Dining destinations in Dubai

Review of Dubai Appetizer hot spots

I had the pleasure to visit the city that is being built in front of your eyes. With 25% of world cranes in Dubai, everywhere you turn there is some new building that is being constructed. Each one trying to outdo the other.

As many of these commercial establishments are being built they are accompanied with high end restaurants some of which I had the privilege to try first hand. The one caveat I have to add to this review is that most of the places I suggest is for the experience rather than the food, although I was mildly surprised by a few of the dining establishment

Buddah Bar
Attached to Grosvenor House hotel is the highly regarded Buddha Bar. Buddha Bar is a chain owned by George V Restauration and located in some of the most popular destinations including London, Prague, and the orginal one Paris. The restaurants have similar Asian themes that include dim lighting and a signature giant 50ft Buddha that resides usually as the center piece in the restaurant.

For this particular restaurant the theme is consistent from the artistic wooden doors to the gold light fixtures fitted with dim litted red bulbs. As you enter through the hallway on the left and right are small private Japanese dojo rooms and as you move further down it opens up with several tables on the right and a nice long open table and bar to the left. In the center, sits patiently a giant golden budhha.

This was an interesting meal as we came at 1am to dine just before the kitchen was closing. We were able to convince the waiter to bring out some the signature starters at a discounted price. The place was bustling as this is a great spot to grab drinks and strike up a conversation with a diverse group of individuals.

Within 20 min 3 spectacular dishes were served

The fried tiger shrimp with a sweet sauce was done to perfection with a nice crispy texture complimented by a fat juicy shrimp inside. This dish was devoured within minutes.

We also had some vietnamese spring rolls another solid dish.

Finally we were served the rolls which included a sample of Dragon Rolls, Dynamite Rolls and the ever adventurous Rock n' Roll Roll nicely stacked on ceramic plates. All which were excellent.

Like all Buddha Bar establishments it is very expensive for dinner with dishes upward to $50. However If you come for appetizers and desserts prices are a bit more reasonable.

Buddha Bar
Grosvernor House Hotel,
Dubai Marina


Neos Bar located in The Address Hotel

Located near the top of a fairly new hotel called The Address is Neos. The bar is on the 63rd floor and offers spectacular panoramic views of dubai city including the famous Burj Tower which currently is 2,087 ft with the final height still shrouded in mystery to prevent competitors from beating it.

The Address is a beautifully designed hotel that does not gloss over any detail . From the high end furniture to the ornate lighting fixtures this hotel rightfully receives its 5 star acclamations. In order to go to Neos you need to take two different elevators. When you arrive at your destination you are introduced into a new ambiance that is from another galaxy as long silver tubes of light hang from the ceiling and the walls are covered in metallic shingles. There is a circular bar in the middle and one level down are several tables which provide you with awe inspiring views of the city. As you look up you are astounded that at 63 floors you are only a third way up of the Burj Tower.

We seat ourselves in nice isolated space at the far end of the bar. There is not much for food choices on the menu. So we order the appetizer spread which includes brusccetta, sashimi, wague beef, and a spring roll.

The food was pretty average but the ambiance and views were great. Personally I would recommend coming here for drinks.

However, I have heard that the other dining options located inside the hotel including Fazaris (cosmopolitan blend of Japanese, Asian, Indian, Arabic and Mediterranean cuisines) and Hukama (Chinese Cuisine) are excellent. So you might want to give them a try.

The Address Hotel
Burj Dubai Boulevard, Downtown Burj Dubai
P. O. Box 123234, Dubai, UAE

360
Adjacent to the famous El Burg Al Arab (The "Sail") and beautifully designed Jemeriah Beach hotel better know as "The Wave" is the restaurant 360. To get to restaurant you enter through the Wave hotel and take a nice walk along the pier or if you prefer you can take a cart. From here you can watch gorgeous sunsets as you enjoy a nice drink and some of their appetizers. Again there is nothing spectacular just some simple finger foods including chicken satay and potato wedges. But it's definitely a destination spot that you have to experience.

Jumeriah Beach Hotel
JUMEIRAH BEACH HOTEL
PO BOX 11416, DUBAI, UAE

The one and only Royal Mirage

The name says it all. Hidden from the main road, this large estate transports you to Arabia. From the marble floors, the lofting arches, the ornate decor and the antique style furniture there is nothing simplistic about this place. Our friend curently living in Dubai suggested visiting the Arabian Court, a quaint little courtyard, that has patio tables placed under tent canopies. The food here was excellent as we had the standard Lebanese meal including humus, pita, as well as different cuts of lamb, and chicken. This is a highly recommended destination to get away from chaos of Dubai and relax for a few hours while smoking some flavorful Shisha. Afterward head down to the bar that has litted pool and runs into the beach and enjoy a few more drinks.

One&Only Royal Mirage
Po box 37252
DUBAI, UAE

The Bur Al Arab

No trip can be complete without a visit to the famous 7 star hotel. It was built to resemble the sail of an Arabian vessel. making it a truly unique architectural piece of work. To increase the lure of the hotel, only hotel guests and people who have reservations can enter the hotel.

We decided to try and grab a quick bite without having our wallets chewed out. Once they were finally convinced that we had a reservation we entered through the gates up the long road to the hotel. From the outside this is a pretty intimidating looking hotel, but when you enter there is nothing that spectacular. An elaborate fountain display in front along with an escalator to the top. The atrium is one thing that is impressive as it vaults 590 ft to the very top of the hotel. We decided to dine in the Al Muntaha restaurant meaning "high" that extends out from the hotel to provide panoramic views of the Persian Gulf. Once we reached the top we entered through an odd archway of cpu like chips which through me off as I did not quite understand what the theme of this restaurant exactly was. As you look out the window you get a slight glimpse into the man-made islands "The World" made up of 300 islands which span 9 km in length and 6 km in width.

"The decoration of the place is odd as it straddles the persona of club and luxury dining, as there are there are glowing circular lights covering the ceilings but at the same time high class cutlery, felt chairs and well dressed tables. The themes are very inconsistent and can be confusing if you come for lunch when the circlar lights looks like colored globs across the ceiling.

Unfortuantatly like most places in Dubai service was terrible. The waiter tried to force us to order two courses which we finally convinced was not going to happen. There is pre-fixe menu option or a la carte all exorbitantly priced.

We each shared a few different starters. The jumbo prawns was an average dish that could be found at any standard restaurant. I do have to say the lobster bisque was creamy and excellent and the waguye beef caviar was definitely a memorable dish. However, for the prices upward to $50 for a starter, I would recommend trying to make reservations for drinks and saving your money where you will get more bang for your buck.

El Burj Al Arab
PO BOX 74147,
DUBAI, UAE

Trip to the Sand Dunes

If you want to be more adventurous, I recommend making a trip out to watch the sunset of over the Sand Dunes. Its a hairy ride to say the least as the driver takes you for a joy ride along the dunes. After 20 min of being jolted around you finally get to see the sun quickly set behind dunes. Afterward most trips include, a traditional meal in a nearby area, which also includes some local performers including a sultry belly dancer. If that is not your thing you have a chance to sit on a camel or smoke some shisha in the tents.

So that is my whirlwind tour of Dubai. There are so many other little places I probably missed and more that will be coming as these massive structures are being built. It will be interesting to visit in a couple of years and see what new eating establishments have opened.

Have you been to Dubai..What were your favorite destinations and places to eat?