timeoutdubai.com TIME OUT MARKET DUBAI Want breakfast on a terrace with a Burj Khalifa view? Time Out Market Dubai is the place to go for the city’s top dishes. There’s loads to choose from, from breakfasts pizzas to burgers, healthy bowls, croissants, avo toast, truffled eggs and more. You won’t find such variety and value anywhere else in Dubai under one roof. Plus, you can get your hands on a host of mixed drinks created specially for breakfast including orange bubbly, tomato-based beverages and much more. Set your alarm. O Prices vary. Served Sat-Sun 10am-1pm. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai. of the day if you choose to splash out on a sunlounger, too. Why not treat yourself? O Prices vary. Served daily 9am-noon. Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, sanbeachdubai.com (04 458 0499). SPLENDOUR FIELDS If a laid-back brekkie or a casual lunch in a tranquil park setting is the kind of slow-living start that you’re after, hitting up Splendour Fields, one of JLT’s most popular cafés, is a must. From the team behind Tom&Serg, Common Grounds and The Sum of Us, the latest venture is an aesthetic, pet-friendly café “Tuck into lobster benedict, three- cheese soufflé omelette and more, all by the beach” SAN BEACH On those lazy Sunday mornings when we’re still recovering from Saturday brunch, it takes quite a lot to drag us out of bed. The promise of breakfast at SĀN Beach will do it though. A stylish beach club at Palm West Beach with music that matches its upmarket vibe, the likes of freshly- baked croissants, muffins, French toast and a Nutella cake might not be your usual indulgences before a luxury beach day, but it’s a top way to start the day. Plus, you can lay back and enjoy the views for the rest that serves up park views, a gorgeous, leafy outdoor terrace and easy, enjoyable food. Think nourishing and hearty dishes made with wholesome ingredients that don’t scrimp on flavour. You won’t find a greasy fry-up at Splendour Fields, it’s about filling plates worthy of a space on a health nut’s IG feed. O Prices vary. Served daily 8am-7pm. The Park, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, eatx.com/splendour-fields (056 603 0897 ). THE FARM To enjoy a bit of greenery over your morning fare then head to The Farm in Al Barari. Its green and leafy setting is a fresh and uplifting place, situated next to a tranquil stream. Proclaiming to be a culinary, leisure and social hub in one, The Farm serves up a wholesome breakfast selection, made with quality ingredients. One of our top picks is the authentic Arabic breakfast complete with foul medames, labneh, grilled halloumi cheese, vegetables, makdous and more. Then there’s a full English or, for something lighter, an exotic fruit platter. O Prices vary. Served daily 7.30am-11.30am. Al Barari, thefarmdubai.ae (04 886 6223). ULA With an array of breakfast favourites, including fresh Greek yoghurt, warm pastries, lobster benedict, smoked salmon or shakshuka on the menu, Ula is a beachside breakfast spot for Palm-based foodies who love to fuel up with good food. Ocean views across the Arabian Gulf make Ula an al fresco breakfast place to take your time at come the weekend where there’s also a drinks deal. O Prices vary. Served Sat-Sun 10am-noon. Dukes The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, uladubai.com (04 566 3041). Splendour FieldsThe past year was record-breaking for MENA region’s leading online trading provider, CFI Financial Group. The company achieved a trading volume of USD1.03 trillion in Q3 alone, cementing its position among the top global players. That and many more milestones were celebrated in style at the company’s aptly named event “CFI Driven by Success”, at the Museum of the Future where seven- time Formula 1 World Champion and Global Brand Ambassador Lewis Hamilton shared invaluable insights on resilience, precision and the relentless pursuit of excellence – qualities that perfectly align with CFI’s CFI celebrates milestone year journey towards leadership and innovation in the online trading industry. He was speaking at the panel discussion moderated by radio presenter Kris Fade. At the keynote, co-founder Eduardo Fakhoury shared the company’s milestones and its vision for the future. He said, “This year has been one of transformative growth for CFI. Together, we are paving the way for a future full of innovation and opportunity.” The year also saw CFI expanding its global footprint across five continents, entering new