
Restaurant Review: Soirée Dubai is the perfect blend of chill and buzz
Step onto the first-floor garden terrace and it's like stepping into a sanctuary for conversation. This is where the chill happens. An intimate, almost secret garden vibe wraps around you, setting the perfect stage for a night where the clinking of glasses doesn't drown out your ability to actually talk to the person next to you. A rarity in Dubai's high-octane nightlife scene, it's the kind of place where you don't need to shout to make your point — blissful, isn't it?
But once you step inside, the energy flips. Suddenly, you're transported into a swankier, more vibrant atmosphere. Think Manhattan-style lounge-meets-art deco aesthetics, with low lighting casting shadows on sleek surfaces, and just the right hum of excitement in the air. This is where the night really begins.
Something for everyone
No great evening is complete without a great drink, and Soirée does not disappoint. Their signature beverages From the Garden and Not So Bloody are two standouts—refreshing, inventive, and enough to ease you into the mood for a memorable night ahead. The menu alone is a masterclass in creativity, offering everything from zesty concoctions to the classics done with a twist. It's exactly what you want from a place that aims to deliver an elevated experience without taking itself too seriously.
As for the food, Soirée strikes the kind of balance every restaurant dreams of: food that's perfect for grazing and sharing, but substantial enough to satisfy even the most ravenous of appetites. The small plates—shrimp wontons, crab cakes, beef tartare, and skewers—are nothing short of excellent, while the larger mains (think tenderloin, sea bream, and the rich angus ribeye) will give you the fuel to keep your evening going strong. Whether you're nibbling or feasting, there's enough on the menu to satisfy every craving.
The extra touch: A cultural twist
But here's the kicker that sets Soirée apart: the in-house art gallery. After you've had your fill of delectable food and perfectly mixed drinks, why not wander through their rotating collection of artwork? It's a clever touch, one that gives the place an added dimension of sophistication and cultural flair. You're not just dining here; you're immersing yourself in an experience, one that lingers long after the last cocktail is sipped.
Verdict
Soirée Dubai manages to do what so few places can: it balances an intimate, chilled-out atmosphere with a lively, stylish interior. It's the kind of place where you can unwind after a long day, indulge in fantastic food and drink, and still feel like you're part of something special. Whether you're sharing stories with friends, having a romantic dinner, or simply soaking up the buzzing ambience, Soirée delivers on all fronts. It's chic, effortlessly cool, and a place you'll find yourself returning to time and time again.
As the French would say, une soirée exceptionnelle vous attend (an extraordinary evening awaits you).

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


What's On
10 hours ago
- What's On
4 of the best bars in Dubai to visit this week: August 4 to 7
Still in town? Dubai's bar scene is keeping it cool this August with the right mix of sleek interiors, great music, and a moody atmosphere. From stylish rooftops to cosy lounges, here are four of the best bars in Dubai to check out this week. Bulgari Bar Image: Bulgari Dubai Instagram Coming in at number 50 on the World's 50 Best Bars list, Bulgari Bar delivers a focused take on high-end cocktails in a calm, stylish setting. Located at Bulgari Resort Dubai, it's known for its curved central bar, low-lit atmosphere, and clear views over the Arabian Gulf. Italian bar director Dario Schiavoni leads the drinks programme, crafting cocktails inspired by the colours and flavours of nature. Location: Bulgari Bar, Bulgari Resort Dubai, Jumeira Bay Island, Jumeirah 2 Times: Daily from 5pm to 2am Contact: (0)4 777 5555 | @bulgarihotels Hush Hush Image: What's On archive Hidden inside The Nice Guy, Hush Hush is the kind of speakeasy you won't stumble into by accident. No signs, no buzz – just velvet booths, low lighting, and the smooth pull of R&B and Hip Hop on rotation. The mood is intimate, the crowd in-the-know, and the vibe always on point. Go when you're feeling groovy and want to disappear into the music. Location: Hush Hush, The Nice Guy, Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Ground Level, The Boulevard Times: Open daily 5pm to 1am (3am on Wed, Thu & Fri; from 12:30pm on Sat) Contact: (0)4 276 9888 | @theniceguydubai Zuma Image: Zuma website Since it opened in 2009, Zuma has been a staple for anyone who knows their way around contemporary Japanese food in Dubai. It nails that balance between stylish and relaxed, making it perfect for everything from business lunches to late-night drinks. Sushi lovers and robata grill fans keep coming back for consistently strong dishes, while the signature cocktails add the right kick. Its loyal crowd spans locals and visitors alike, thanks to the solid food and top-tier service. Location: Podium Level, Gate Village, Building 3, Trade Centre, DIFC Times: Open daily 12pm to 3:30pm and 6pm to 12am (1am on Thu, Fri & Sat) Contact: (0)4 425 5660 | @zumadubai Gohan Tucked behind La Cantine Du Faubourg, Gohan channels Tokyo's underground vibe with moody lighting, red neon, and a compact, Japanese-style interior. Between the glowing lanterns, sake-lined shelves, and late-night soundtrack, it's a perfect spot for sushi, cocktails, and a more intimate kind of party energy. Location: Gohan, Emirates Towers Hotel Entrance, Sheikh Zayed Road Times: Open daily 12pm to 4pm and 6pm to 2am (3am on Fri & Sat & 2am on Sunday) Contact: (0)4 352 7105 | @gohandubai > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in


