From ultimate spots to celebrate special occasions to exciting new offerings to indulge in, here are the things to do in the UAE in April 2024

PizzaExpress

PizzaExpress is set to unveil its revamped pizzeria, PizzaExpress Live, in Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Dubai, with a grand opening on April 27th featuring a live performance by UK pop sensation, Pixie Lott. The refurbished venue promises an enhanced dining and entertainment experience, featuring a relocated stage for better viewing, a 360-degree bar, al fresco dining options, and booth seating throughout the restaurant. Guests can kick off the festivities with an exclusive show by Pixie Lott, enjoying a three-course menu with unlimited beverages.

Call +9714 441 6342.

The Pods

The Pods at Bluewaters Island introduces a new afterparty experience, offering private party venues with personalised sound systems, stunning views of the JBR skyline, and magical sunsets. Guests can enjoy lush outdoor spaces, air-conditioned comfort, and indulgent Pan-Asian delicacies, making it the perfect spot to continue the weekend festivities in style.

Friday-Sunday, from 4-7pm. AED299 per person. Call +9714 453 8994.

Katsuya x Yamanote Atelier

Katsuya and Yamanote Atelier unite to introduce an exclusive fusion menu, combining the culinary expertise of both Japanese establishments. From April 17th to May 5th, patrons can indulge in a selection of meticulously crafted dishes, including three unique Yamanote desserts at Katsuya and three specially curated Katsuya dishes at select Yamanote locations. Available exclusively at Katsuya at Hyde Dubai and three Yamanote locations, guests can savour these limited edition dishes and enjoy a special 20% discount until May 31st, 2024.

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Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm Dubai

During the annual Dubai Food Festival, modern Middle Eastern Master Chef Greg Malouf will collaborate with award-winning Executive Culinary Chef Sonu Koithara of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm Dubai, to orchestrate an exclusive four-course dining experience on Friday, April 26th and Saturday, April 27th. Warm hospitality, familial sharing, and artful cooking will be central to the event as Malouf and Koithara, hailing from Lebanon and India respectively, infuse traditional Middle Eastern recipes with Mediterranean flavours, crafting an exquisite menu that blends tradition and innovation. The culinary journey features delights such as Morocco’s celebrated B’stilla, Raia’s Turkish Adana Kebab, and plenty more, concluding an evening filled with exquisite dining, live entertainment, and breathtaking views of Palm Jumeirah, promising an unforgettable experience for guests.

From 7-11pm. AED395 per person. Call +97158 126 7395.

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort presents Anantara’s Restaurant Week, running from April 15 to 21, offering a tantalising three-course culinary experience across four distinguished dining venues. Revo Café presents Scandinavian salmon medley and Mushroom cappuccino, followed by the Atlantic salmon and Grilled minute steak, culminating in Coconut passion pudding or Gluten-free Chocolate cake. Bushman’s showcases antipodean flavours with New seasons asparagus velouté and Herb-crusted baked salmon, complemented by Warm macadamia brownie or Lime crème brulé. The Beach House promises beachfront dining with Truffle and mushroom arancini and Pan-seared red snapper, leading to Almond-choco raspberry treat or Zesty citrus tart while Mekong whisks diners to Asia with Prawn toast and Red curry chicken, concluding with Mango sticky rice or Pandan brûlée.

Revo Café, Mekong, The Beach House and Bushman’s. AED185 per person. Call +9714 567 8304.

Samakjë Harbor

Explore Samakjë’s special weekend family lunch, enhanced with an exclusive chef’s signature dish created specifically for Eid Al Fitr. Delight in a diverse culinary experience featuring dishes like Samke Harra, Fatteh Bizri, Prawns Provinçal, Lobster Kebbeh, and a curated selection from the seafood display, allowing you to choose your preferred catch of the day. Don’t miss the live dessert station, offering an array of traditional oriental sweets to conclude your dining experience.

April 10-14, from 1-5pm. AED300 per person. Call +9714 584 6777.

