APRIL 2025 | TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM A taste of victory The 86 award-winning Dubai restaurants to sink your teeth into APRIL 2025 | TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM A taste of victory 86 award-winning Dubai restaurants to sink your teeth into DHS12 INCLUSIVE OF VAT DHS12 INCLUSIVE OF VAT APRIL 2025 | TIMEOUTDUBAI.COMTIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2025 3 Inside 6 Things to do 32 Last-chance outdoor fun 40 Redeemable pool days 50 Unmissable gigs 60 Food 66 Nightlife 70 Attractions 72 Family 74 Shopping 76 Wellbeing 78 Sports & Outdoors 80 Time Out Market Dubai 82 The last word Features & Regulars Top-tier dining in Dubai Ready to meet your new go-to dinner (breakfast and lunch) spot? We bring you the winners of the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025. Bon appétit Page 10 On the co ver: Chocolat e plaq ue creat ed b y JW Marrio tt Mar quis Ho tel Dubai. Pho tograph y: Aasiy a Jagadeesh Dragonfly4 APRIL 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Hello Time Out Dubai PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE +971 4 444 3000 www.itp.com Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Geneva, London, Mumbai & Riyadh ITP Media Group CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Martin Chambers Chief Content Officer Holly Sands Time Out Dubai Editorial Head of Content McKenna Grant +971 4 444 3486 | mckenna.grant@itp.com Acting Editor Emilie Hill +971 4 444 3693 | emilie.hill@itp.com Editor at Large Amy Mathieson +971 4 444 3696 | amy.mathieson@os.itp.com Group Food Editor Yousra Zaki +971 4 444 3255 | yousra.zaki@itp.com Digital Editor Aimee Jakes +971 4 444 3487 | aimee.jakes@itp.com News Editor Findlay Mair +971 4 444 3893 | findlay.mair@itp.com Features Editor Sian Traynor +971 4 444 3396 | sian.traynor@itp.com Senior Social Media Editor Wyanet Vaz +971 4 444 3307 | wyanet.vaz@itp.com Social Media Executive Marion Colaco +971 4 444 3569 | marion.colaco@itp.com Staff Writer (Partner Content) Ashitha Jayaprakash +971 4 444 3417 | ashitha.jayaprakash@itp.com Digital Content Lead Jeffrey Casiño +971 4 444 3591 | jeffrey.casino@itp.com Content Executive Rodelito Mamuad +971 4 444 3657 | rodelito.mamuad@itp.com Events & Marketing Head of Events Eleanor Ashton Events & Marketing Manager Kate Galaktionova Events Manager Beverly Stanforth Associate Events Manager Vrinali Nazareth Associate Events Manager Maria Trishina Events Executive Ella Dodds Events Sales Executive Jan Mokoala Events Administrative Assistant Aronn Pureza Events Sales Assistant Joyce Salonga Events Administrative Assistant Bobbie Rosario email: events@itp.com Art Senior Designer Gillian Fletcher Junior Designer Celine Iskandar-Elhachem Junior Assistant Crisel Cutinho Group Video Editor Bharat Tahiliani Production Production Manager Anand Sundaram +971 4 444 3424 | anand.sundaram@itp.com Distribution & Circulation Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira +971 4 444 3669 | avinash.pereira@itp.com Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai +971 4 444 3236 | rajesh.pillai@itp.com Advertising Chief Commercial Officer Sally Whittam +971 4 444 3348/+971 56 104 0567 | sally.whittam@itp.com Senior Commercial Manager David Wurie +971 52 576 2162 | david.wurie@itp.com Advertising Manager Varsha Sonavane +971 56 753 6925 | varsha.sonavane@itp.com Advertising Manager Keenan Cunningham +971 4 444 3533 | keenan.cunningham@itp.com Senior Commercial Admin Executive Janet Comia janet.comia@itp.com Administrative Manager Siti Sumarsono siti.sumarsono@itp.com ITP Group CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. 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After 12 months of anonymous reviews dining under a different name (just call me Natasha or Charlie, depending how I feel), the very best restaurants in town have officially been crowned. From Japanese cuisine to afternoon teas, brilliant bar food to budget-friendly neighbourhood haunts, we have you covered with over 30 categories of award-winning food, impeccable service and pure Dubai vibes you just can’t say no to. Take this as your ultimate guide to where’s worth pulling up a chair in 2025 (for both your dirhams and your taste buds). After all, you know you’re in for a pretty special meal when there’s a shiny Time Out winner’s plaque on the wall (not typically made of chocolate, but hey, I’m into it). Question