Filipino Times
a day ago
- Filipino Times
Joel Torre is bringing Ilonggo-style chicken inasal to Dubai
Filipino actor and entrepreneur Joel Torre is bringing the famous Ilonggo-style chicken inasal to Dubai this August! Torre is expanding his food business overseas with the upcoming launch of JT's Manukan Grille at City Centre Deira, 'Para sa mga kababayan natin sa Dubai, nalalapit na ang aming pagdating sa City Centre Deira! Magkikita-kita tayo ngayong August 2025 para sa inyong authentic Bacolod chicken inasal (Original Filipino Chicken Barbecue),' JT's Manukan Grille announced in a Facebook post. 'Bringing the flavors of Bacolod and the Philippines closer to you one store at a time,' it added. The restaurant is best known for its original Filipino chicken barbecue, or chicken inasal, a marinated grilled chicken dish rooted in Bacolod's culinary tradition. Torre co-founded the popular chicken inasal chain with his wife, Cristy Azcona-Torre, in 2023, and has since grown to over 40 locations across the Philippines, with its first international branch opening in Singapore last year.


What's On
2 days ago
- What's On
Review: INA wraps up flame-grilled creations in tribal-inspired luxury
Inspired by the smoldering spirit of Africa, the name INA stands for 'fire' or 'flame' in Nigerian Yoruba. Located on the glamorous stretch of J1 Beach, a hotspot of cuisine and nightlife, this is one of the 13 destinations one can explore as they walk down the promenade. INA offers a juxtaposition of sorts – the food is primal, stripped down to the roots of open-fire cooking and seasonal flavours, while the interiors take tribal taste and give it that Dubai-style, nightlife oomph . The Vibe As soon as you step in , you eat with your eyes, because INA's interiors are a dim, delicious take on tribal-inspired luxury. Handcrafted woodwork, carefully curated greenery, fringed accents, traditional prints and rose gold lighting that sets the entire mood. The restaurant space feels intimate and exclusive, a compact central enclave surrounded by the stunning bar on one side and elevated seating on the other. In the winter months, guests can enjoy their evening under the stars with an open-air retractable roof. The Food and Drinks Created by Australian-born Chef Glen Ballis, the menu at INA is all about highlighting the singular power and beauty of fire. Every dish embraces simplicity, devoid of excess, fancy frills and theatrical presentation to offer a culinary experience that is uncluttered, authentic and true to the Earth. Plates like the char-grilled asparagus with whipped ricotta and bottarga, the padron peppers with smoked salt and the tomato carpaccio with green herb puree are the best examples of this – licked by flames, seasoned with minimal but quality ingredients, and still packing a punch. Mains like the carabinero prawns with pink peppercorn dressing, the fremantle octopus with herb vinaigrette and calamansi, and the oven-baked crab rice with tomato salsa take seafood, preserve it's freshness and dress it up in smoke and salt. The Service The staff are warm and lively, keeping the plates rotating at our table with almost stealthy efficiency. They offer us great recommendations and keep our party entertained with great energy. What to Order Striploin Tomato carpaccio Stracciatella Sour cream soft serve with charred strawberries What's On the Bill Dhs400-600 for two, including food and drinks. The Final Say What's On Verdict: For your next special occasion, head to INA. Location: INA, J1 Beach, Jumeirah Times: Sunday to Thursday, 6.30pm to 1pm, Friday and Saturday, 6.30pm to 2am Contact: (0) 4 570 4766 | @ Reservations: Recommended for weeknights/weekends Images: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in