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Book a table for two at Dubai's most romantic restaurants
Tue, January 30, 2024
Make treasured memories at the city's top date spots.
Make treasured memories at the city's top date spots.
Chic Italian seafood at Pierchic
Pier? Tick. Chic? Double tick. Take in seaside views at Pierchic, one of Dubai's landmark restaurants located at the tip of Al Qasr's jetty. It's the perfect date night spot with awe-inspiring skyline views, including prime vistas of the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel. Arrive early to ensure front-row seats to scintillating sunset views over the Arabian Gulf as you savour an Italian seafood menu complete with tartare, oysters and an impressive lobster risotto.
Underwater magic at Ristorante L'Olivo at Al Mahara
An in-demand venue in Dubai’s luxurious Burj Al Arab, Ristorante L'Olivo at Al Mahara whisks guests under the sea for an experience that’s about as close as it comes to dining underwater. A floor-to-ceiling aquarium takes centrestage, arching over the tables with its schools of swirling fish. Splash out on Italian celebrity chef Andrea Migliaccio's plates, with the five-course tasting menu showcasing signature dishes from the Amalfi coast.
Michelin-starred magic at STAY by Yannick Alléno
STAY by Yannick Alléno features classic French dishes cooked using contemporary techniques, and a Pastry Library where desserts are custom-made. Try the impressive spit-roasted offering for two, which includes beef that's been aged for 28 days, milk-fed lamb leg and whole wild turbot. Just like the visual sensations on the plate, this dining destination at One&Only The Palm has style to spare – from the high timber walls and white pillars to the ceiling dripping with black chandeliers and intricate designs.
Italy's finest at Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
One of Dubai’s most popular hotels, Jumeirah Al Naseem brings the Ferragamo's famous Tuscan estate to the shores of Dubai. Il Borro Tuscan Bistro is a beautiful, chic restaurant serving fresh fish, homemade pasta, aged meats and fine cheeses. The restaurant even sources certain produce directly from the estate itself, like honey, olive oil and more, adding an extra layer of authenticity. Extend your date night by taking a stroll around the resort's grounds afterwards.
Mediterranean flair at 101 Dining Lounge
Take a seat at the idyllic 101 Dining Lounge, situated at One&Only The Palm, for breathtaking views of the skyline. Choose from a selection of light Mediterranean-inspired bites in the open-air dining area, where you'll be serenaded by live entertainment. The cuisine is curated by celebrity chef Yannick Alléno, so don't forget to try his trademark seafood paella, fresh squid ink pasta and Josper-grilled octopus.
Seaside bliss at Fish Beach Taverna
Fish Beach Taverna is one of Dubai’s coolest hotspots for outdoor dining, with an ambience reminiscent of the Greek isles. Splashed with a fresh blue and white décor, this charming spot features authentic Aegean Sea dishes from Greece and Turkey’s coastline. The sharing-style menu is perfect for date night bites and the chef is ready to cook up the day’s fresh catch to your liking. If you're looking for laidback dining on the beach, look no further.
Rooftop vibes at Folly
Watch the traditional abras cut through the water of Madinat Jumeirah’s canals from this foodie favourite’s alfresco terrace. Executive chef Bojan Cirjanic offers a seasonal menu that tickles taste buds with British flavours and fresh ingredients. The great food comes with a side of spectacular views of the waterways and Burj Al Arab.
Dine among the dunes at Sonara Camp
Surrounded by golden undulating sand dunes, Sonara Camp offers a very elevated desert dining experience. Done up in chic white and neutral tones, fairy lights add that extra touch of sparkle to every date night. Chef Franck Sanna's food blends regional and French flavours, with live entertainment adding to the atmosphere. There is desert drumming, sandboarding and archery, but we suggest couples opt for a mini astronomy lesson under the star-lit sky.
Fine dining finesse at TOMO
An ideal choice for a romantic experience, TOMO offers award-winning fine dining from the tip of the pyramid-shaped hotel Raffles Dubai. Take in the cityscapes from the comfort of the contemporary interiors or the golden-hued rooftop while savouring sublime Japanese delicacies with your partner. TOMO, which translates to 'long-time friend', has an unpretentious atmosphere, making it the perfect choice for an easygoing evening that doesn't compromise on high-end tastes.
