< Previous40 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com WHAT IS IT... A stunning beachside seafood restaurant where the food lives up to the setting WHY GO... To wow your guests with that stunning Burj Al Arab view Lucia’s Mare O Open daily noon-1am. Licensed. Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Umm Suqeim, luciasdubai.com (04 422 4321). DUBAI IS WITHOUT a doubt awash with places to wow your guests, but if you’re after views that even the most unimpressible diners can’t fail to be amazed by, Lucia’s Mare is it. Hidden at the far end of Jumeirah Beach Hotel, just a short buggy ride away and nestled by the sea at the foot of the iconic Burj Al Arab, it’s a striking set-up. Having originally made a name for itself as a party spot in Downtown Dubai, the Mare version of this Italian restaurant is less party vibes, more holiday feels. Expect couples and groups dotted around mingling and celebrating – it’s a relaxed special occasion place. And the food? Well, it certainly lives up to the setting. Take your pick from all the classics. Kick off with a couple of staples – vitello tonnato is perfectly balanced, while the arancini is bursting with molten mozzarella and fragrant truffled rice. Don’t miss Lucia’s salad for a fresh starter packed with flavour. It’s studded with creamy mozzarella, sweet white peach, earthy asparagus and drizzled with a zingy blood orange dressing. Portions are large too, so order a couple of things to share and get stuck in. Seafood linguine comes in a sizeable metal platter, crammed with juicy prawns, mussels, clams and calamari bathed in an unctuous tomato sauce. Sea bream with a tangy vegetable caponata is also another tasty selection, while the grilled prawns will please the seafood fans. But take note before your book: there’s a minimum spend here – which is more for the tables on the sand closer to the ocean – but it’s not as eye-watering as you might expect from such a prime location. From Dhs250 (per person), it feels like a steal. Whether you have Instagram- loving pals, your parents in town or an anniversary dinner to plan, Lucia’s Mare is the sun-soaked, sparkling destination you didn’t realise you needed. If you’re searching for the perfect location to impress, this is it. Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for its meals15- 16 FEBRU AR Y ISD , DUB AI SPOR T S CITY 1 5 1 6 FEBRU AR Y42 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com Alizée O Dhs400 (Dhs200 redeemable Mon-Thu), Dhs600 (Dhs300 redeemable Fri-Sun). Open daily 7am-7pm. Banyan Tree Dubai, Bluewaters Island, banyantree.com (04 556 6466). WHETHER YOU’RE ON holiday in Dubai or one of the lucky ones to call this incredible city home, the thrill of adding another stellar beach club and restaurant to your must-try list is an ongoing hobby (note, there are many – with the list growing – and we’re very happy about it). While some crave poolside beats with a fully stocked menu, others prefer less of a fuss while working on a tan. “The views of Ain Dubai scream ‘out of office’” A spot arguably different from the rest, is Banyan Tree Dubai’s Alizée: a modern Mediterranean pool and beach club with a southern French touch, complete with tangerine and cream parasols. Cute on cute. The restaurant takes the space that used to be Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, alongside its sun-soaked beach club. Head here for 500 metres of private beach with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf at this five-star resort (previously Caesars Palace). Whether you plop your towel at the pool or beach, you’re treated to Alizée’s menu packed with fresh ingredients and restaurant- worthy presentation, even if you are metres away from the venue’s tables. Dining while (sun)lounging is always a good idea. Diners can expect a hearty fruits de mer offering alongside generously tossed salads and mains with all the trimmings while you lap up the waves. And it’s partly redeemable on your sunlounger cost, too, which is always a welcome addition. If you need inspiration, the salade d’Alizée with prawns, octopus and calamari on a bed of asparagus and avocado is a go-to, while an obligatory portion of fries is shareable between two and *just* salty enough. Hungry beach-goers will rate the black Angus beef rib-eye or a plate of escargots to really transport you to the French riviera. Oh, and there’s no time limit here at Alizée. Stay lounging for as long as you wish and trust us when we say switching off here needs no effort. The views of Ain Dubai as Banyan’s backdrop or the horizon of the Arabian Gulf scream ‘out of office’. Not to mention the waves are energetic, giving you that dose of ‘vitamin sea’ you’ve been longing for. Consider this another beach club added to the must-try list. WHAT IS IT... A perfectly positioned beach club and restaurant with a European feel WHY GO... For all those holiday vibestimeoutdubai.com February 2025 43 IT’S SAFE TO say there is no shortage of Japanese restaurants in this city. Dubai can’t get enough. And while KATA is one of many, it stands out from the