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5 of the best restaurants in Dubai this week: May 19 to 22

5 of the best restaurants in Dubai this week: May 19 to 22

What's On19-05-2025
Five reasons to not cook this week…
Dubai's food scene is always in full swing, and if your calendar isn't already filling up with lunch dates and dinner plans, it's about to. From buzzy reopenings to menu glow-ups, here are 5 of the best restaurants in Dubai to check out this week. Taverna Greek Kitchen
What: A beloved homegrown Greek gem returns with a new aesthetic
Vibe: Elegant Greek taverna meets modern Dubai – bright, breezy, and right on the water, with a live Greek singer
Menu: A mix of comforting classics and creative twists: daily-changing Skopelitiki pie, sea bream ceviche with Bloody Mary vibes, roasted sea bass with Mediterranean veg, and grilled whole calamari. Don't miss the prawns saganaki.
When: Now open; live Greek singer every Monday from 9pm
Where: Souk Madinat Jumeirah @tavernagreek.ae HANU x LÉGUME Four Hands Omakase
What: A two-night omakase by Chef Kyung Soo Moon (HANU) and Chef Sung Si-woo (LÉGUME), where fire meets flora across 12 inventive courses.
Vibe: Minimal and intimate, set at HANU's omakase counter with just ten seats a night.
Menu: A 12-course tasting where fire meets flora. Chef Kyung Soo Moon (HANU) brings signatures like soy-marinated prawn, mushroom galbi and seabass steeped in three Korean jangs. Chef Sung Si-woo (LÉGUME) brings seasonal, Seoul favourites – think kumquat stuffed with waxy corn, chickpea gnocchi, and yeast-roasted cauliflower. Priced at Dhs690 per person.
When: May 21 and 22, two seatings per night at 6pm and 9pm
Where: HANU, St. Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah @hanu_dubai Jones the Grocer
What: The neighbourhood favourite drops a new menu by Chef Ben Warren
Vibe: Laidback and always buzzing – perfect for midweek lunches, casual dinners, or weekend catch-ups
Menu: The new lineup brings together classics and inventive global flavours. Starters include wagyu bresaola with figs and a smoked duck and date salad. Sandwiches get an upgrade with beef and truffle or truffle chicken sliders. For mains, expect comforting dishes with a twist like pea and mint risotto, and Dan Dan noodles with a punch. New burger highlights include the gochujang chicken and a classic double patty cheeseburger. Finish with something sweet – hot mango pie, chocolate lava cake, or lemon and vanilla posset. Drinks? Think berry foam lemonade, mango mousse iced matcha, and orange coffee.
When: Available now
Where: All Jones the Grocer locations across Dubai @jonesthegrocer
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What: A limited-edition croissant infused with the delicate flavours of Middle Eastern saffron blossom, layered with date sponge cake, orange marmalade, and finished with saffron crème brûlée
Vibe: A graceful mix of French pastry artistry and local inspiration.
Menu: Part of Sofitel's La Haute Croissanterie collection, this croissant offers a unique twist on a classic, with buttery, floral notes and a nod to regional flavours. Also available as part of the Blossoms afternoon tea experience. Priced at Dhs32 per croissant, Dhs195 per.
When: Now through August 31
Where: Bijou Patisserie, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk @sofiteltheobelisk Prime68 Business Lunch
What: A daily business lunch menu offering two or three courses, crafted for quick but quality mid-day dining with views.
Vibe: Chilled out yet polished.
Menu: Start with classics like French Onion Soup, Caesar Salad, or Gambero Rosso Carpaccio. Mains feature Stanbroke Black Angus Filet Mignon, Norwegian Salmon, or the Prime68 Burger. Finish with desserts like Eton Mess or Chocolate Mousse. All paired with stunning views of Dubai's skyline. Priced at Dhs125 for two courses, and Dhs148 for three courses.
When: Daily from 12pm to 3pm
Where: Prime68, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai @prime68dxb
Images: Supplied/Instagram
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Inside Anandes Hotel Mykonos, a 'love letter' to the Greek island
Inside Anandes Hotel Mykonos, a 'love letter' to the Greek island