markets such as Azerbaijan, South Africa, Palestine and Oman. Additionally, CFI has strengthened its presence locally in the UAE by opening new offices in both in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. But this successful journey is far from over, according to Co-founder and Managing Director Hisham Mansour, who added, “our achievements this year are just the beginning. We are driven to push further, break new ground, and empower traders worldwide, always with the best and latest.” Perfectly on theme, visitors revved up their excitement with the race car simulators at the museum and grooved to live DJ tunes. Seriously, how often do you get to drive a race car at a finance event? O For more information visit: cfi.trade/en/uae. Partner Content Records made with USD1.03 trillion trading volume in Q3, 2024LUXE FOR LESS 32 January 2025 timeoutdubai.com Rent a supercar SPLIT THE LUXE FOR LESS timeoutdubai.com January 2025 33 Live the high life (for less) by teaming up with your pals D owntime in Dubai hits different. Be it sparkling blue pools, golden beaches or enjoying a glass of bubbly with a stunning view, living here feels like a permanent holiday. Some things, though, will always feel beyond your stubborn pay packet. But, fret not, there is a hack: split the cost with your friends. How does driving a Ferrari sound? A private chef cooking a meal for you and your closest friends? Cruising on a 50ft yacht? If the answer is yes (of course) then strap yourself in and allow us to take your weekends to the next level. CHARTER A YACHT Birthday parties, engagement bashes, anniversary celebrations – there’s no end to the reasons for a shindig on a boat. Let’s face it, there’s nothing better than cruising around Palm Jumeirah on a yacht. Those views of Burj Al Arab, the feel of the sea breeze in your hair, diving into the deep blue sea with your mates – it’s a dream. And although it might seem pricey, you can get all that and more, often for under Dhs250 per person. So listen up sailors. Yachts for rental can often take anywhere between 12 to 40 people depending on the size of boat you book, which means if you all split the cost, a few hours at sea won’t set you back more than a brunch. Plus, in most cases, private rentals will let you bring all your own food and beverages on board so you can spread out your own picnic while saving some cash. Ready to set sail? Making life easier for you, companies like Go To DXB can make all the arrangements for you, suggest options and take care of the booking – all you have to do is bring your sea legs and your factor 50. Get ready for a very Dubai day out – one for the socials and for your memory bank. O Prices vary. Dubai Marina, gotodxb.com. DIG INTO A LUXURY DINNER AT HOME WITH FIVE OF YOUR FRIENDS Can’t cook but want to impress? MonChef is the perfect at-home fine-dining dinner experience to try with a group of friends. Expect a top-notch seven-course, silver- service experience. When you want to host an intimate gathering at home, the team will come over and create a special dinner for six diners or more. It’s Dhs2,200 for a group of six – which works out at Dhs370 a person, and seeing as you’re at home, you can provide the drinks to further ease your wallet. You can choose from cuisines including French, LUXE FOR LESS 34 January 2025 timeoutdubai.com Italian, Mediterranean, Asian and Indian, so just agree on your favourite and away you go. Each dish is made with super delicious fancy ingredients. All you have to do is book online and a team of chefs and professional butlers will do it all. They’ll come to your home and set everything up so you can sit back and enjoy the dinner. They even do the dishes. Result. O Dhs2,220 (for six). monchef.ae. GO ON A HELICOPTER RIDE Whether you’re a seasoned Dubai resident, or just touched down at DXB, seeing the city from a whole new perspective is worth this exhilarating ride. Whether you choose a 12-minute whistle-stop tour or a 30-minute excursion over every monumental landmark in Dubai (yes, that includes the tallest building in the world), 20-year-old helicopter company, HeliDubai will give your time in the air that edge you’ll remember (and we’re not talking about rocky turbulence). Taking up to five of your friends, you have the option to add on varying photography packages to help mark the high-rising occasion. From Dhs200, you can take home mementos to remember your 2500 ft-high experience. What’s more, if you’re up there celebrating someone’s birthday, you