From luxury cinema dining to buzzing nightlife and exclusive limited-edition menus, here’s our suggestions for everything exciting in the UAE
Dubai
Akira Back at THEATRE, VOX Cinemas
Make your way to THEATRE, VOX Cinemas’ luxury cinema concept to experience exceptional gastronomy from Michelin-starred chef Akira Back, whilst enjoying your favourite movie in lush comfort.
Tuck into a vibrant and menu featuring bites such as the sublime Akira Back pizza with umami aioli, micro shiso, white truffle oil and tuna; Eggplant miso; the Cow-cow with braised short rib and Asian slaw; Grilled lamb chops with chipotle mayo, wild rice, green peas, roasted sweet potato and Asian chimichurri; and a rich Truffle rice clay pot. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the AB kiss and Mochi ice cream as you quench your thirst with Kombucha lemonade, Vanilla espressotini and more.
Book online via the website and download the VOX Cinemas iOS or Android app.
Bella Notte, Bella Restaurant & Lounge, Grand Millennium Hotel Business Bay
An elevator ride up to the rooftop of the Grand Millennium Hotel Business Bay, will have you walk into the sophisticated Bella. Bella’s Lounge has launched Bella Notte, a weekly concept set to take entertainment to new heights.
This late-night extravaganza includes international singers, musicians, DJs, aerial acrobats and dancers to keep you entertained until the early hours. When the hunger pangs strike, indulge in Italian dishes cooked to perfection, including a Truffle pizza with fior di latte, scamorza cheese, cream of pecorino and truffle paste; Tortelli filled with ricotta, spinach and truffle; Josper chargrilled wood-fired meats; and decadent Italian desserts to end on a sweet note.
Thursdays and Fridays from 6pm-3am. Call +97152 100 6024 or visit the website.
Armani/Hashi, Armani Hotel Dubai
The multi-award-winning Japanese restaurant Armani/Hashi marks its post-summer return to Dubai’s dining scene with the arrival of a new head chef, Sin Keun Choi (‘SK’), who also happens to be an Iron Chef Thailand alumnus.
Chef SK and Armani/Hashi will kick off the new season of world-class gourmet experiences with a seasonal ‘Taste of Autumn’ menu. Diners can expect sumptuous creations including mango skin foie gras Gyoza, tuna and beluga caviar tartare with sushi crackers, a pickled tomato and seared salmon salad with aji amarillo and a delectable pairing of Hokkaido scallops, black tiger prawn tempura, beef short ribs and Rougie foie gras served with vegetables. Polish this off with the Green tea sugar sphere for dessert.
Armani/Hashi ‘A Taste of Autumn’ menu is available from October 14 to 31. AED599 per person (inclusive of soft beverages). Call +9714 888 3666 or email restaurant.reservations@armanihotels.com. Visit the website.
Masala, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Drive down to this desert paradise and make your way to Masala restaurant to experience an aromatic authentic culinary journey through the North of India. Savour traditional Indian tandoor and curries al fresco-style as you dine under the stars with your loved ones or indoors in an intimate and elegant setting.
Those who celebrate Diwali will be thrilled to discover the restaurant’s vibrant specially curated menu full of exotic spices, distinctive flavors and authentic desserts. Enjoy delicacies such as Sev puri and Dahi bara from the Chaat section; Aatishi jhinga (spiced prawn curry) and Murg makhani from the Mains; and Murgh mirch tikka and Chingari paneer tikka from the Tandoor section. End on a sweet note with a selection of Diwali sweets.
October 14 to November 10 from 7pm-12am. AED 195 per person (inclusive of set sharing menu) and AED 375 per person (inclusive of house beverages). Visit the website.
Farriers, The Meydan Hotel
Whisk the family over to Farriers restaurant at The Meydan Hotel, where al fresco dining on the terrace comes with picturesque views of the racecourse.