The National

time4 hours ago

  • The National

Inside Anandes Hotel Mykonos, a 'love letter' to the Greek island

Long favoured by a well-heeled crowd drawn to its sugar-cube buildings and winding lanes, Mykonos remains the most hedonistic of the Cycladic isles. Since the 1960s, it has served as the playground for Mediterranean glamour, with blue-shuttered houses, sleepy windmills and white alleyways. With countless outdoor eateries, picturesque churches and endless sunshine it is a perennial summer destination. The island's old town, mercifully preserved, is enchanting with its painted flagstones and bougainvillaea-framed balconies. Here, visitors can drift through a warren of cobbled alleys lined with artisanal boutiques offering hand-thrown ceramics, island-foraged beauty oils and freshly made gelato, interspersed with flagships from Dior and Louis Vuitton, that nod to the international clientele. The arrival It is past midnight when I land, bleary-eyed, at Mykonos airport. When my driver assures me the hotel is a 10-minute drive away, I assume he is being generous. He isn't. Moments later, I'm gliding through the open-air lobby of Anandes Hotel Mykonos, the island's newest (and, it turns out, only) five-star address in the old town. The reception is a calming, open-plan space that spills out on to a wide deck facing the moonlit harbour. Despite the hour, the welcome is warm and personal. My bags are swept away without ceremony and I'm gently escorted to my room. The room Anandes is intentionally compact. Each of the 42 rooms has either a private balcony, plunge pool or overspill pool, all gazing out towards the Aegean Sea. My room is quietly fabulous. A linen canopy floats above the bed, nautical-striped boucle cushions soften the whitewashed palette and wooden furniture adds warmth. A personal bugbear is hotel rooms cluttered with pointless furniture, but nothing is superfluous in this one. It has a cleverly integrated corner desk and a table generous enough to eat at. The bathroom can be concealed behind a sliding panel while the television, thankfully, can also be tucked discreetly away. My concierge throws open the double doors, revealing a view over the private pool to a distant hillside, softly twinkling with lights. Even at night, it's spectacular. The dining Anandes is home to La Petite Maison, the French Riviera restaurant that has been offering convivial, flavour-first dining since the 1980s. Here it handles the in-room dining, breakfast service and a breezy terrace restaurant overlooking the pool. The menu leans generously into Greek produce and, as a vegan, I feast on delicately marinated sweet peppers (€17.5 or Dh64), a lentil salad with burnt tomatoes and apple (€21.5) and a creamy avocado salad (€23.5). My fellow guests wax lyrical over the grilled tiger prawns with coriander and green chilli (€52.5), featherlight gnocchi with cherry tomatoes (€29.5) and tuna tartare with caviar (€37.5). The spa The Heat by Sophia Lie spa is a Stockholm import that offers high-tech wellness rituals via full-spectrum infrared treatments. Built on a concept of 'sweat, sculpt, recover,' practices at the facility focus on helping the lymphatic system to remove waste and support optimal functioning. I opt for the Pre-Beach Program, a 60-minute body sculpting massage designed to stimulate lymphatic drainage via a sleek machine that rhythmically massages the body. Guests wear a fitted bodysuit for modesty and to help the head glide easily. Post-sculpt, a targeted infrared facial and sauna session, rounds out the treatment. I emerge blissed out and newly polished. The setting Carved into the hillside above town, Anandes derives its name from the Greek ἄνω (anō) meaning 'above', an apt description for the topography and attitude. Redesigned by Studio Bonarchi, the hotel is laid out over three levels in a seamless flow of lime-washed walls, hand-hammered granite floors and richly textured natural wood. The 10-minute walk home from the old town is entirely uphill and can be circumvented by summoning a golf cart. For those seeking further indulgence, Alemagou beach club is a short drive away, ideal for a long, louche lunch that drifts into a party at sundown. The verdict Anandes is the vision of Egyptian-Greek hotelier Karim El Chiaty, who first visited Mykonos as a child. His take on hospitality is part art collector's sensibility, part summer host. The hotel is peppered with pieces from his private collection and exudes a rarefied elegance. It feels more like staying with a fabulous friend than at a hotel. Thanks to the surrounding terrain, the property is insulated from the bustle of the airport and town, although parents of young children take note: steep drops render it unsuitable for guests under nine. The site's former incarnation was excavated and reimagined, with an additional floor dug into the bedrock to accommodate more rooms, the spa and discreet pool facilities. 'It's not a business,' El Chiaty explains, 'it's a love letter to Mykonos.' And after a few days here, it's easy to understand why.