also have the option to request a cinema-worthy edited video, birthday banner and access to HeliDubai’s VIP lounge. O Dhs710 (per passenger, max five passengers). Daily 8am-11pm. Dubai Police Academy, Al Sufouh, helidubai.com. “All you need to do is book and the team of chefs and professional butlers will do it all” Hire a yachtLUXE FOR LESS timeoutdubai.com January 2025 35 Charter a hot air balloon GLAM UP ON A BUDGET (ISH) GARDEROBE You’ll need to look the part for all this gallivanting. But if you can’t afford brand-new designer, try pre-loved. What was one of the first vintage clothing shops in the city, Garderobe stocks second-hand designer items. Connecting buyers and sellers of authentic luxury goods. It operates out of a villa in Jumeirah as well as online. It stocks everything from Manolo Blahnik to Chanel. Prices are fair though, so don’t expect any major steals. O Jumeirah, garderobe.ae. THE LUXURY CLOSET In need of a bit of luxury, but can’t quite fork out for a brand-new version? We hear you. This is the place to go when you’re after a designer label for a little bit less. With pre-loved, officially authenticated items from top-tier brands such as Chanel, Valentino, Versace and Gucci under its (couture) belt and discounts of up to 70 percent, this place is an absolute dream for the financially conscious fashion fiend. Just wait for the compliments. O Al Barsha, theluxurycloset.com/en. HIRE A SUPERCAR One of the biggest misnomers about this city is that everyone drives a supercar. (LOL.) However, if you want to give one a spin, it doesn’t have to be entirely out of your budget. Split the cost with your pals and you’ll be sitting pretty behind the wheel in no time. At Luxury Supercar Rentals, there are a number of vehicles with four seats. One of those is the beautiful Ferrari Roma Spyder which, split between four, will cost you Dhs1,000 each for a day. Another addition to its star-studded garage is the Lamborghini Urus which, with five seats, will set you back Dhs700 each. It might hurt when you have to return it, but at least you’ll have some absolutely banging pics for the ’gram though, right? O Prices vary. luxurysupercarsdubai.com. SET SAIL ON A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE While a helicopter ride will undoubtedly get the heart rate racing, if you’re after a once- in-a-lifetime day out with stunning views then you’ll want to opt for a hot air balloon ride. The vibes are great and a bit more carefree than the other options listed here, with rides taking you up into the desert sky for a more relaxed hang with the whole gang. Most hot air balloon experiences in the city are priced on an individual basis but Jashan Tours offers chartered packages for groups. A party of five can book a small exclusive charter, which will take you 4,000 feet in the air soaring above the Margham Desert for around Dhs9,000, which comes in at around Dhs1,800 per person. A bigger exclusive charter is also available for up to 20 people at a similar rate on request. Prices for this one can vary depending on the date of booking and how many people are in your group. Note that balloon ride bookings run until just before summer, ending in May, so get in quick and make 2025 your year to soar. O Around Dhs9,000 (for five people). Until May 15. Margham Desert, balloonridedubai.com (056 365 2129).36 January 2025 timeoutdubai.com Food Pickl Get comfortable Carb-fests for when you need it most. By Yousra Zakitimeoutdubai.com January 2025 37 1ALLO BEIRUT What to order: Chicken shawarma. In need of shawarma? You know where to go. (Or if you didn’t, you do now.) Eccentrically kitsch and colourful with a focus on no-frills street food at a reasonable price, this place means business when it comes to shawarma. Go for beef, go for chicken, or go for either on a platter instead of in saj. And enjoy it in the urban surroundings of its exposed ceilings and trinket-adorned walls. We’ve been known to take the odd detour down Hessa Street to do just that. O Open 24 hours. Hessa Street, Al Barsha, allobeirutstreetfood.com (800 8623 4788). 2BOSTON LANE What to order: Classic cheese toastie. This cute Australian café is a top spot for a lazy weekend breakfast or lunch, or just grabbing a quick coffee with friends. Set in The Courtyard in Al Quoz it’s particularly delightful right now, when you can sit outside and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of the cool area and the pretty design of the outdoor setting. For a hit of comfort, order the cheese toastie and you’ll get perfectly melted white cheddar cheese and mozzarella, a sprinkle of garlic and slices of tomato between brioche. Absolutely dreamy. O Open daily 7.30am- 7pm. The Courtyard, Al Quoz, bostonlane.com (054 449 2131). 