From gold-plated vada paos and Alice in Wonderland themed cookies to Island-inspired events and menus featuring exotic cuisines, here’s our suggestions for everything exciting in the UAE

Dubai

O’Pao

Have you always wanted to eat a gold vada pao? Well, now you can. O’Pao, a hidden gem in Karama has introduced the world’s first gold O’ Vada Pao. Tuck into a potato dumpling stuffed with cheese and truffle butter; and wrapped in 22-karat golden leaves. Stuffed into a soft bun, it is then topped with mint mayonnaise and served in a wooden box with a side of sweet potato fries and mint lemonade.

AED99 per vada pao. Call +9714 526 0355.

Tania’s Teahouse

Calling all Alice in Wonderland fans! Tania’s Teahouse is inviting you to have a magical time at their spot with their new themed décor and a limited-edition menu. Tuck into a Queen’s Croquet Salad, a Cheshire Cat’s Pear Salad, Mad Hatter’s ‘Slow’ Tea Sandwiches, Tweedledee and Tweedledum Short Ribs, The Queen Of Heart’s Tart and Eat-Me Cookies.

Sunday to Saturday from 9am-8pm. Dine à la carte at AED39 onwards. Call +9714 324 0021.

Dishtrict 

Start the weekend with a selection of breakfast bites from Dishtrict’s new menu. Diners can look forward to classics such as a Salmon and Avo Toast, an Arabic Breakfast Platter, a Burrata Avo Toast, a Tofu or Egg Bhurji and Açai Bowls. Alternatively, opt for unique dishes such as blue Mermaid Pancakes with Nutella and vanilla ice-cream, a Pink Eggs Benedict, Lotus French Toast or Pink Waffle Sticks.

Daily from 9am-3pm. Dine à la carte. AED36 onwards. Visit Instagram.

Armani/Mediterraneo

In exciting news, this contemporary-casual restaurant has reopened its doors and is now inviting diners to tuck into delectable delights, whilst taking in glittering Burj Khalifa views. Look forward to hearty salads, fresh seafood, hot mezze platters, wholesome soups, scrumptious mains, crusty pizzas and luscious pastas; ending with a sweet treat or two.

Armani Hotel Dubai. Dine à la carte. Call +9714 888 3666 or email restaurant.reservations@armanihotels.com.

Great British Restaurant, Dukes The Palm, A Royal Hideaway Hotel

This classic, all-day dining destination offers timeless British cuisine, together with refreshing beverages and picturesque vistas. Be it a casual afternoon tête-à-tête or a meal on the go; a gathering with the mates at happy hour; or a spectacular themed buffet dinner where you can have British cuisine on Sunday, Italian cuisine on Monday, Asian cuisine on Tuesday, International cuisine on Wednesday, Mediterranean cuisine on Thursday, Russian cuisine on Friday or Arabic cuisine on Saturday, the Great British restaurant has you covered.

Afternoon Chat from 1-5pm at AED55 per person; Grab & Go from 7am-5pm; Happy Hours from 1-5pm at AED35 on select beverages; Grape and Hops from 7-10:30pm at AED50 for two glasses of house grape or two half pints; and a Theme Night Buffet from 7-10:30pm at AED120 per person, AED240 per person (inclusive of house beverages), 50 per cent off for kids aged six-12 and complimentary for kids below six. Visit Instagram.

JW Marriott Marquis

The property has launched their Restaurant Month and diners are invited to visit any or all of their restaurants and indulge in delectable dishes. From international flavours at Kitchen6, juicy meats at Prime68 steakhouse, European fare at Positano and La Farine, to exotic dishes at Tong Thai, fresh sushi at Izakaya and casual bites at Bridgewater Tavern, diners can be assured of something for all palates. 

September 9 to 30. AED99 onwards. Visit the website.

The Nine, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk

This gastropub is offering an array of ways to celebrate the weekend. If you find yourself there on Thursday, opt for the two-course menu and free-flowing sips. Friday calls for a scrumptious fry-up with non-halal sausages, bacon, eggs and more; or tuck into a traditional British roast featuring a meat of your choice whether it be chicken, lamb or vegan and all the trimmings.

Thursday ‘Out-Out’ from 6-10pm at AED275 per person (for two hours); The Friday Fry-Up from 11am-4pm at AED59 onwards; or Saturday Roast from 12:30-4pm at AED95 onwards per person. Call +9714 281 4111 or visit Instagram.

CMP Bar & Grill x The Tasting Class

If you love yourself a good cut of beef cooked to perfection, with a glass of bold red grape, this one’s for you. CMP Bar & Grill has teamed up with The Tasting Class to offer diners an exclusive dining and grape pairing experience, over the duration of a sumptuous five-course dinner. The menu features dishes such as Wagyu tartare, Steak frites, Braised short rib and more.

September 9 from 7:30-9:30pm. AED400 per person (inclusive of five-course dinner with five glasses of grape and a guided lesson from a sommelier). Book online or call +9714 580 7983. Visit Instagram.

Paros, Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers

Hotfoot to Paros, the Greek-style rooftop restaurant and bar and begin your weekend with mouthwatering bites, catchy tunes and panoramic Dubai Marina views at their Nisi Night Brunch. Enjoy unlimited starters, one main and dessert, accompanied by sips. Look forward to dishes such as Moussaka, Saganaki and Keftedes.

Thursday from 7pm-10:30pm. AED225 per person (inclusive of soft beverages), AED275 per person (inclusive of house beverages) and AED350 per person (inclusive of sparkling) and AED650 per person (inclusive of bubbly). Call +9714 5741 111 or e-mail info@parosdubai.com.

Lapita, Dubai Parks And Resorts 

Make your way to this Polynesian-themed resort to avail their rejuvenating ‘All-Day Pass, offering complete access to the property’s lagoon-style pools and lazy river. Additionally, enjoy one-hour access to any spa facility, including the steam room, sauna and vitality pool, one-hour access to the kid’s club and when the hunger pangs strike, 30 per cent off food and beverage across all outlets.

Daily from 9am-8pm. AED190 per adult with two children below 17 years; AED109 for an additional adult and AED54 for an additional child aged four to 17; complimentary entry for kids below four. Call +9714 810 9660 or email lapita.olaspa@autographhotels.com.

Abu Dhabi

Punjab Grill x Department of Culture and Tourism

Together with the Department of Culture and Tourism, Punjab Grill has launched a four-course set fusion menu of Indian and Emirati cuisine. Begin with a chilled Mango Soup or a hot Lentil Soup; followed by Emirati-Spiced Gulf Shrimp and Masala Falafel; mains such as Ghouzi, Hyderabadi Oonth ka Kebab, Kori Rotti and Stuffed Okra; while treats call for Luqaimat and Date-Camel Milk Creme Brûlée and more.

Daily at AED350 per person (four-course set menu). Call +97150 668 3054 or visit the website.

West Bay

Make your way to the West Bay beach club and celebrate the weekend with stunning sunsets, tropical vibes, delightful cuisine and refreshing beverages. Take your pick from their indoor or outdoor seating and start your weekend right with a hearty breakfast filled with freshly-baked goodies, eggs, fruit and more, whilst taking in picturesque views of the Abu Dhabi Bay.

Weekend Breakfast from 9-11:30am at AED175 per person. Visit the website or Instagram.