11 iconic brunches in Dubai worth the hype
11 iconic brunches in Dubai worth the hype

What's On

time18 hours ago

  • What's On

11 iconic brunches in Dubai worth the hype

Brunches in Dubai are a weekend ritual and nowhere does it quite like this city. Whether you're looking for a high-energy party with DJs and dancing, a refined culinary journey with five-star flair, or a relaxed afternoon with scenic views and top-tier bites, Dubai's brunch scene has something for every palate and mood. From beachfront fiestas and Peruvian powerhouses to jungle-themed escapes and sophisticated rooftop affairs, these 11 iconic brunches capture the very best of what Dubai has to offer. Hungry yet? Let's dig in… Swipe through the gallery 3 of 12 Opa Dubai A Greek island escape, right in the city. If you've ever wanted to brunch like a Greek god or goddess complete with traditional dances, signature beverages, and some very satisfying plate-smashing, Opa Dubai is the one. Held just once a month, this lively experience is set in a bougain villaea-draped, white-and-blue space inside Fairmont Dubai that transports you straight to the islands. Expect fantastic live entertainment, a warm Mediterranean vibe, and an afternoon that's equal parts festive and fabulous. Location: Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road Date: Next event is on Friday, 23 August Timings: 12pm to 4pm Packages: From Dhs355 Contact: 04 357 0557 @opadubai Candypants at Akira Back Where high energy meets haute cuisine. A staple brunches in Dubai scene, Candypants at Akira Back delivers a Saturday like no other. Perched in W Dubai The Palm, this party brunch blends inventive Japanese cuisine with Korean flair and global influences. Expect panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah, bold cocktails, and that signature Candypants buzz, loud, unapologetic, and seriously fun. It's a full-sensory brunch that balances top-tier dining with an electric party atmosphere. Location: Akira Back, W Dubai, The Palm Times: Saturdays, 1pm to 4:30pm Packages: From Dhs425 Contact: 04 245 5533 @candypantsdxb Bubbalicious at The Westin The classic that never misses. Whether you're new to Dubai or a brunching pro, Bubbalicious at The Westin is a rite of passage. Held at the stunning beachfront resort, this iconic brunch sees three restaurants join forces to serve up a feast of global flavours, live cooking stations, flowing drinks, and nonstop entertainment. It's high-energy yet family-friendly, luxurious yet approachable, a brunch that delivers every time and remains one of the city's most beloved weekend staples. Location: The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina Times: Saturdays, 1pm to 4pm Packages: Packages from Dhs475 and kids aged 6 to 12 Dhs300 Contact: 04 511 7373 @westindubai Hutong A regal chinese brunch experience. Step into the world of Qing dynasty decadence at Hutong's Imperial Brunch in DIFC. Inspired by the legendary Manchu-Han Imperial Feast, this refined brunch begins with an unlimited spread of starters and handcrafted dim sum, followed by a specially curated main course of your choice. End on a sweet note with an elegantly plated sharing dessert. With its sophisticated ambiance and elevated flavours, this is a brunch that's truly fit for royalty. Location: DIFC, Dubai Times: Saturdays, 12:30pm to 3:30pm Packages: From Dhs288 Contact: 04 220 0868 @hutongdubai Naughty Noodles at Maiden Shanghai Dubai's most outrageous arty brunch. FIVE Palm Jumeirah's Naughty Noodles Brunch at Maiden Shanghai is more than just a meal, it's a full-throttle experience. Known globally for its wild energy and award-winning flair, this brunch pairs gourmet Chinese dishes with non-stop entertainment, from live performers to pumping DJ sets. The excitement doesn't stop, because at 4:30, guests head straight to the rooftop for the afterparty, with skyline views and vibes that last till sunset. Bold, loud, and unapologetically fun, this is brunch, FIVE style. Location: Maiden Shanghai, FIVE Palm Jumeirah Timings: Saturdays: Brunch: 1pm to 4:30pm and afterparty: 4:30pm to 7pm Contact: @naughtynoodles_brunch Viva Brasilia at