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

The Coterie

Experience the thrill of race day with The Coterie’s new “A Day at the Races Brunch”, bringing the excitement directly to your table. Indulge in a delectable sharing-style menu featuring signature dishes like Marmite Roasties and famous Fish and Chips, while engaging in interactive “dine and win” activities.

April 13, from 1-4pm. From AED275 per person. Call +971 58 566 4240

Ronin’s Raw Bar 

Experience an unforgettable culinary adventure at Ronin’s Raw Bar, a lively upscale Japanese restaurant debuting at FIVE LUXE. The ambience exudes rebellious Japanese fun dining, with Irezumi art adorning the walls and bar, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Guests can savour a sensational array of dishes including Bonito tataki, Hamachi, and Seabass carpaccio, followed by flavorful bowls featuring Tuna tataki and Hokkaido scallops. The dining journey continues at the teppanyaki, robatayaki, and sushi bar, where skilled chefs prepare delights such as BBQ yuzu miso black cod and Ise ebi giant prawns, concluding with Mochi ice cream and Miso molten chocolate cake. With references to pagoda tables, an outdoor terrace boasting stunning views, and a private dining room, Ronin’s Raw Bar promises an immersive and captivating dining experience for all. 

Contact +9714 455 9989. 

FIVE Jumeirah Village 

Nestled within the luxury hotel, Soul St. offers an innovative culinary experience with its latest menu featuring a fusion of Asian-inspired flavours and beloved street food classics. Highlights include Sashimi tacos, specialty offerings from the Josper robata grill featuring the aromatic Jasmin tea-smoked lamb chops, and the signature Singapore chilli lobster wonton ‘bombs’. Guests can elevate their dining experience with curated beverages and enjoy Wednesday Ladies’ Night with a special three-course set menu and complimentary drinks, adding an extra touch of excitement to their midweek dining escapade at Soul St. 

AED175. Contact +9714 455 9989. 

SHIMA 

Located within the One Palm Jumeirah Dorchester Collection, the dining venue offers an exquisite Japanese dining experience set against the backdrop of the Persian Gulf and city skyline. Signature plates showcase a blend of seasonal flavours and traditional ingredients with innovative culinary techniques, including highlights like Chutoro sogigiri and Hamachi nigiri from the Sushi bar, as well as delicacies like Ise ebi tempura and King crab leg cooked in robata. 

Contact +97156 731 0909. 

TOTÓ Restaurant

TOTÓ Restaurant Abu Dhabi, located on the beachfront promenade of Mamsha Al Saadiyat, draws inspiration from the Golden Age of Italian cinema. With a commitment to using the freshest Italian products and local seasonal ingredients, TOTÓ offers an authentic dining experience steeped in tradition and creativity, featuring a menu brimming with bold flavours and classic dishes such as Vitello tonnato antipasti and La vera carbonara.

Contact +9712 643 0228.

Brix Café

Try the flat croissant, a signature creation from Brix Café, offering three delightful flavours: white chocolate, pistachio and rose, milk chocolate and hazelnut, and dark chocolate and salt. Each croissant features a unique flattened 2D format, delicately dipped in an assortment of chocolates and toppings for an irresistible treat.

Contact +97154 515 7861.

Bellini Café 

Introducing Bellini Café to Dubai, Ignazio and Maggio Cipriani, the 4th Generation heirs of the esteemed Cipriani family, have curated an extension of the renowned Bellini Restaurant collection within the exclusive Mr C Residences Jumeirah. Upon arrival, guests are treated to an enticing array of homemade desserts, pastries, cakes, and gelato, inviting them to unwind in the comfort of one of Bellini Café’s spacious banquettes. Drawing from beloved classics savoured at Bellini destinations across the United States, diners can anticipate indulging in favourites such as classic fried mozzarella “carrozza,” beef carpaccio, hand-pressed focaccia, panini, cured meats and cheeses, as well as sweet and savoury crepes and house-made dolci. 

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