Stay starry-eyed at Ninive
Sink into the cushioned seating at Ninive and you won't want to get up in a hurry. Perhaps the prettiest terrace restaurant in Dubai, the twinkling lights, lush palms and upmarket Bedouin vibe here is complemented by a region-traversing menu. If you're looking to cosy up with your beloved while sharing delectable dishes or want an exotic getaway feel over a meal without leaving the heart of the city, choose Ninive for your next dinner date.
Find Eastern delights at CE LA VI
This contemporary restaurant with Far Eastern accents is perched up on the 54th floor of the Address Sky View hotel and dazzles the culinary crowd. Head chef Howard Ko has more than 11 years of experience at Michelin-starred restaurants, so comes with stellar credentials. The menu has a mix of Asian-inspired plates as well as international favourites that he puts his own distinctive touch to. The setting and cuisine together make for a spot that's perfect for a special occasion.
Retro-oriental splendour at Mimi Kakushi
Located in the Restaurant Village at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Mimi Kakushi is in good company, counting celebrated restaurants such as Coya and Nusr-Et as neighbours. Step inside and you’ll feel transported to another world with generous use of wood, vintage paintings and pops of green foliage creating an almost homely vibe, while the jazz soundtrack treats you to nostalgic tunes and chefs work on artfully-plated dishes at the open kitchen.
Amalfi flavours and sensational views at Alici
A backdrop of the Dubai Marina skyline is framed by crisp white shutters at this popular Bluewaters Island eatery. Specialising in Southern Italian pescatarian dishes, expect expertly-executed grilled octopus, crisp calamari, raw tartare and crudo along with salt crusted sea bass, Dover sole and lobster spaghetti among other signature plates. Terrace tables are most prized but the interiors, decked out in cool blue and white hues with subtle sea motifs, set the romantic mood too.
French degustation dining at Ossiano
If your other half is a foodie then they'll love chef Gregoire Berger's fine dining degustation menu, which has earned Ossiano a Michelin star, and deservedly so. You'll be wowed by the innovative Frenchman's beautifully presented foodie journeys, inspired by deeply personal memories and experiences. Gold and deep blue hues add to the decadence of dining underwater, with floor to ceiling glass giving you prime views of Atlantis The Palm's fish-filled aquarium.
South American delights at SushiSamba
Bringing the best of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian culture and cuisine to Dubai's shores, the first Middle East location of SushiSamba can be found on the 51st floor of the Palm Tower at Palm Jumeirah. Think sweeping views of the city skyline and vibrant aesthetics, perfectly complementing a menu of distinction. Signature dishes to try include the crispy Hokkaido scallop, Japanese wagyu beef gyoza, ceviche platter and the special Samba Dubai sushi roll.
Italian Riviera vibes at L'Amo Bistro del Mare
Perched by the waterfront of Dubai Harbour Yacht club, this sleek eatery offers a taste of fresh Italian seafood in a chic setting. Dive into a sea of flavours with dishes like spaghetti with sea urchin and saffron-flavoured lobster risotto. With its upscale ambience, panoramic vistas of the skyline and authentic Italian fare, L'Amo Bistro del Mare is a great choice for a romantic dinner or an all-out celebratory feast.
Taste Portuguese specialities at Tasca by Jose Avillez
Perched on the sixth floor of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, the Michelin-starred Tasca combines a magical setting and top-notch service, making it a night to remember. Catch contemporary Portuguese stalwarts like salt cod croquettes, avocado tempura, piri piri chicken and Josper-roasted lamb shank. Book one of the prized alfresco tables alongside the infinity pool for picture-perfect views.
Go sky high at At.mosphere
At.mosphere is the highest located restaurant in the world, sitting 442m above ground in the Burj Khalifa. The popular all-day dining venue offers breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner and the lounge is perfect for watching the sunset while enjoying refreshments. You'll be wowed by the jaw-dropping, panoramic views of Downtown Dubai and the Arabian Gulf.
Feel the love at LPM Restaurant Dubai
Transport yourself to the south of France at LPM Restaurant Dubai – a place that many foodies argue serves up the city's best Provencal cuisine. Located in DIFC Gate Village, this outpost is a popular offshoot of the family-run original that started in Nice. The restaurant has been winning awards since it opened, which will be no surprise once you’ve tasted the food. It was even given a top 10 place on MENA's 50 Best Restaurants list. Within the high-end hotspot, the cream walls are hung with modern art and tables draped with crisp white cloths. Fresh tomatoes, lemons and olive oil provide a centrepiece, showing everyone that the focus is on high-quality ingredients.
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