Mama Zonia Carnival vibes with a Peruvian twist. Turn up the energy at Mama Zonia's Viva Brasilia Brunch, a multi-award-winning party that fuses the rhythm of Rio with the flavours of Peru. Brought to life by Secret Parties, this high-octane brunch offers vibrant live samba performances, curated beats, and immersive entertainment, all within the lush, jungle-themed interiors of Pier 7. With a summer offer that extends the fun until 5:30pm, it's the perfect excuse to keep the drinks flowing and the vibes high. Location: Mama Zonia, Pier 7, Dubai Marina Timings: Saturdays, 1pm to 5:30pm (extended summer hours) Contact: 04 240 4747 @mamazoniadubai Al Qasr A refined feast with iconic flair. A true Dubai institution, the Al Qasr brunch at Madinat Jumeirah is back. This elegant affair caters to both discerning foodies and families alike, with live cooking stations dishing out global favourites in style. From a luxe seafood spread and artisanal cheese selection to indulgent mains like beef Wellington, truffle mac and cheese, dim sum, and more, it's a brunch that celebrates variety and quality. Add in premium drinks, live music, and an optional after-party, and you've got one of the city's most polished weekend experiences. Location: Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah Times: Saturdays, 1pm to 4pm (after-party to follow) Contact: 800 323 232 @alqasrbrunch City Social Elevated dining with a side of skyline views. For a brunch that puts exceptional food front and centre, City Social by Jason Atherton delivers a masterclass in refined simplicity. Set high in Grosvenor House Dubai, this elegant Saturday spot offers perfectly executed classics like beef tartare, smoked burrata, grilled prawns, and confit lamb shoulder. Ideal for group gatherings, the bubbly package comes complimentary for parties of six or more, just one more reason to make it a social affair in every sense of the word. Location: City Social, Grosvenor House Dubai Times: Saturdays, 12:30pm to 4pm Packages: From Dhs395 Contact: 04 402 2222 @citysocial_dubai COYA A Peruvian powerhouse with party energy. COYA's Saturday brunch is where vibrant Peruvian flavours meet sophisticated party vibes. Held at the stylish Four Seasons Resort, this long-standing favourite brings the energy with upbeat music, flowing premium drinks, and an endless parade of signature dishes like ceviche, anticuchos, hearty clay pot mains, and those irresistible churros. It's lively yet refined, bold yet elegant. And with over eight years at the top of Dubai's dining game, it's no wonder this grown-up fiesta remains a brunch icon. Location: COYA, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach Times Saturdays, afternoon Contact: 04 316 9600 @coyadubai Barfly by Buddha-Bar A sunset brunch with serious style. Swap daytime dining for something a little more seductive with Barfly by Buddha-Bar's Saturday evening brunch. Set against sweeping views of The Palm, this sleek, candlelit experience offers pan-Asian favourites like short rib bao buns, paired with premium drinks and sultry live entertainment. With its glamorous setting and after-dark energy, Barfly is perfect for those who like their brunch with a side of nightlife. Location: Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah Times: Saturdays, 7pm to 11pm Packages: From Dhs365 Contact: 04 230 0000 @barflydubai Amazónico A jungle brunch with rhythm and flair. Tropical vibes, Latin flavours, and non-stop rhythm, Amazónico's Saturday brunch in DIFC is an immersive escape into the heart of the jungle. Set across three lushly designed floors, this brunch pairs premium Latin American dishes with vibrant live performances from a percussionist and trumpeter, all soundtracked by a DJ spinning Latin-infused beats from 2pm. Expect sushi starters, caramelised pineapple, baby chicken, and bold cocktails in a brunch that's as much about the music as it is the meal. Location: Amazónico, DIFC Timings: Saturdays, 12pm to 4pm Packages: From Dhs595 Contact: 04 571 3999 @amazonico_dubai Looking for more brunches in Dubai? We've rounded up 105 brunches across the city Images: Instagram, Secret Party and Websites

