Foodie News Flash July 2015

We’ve been pretty overwhelmed by the number of new restaurants and foodie happenings going on in the city, so we’ve boiled it all down to some of our faves to make things a little easier below. From date night to a cheeky family brunch, we’ve scoured the city for the best new places to grab a bite – nothing wrong with shaking up your routine a little, mama!

Catch Dubai

This New York seafood restaurant has opened themselves up to a world of fishing puns, but we’ll spare you the lameness and get right to the details. This is their first location outside the US, where foodies have been going crazy over their delicious global menu, and their food is made to share making this a great family outing. The Bourbon Miso Sea Bass Lettuce Wraps have us hook, line and sinker. (Okay, we had to crack at least one pun.)

Catch Dubai, Fairmont Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, PO 211715 Dubai
(+971) (0)4 357 1755, emmgrp.com/restaurants/catch-dubai

Chez Sushi

You know us and we never ever turn down an opportunity for sushi. Chez Sushi’s just opened up a new branch at Arabian Ranches, where you’ll be able to get your fill of Japanese food including their awesome California Rolls and Dragon Rolls for those of you looking to step out of your comfort zone. Break out the chopsticks, mama.

Chez Sushi, The Village, Arabian Ranches, Dubai
(+971) (0)8 007 8744, www.chezsushi.com

Crab Tavern

This American-inspired resto and bar is one that we’ve been keeping a careful eye on – think seafood, sandwiches and guaranteed deliciousness. (We’re all about the Hawaiian Seatrout and Shrimp Fishcakes.) They’ve just opened and as a special little perk, you’ll be able to get half off all meals until the end of July making now the best time to try it out.

Opening hours: 12pm-2am.

Crab Tavern, 9/F, Media One Hotel, Falak Street, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 420 7489, www.crabtavern.ae

Gaucho

Gaucho’s out to make home dining a little finer with their awesome Gaucho Anywhere deal. You’ll be able to have date night at home with their gourmet takeaway and delivery service, think Argentinian dry aged steaks and gorgeous sides. Keep an eye on their fantastic themed nights as well: Monday’s classic cinema, tango nights are on Tuesday and there’s Friday brunch and Saturday roast as well.

Gaucho, Podium Level, Gate Village 05, DIFC, PO482054 Dubai
(+971) (0)4 422 7898, gauchorestaurants.ae

Imperium

There’s a lot happening over at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, but we’re particularly keen on the Saturday Jazz Brunch over at Imperium. Not only will you get to unwind to some smooth dulcet tones, but the modern Creole, Cajun and Louisiana menu looks an absolute winner.

Brunch runs from 1-4pm and is priced between AED 275-495.

Imperium, The Palm Jumeirah, Crescent Road, PO 27722, Dubai, (+971) (0)4 453 0444
www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/jumeirah-zabeel-saray/restaurants/imperium

JF Street Food

JF Street Food’s pioneering the healthy street food movement and they’ve opened up another location in Bay Avenue and Mall of the Emirates, perfect for mamas who want a casual meal with the fam. There’s something for everybody: vegetarians can set a course for their delicious falafels and hummous, while meat eaters should scoop up a beef shawarma. There’s also a super fun Build Your Own option great for mini picky eaters – food’s always rewarding when you know exactly what you’re chowing down on.

JF Street Food, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, (+971) (0)4 399 4544, www.facebook.com/JFStreetFood

JF Street Food, Bay Avenue, Business Bay, (+971) (0)4 457 2198, www.facebook.com/JFStreetFood

Jumeirah Restaurant Week

We’re big fans of the Jumeirah group’s restaurants and, happily, they’ve decided to extend their amazing restaurant week promotion till August 23. That means that you can grab some amazing meal sets for just AED 120-180 at The Rib Room, Lalezar, Al Nafoorah and Amala – if there was ever a reason to schedule a date night, this would be it.

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Jumeirah, The Palm Jumeirah, Crescent Road
(+971) (0)4 453 0444, www.jumeirah.com 

Pantry Cafe

This adorable cafe has just opened up a second space in Bay Square, meaning all you Business Bay mamas have a new hot spot for that coffee catch up. The rustic decor and light meals have totally won us over (I mean, have you seen that open kitchen and onsite bakery), plus you’ll be able to grab oils, jams and sauces to take home as well.

Open 8am-5pm.

Pantry Cafe, Bay Square, Business Bay, Dubai, (+971) (0)4 388 3868, www.pantrycafe.me

Per Te

Got a member of the family who needs to be a little more careful about what they eat? This new Italian restaurant is a great place to head to as their menu’s super health conscious and focuses on a lot of eggless recipes, perfect for vegetarians and those with intolerances or allergies. Not only do they do use high quality Italian ingredients, they also locally source some of their stock so you’re giving back to the Dubai community as well.

Per Te, Jumeirah Plaza, Jumeirah 1, Dubau
(+971) (0)4 344 6455, www.facebook.com/PerTeDubai

Reform Social and Grill

We’re big fans of Reform Social & Grill and while we love their classic roasts, we’re pretty happy they’ve introduced a new deli counter with some lighter options. You’ll be able to get some delicious sandwiches and they’ve also come up with a great soup and a sandwich deal for just AED 40.

Deli opening hours 12-4pm.

Reform Social and Grill, The Lakes, Emirates Hills, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 454 2638, www.reformsocialgrill.ae

Sass Café

If heading to the Cote d’Azur just isn’t on the cards this summer, you can still head over to Sass Café to indulge in some Mediterranean fare at the famous Monaco restaurant. They’ve just introduced an amazing three course dinner meal (with a wine-pairing menu if you’re feeling a little naughty) and it’s timed early, so you don’t need to stay out too late.

Early Bird Dinner runs from 7-8pm.

Sass Café, Dubai International Finance Centre, Dubai, (+971) (0)4 352 7722, www.sasscafe-dubai.ae

Uber Ice Cream

Yep, that’s right – Uber’s changing lanes this summer season. Aside from running their usual car service, they’re bringing Melt’s delicious cold treats right to your home or office door. If you’ve already downloaded their app, this Friday you just have to set your location and choose the option ICE CREAM to get your sweet treats within minutes. Forget the ice cream van and go Uber this weekend.

Vii

Vii opened up towards the end of May and it’s one of the trendiest new bars in Dubers, complete with a funky leaf canopy amidst a stunning urban setting. It’s got a gorgeous terrace and a range of amazing cocktails with intriguing names like Champagne Poison and Grape Escape – plus, they do some nibbles if you’re feeling a little hungry.

Opening hours are from 7pm-3am.

Vii, Conrad Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 444 7444, conraddubai.com