< Previous10 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com Live and loud in the city POPTASTIC PARTY IN JBR Olly Murs heads to Bla Bla X-Factor star Olly Murs will perform a special outdoor show at Bla Bla Dubai on Friday February 21. Prepare for songs like Dance With Me Tonight, Troublemaker and Dear Darlin’ for the seaside show. O From Dhs295. Fri Feb 21. Bla Bla Dubai, JBR, livenation.me (04 584 4111). DANCE WIV DIZZEE The grime star is coming to Dubai This is going to be Bonkers. Dizzee Rascal is coming to town as part of his We Want Bass tour. Celebrating the 15th anniversary of his Tongue n’ Cheek album, you should expect tracks like Dance Wiv Me and Look Sharp. O From Dhs195. Thu Feb 13, from 9pm. P7 Arena, Media One Hotel, dubai.platinumlist.net. Top Valentine’s date deals Booking a special night out? At Attiko you can enjoy a set menu featuring everything from wagyu and truffle tartare to king crab legs, oysters and caviar. Looking for more deals? Visit timeoutdubai. com/valentines-day. O Dhs425. Fri Feb 14, from 5pm. W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, attiko.com (04 350 9983). GO POTTER MAD The magical show Potted Potter comes to Dubai Yer a wizard, Harry. Playing to sold-out theatres all over the world, Potted Potter takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real-life game of Quidditch) into 70 minutes (talk about speedy). You can catch the show at the QE2 for four nights, so get your sorting hats ready and head along to the cruise ship- turned-hotel for some fun. O From Dhs120. Wed Feb 12-Sat Feb 15, 3pm & 7pm. Theatre by QE2, dubai.platinumlist.net. CURTAIN CALL Get your tickets to Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is coming to Dubai. Paired with the melodies of Stephen Sondheim, the Broadway musical has dark comedy that will have you in stitches and get your heart racing. Performed by the Victoria Opera and New Zealand Opera, you’re in for a frighteningly good night. O From Dhs360. Sat Feb 1–Sat Feb 8, times vary. Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, dubaiopera.com. Exciting local art It’s time to get arty. Sikka Art & Design Festival is taking place at Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, showing off some incredible artwork by Emirati and resident artists. It’s paired with live entertainment, musical performances, workshops and talks. There’s loads to get involved with, plus it’s a good chance to explore the old town. For more art events go to page 56. O Prices vary. Until Sun Feb 9. Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai, @sikkaplatform. G ulfood is back for its landmark 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, running from Monday February 17 to Friday February 21. This year, it’s bigger and bolder than ever, with 5,500 exhibitors from 129 countries showcasing over one million F&B products. You’ll get to network without borders and explore 20 country pavilions including exciting first-timers like Kosovo, Madagascar, Mauritius and Zambia. Under the theme ‘The Next Frontier in Food,’ Gulfood 2025 will turn into the ultimate hotspot for the latest product innovations in the food industry. Retailers, restaurants, suppliers, manufacturers and top chefs from all over the world will gather to connect, collaborate and unlock a goldmine of USD15 billion in business opportunities. Ready to see what’s in store? Let’s find out together. ADMIRE TOP-TIER COOKING SKILLS The legendary Alain Ducasse – culinary royalty and a certified icon in the world of gastronomy – is coming to Gulfood for the very first time. As one of the most celebrated chefs A milestone year for Gulfood of our time, Ducasse’s presence elevates this year’s Top Table to a truly historic event. Gulfood attendees can expect exclusive masterclasses and insightful demos on the theme, ‘Culinary Futurism.’ And he’ll be joined by a star-studded lineup of chefs, including Angel Leon, Ana Ros and Romain Meder. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a true culinary master at work, shaping not just dishes, but the very future of dining. GET A PERSONALISED TOUR Ready to tour 129 countries? Of course you are. Don’t know where to start? Fret not. This year, the group has launched the Discovery Tours with six routes – The Gourmet Route, The Alternate Route, The Smart Route, The Emirati Route, The De-Bunked Route and the Jury’s Choice Route. Each one’s designed to match your niche, so you can get exactly what you want out of your day out. REDISCOVER DUBAI FOOD What happens when you bring together world- class chefs, diverse restaurants and a blend of cultures and traditions? Dubai food, of course. And you can experience it firsthand at Dubai World Cuisine, which will see exclusive four- and six-hand dinners blending global talent with local concepts. A must-attend? The six-hand dinner with the legendary Alain Ducasse at TakaHisa. UNLOCK OFFERS WITH YOUR GULFOOD TICKETS To unwind after the long day, head to the city’s