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Dubai’s best private dining experiences
Tue, May 31, 2022
Looking for somewhere extraordinary to celebrate a special occasion? Check out these elegant dining options in the city.
Looking for somewhere extraordinary to celebrate a special occasion? Check out these elegant dining options in the city.
1
BOCA
Tucked away in the lower levels of BOCA is The Cellar, a private dining area where the maître d’ can suggest options from a menu of well-executed Mediterranean classics, or from the more experimental deli specials. Those feeling adventurous can opt for The Cellar Experience, a gourmet exploration of five different regions, including their signature black rice with scallops and clams. Alternatively, BOCA’s chefs are happy to collaborate on an exclusive menu.
2
Anantara The Palm
When is a dining room not a dining room? When it’s a foodie concept like Anantara’s private catering, Dining by Design, which gives diners a choice of exclusive locations across the resort's grounds in Palm Jumeirah. By candlelight, the secluded beachfront is a romantic option for honeymooners, while a table on the end of a private jetty, backlit by the Arabian Gulf’s famous sunsets, is a beautiful backdrop for proposals. Given enough notice, your personal butler can arrange a hand-picked menu from the resort’s Thai, Australian or international restaurants – or a mix of all three.
3
Armani/Ristorante
A dinner for two can’t get much more exclusive than a private degustation experience at Armani/Ristorante, located in the iconic Burj Khalifa. One of Armani Hotel’s most popular dining spots, the restaurant celebrates the ingredients and flavours of various regions in Italy. Although the dishes follow traditional culinary sensibilities, every aspect of the dining experience is brushed with contemporary flair from the designer brand.
4
Hōseki
As rare a find just as its name suggests (Hōseki means ‘gemstone’ in Japanese), this restaurant in Bulgari Resort is a gourmand’s delight. It’s a small, intimate space but you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Dubai skyline and the finest Japanese cuisine imaginable. The private dining room seats up to 12, and guests can savour the omakase experience – a Japanese culinary tradition that’s handled expertly by chef Masahiro Sugiyama. No two meals are alike, so you’ll never tire of this culinary gem.
5
Al Maha Desert Resort
Little compares to dining amidst the desert dunes and Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa pulls out all the stops at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. It may as well be a scene out of Aladdin – from the rolling landscape to the Persian rugs, linen cloths and warm glow of candlelights. Watch the desert flora and fauna while enjoying some of the finest Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. This is truly a magical experience, no matter the occasion.
6
Miss Lily's
Miss Lily’s brings a Caribbean island flavour to the heart of the city and is one of the hottest late-night spots. To tune down the surrounding revelry and turn up the cosy for a gathering of your closest friends and family, choose the restaurant's private dining room which can seat 14 guests. It mimics the pantry of an avid cook, with colourful jars and cans lining shelves – an opportunity for diners to look around and discover new seasonings, flavours and surprises.
7
GAIA
Created by popular chef Izu Ani, this Greek-Mediterranean spot in the Dubai International Financial Centre district is regularly packed and serves up tasty mezze and meals in a relaxed setting. Designed to host curated experiences, GAIA's charming secluded dining room features white stone walls and copper-pan detailing, and seats up to 12 diners. Aptly, this space is revered as the 'chef's table' and has direct access to the kitchen.
8
Maiden Shanghai
Maiden Shanghai's chic aesthetic is suited to special occasions – not altogether surprising, given its glamorous location at the FIVE Palm Jumeirah. The exclusive dining rooms upstairs host fantastic meal gatherings as well as fun experiences like karaoke, ideal for groups that are all in for a memorable evening of great eats and terrific tunes. Lanterns, chandeliers and artwork add to the ambience, with this perpetually buzzing spot proving to be a popular choice for celebrations and nights out with friends.
9
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. Designed by New York-based architects ICrave, it feels like an oasis in the sky. The private dining room seats 14 guests and comes with its very own AV system, plus floor-to-ceiling windows and golden walls. This is a setting designed to impress.
10
Amazonico
This buzzing restaurant at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is incredibly popular, and there’s a lot to shout about. The jungle-esque décor is on point and will make you feel as though you’re deep in the rainforest, travellling along the Amazon River. The private dining room here seats 14 people and looks out onto the incredible rooftop terrace. The Latin American menu features the best of the best, from the freshest seafood to perfectly grilled meats.
11
Hutong
Made famous by its sibling in London's The Shard, this Chinese fine dining restaurant boasts its own stunning location right in the heart of the Dubai International Financial Centre. The dining hall can be split to create a large conference room or more intimate dining spaces decorated with Chinese lanterns and moody interiors. Order the scallop, squid and shrimp dumplings and truffle egg fried rice, with the option to inject as much heat as you like into each order.
12
Ernst
Cavernous German tavern Ernst accommodates a staggering 429 guests across its indoor and outdoor seating, but slip behind a nondescript door in the main area and you’ll find yourself in a cosy private dining room perfect for an intimate Bavarian banquet. The space is big enough for 20 people to comfortably feast on freshly-baked pretzels and some of Dubai’s best schweinshaxe, and is the perfect nook for a birthday party.
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