is, who’s been crowned Restaurant of the Year? Turn to page 12 to find out. Mission accomplished. facebook.com/timeoutdubai youtube.com/timeoutgcc timeoutdubai timeoutdubai timeoutdubai Ed’s pick Emilie Hill Acting Editor Hotel room with its own private pool? That’s summer sorted (p70)slug 6 MONTH 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Things Go outdoors Pedal along Hatta’s cycling trails Get pedalling, pronto The longest mountain trails in the UAE are now open for cycling, so why not pack up your wheels and drive up for a morning pedal? Head over early before the heat kicks in and try any of the 21 routes that stretch over a total of 86km. Prefer to hike? The green trails are great for walking, too. O Open Mon-Fri 6am-6pm. Sat-Sun 6am-6pm. Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre, Hatta, visithatta.com. Splash at Aquaventure Pack your goggles Water park fans, this is for you. The weather is perfect to tackle the slides and bob around in the lazy river, so it’s time to visit Aquaventure – the world’s largest water park. It has more than 105 slides, plus UAE residents get discounts. Bonus. O From Dhs245. Open daily 9.15am-6pm. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 2000). Sirene Beach by GAIA Aquaventureslug ITC Franklin Gothic st - Heavy - 11pt TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM MONTH 2025 7 to do Splash out by the shore Treat yourself at Sirene Beach by GAIA Ready for a taste of Greece in Dubai? Stunning new beach and pool club Sirene Beach by GAIA boasts Aegean-style décor and gorgeous vistas. Book in for the day and lounge on the beach, dip in the pool and treat yourself to some moreish Grecian fare from chef Izu Ani. Dreamy. O From Dhs200 (beach, non-redeemable, Mon-Sun), from Dhs300 (pool, non-redeemable, Mon-Sun). Open Sun-Thu 10am-1am, Fri-Sat 10am-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah, sirenebeach.com (052 334 2787). Book a table Dine outside at Time Out Market Make the most of al fresco food The weather’s heating up so it’s time to take advantage of Time Out Market Dubai’s huge outdoor terrace. And with drinks starting from Dhs35, it’s one of the best places in town to soak in the views of The Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa. Tuck into everything from pizza and burgers to mezze, sushi, ramen and nachos. See you there. O Open Mon-Thu noon-midnight, Fri noon-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-midnight. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai (054 375 2421). It’s time for a slap-up roast Enjoy a new menu at Bull & Bear What’s a weekend without a roast? Indulge in the ultimate Sunday Roast experience at Bull & Bear by Marc Hardiman, where you can treat yourself to dishes including 24- hour slow-cooked shoulder of lamb or dry- aged beef striploin with all the trimmings. O From Dhs140. Sun 1pm-4pm. Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, DIFC, bullandbeardifc.com (04 515 9888). Meet the Easter bunny Book an Easter brunch at Fairmont Take the whole family for a special Easter party where you’ll be treated to a visit from the Easter Bunny himself. Expect live singers and balloon art, plus tasty dishes. Winning. O Dhs350 (soft drinks) Dhs450 (house beverages), Dhs550 (bubbly). Sun Apr 20, 1pm-4pm. Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, fairmont.com (04 457 3457). Try a hot new restaurant Check out The Beam After something new? A fresh spot from chef Nick Alvis (of folly by Nick & Scott fame) has landed in Dubai Marina. Expect dishes like crispy hen’s egg and truffle braised beef cheek and Portobello mushroom pie. O Open Mon-Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 1pm-11pm. Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, @thebeamdubai (04 316 5555). The Beamslug 8 MONTH 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Break a sweat Spartan is back Ready to take on the challenge? The Dawn ’til Dusk obstacle course racing event is heading to luxury desert resort Bab Al Shams. The resort will transform into a dramatic Colosseum-inspired arena set in desert terrain, which will really test the limits of racers. There will be two race formats – the 5km Sprint and the 10km Super, so get yourself signed up. O Dhs295 (Sprint), Dhs365 (Super), Dhs110 (kids). Sat Apr 19. The Arena, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, Al Qudra, arabia.spartan.com. Ed’s pick Save the date And they’re off... Glam