Restaurants & Cafes
7 restaurants to try in Dubai this week
Mekong
Named after the legendary Mekong River in Asia, this gem tucked in a corner of Anantara The Palm offers the best of South East Asia under one (pretty) roof – picture a table for you and your special plus one, set under a ceiling of suspended umbrellas and bird cages. Once you’re able to move your eyes away from the quirky rickshaw style seating and striking art work on the walls, expect to find some of the city’s best Asian cuisine on your dinner plate. The Valentine’s menu, available on February 14, is priced at AED945 per couple.
Where: Anantara The Palm Dubai
Contact: +971 4 567 8304, website
Q43
In a move that we applaud, Q43 is launching a night dedicated to the staff that usually work tirelessly to make sure you have a good night. Every Sunday between 8pm and 3am you can get 50 percent off food and drinks just by showing your ID and proof of job position. Then you can kick back while someone else does the running around for you.
Where: Media One Hotel
Contact: +971 4 443 5403,
Bar Baar
The space vacated by gone-but-not-forgotten, The Music Room, has a new tenant. Bar Baar is billed as the emirate’s first “social hub meets gastropub”. It has an Indian café bar vibe to it, so during the day it’s the ideal spot to pick up a coffee and chat business over lunch, and in the evening it’s a trendy nightspot. It’s split into four areas: the Living Room with nostalgic flourishes of Mumbai throughout, Lounge that has comfy sofas and work desks, Community where everyone sits on one long table and Bar, which is self-explanatory.
Where: Majestic Hotel & Tower, Mankhool Street, Bur Dubai
Contact: +971 4 501 2631
Gaucho
DIFC’s award-winning Argentinian spot is doing things a little different this Valentine’s Day. Instead of sharing dishes, you and your other half will be served ‘his’ and ‘her’ options through most of the meal. The night will end on a sweet note with a portion of Argentinian salted caramel crème brûlée and coconut ice cream, made for sharing. The Valentine’s menu is priced at AED700 per couple.
Where: DIFC
Contact: +971 4 422 7898, website
Nezesaussi Grill
With a tri-nation focus (it’s got the short forms for New Zealand, South Africa and Australia in its name), Nezesaussi Grill is where casual vibes meet sporting action. This month, specifically for Valentine’s Day, the sports bar will be hosting a traffic light party where the colour of your clothing will determine your relationship status – red for taken, yellow for proceeding with caution and green for go. The evening promises food, fab music and lots of fun. Plus, it is ladies’ night so enjoy two glasses of grape and a starter for just AED79 between 6pm to 9pm.
Where: Address Dubai Marina
Contact: +971 4 888 3444, website
Hong Loong
For a traditional celebration of the Chinese New Year, book your table at Sofitel’s popular Oriental restaurant. Suitable for the entire family, the celebration on February 15 includes a four-course meal that features all-time Cantonese favourites like steamed shrimp dumplings, chicken sui mai and spring rolls for starters. Options for mains include crispy marinated chicken in spicy plum sauce, Hong Kong style roast duck and wok fried noodles. The night will end with a refreshing fruit platter or the traditional sweet dumplings, the choice is yours. Priced at AED350 for adults (including a bottle of grape for two) and AED100 for children between the age of six and 12. Children under five dine for free.
Where: Sofitel The Palm
Contact: +971 4 455 5656,