It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Celebrate Christmas Eve or enjoy a special lunch with your family on December 25th at these exquisite hotspots.
Solo Restaurant & Bar, Raffles Dubai
For an Italian twist, hotfoot to this venue for a delightful four-course menu inspired by traditional festive recipes from southern Europe. Start with citrus flavoured Angus beef tartare garnished with black truffles and parmesan fondue. Relish a roasted turkey accompanied by parmesan polenta with baby carrots, asparagus and gravy for mains, while a chocolate and hazelnut semifreddo with berries and Stracciatella ice cream makes for a sweet ending.
December 24 from 5-11:30pm at AED225 per person (inclusive of a glass of grape) and AED650 per couple (inclusive of a bottle of grape). Contact +9714 324 8888.
Tasca by José Avillez, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
Savour a sumptuous Christmas meal at this Portuguese hotspot. A traditional sharing-style menu will be served, inclusive of codfish with exploding olives, roast turkey and signature drinks in an ambience livened up by melodious music. Save space for a caramelised almond tart mounted with hazelnut ice cream and orange zest.
December 24 (dinner) and 25 (brunch) at AED550 per person. Contact +9714 777 2231.
MasterChef, The TV Experience
Calling all adventurous diners! Brace yourselves for a thrilling culinary ride with a sprinkle of MasterChef magic. Satisfy your cravings with juicy turkey morello and marsala scallopini as entrées followed by enticing asparagus, kumquats and lemon fused with confit lemon and butter emulsion. Finish with a scrumptious Nutella yule log married with espresso syrup, whipped mascarpone and dark chocolate.
December 24 and 26 from 7-11pm at AED199 per person (three-course menu). Contact +9714 550 8111.
Fouquet’s, Louvre Abu Dhabi
Embark on an enchanting journey to Paris thanks to this festive set menu curated by acclaimed chef Pierre Gagnaire. Begin your meal with seared scallop carpaccio and relish roasted Chapon breast from Bresse for entrées. No Christmas meal is complete without the quintessential festive log, and you can also opt for the decadent signature chocolate cake Araguani.
December 24 and 25 at AED450 per person. Contact +9712 205 4200.
Nobu Dubai
Fancy some Japanese fare curated by a celebrity chef rather than the usual turkey this year? Indulge in a delightful gourmet spread featuring dishes such as wagyu striploin, salmon tacos, black cod butter lettuce and a special dessert platter, is all you need for a cosy Christmas.
December 25 from 12-3pm at AED395-585 per person. Contact +9714 426 2626.
Turquoise, Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
A family-friendly mystery Christmas brunch is the talk of the town. An international buffet spread and indulgent selection of desserts are confirmed to delight palates. But the menu itself is a secret and all will be revealed on the day.
December 25 from 1-4:30pm at AED369-795 per person. Contact +9712 492 2222.
La Petite Maison, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Make a beeline for this well-loved French eatery and revel in a set menu comprising foie gras terrine, and yellowtail with avocado and citrus dressing for appetisers. Mains feature pumpkin risotto and braised lamb shank, while a classic yule log makes for the perfect ending.
December 25 at AED295-445 per person. Contact +9712 692 9600.
Carnival by Trèsind, DIFC
A gastronomic festive fiesta is ready for diners at Carnival. A specially curated menu along with live Latin music makes this an undeniable experience. Delve into 13 courses featuring dishes including grilled prawns, fried squid, beef medallion and Gajak (a popular Indian dessert topped with caramel peanuts and chocolate).
December 25 at AED200-350 per person. Contact +9714 421 8665.
Coya Dubai
Bringing the spirit of Incan heritage to the table is the award-winning Peruvian restaurant with a stunning menu to impress. Feast on a five-course prix fixe menu showcasing Tsarskaya oysters, Wagyu T-Bone with Peruvian spice rub, butterflied red label chicken, and baby scallops with truffle.
Until December 26 from 12:30pm at AED640 per person. Contact +9714 316 9600.
Cloud Restaurant & Lounge, Studio One Hotel
This trendy Mediterranean-inspired hangout is a must-try if your interests lie within Turkish and Lebanese delicacies. Dine on a set menu comprising hot and cold mezze. Mains include samekh harra seared sea bass with spicy tomato sauce for something hearty. A chocolate mahalabia paired with candy floss, and baklava with ice cream will spoil diners for desserts.
December 25 and 26 from 1-6pm at AED255-355 per person. Contact +9715 6219 8919.