The dining scene in this extravagant city never ceases to amaze, and this month it’s no different! With tons of joints opening here and there, we have gathered up a handful of recently opened restaurants and cafes. Take your pick from the high end fancy date night spots to the quick grab-and-go cafes. Mama, venture out of the usual and get experimenting…
New Openings:
Don Alfonso 1890
This new resto in Dubai’s very own Shangri La offers authentic and impeccable Italian with a very cosmopolitan feel, how very fancy. Small and cosy, but elegant and sleek – could be a great date night location, hint hint hubby! You will surely be looked after very well from start to finish at this international joint.
2nd Floor, Shangri-La Hotel, Tel: (+971) (0) 4 355 1591, www.donalfonso.ae
Frioul Bistro De Luxe
New on the block is this southern french home-grown inspired resto. A sharing-style menu designed by a very specialized chef the way from London will ensure it is something worth trying. Open from breakfast the way till late – hit up this restaurant and bar at any point of the day. Also on the horizon is contemporary jazz music for you music lovers!
Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Tel: (+971) (0) 567 0011, www.frioulbistrodeluxe.com
Fume
This family style eatery has a lovely quirky and fun feel to it, specialising in a menu with comfort food from over the world. With home-cooked no frills kind of fare, it makes for a perfect meal to catch up with friends or even a date night with hubby. And don’t worry mamas, this isn’t a resto that will break the bank! Read our full review here.
1st Floor, Pier 7, Dubai Marina, Strictly no reservation policy, www.facebook.com/pages/Fume
Green Spices
The zingy interiors of this fine dining resto in downtown Dubai are sure to enhance the flavors the asian spices on the menu. Did someone say thai curry and pad thai? They supposedly do teppanyaki cooking shows – we’re sure the littlies will be intrigued to watch if you fancy treating them to a fancy family lunch.
Sofitel Dubai Downtown, Tel: (+971) (0) 4 503 6666, www.sofitel.com
Jambos Grill
Get a spectacular taste of fusion flavors in the way of East African Swahili food. This casual, alcohol-free joint covers that niche market in Dubai with some local African roasted chicken or some of their local deep fried munchies in the form of appetizers. Head over here when you’re feeling slightly adventurous and ready to indulge in unique aromatic foods.
Za’abeel Road, Tel: (+971) (0) 4 358 3583, www.jambosgrill.com
Mint leaf of London
Up on the 15th floor of the special DIFC sits a new and exclusive restaurant the way from Londres. They bring to us a fine selection of traditional Indian cuisine with a unique contemporary twist – Mmm sounds exceptional already… with the impressive dark, wooden and henna inspired interior, your experience there is bound to be distinctly special.
15th Floor, South Towers, DIFC, Tel: (+971) (0) 4 706 0900, www.mintleafgroup.com
RW1: Rhodes W1
Looking for some wholesome British Cuisine? Then this is a place to try… a casual but chic restaurant, bar and terrace where you’ll be sure to find the good old British Classics. With a very inviting colourful interior, the atmosphere remains cheerful with that touch of sophistication that we love when dining out.
Grosvenor House Dubai, Tel: (+971) (0) 4 317 6000, www.rw1-dubai.com
Signature By Sanjeev Kapoor
A superb fine-dining restaurant serving Chef Sanjeev’s authentic Indian signature dishes. Every dish makes a statement with advanced cooking techniques used on traditional Indian food. Yes mama, you can expect more than your average curry here. With a fabulous elegant ambiance and themed decor, it would make a lovely evening for a special occasion or date night.
Street no. 23, Al Mina Road, Tel: (+971) (0) 4 386 8111, www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Restaurants
S’wich
Who doesn’t love a good ‘ol shawarma? And now, it doesn’t have to be unhealthy and old-fashioned… two entrepreneurs have s’witched it up and and re-crafted every part of your beloved shawarma. With unique sauces, organic suppliers and a whole variety of ingredients, you can design your very own wrap. Say bye to indigestion, and regrets – but beware, it might lead to a healthy shawarmaddiction. You won’t feel guilty feeding the kiddies this at this ‘fast-food’ outlet.
Shop 9, Marina View Towers A, Dubai Marina, www.myswich.com
Tashas
All the way from South Africa, Tashas is a slightly retro -white cafe. With a massive all-day menu on the table, you can be sure to get your eggs, toasties, salads at any time of the day. And now that the weathers cooling off, you can even enjoy munching on the outdoor terrace – al fresco style. Sounds like a nice healthy (or not) meal you can enjoy with the fam!
No. 28, The Galleria, Al Wasl Road Jumeirah, Tel: (+971) (0) 4 385 5500, www.facebook.com/tashascafe1
Taste Kitchen
On the superfood bandwagon? Then this homegrown restaurant which ensures super fresh ingredients won’t let you down. Headed by Nick & Scott of Gordon Ramsay/table 9 fame, the food here is unbelievably good. Enjoy nibbles, substantial dishes or even just a rejuvenating drink at their juice bar! It’s a relaxed, modern and casual place with great music and friendly staff – open from breakfast to dinner, drop in at any time for a healthy meal or snack that actually tastes good. Get the kiddos on the health train asap!
Ground Floor, Mercato Mall, Tel: (+971) (0) 4 385 4380, www.mercatoshoppingmall.com/taste-kitchen
Yalla Momos
Looking for a casual joint with scrumptious snacks? we have heard that recently opened is Dubai’s first eatery which specializes in a famous Himalayan street food snack: dumplings. Since the place is small and seating is limited, perhaps better suited for take away! Have your dumplings steamed or fried, veg or non-veg – the choice is yours! Quickly prepared, have them steaming hot and spicy.
Al Karama Dubai, Tel: (+971) (0) 4 385 2233, www.facebook.com/YallaMomosUAE
Zeta
Very new on the horizon is an al fresco restaurant overlooking the spectacular views of The Dubai Fountain and the Burj Kalifa. Specializing in asian fusion cuisine, it aims for a informal and relaxed feel. Mama, maybe the next family lunching spot? It’s the perfect time so try this since the weather is cooling down.
Lobby Level, The Address Downtown, Dubai, Tel: (+971) (0) 4 888 3444, www.theaddress.com