rest. DIFC- quality fare at a pretty wallet- friendly price point? Yes, please. Offering fantastic views of the iconic Dubai Fountain (and a bit of the Burj Khalifa if you crane your neck from the terrace), KATA on the lower ground floor of Dubai Mall is one spot every sashimi fan should have on their list. The colourful space brings vibrance to your Japanese food fix, with wall art and pops of teal – the perfect backdrop to refuel during (or after) a day of retail therapy. Go on, you deserve it. The contemporary menu is long, but divvied up into a series of enticing Japanese dishes that are impressively plated and curated with the Dubai diner in mind (think wagyu katsu sandos, crispy salmon rice et al). Start with the wakame and spinach salad with a creamy goma dressing. Sweet, salty and satisfying. There’s also the exotic mushroom salad, which will make any salad-hater raise their eyebrows in appreciation. Shiitake mushrooms are thinly sliced and fried to a crisp, piled high on top of greens and come doused in a sweet sesame dressing. Fresh salmon tataki is laced with jalapeño dressing and negi oil. A hint of heat and a lot of flavour. For something a bit punchier, try the ceviche which comes with a trio of fish – salmon, yellowtail and tuna and is palate-pingingly delicious. The aforementioned wagyu katsu sando is a signature dish for a reason. While definitely more on the pricey side, it’s an absolute treat served between two buttery brioche slices, wasabi cream and garnished with gold flakes for good measure. Because we’re in Dubai after all. For a richer option, go for the superbly creamy truffle udon noodle bowl, which arrives glistening and topped with flecks and flicks of shaved black truffle and crispy shiitake mushrooms. The baked Chilean sea bass is pretty, flaky and served on a bed of flavourly contrasting ginger sauce that just works. Your best option is to head down during lunchtime. For under Dhs100 you’ll get a three-course meal (featuring the good stuff) to really get a taste of what this little Japanese spot has to offer. While it isn’t the buzziest and busiest spot at the mall, you’re guaranteed a great meal without breaking the bank, especially if you have expensive taste. KATA O Open Mon-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sun 10am-1am. Unlicensed. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, kata.ae (054 582 9933). WHAT IS IT... A casual, yet high-quality Japanese restaurant tucked away in the world’s largest mall WHY GO... For inventive mocktails and top-notch sushi44 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com “This steakhouse is one that will keep up with the pack” DIM LIGHTS, CHROME and mirrors all served with an Art Deco flair, Three Cuts is giving Gatsby, and it knows it. And much like Nick Carraway from the famous tale, the restaurant has also nestled itself among some impressive night-time neighbours on the roof of Nakheel Mall. But this steakhouse is one that will keep up with the pack, with a nod to the 1920s paired with all the modern comforts. Three Cuts claims to do things ‘old school’ and certainly has the moody dark wood, retro décor and laid-back vibes down to a tee. However, the menu itself does not follow tradition, offering only one page and select cuts of meat (three, in fact). Be sure to ask for a table facing the bar and cast an eye over the vibrant mosaic that covers the back wall, or, if weather permits, the terrace for a more romantic atmosphere. When it comes to food there’s plenty to like. The starters are all quite generously plated. Smoked salmon salad is large enough to feed three and is served perfectly – with fresh and vibrant flavours that are well-balanced. When it comes to the meaty bit, the options are more on the limited side, with just three single- serving steak options. Striploin is a solid choice and maintains excellent marbling, but arrives already sliced, which means you won’t get the satisfaction of cutting into a perfectly cooked, whole steak yourself. But if you’re in a group opt for the Three Cuts platter – an 830g spread of rib-eye, tenderloin and striploin with three sides and Three Cuts O Open Mon-Thu noon-1am, Fri-Sun noon-2am. Licensed. Rooftop West, Nakheel Mall, threecuts.co (04 420 1113). WHAT IS IT... An elegant and vibey steakhouse offering up easy and laid-back dining WHY GO... For tasty steaks and an indulgent sticky toffee puddingw sauces of your choosing. Sautéed spinach makes for an easy, salty pairing and, of course, there has to be at least one portion of the house fries involved. If there’s still room for dessert, you can’t avoid the sticky toffee pudding, topped with caramel sauce and custard cream – this one’s not for sharing. For weekend visits, the night won’t end after your meal does. Once you’ve polished the last spoonful of custard out of the bowl, slip through the side door into Three Sips, the restaurant’s speakeasy for a mixed drink in what that feels like a den in Gatsby’s mansion (should there have been a DJ in the ’20s). Though still carving out its place, Three Cuts has nailed a laid-back