top dining spots and enjoy exclusive menus and unbeatable offers. All you need to do is present your Gulfood ticket to unlock the offers at participating restaurants like Black Tap, Fi’lia, Joe’s Backyard, Luigia and more. WATCH NAIL-BITING ACTION UNFURL See 18 budding chefs from the world’s leading five-star hotels battle it out in the international finals of YouthX for a career- defining internship at a European restaurant. Make sure you mark your calendars for this one – Gulfood 2025 is turning things up a notch in its milestone edition and pushing the boundaries like never before. O Dhs495. Mon Feb 17-Fri Feb 21. Dubai World Trade Centre, gulfood.com. Partner Content Everything you can do at the F&B exhibition’s bigger and better landmark 30th editionNEW REST AURANTS 12 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com AdalineNEW REST AURANTS timeoutdubai.com February 2025 13 Drawing in a crowd Yousra Zaki discovers the best new restaurants in town (including one hot spot with a no-photo policy). Illustrations by Wyanet Vaz NEW REST AURANTSNEW REST AURANTS 14 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com D ubai’s restaurant scene is like a never-ending buffet of exciting new openings. And if there’s one thing we can count on, it’s that there’s always something fresh on the horizon. Every month, the F&B scene just keeps growing (and growing and growing). From quirky sushi bars to swanky Italian supper clubs, Dubai’s eateries are seriously keeping us on our toes. Whether you’re a big foodie or just looking for a fun night out, there’s always something new to get you talking. So, buckle up and get ready to discover the latest and greatest restaurants to hit the city. These are the hot spots you’ll want to book a table at ASAP. ADALINE Our cover inspiration. Many restaurants have a no-photo policy, few actually enforce it. But as this one does... we’ve done our best to show you what it looks like by drawing it out. Blink and you’ll miss it. Adaline has one of the most unexpected locations in DIFC. Hidden behind an inconspicuous door near the valet escalator of the main DIFC entrance, this Italian supper club will take you back in time to the Jazz Age. The dining room itself is full of golden Art Deco lighting and cosy tables, all pointed towards the stage. Kitted out with a grand piano, you can expect live music every night, from jazz to soul as well as a few more modern anthems. Created by the team behind GAIA and Alaya, you can expect the food at Adaline to make quite an impression with its classic Italian dishes like vitello tonnato, fusilli pasta with light cheese fondue and fresh truffle. Delicious – and the perfect opportunity to put that phone away for the evening. Must-try dish: Lobster and tagliolini pasta (Dhs295). O Open Sat-Wed 7pm-2am, Thu-Fri 7pm-3am. DIFC, adaline-restaurants.com (04 498 6200). AFRICAN QUEEN Since opening its doors in 1969 in Beaulieu sur-Mer on the French Riviera, African Queen is all about Med sophistication. Known for serving up Riviera classics, African Queen has attracted a fancy clientele and has drawn in some global icons. When it opened in Dubai at J1 Beach it instantly became a go-to place for Dubai diners to visit. Time Out Dubai even spotted Lindsay Lohan grabbing a bite to eat with her hubby. The Dubai location features African-inspired décor (there are a lot of leopard and zebra patterns everywhere). The menu stars French Riviera classics like salad niçoise and pissaladière pizza, as well as popular Dubai dishes like burrata salad, lobster linguine and, of course, truffle fries. Must-try dish: Grandma-style niçoise salad – it’s prepared right in front of you (Dhs135). O Open Mon-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sun 10am-1am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, africanqueen-restaurant.com/ dubai (052 778 0760). African Queen BÂOLI Famous Cannes hot spot Bâoli has landed in Dubai and offers up a pretty stunning destination right by the beach. Here you’ll get modern Japanese cuisine with a hint of new Asian flavours. The jungle-themed restaurant can easily be described as having ‘sanctuary aesthetics’, but the vibes are anything but peaceful. The upbeat spot has amazing music blasting and well-dressed diners are on their feet dancing with sparklers in hand. Visit this J1 Beach destination on a weekend if you’re in a party mood and you definitely will not regret it. That’s not to say you won’t be impressed by the fusion food, however. Must-try dish: Creamy lobster udon made with butter-poached lobster and bisque (Dhs350). It’s a seaside delight. O Open Sun-Wed noon-2am, Thu-Sat 10am-3am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, baoli-restaurant.com (04 558 6381) . BAR DES PRÉS BY CYRIL LIGNAC Offering up a fusion of French and East Asian cuisine this is the brand’s fourth location, following one London and two in Paris. The menu features seasonal ingredients and combines French and Japanese techniques, with dishes like green asparagus with caramelised miso and Japanese lobster rolls. While desserts are mostly French classics like Guanaja chocolate soufflé and pecan praline mille-feuille. Located on the 51st floor of ICD Brookfield Place, you can expect some pretty spectacular views while you dine as well. Must-try dish: Crunchy crab and avocado galette (Dhs115). O Open daily noon-3pm, 7pm-1am. ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, bardespres.com (04 498 1616). CASA AMOR Known as one of the most exclusive beach clubs in the French Riviera, the Dubai outpost NEW REST AURANTS timeoutdubai.com February 2025 15 Bar des Prés by Cyril LignacNEW REST AURANTS 16 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com Maison Revka is a lively spot that offers up great music, a cool (but spenny) beach experience and a menu that blends the flavours of South of France with a little bit of Latin influences. Meanwhile, the ambience echoes Tulum, so you can expect tunes from local and international DJs. Plus, you have a cool beachside bar offering premium drinks and exciting creations. The décor is all summery light wood, cute furniture and earthy textures. Must-try dish: Gambero rosso carpaccio with stracciatella cheese and pistachio and basil (Dhs155). O Open daily 9am-11pm. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, Jumeirah, mandarinoriental.com (04 834 8278). DUCK & WAFFLE The iconic London hot spot known for its fun take on comfort food and inventive mixed drinks now has a new home in Dubai. Unlike its London counterpart, the Dubai outpost is not towering high over the city, but instead occupies a huge 10,000 sq ft space in DIFC. Celebrated for being open 24/7 in London and Edinburgh, the Dubai location is initially welcome guests from noon until 4am, transitioning to 24/7 opening hours soon. At the heart of Duck & Waffle’s menu is its signature dish: the namesake Duck & Waffle, featuring a crispy duck leg confit, fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup. Must-try dish: The Duck & Waffle (Dhs160). Enough said. O Open Mon-Thu7am-2am, Fri 7am-4am, Sat 9am-4am, Sun 9am-2am. Innovation One, DIFC, duckandwaffle. com (056 981 6655). DRAGONFLY A cool Asian spot at The Lana Promenade, Dragonfly was created by the team behind Shanghai Me in collaboration with acclaimed chef Reif Othman. Here, you’ll dine under a giant dragonfly after stopping by the central red glass bar for a pre-dinner drink. The new eatery fuses Japanese flavours with pan-Asian influences. The menu features a flavour-packed selection of dim sum, duck gyoza elevated with foie gras and cherry hoisin sauce and a miso butter black cod to name a few. By night, Dragonfly transforms into a lively venue with DJs and a cool mixed drinks menu. Must-try dish: Crystal toast with otoro (Dhs99). This is one interesting, Insta-tastic dish you can’t miss. O Open daily noon-2am. The Lana Promenade, Business Bay, dragonfly-dxb.com (04 834 8278). HARUMMANIS Chef Akmal Anuar (of 3 Fils and Goldfish fame) recently launched a Singaporean-Malay restaurant. The name Harummanis pays homage to the fragrant harumanis mango, which is cherished in Malay culture and a nod to Anuar’s roots. At this gorgeous little NEW REST AURANTS timeoutdubai.com February 2025 17 “Don’t miss Portuguese savoury doughnuts loaded with snails and black truffle cream” interpretations of Italian classics using seasonal ingredients. Nestled on the 51st floor of ICD Brookfield Place right by Bar des Prés, you’ll get your classic Italian dishes with a side of crazy-cool views of the entire city. Must-try dish: Stracciatella agnolotti, roasted tomato cream, 24-month DOP Parmesan (Dhs82). O Open daily noon-1.30am. ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, gattopardo.restaurant (04 498 1727). KAIMANA Kaimana Beach offers a Polynesian- inspired space with top dining and a lively atmosphere. Created by chef Michael Collantes, a chef with deep roots in Hawaii, the menu blends Asian- Polynesian flavours with dishes like braised beef cheek loco moco and pulpo anticuchero. While the pool area is exclusively for adults, families with children can take advantage of the beach facilities, ensuring there is something for everyone. Oh and if you want to do a pool day, it’s one of the few spots at J1 where sunbed prices are fully redeemable on food and drinks. Must-try dish: Don’t miss Portuguese savoury doughnuts loaded with snails and black truffle cream (Dhs89). O Open daily 10am-1am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, @kaimanabeachdubai (04 243 3555). MEAT THE FISH The casual dining concept brought to Dubai by the team behind Lucia’s Mare and Time Out Dubai’s Best Beach Bar February 30 offers Mediterranean-Asian cuisine at the Marsa Al Arab Marina in Dubai. Originally founded in Lebanon in 2012 as a meat and fish delivery service, the brand has expanded into a restaurant and retail experience, with locations in Beirut, London and now Dubai. The marina-side