3DENNY’S DINER What to order: A literal stack of pancakes. Serving feel-good comfort food fare in a casual, come-as-you- are setting, Denny’s Diner is all classic American dishes. With hearty portions and an evolving menu of American favourites, it is no surprise Denny’s Diner is so well-loved. Load us up. O Open 24 hours. Sheikh Zayed Road, dennysdinerme.ae (050 831 8073) 4PICKLWhat to order: The double cheeseburger. Everyone’s heard of Pickl – and with good reason, it’s a giant when it comes to the best burgers in Dubai. A multiple winner of Time Out Dubai’s Best Burger award, you can look forward to a perfect comfort meal. Keep it simple with the double cheeseburger, check out the Jeff, inspired by ‘the spiciest man alive’ Jeff Goldblum. You’ll get two patties, lots of cheese, a spice blend mix providing a blast of heat and a cooling dose of ranch for balance. Expect house-made fried pickled onions to add a crunchy texture. Perfection. O Dhs48. Sun-Thu 10am-2am, Fri-Sat 10am-4am. One JLT, JLT, eatpickl.com (04 584 6859). YOU’RE FEELING TIRED and hungry… And only a hearty comfort dish will do. Think a pizza, a burger, maybe a croissant… Oh and definitely a bagel. And let’s not forget the coffee, lots and lots of coffee. That’s where we come in. We’ve put together a list of comfort food spots that will make you feel better (almost) immediately. These are nice and chill places, where you can enjoy some peace and quiet and a lot of carbs. 5PITFIRE PIZZA What to order: Pepperoni pizza. Ah pizza… the quintessential comfort food. And Pitfire is the place that truly delivers on that craving. Here you’ll get New York-Neapolitan-style pizzas (so loved that they can be found at Time Out Market Dubai, too). Set up by a husband-and-wife team, the pizzas are massive and come fully loaded – Pitfire doesn’t skimp on the toppings. There’s everything from traditional pepperoni and margaritas to turkey ham and pineapple and even potato or dates, meaning whatever your jam you’ll find it here. The crusts are puffy and blistered and Pitfire is still the best pizzeria in Dubai (and the only place for those compulsory garlic knots). O Open Sun-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight. Cluster D, JLT, pitfiredubai.ae (800 748 3473). 6POLLINE What to order: Pomodoro and burrata pasta. The little Jumeirah Beach Road pasta atelier serves up the most delicious and comforting bowls of pasta. Founded by chef Omar Basiony and his wife Nadine, Polline has a warming selection of hearty pasta dishes served in rich sauces that will make you feel super nostalgic. The tomato and burrata pasta is our favourite, but anything you order from the well-thought- out menu will be a hit. A perfect comfort meal for when your body needs a hit of carbs. O Open daily 7.30am- 10pm. Beach Walk Boutique Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Road, @pollinedxb (04 328 8930). 7SAYLOR’S What to order: Proper British chips. If you love potatoes in all shapes and forms (and who doesn’t) you’ll love the good ol’ fashioned chips at Saylor’s in Dubai Hills. You’ll get a generous portion of traditional chips. If you want to make a meal out of it, it goes brilliantly with the traditional battered fish (of course), with lashings of vinegar. O Open daily noon-11.30pm. Gardenia Residence, Dubai Hills, saylorsdxb.com (058 548 6116). 8ZAROOB What to order: Akawi cheese manakish. Open 24 hours a day, part of the charm of Zaroob is being able to dine while the rest of Dubai is sleeping (as who knows when comfort food cravings call). So whether you’ve woken up extra early or just pulled an all-nighter, here you can munch on the cheesy, doughy manakish at any hour of day or night. O Open 24 hours. Sheikh Zayed Road, zaroob.com (04 385 3592). “You can munch on cheesy, doughy manakish at any hour of day or night”38 January 2025 timeoutdubai.com “Don’t skip the garlicky, buttery escargots if you want to go all out on your soirée Française” IT’S TIME TO say bonjour to authentic French flavours on the coast. No, not on the French Riviera, but at the FIVE LUXE JBR. Tête-à-Tête prides itself on serving up the harmonious blend of French indulgence with Dubai glamour. And oh, does it deliver from the moment you arrive. The spectacular dining