dining experience and atmosphere. timeoutdubai.com February 2025 45 “The cheddar and beef sausages are a must-try – trust us” IF YOU’RE AFTER southern barbecue without too much of the naughty stuff, The Pitmaster in Al Quoz is the place to be. Owned by Emirati engineer Al Hussein Bin Mohammad, the venue has been making the rounds on TikTok and for good reason – its seriously juicy sausages. This Texan-style spot offers the classics without much damage to your wallet. The Pitmaster is easily one of the better-priced barbecue spots in town. In a time when many of the neighbourhood’s eateries are full of personality, the space is a little safer with an industrial feel. Wooden tables and chairs fill up the warehouse-like venue, while a counter is tucked in the corner, decorated with American memorabilia to add a hint of charm to the restaurant. Order here and help yourself to the fridge for drinks on the way back to your table, to the backdrop of live music from the other side of the room. If you’re indecisive (yeah, same), start your meal with the ‘three for share’. Tuck into smoked wings, boneless wings or mozzarella sticks in one go. The mains feature very well- made brisket, sticky smoky wings and stacked-to-the-max burgers. The Pitmaster also dabbles with those social media famous sausages – the cheddar and beef is a must-try, trust us. Burgers are seriously good with a buttery brioche casing and jammy onions inside, but you may need to top up your order with a few extras if you’re hungry and fancy a big portion. Meanwhile the chicken is laden with a Texas signature sauce, which may be too punchy for the spice-sensitive, but the flavours hit the spot. The Pitmaster O Open Tue-Sun noon-midnight. Unlicensed. Al Quoz, @pitmaster08. Hold the fries – they’re a tad underwhelming and lack that crispy bite – but be prepared to crave another helping of brisket as it’s just that good. At the end of the day, we can guarantee one thing. You’ll be spreading the word, whether you want to rave The Pitmaster’s four-screen live football coverage or all the barbecue goodies you just devoured. The Pitmaster is indeed worth the viral screen time, but it’s even better in person. WHAT IS IT... An Emirati-owned North American barbecue restaurant without the grease and all the flavour WHY GO... For the meat, obvs46 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com WHAT IS IT... A charming spot near Dubai Opera serving up modern French- Middle Eastern dishes WHY GO... For a pre- or post- show romantic dinner Bisou O Open Mon-Thu 9am-midnight, Fri-Sun 9am-1am. Licensed. Dubai Opera Plaza, Downtown Dubai, bisou.metafoodiesgroup.com (058 140 6888). MEANING ‘KISS’ IN French, Bisou sets it straight out from the get-go – this a romantic spot nestled next to Dubai Opera, ideal for the classic dinner-and-a-show date night. Although it’s not all classic French dining, what the menu holds is exciting and unexpected. It’s a beautiful two-storey space set within a cylindrical- shaped building. For the best views and setting opt for a seat on the upper floor (although that sweeping spiral staircase may be little daunting for those in heels). The dining room is intimate, just sadly a bit empty on our visit (even on a show night). However, it opens daily from 9am, so if you’re looking for a chic start to your day, breakfast could also be one for your weekend to-do list. But those who walk on past, as it does look fairly unassuming from the outside, are missing out. Service is warm and helpful, coupled with a mismatched menu that’s refreshingly compact. It describes itself as modern French-Middle Eastern cuisine, which translates to an unexpected curation of dishes with everything from beef tartare to tuna tataki and aubergine hummus and cacio e pepe. But whether you’re after a quick bite or a three-course meal you’ll find something to suit. Chefs Vladimir Chistyakov and Alexander Loshinin are behind the menu and what comes out the kitchen is excellent. A classic rigatoni cacio e pepe with comte and truffle is a hit – being just indulgent enough. The luxe shavings of fresh truffle stop it from being overly pungent, too (IYKYK). And while black cod is ubiquitous in Dubai, the version at Bisou comes with an umami Asian curry sauce and mashed potatoes. Sounds odd, but works. Pair this with the broccoli fries, which are nutty, crunchy and complemented by a creamy Parmesan sauce, a total win. While it’s not the vibiest dinner spot in the city, affordable drinks and pretty décor with cosy warm lighting make it a cute spot. A pre- or post-threatre meal at Bisou is something of a sweet surprise. Date night inspo sorted. “Rigatoni cacio e pepe with comte and truffle is a hit – being just indulgent enough”Jazz Avenue Brought to you by Jazz Avenue returns with live performances from international artists, bringing the city’s energy to life. Experience four weekends of vibrant music complemented with food and drinks from DIFC’s finest restaurants. Join the rhythm. Secure your tickets today! Every Friday and Saturday from 31 January to 22 February 2025 Gate Avenue, Zone 1, Podium Level Ticketing partnerHospitality partner Strategic partner Scan to book now Tickets start from AED 175 per person 48 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com W inter in Dubai means one thing: outdoor drinks. Whether you’re heading along with your mates or the family, there’s a picnic bench with your name on it. Here are the best pub gardens, as named at the Time Out Dubai Nightlife Awards. Lazy afternoon, sorted. 