up for the Dubai World Cup The globally famed Dubai World Cup is taking place on Saturday April 5 and you don’t want to miss it. From mega nine- hour Candypants brunches to slick fashion contests, and, of course, the excitement of the world-class horse races, it’s an incredible day out. Book, ASAP. O From Dhs20. Sat Apr 5, 1pm. Meydan Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba, dubairacingclub.com (04 327 0077). Let out your arty side See exciting pieces at Art Dubai Calling all art-lovers. The Middle East’s leading international art fair is back. Art Dubai 2025, which runs from Friday April 18 Spartan Dubai World Cup to Sunday April 20, will see more than 120 presentations from over 60 cities and 40 countries this year. Expect stunning artwork, talks, DJ sets, kids’ sessions and more. It’s going to be a top day out. O Prices TBC. Fri Apr 18-Sat 19, 2pm-9pm, Sun Apr 20, noon-9pm. Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, artdubai.ae. Stetsons at the ready LIne dance at Summer in Nashville Get ready for a country music festival packed full of toe-tapping artists, as well as fun entertainment including line dancing experiences, axe throwing and a ride on a mechanical bull. If you need any more convincing, free cowboy hats will be handed out on the day to help you really get into the mood. Sign us up. O From Dhs150. Sat Apr 19, 2pm-11pm. Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai Media City, summerinnashville.com.slug ITC Franklin Gothic st - Heavy - 11pt TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM MONTH 2025 9 Things to do In the comments What’s got you talking on Instagram... Brooki cookies https://magnet.itp.com/magnet/ app/navigator/view_file.php?sf_ id=13571301&sl_id=2&coming_ from=navigate&r=1742801213&fetch_ type=image&a_id=1&img_ id=13571301&dynamic_creation=1&user_ id=1729430&server=np&a7x=1 HTTPS://MAGNET.ITP.COM/MAGNET/ APP/NAVIGATOR/VIEW_FILE.PHP?SF_ ID=13569012&SL_ID=2&COMING_ FROM=NAVIGATE&R=1742472218&FETCH_ TYPE=IMAGE&A_ID=1&IMG_ ID=13569012&DYNAMIC_ CREATION=1&USER_ ID=1729430&SERVER=NP&A7X=1 Dance all night, Ibiza-style Ushuaïa Ants Takeover ANTS will take over the open-air club Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience on Saturday April 12. Ibiza icon Marco Carola will headline the evening and bring his Napolitano techno to the Harbour. O From Dhs200. Sat Apr 12, from 6pm. Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience, Dubai Marina, dubai.platinumlist.net. Summertime vibes Groove at Pub in the Park The fun outdoor festival returns this year, with even more incredible tribute acts, top chefs and pop-ups. Whether you’re getting stuck into pub grub or dancing the day away to Example, The Hoosiers and more, you’re sure to have an absolute belter. O From Dhs50. Sun Apr 20, from 2pm. Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai Media City, dubai.platinumlist.net. Get active Lace up those trainers Run at Ripe Market If you want a fitness goal, but aren’t quite ready for a marathon, then this sporting event could be for you. There are three distances to test yourself over – 2.5km, 5km and 10km. Once you’ve worked up a sweat, refuel at one of the many food stalls. O Dhs116 (2.5km), Dhs126 (5km), Dhs137 (10km). Sun Feb 2 and Apr 27, 7am. Ripe Market Academy Park, Umm Suqeim, promosevensport.com. Got a tip? Email Wyanet for the latest hello@ timeoutdubai.com timeoutdubai ? yanet atestt om ai “Dubai’s dessert scene just keeps getting better ” @sawsan_mahm00d “What is not coming to Dubai? Amazing as always ” @motivebymy “Finally the wait is over ” @syarahhh09 Man v dog (kind of) Sign up for a race with your pooch On your barks, get set, go. The 2.5km race includes obstacles from water crossings to slides and much more. If you manage to make it round in the fastest time then you’ll win prizes, while your dog unwinds in a paddling pool or two. Sounds pawtastic. O Dhs100 (individual), Dhs50 (team). Sat Apr 5, 4pm-11pm. Al Forsan Park, Expo City, pawpowerchallenge.com. Work on your gaming skills Dubai Esports and Games Festival The epic gaming festival is back for 2025, so expect a series of summits, competitions, cosplay championships and so much more. Get ready for top-star meet and greets, check out new technology and play some games for as little as Dhs29. O From Dhs44 (one-day pass). Fri Apr 25-Sun May 11. Dubai World Trade Centre, dubai.platinumlist.net. Ushuaïa Ripe Market Family day outNext >