room boasts striking glass jewellery boxes that enclose a selection of tables, all set below a ceiling of show-stopping lavender hanging from above. If you want the full French experience, your best option is to dine indoors. For a more Mediterranean vibe with a vista of Bluewaters and Ain Dubai, the outdoor terrace is calling your name. But you can’t go wrong with either. Inspired by the south of France, the menu offers a selection of seafood and tastes of la mer, including the confit Gulf prawns, which are a must-order. Pair it with a portion of the peach and lemon burrata, alongside freshly baked bread, and you’ll be transported to the Riviera in no time. Don’t skip the garlicky, buttery escargots if you want to go all out on your soirée Française. Dreamy. When it comes to mains, you’re spoilt for choice here. Expect everything from lobster thermidor to roasted duck with clementine and pistachio, as well as a veal Milanese paired with rocket and Parmesan in a size that guarantees you won’t go home hungry. Sitting at around Dhs200 per main, dishes do, in fact, live up to the price tag, with generous portions and classic Tête-à-Tête O Open Sun-Thu 6pm-1am, Fri-Sat 6pm-2am. Licensed. FIVE LUXE JBR, luxejbr.fivehotelsandresorts.com (04 455 9989). WHAT IS IT... Indulgent dining inspired by the French Riviera WHY GO... For a chic meal, plus a chance to check out the FIVE LUXE JBR well-executed French flavours. If you’re looking for a glass of grape to pair with your meal, there’s an impressive selection of bottles, but only a few options if you only fancy a glass. Dessert is a culmination of some iconic favourites, including an indulgent tarte tatin with saffron ice cream, or an artisanal cheese selection to nibble into the evening. Once you’ve wrapped up the meal, slide over to a seat at the bar, lit with a warm glow inside the biggest of the chic baroque glass boxes, making a perfect spot for a snap and a sip. Mixing French elegance with iconic Dubai pizzazz, Tête-à-Tête knows exactly how to take you for a very demure evening in the Riviera, without having to leave the city. Bon appétit. Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for its mealstimeoutdubai.com January 2025 39 SOMETIMES (JUST SOMETIMES), the thought of dressing up and sitting at a white table-clothed surface is the last thing you want, especially when seriously hungry. The shiny eateries across the city have their place in a foodie’s diary, but when casual dining is on the mind, it’s Al Quoz those in the know flock to. Brimming with underground eateries taking advantage of the district’s naturally unfinished vibes and rustic edge, barbecue restaurant SMK – Holy Smokd owns its casual dining status. It’s your one-stop shop for all the meaty magic your heart (and stomach) could desire, from brisket to ribs, burgers to all the trimmings and more. Don’t be surprised to see diners in a single-file queue – these orders are coming in hot. Be sure to have your selection in mind by the time you reach the till (there’s no messing about here). Your table number hasn’t sat with you for too long before deliciousness hits your table. Brisket slices come in varying quantities while burnt ends and English oak-smoked burgers are served at nearly every table. Ribs flake off the bone while fries are generous with a choice of cheese or loaded Texan chili as toppings. For those wanting to see a little colour on the plate, corn riblets, slaw and pickled cucumber break up fried chicken bites nicely. The mashed potato is a tad underwhelming with garlic overkill (but if you’re into that, go for it). All orders are delivered on a tray reminiscent of a canteen, with plastic baskets housing the sides and only a piece of baking paper separating the meat from its platter. But here, less is more, with moreish flavours making up for the lack of pizzazz. With no music filling the room it’s obvious that this is what diners come for – authentic North American goodness, with no frills, thrills or crockery. After all, with a sign reading ‘eat, meat, repeat’, diners know what they’re here for – and whether you choose to dine in a tracksuit or designer is up to you. Leave the white shirt at home and put on those weirdly large meat gloves – this is a meat feast to work up an appetite for. WHAT IS IT... A meat-lover’s dream with fuss-free dining and seriously smoked plates WHY GO... For brisket to ribs, burgers and more SMK – Holy Smokd O Open Fri-Sun, noon-midnight. Unlicensed. Al Quoz, @smk.eatmeatrepeat.Next >