261 RESTAURANT & BAR With plenty of comfy couches and deals, 261 Bar is a popular watering hole for golfers and residents in the area alike. The garden is well worth visiting, with views overlooking the golf course and all its lush greenery. O Open daily 6am-11pm. The Els Club Dubai, Sports City, elsclubdubai.com (04 425 1000). ERNST BIERGARTEN & WIRTSHAUS A German pub at the trendy 25hours Hotel, the clue’s in the name with this one – as a stein in the Biergarten here is a top choice. Nightlife Soak up the sun Dubai’s delightful weather and al fresco pints go hand-in-hand. Here are the ten best pub gardens in the city The Bolt Holetimeoutdubai.com February 2025 49 The Irish Village Garhoud BEST IN TOWN! REFORM SOCIAL & GRILL One of the most popular places around for hanging out with friends and family – especially in winter – Reform’s pub garden is the very best around. With a sprawling lawn creeping down to the lakes, picnic tables dotted around the place and a huge recently revamped kids’ play area, it’s the perfect spot to grab a pint outside in the sunshine. With a community feel and a pet- friendly outside area, it’s ideal for a relaxed afternoon drink, and the crowds week in and week out are in agreement. Don’t miss out – whether for a fry-up, post-work drinks or weekend catch-up. O The Lakes Club, The Lakes, reformsocialgrill.ae (04 454 2638). There’s a large selection of German hops to choose from, as well as a menu with plenty of traditional Bavarian cuisine to get stuck into – think pretzels, schnitzel, wurst and more. Fancy watching the match in the hops garden? You can do just that here. O Open Sun-Thu noon-midnight, Fri-Sat noon-1am. 25hours Hotel, ernstbiergarten.com (04 210 2511). GARDEN ON 8 garden on 8 is an urban pub, so the pub garden is one of a rooftop, rather than a natural lawn. We’re not complaining as the al fresco area and deals here are major draws. O Open Sun-Thu noon-1am, Fri-Sat noon-2am. Media One Hotel Dubai, Dubai Media City, @gardenoneight (04 427 1000). MCGETTIGAN’S JLT There might not be any grass in this pub garden, but that’s not to say it doesn’t have all the feels of one. With a huge terrace, including a separate al fresco bar, McGettigan’s outdoor space is one of the most popular spots in town come winter. A prime pick for the sport, brunches, happy hour and more, McGettigan’s draws in the crowds every day of the week. O Open Mon-Thu noon-2am, Fri noon-3am, Sat 10am-3am, Sun 10am-3am. Cluster J, JLT, mcgettigans.com (04 356 0470). THE BOLT HOLE This community pub has one of the lushest pub gardens in town (not to mention a rather fine gastro-pub style menu). There’s a covered terrace leading onto a grassy area with picnic tables. Dine on the terrace, but if it’s drinks in the sunshine you’re after, make a beeline for one of the tables. O Open Mon-Fri 3pm-11.30pm, Sat-Sun 11.30am- 11.30pm. Vllanova Dubai, @theboltholedubai (800 666 353). THE CRAFTY FOX GASTROPUB & SPORTS BAR Live in JGE? You’ll know this one well. It has upmarket vibes and proper pub grub. The outside area is its forte though, with the garden being a popular place for families in the area to congregate at the weekend, for golfers to unwind post a round on the course or for groups of friends to meet up post-work for a cold one in the balmy winter weather. O Open 6.30am-11.30pm. Jumeirah Golf Estates, dubaigolf.com/craftyfox (04 586 7777). THE DUCK HOOK HIGHLY COMMENDED! The Duck Hook’s outdoor area is one of the busiest spaces in the city come a sunny winter weekend. With a huge space for kids (and dogs) to run around in, it’s a huge hit with families who will flock from around town to enjoy the garden. With proper grass and views of the golf club and Burj Khalifa beyond that, it’s a picturesque spot too, so a top one for visitors. And don’t miss the roast dinners – they’re marvellous (and massive). O Open daily 11.30am-midnight. Dubai Hills Golf Club, @theduckhookdubai (800 323 232). THE IRISH VILLAGE GARHOUD HIGHLY COMMENDED! The Irish Village is one of the most popular pubs in Dubai, not least because of its expansive pub garden. With a terrace directly outside the pub, a lawn beyond that and then a duck pond beyond that, it has all the feels of a homely pub garden in the Emerald Isle. It’s family- and dog-friendly, so don’t be surprised to see the whole gang out come the weekend, tucking into giant platters of fish and chips, chopped sausages and the like. There are few better places to be on a winter’s day if you’re looking for a pint of the black stuff. O Open Sun-Thu 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am. Garhoud, theirishvillage.com (04 282 4750).Next >