4 of the best Aperitivo deals in Dubai right now
4 of the best Aperitivo deals in Dubai right now

What's On

time19 hours ago

  • What's On

4 of the best Aperitivo deals in Dubai right now

Not quite dinner, not quite a night out but Aperitivo sits somewhere in between. What exactly is it, you might ask? Well, Aperitivo is an Italian tradition and refers to enjoying a pre-dinner drink, typically alcoholic, accompanied by light snacks. It's a cultural ritual focused on socialising and relaxation before a meal, stimulating appetite with drinks that are often bitter or dry. Perfect for when the day is done and dinner isn't the move. This tradition started in the piazzas of northern Italy and was never meant to be formal. Just the chilled kind of early evening that involves a cocktail, a snack, and a view. Dubai, of course, has its own way of doing it and you don't need to be in Milan for it to feel like Aperitivo. Here are four of the best Aperitivo deals in Dubai right now. Cala Vista A Mediterranean-modern terrace bar with panoramic views of Burj Al Arab and the Arabian Gulf. The setting is specifically inspired by the Amalfi Coast – complete with olive trees, lemon accents, and split-level seating and designed to enhance that sunset moment. Expect classic or signature cocktails that come with crisp Italian bites like arancini and bruschetta, served just when the sunset colours meet the horizon. Location: Jumeirah Mina Al Salam – Jumeira St – Al Sufouh 1 – Dubai Times: Daily, 12.30pm to 11.30pm Contact: 800 323232| @calavistadubai Bar Du Port Harbour-side, modern and relaxed. Bar Du Port's BDP Sunsets offers house spirits, wines, draft beer, and both classic and signature cocktails, all available from 4 to 7pm. The music stays low enough for conversation, while the sunset views provide the perfect backdrop. It's a simple, laid-back after-work option to unwind. Location: Dubai Harbour Times: Sunday–Friday, 4pm–7pm Cost: Starting at Dhs35 Contact: (0)4 332 4868 | @barduportdubai Cucina Palm Jumeirah's laid-back Italian spot centres on tradition and flavour. Aperitivo here means bowls of al dente pasta with classic sauces, creamy gelato, and espresso to finish. Casual and simple, just how it should be. They also have an in‑house gelateria offering over 15 flavours – including options like limoncello & caviar and black truffle dark chocolate. Location: Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah (Marriott Resort) Times: Monday–Friday, noon–1am; Saturday–Sunday, 8am–1am Contact: (0)4 666 1408 | @cucinathepalm Alma Music & Art Lounge Alma Music & Art Lounge leans into its creative side with a relaxed weekday Aperitivo. The Out of Office menu runs weeknights with signature cocktails or classic drinks, paired with a short, well-picked list of tapas. Alongside the drinks and tapas, the space features rotating digital art installations and live music, making it part gallery, part lounge Location: Podium Level, Gate Village 05 – Trade Centre – DIFC – Dubai Times: Daily, 4pm–2am Cost: Five plates priced at Dhs140 Contact: (0)4 227 5569 | @alma_lounge > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in

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