Choose to visit on Thursday for The 90s Evening Brunch where diners can take their pick of bites from a themed menu inspired by 90s flavours. Think signature dishes and live cooking stations such as Barbecue brisket Texas-style sandwiches, a Hot dog station, Chicken Kiev, Shepherd’s pie and more; while desserts include an English Battenberg cake and an M&M fudge chocolate cake. Alternatively, the venue’s Friday Big Meydan Brunch offers a Seafood barbecue station; live cooking stations boasting Italian, Spanish, Asian, Arabic, International and Japanese cuisine; and extensive cheese cuts.
Thursday The 90s Evening Brunch from 7-11pm at AED149 per person (inclusive of soft beverages), AED299 per person (inclusive of house beverages) and AED449 per person (inclusive of sparkling). Friday Big Meydan Brunch from 1-4pm at AED249 per person (inclusive of soft beverages), AED399 per person (inclusive of house beverages) and AED499 per person (inclusive of sparkling). Visit the website.
Sociale Saturday Brunch at Social by Heinz Beck, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
Brunches are somewhat of an institution in Dubai. Hotfoot to Social by Heinz Beck, the elegant setting at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah for a delectable Saturday lunch, accompanied by winning beverages and upbeat music.
Chef Heinz Beck launched a new and enhanced menu for the restaurant’s popular Saturday brunch, Sociale, during his visit to Dubai last week. Diners can look forward to a traditional Italian family-style meal with dishes such as homemade suppli, beef tartare with black truffle, seared tuna with avocado and sesame, black truffle risotto, spaghetti with lemon and caviar, fagotelli carbonara, seared scallops with green peas and truffle; while sweet treats comprise chocolate sable with caramel ice cream and more.
Saturdays from 1-4pm. AED400 per person (inclusive of soft beverages) and AED600 per person (inclusive of creative concoctions, bespoke beverages, grape and hops). Call +9714 818 2222 or email dxbpd.restaurants@waldorfastoria.com. Visit Instagram.
DoubleTree by Hilton, JBR
With the weather cooling down, but still warm enough for a pool or beach day, treat yourself to a daycation at DoubleTree by Hilton in the buzzing JBR area this weekend.
Receive all-day access to DoubleTree’s infinity pool which offers unrivalled views of Ain Dubai on Bluewaters Island; or visit the private beachfront area for a cooling dip. When the hunger pangs strike, reach for a sumptuous bite before relaxing with an interesting read or catching up on fun with the kids, while a DJ plays catchy beats in the background.
Friday and Saturday from 11am-9pm. AED 200 per person (with AED100 redeemable on F&B). Visit the website.
Abu Dhabi
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Pack your bags, buckle the kids in tight and drive over to Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island for a memorable weekend experience.
Families of two adults and two kids will be able to enjoy daily access to Yas Theme Parks, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World ™ Abu Dhabi. Guests of the hotel who avail this offer will also receive 50 per cent off Yas Beach access, up to 25 per cent off food and beverage at managed restaurants and complimentary breakfast at Graphos Social Kitchen.
October 14 to November 30. AED565 onwards per room per night (for two adults and two kids). Call +9712 208 6888 or e-mail reservations_yasisland@hilton.com.
BBQ Al Qasr, Emirates Palace
The lavish al fresco eatery overlooking the Arabian Gulf has reopened its doors to diners, offering an elevated gastronomic experience including the finest seafood and grills.
Diners can expect an ultimate barbecue dining experience from an à la carte menu with signature dishes including barbecued Tomahawk steak, Charcoal-grilled lamb chops and baby chicken, Wood-fired King Crab legs and jumbo shrimp, as well as a barbecued Seafood platter to share. The menu also features a selection of organic vegetables freshly sourced from local farms. Alternatively, opt for the Chef Discovery Menu featuring a range of chef-favourite dishes cooked on a fire barbecue; or the Chef Signature Menu showcasing chef-selected dishes.
Dine à la carte or opt for Chef Discovery Menu at AED450 per person and Chef Signature Menu at AED750 per person. Call +9712 690 7999 or email epauh-restaurants@mohg.com.