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Dubai’s unique rooftops
Wed, August 16, 2023
Everything tastes better with a prime view of the city's stunning skyline.
Everything tastes better with a prime view of the city's stunning skyline.
1
Amazonico
This buzzing restaurant at Dubai International Financial Centre is incredibly popular, and deservedly so. The jungle-esque décor is on point and will make you feel as though you’re deep in the rainforest, travelling along the Amazon River. The dishes, meanwhile, are just as impressive as this larger than life dining destination looks. They have a separate sushi menu, but there’s also a long list of creative Latin American plates, specialising in expertly grilled meats. Lauded as one of MENA's 50 Best restaurants, this three-floor space lives up to the hype.
2
Luna Sky
Luna Sky is another venue making the most of a superb location. From this rooftop at the Four Seasons Hotel in DIFC, you can take in captivating vistas of Dubai’s financial district, Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai. There are two seating options: inside or out on the terrace. The food menu is small but well selected with a Japanese and South American feel. Simple and stylish with a touch of DIFC's cosmopolitan edge, this hotspot is perfect for a pre- or post-dinner catch-up while a DJ plays upbeat tunes in the background.
3
Clap
This cool, Beirut-born restaurant housed in DIFC is buzzing in every corner – with an open kitchen on one side of the indoor section promising live culinary action and shimmering views of Downtown Dubai from its al fresco terrace. The spot is known for its Omakase menu, stone bowls and vegan offerings, plus a range of grills from the Josper charcoal oven. Of course, there are loads of sushi to dig into, and with more than 140 options on the menu, the chic crowd that frequents this hotspot is spoilt for choice. Ask for a table at the Music Room where you'll be treated to quirky design accents, 'dancing' tables and visual projections that light up every evening.
4
Mercury Lounge
Head to Four Seasons in Jumeirah to find one of the coolest rooftops in Dubai – Mercury Lounge. Yes, there are extraordinary views – on one side the stunning Downtown skyline accentuated by Burj Khalifa and on the other the Arabian Gulf – but it’s the laidback atmosphere that makes this one of Dubai’s best rooftops. Savour an elegant selection of Mediterranean bites including sharing plates and light entrees, accompanied by a chilled vibe from the resident DJ and a transfixing saxophonist.
5
Anwā
One of Dubai’s signature experiences is watching day turn to night over the desert dunes. Just a short drive from Dubai’s vibrant city lights, Bab Al Shams’ rooftop terrace, Anwā, orchestrates the perfect setting to see the bright orange horizon transform to a night sky full of stars. Dimly lit lanterns and pleasing earthy accents offer a magical escape from it all, with delicious Pan-Asian nibbles adding to a unique experience.
6
TOMO
There are a number of outstanding Japanese restaurants in town, and TOMO is high up on that list. The only thing on par with the food here is the sweeping vista of Dubai’s spectacular cityscape that greets you upon entry into the lounge. Enjoy stunning views of Dubai’s iconic skyline, including the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa, and fresh Japanese cuisine with a modern but characteristic ambiance.
7
88 Terrace
With eye-level views of Ain Dubai and Bluewaters Island’s canopy structures, 88 Terrace offers an unprecedented proximity to and unique perspective of Dubai’s modern marvels. The nightlife venue boasts one of the largest rooftops in the city, fitted with dark industrial styles that are juxtaposed with larger-than-life murals. There’s more to this lounge than its mysterious ambiance – dig into the Spanish-Mediterranean menu to experience the venue’s true flavours. Taste, texture and presentation are emphasised in every plate, from the sharing-style starters to the succulent grills and picture-perfect desserts.
8
Atelier M
Dubai Marina at night is one of the most exquisite locations in the city, with dhows, luxury cruises and party boats slowly making their way up and down the wide canal. The Marina is best observed from the roof of Pier 7 – a multi-restaurant destination with themed floors in the centre of it all.
Atelier M occupies the top floor of Pier 7 with an opulent lounge area on one floor and a rooftop upstairs. This spot offers incredible vistas of urban architecture twinkling like fairly lights, along with upbeat sounds, a dancefloor, standing tables and sofa seating. The quality Mediterranean-style menu is eclectic enough to satisfy all taste buds, from fresh scallops to superb pizzas and pastas.
9
Above Eleven
Perched on the rooftop of Jumeirah Marriott Resort in Palm Jumeirah, Above Eleven brings all the fine flavours of its Bangkok predecessor to Dubai. Overlooking the buzzing Palm West Beach stretch from its ample terrace seating, guests have unparalleled views over the Arabian Gulf and New Dubai’s scintillating sights from here. Using specially-sourced ingredients and intricate techniques, Above Eleven offers a reimagined Nikkei feast. Under the vision of head chef Luis Gavancho, the culinary culture of Peru is infused with Japanese precision to create a menu that’s delicious, memorable and complementary to a cosmopolitan space.
10
attiko
Located on the 31st floor of the W Dubai - Mina Seyahi hotel, attiko is a sleek social supper club bringing together Pan Asian flavours and a setting ideal for memorable night-time gatherings. Sweeping over a coveted rooftop space that overlooks Dubai’s glitziest precincts, guests are ushered into a cosmopolitan reverie of lights, sights and sounds as soon as they enter. The lounge’s dark, dramatic interiors are festooned with fairy-lights and a palm motif, standing in striking contrast to the panoramic views offered from its wide window walls and terrace seating. The mood and food are equally elevated, while the service flows as smoothly as the resident DJ’s deep beats.
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