restaurant features dishes made with high- quality ingredients, including grass-fed meat, wild fish and organic produce, alongside a diverse menu of casual, all- day dishes. With its marketplace-inspired interior and waterfront setting, Meat the Fish ioffers a super chill and laid-back atmosphere. Go and check it out. Must-try dish: The hummus topped with ikura and freshly baked sourdough bread (Dhs115). O Open daily 8am-midnight. Marsa Al Arab Marina, Umm Suqeim, meatthefishdubai.com (058 930 4640). MAISON REVKA This Russian-inspired Parisian-born restaurant is a literal feast for the senses. Found at the trendy Delano Dubai hotel on Bluewaters Island, it combines a traditional French salon with Slavic flavours, offering up a super luxe dining experience. The restaurant features two verandas, a winter garden and a private salon for small gatherings. Sit indoors and you’ll get maximalist vibes, candelabras and lots of greenery. It’s perfect for the ’gram. The menu is all about Slavic cuisine with dishes like Il Gattopardo eatery, you can expect traditional dishes with a modern twist while remaining true to their origins. You can look forward to offerings like beef cheeks rendang and a reimagined ketoprak, featuring Japanese sesame sauce instead of the traditional peanut dressing. Seafood-lovers will love the udang galah, made with Australian jumbo prawns grilled with curry leaves and peppercorns. Must-try dish: Duck lempeng wrapped in a corn masa (Dhs58). O Open Tue-Sun noon-11pm. Wasl 51, Jumeirah, @harummanis.51 (056 536 1674). IL GATTOPARDO Inspired by its namesake novel, Il Gattopardo is all about the Italian Riviera. Open until late at night, Il Gattopardo is all about long lunches, vibey dinners and late-night drinks, with a small lounge featuring a slew of resident DJs. The menu, overseen by chef Massimo Pasquarelli, features modern Duck & WaffleNEW REST AURANTS 18 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com MiMi Mei FairNEW REST AURANTS timeoutdubai.com February 2025 19 smoked salmon, caviar and salmon coulibiac. Classy, classic and craving-inducing. Must-try dish: Salt baked potato with crème fraîche and caviar (from Dhs450). O Open daily 10am-1am. Delano Dubai, Bluewaters Island, maisonrevka.com/dubai (04 543 2900). MIMI MEI FAIR Located in Downtown Dubai’s Opera District, MiMi Mei Fare is all about modern Chinese cuisine, set within interiors inspired by ancient Chinese palaces and 1920s Shanghai. Nice little juxtaposition here. The space is designed like the imagined secret residence of Empress MiMi, with interiors featuring Chinese folklore elements, antique- inspired designs and Art Deco touches. The restaurant’s menu explores regional flavours across China, drawing inspiration from Sichuan, Hunan and Fujian cuisines. You’ll love the duck, the black pepper crab and live native lobster. Dim sum options such as xiao long jewels and seafood treasure dumplings promise variety, while vegetarian dishes like mala spicy tofu and tempura green beans with black truffle add depth to the offerings. Must-try dish: Apple wood-fired roasted Peking duck (Dhs498). O Open Tue-Sun noon- midnight, Fri-Sun noon- 1am. Address Residences Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, mimimeifair.com (04 570 0825). NINIVE BEACH One of the first Middle Eastern-inspired beach clubs in Dubai (and how has it taken this long to launch one?), Ninive Beach is already a very popular destination at J1 Beach. Designed to look like a stunning Moroccan majlis (as inspired by the OG Ninive in DIFC) the indoor/outdoor space features a turquoise tiled pool, rich earth tones and traditional textiles, all with a cool and modern twist. In addition to delicious Lebanese, Iraqi, Turkish and Moroccan cuisine, Ninive Beach also offers pool and beach access, chic sunbeds and Moroccan- inspired cabanas. The venue also hosts cool events and monthly DJ sets from global artists, making it a must-visit location. Must-try dish: Tashreeb with braised lamb shoulder (Dhs477). O Open daily 10am-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, ninivebeach.ae (04 498 4200). PRIME52 The sister restaurant to the Time Out Dubai award-winning steakhouse Prime68 at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai in Business Bay, Prime52 Steakhouse is an upscale dining destination located in Dubai Marina with stunning views of the city and the sea. Promising expertly cooked cuts of meat, delicious sides and a classic dining room, the new Prime52 gives you the same fantastic quality you get at its original outpost. Plus, make sure you stop by at the newly revamped Observatory for a drink and a little bite before your meaty dinner. Must-try dish: USDA prime black Angus tomahawk (Dhs897). To share, or not. O Open daily 6pm-midnight. Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, marriott.com (04 319 4000). Prime 52 “The indoor/ outdoor space features a turquoise tiled pool, rich earth tones and traditional textiles”Next >