Latest news with #DarioCecchini
Time Out
14-07-2025
- Time Out
Mondrian Singapore Duxton has been crowned Singapore's top city hotel of 2025
Luxury hotels, boutique and shophouse hotels, unique staycations that will take you off the beaten name it, and Singapore's got it. One accommodation category that you simply can't ignore is also the city hotels, which are the places in the heart of the urban action, amidst skyscrapers and Singapore's trendiest hubs. We have our opinion on t he best ones in the country – but a new ranking by lifestyle and travel magazine Travel + Leisure is worth a look at for some inspiration too. This year, T+L surveyed close to 180,000 readers to get their honest thoughts on top cities, islands, hotels, spas, airlines, cruises, and more. More than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties, with hotels classified as resorts, city hotels, inns, or safari lodges based on their offerings. Readers rated these accommodations based on their rooms and facilities, location, service, food, and value, using a 5-point scale ranging from poor to excellent. Readers' favourite city hotel in Singapore? Mondrian Singapore Duxton, a gorgeous hotel in Duxton Hill that opened in 2023. The hotel was also recognised as the No. 5 hotel in Singapore in Travel+Leisure Asia's Luxury Awards 2025 and the Best Overseas Hotel in Singapore in the Travel+Leisure China Reader's Choice Awards 2025. Things T+L readers loved? Impeccable hospitality and the hotel's winning location. Mondrian Singapore Duxton is located within easy reach of some of the best restaurants and bars on the Tanjong Pagar strip. There are some majorly delicious spots to hit up within the hotel itself, such as 'World's Greatest Butcher' Dario Cecchini's Bottega di Carna, Singapore's first South American fine dining restaurant Araya, and the newly-opened woodfire-focused restaurant Firebird by Suetomi. When all's said and done, you can hit up Jungle Ballroom for drinks and a boogie, or retire to one of 302 chic guestrooms – they're all amazing, but we definitely recommend the shophouse suites for a tasteful touch of heritage. Next in line is Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, which T+L readers highlight for its "flawless service" and "modern and calming design". For The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore (No.3), readers were impressed by its "art-filled public spaces". For Capella Singapore (No. 4) and Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore (No. 5), it's location, location, location: the former is located in lush compounds close to the attractions on Sentosa Island, and the latter is smack-bang in the middle of Orchard Road and all the shopping and entertainment that it offers. Travel + Leisure Readers' 5 Favourite City Hotels in Singapore of 2025: Mondrian Singapore Duxton (96.85) Mandarin Oriental, Singapore (96.31) The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore (93.98) Capella Singapore (93.75) Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore (93.74)
What's On
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Father's Day in the Middle East: thoughtful (and last-minute) gift ideas that deliver
Didn't we already do Father's Day? Not quite. While many parts of the world celebrated it last weekend (June 15), Father's Day in the United Arab Emirates and much of the Middle East falls on Saturday, June 21. So if you haven't sorted a gift yet — you've still got time. And if you're aiming for something meaningful but quick to arrange, here are thoughtful, last-minute ideas that Dad will actually love. For the experience seeker Spa day with a twist: Forget fluffy robes and cucumber slices — book Dad in for a gents-only hammam or a results-focused sports massage at one of the city's top spots. Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray offers a regal hammam experience steeped in tradition, while The Ritz-Carlton DIFC delivers urban luxury with its targeted treatments tailored for the overworked (or over-golfed) dad. For something beachside and restorative, Anantara The Palm's men's packages combine deep relaxation with five-star polish. It's a gift that says: 'You deserve to switch off.' Swing session at Five Iron Golf: If your dad's more into fairways than facials, book him an indoor session at Five Iron Golf. It's all about virtual championship courses, cold drinks, and friendly competition — no sunscreen required. Whether he's a seasoned player or just in it for the post-putt pints, the social setup and casual vibe make it perfect for a fun Father's Day hang with you or his mates. Hot sauce tasting or steak night: Turn dinner into an experience with a meat-lover's dream meal at Carna by Dario Cecchini, The Guild, or Hunter & Barrel. These spots specialise in expertly grilled steaks, spicy sauces, and a warm, masculine ambience that's made for celebratory nights. Bonus: many offer curated tasting menus, so you can let the chef do the deciding — just sit back, eat well, and toast to Dad in style. For the quick-click gifter Same-day delivery from Floward or Joi Gifts: From luxury grooming boxes to Arabic sweets and custom cakes, these platforms have last-minute gifting down to an art. The packaging is premium, the options are curated, and many bundles come with personalisation — making it feel far from a rush job. Digital gift cards from Talabat, Amazon, Namshi or Deliveroo: They're instant, flexible, and surprisingly thoughtful when paired with a note or a recommendation. Add a personal touch by suggesting what he could spend it on — from a new grill tool set to his go-to shawarma spot. Online experiences and subscriptions: Surprise him with a MasterClass membership (for the dad who's always learning), a Spotify Family Plan (so he can finally ditch the ads), or a Shahid VIP account for binge-worthy Arabic series. It's a gift that keeps giving — no wrapping required. For the Sentimental Side Custom art or calligraphy from a local artist: Commission a portrait, family illustration, or even an Arabic calligraphy piece with a personal message or his name. Many UAE-based artists on Instagram or Etsy offer digital delivery — perfect for quick turnaround with a meaningful touch. Framed family photo delivered same-day: Print out a special memory and have it framed and delivered through services like Gallery One or Instacart. It's a simple way to remind him of what matters most — and it looks great on his desk or wall. Handwritten letter paired with his favourite snack or drink: A heartfelt note still goes a long way — especially when it comes with a bag of his favourite chips, a chocolate bar, or his go-to bottle. It's inexpensive, intimate, and probably the one gift he'll remember most. For other options, click here for a curated What's On list of amazing things to get Dad. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
South China Morning Post
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend June 20-22
From art to meaty Italian brunches, Hong Kong is dishing up something for everyone this weekend. Advertisement Art lovers can head to M+ to see 'Trevor Yeung: Courtyard of Detachments', a reconfiguration of the Hong Kong artist's solo exhibition featured at the 2024 Venice Biennale. At Italian steakhouse Carna, charismatic Tuscan chef Dario Cecchini returns for a weekend of fun and food, while fans of Japanese manga series One Piece can head to Moko shopping centre for a pop-up with lifestyle brand Miniso. Movie fans can watch 28 Years Later, the hit horror series' latest instalment. 1. Yoga to de-stress As part of a programme to mark International Day of Yoga – celebrated every year on June 21 – the Iyengar Yoga Centre Hong Kong invites people to let go of stress in a session led by its director George Dovas.
Time Out Dubai
06-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
Best Business Bay restaurants: 21 spots that are worth the hype
Live in Business Bay and fancy a dinner in your neighbourhood? Or want to experience one of the best restaurants in the city to enjoy a post-work feast? From amazing high-end restaurants to cool and casual budget eateries, Business Bay has all the best dining spots. Here are the best restaurants in the area to book a table at and pronto. Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for its own meals, which means that every restaurant on this list has been tried and tested. No free lunches here. The best restaurants in Business Bay 2025 Askim There's a broad menu at Askim but underpinning everything are the flavours of Turkey and the Levant. Salads are colourful and fragrant (the Askim salad with dried figs, beetroot, pecans, feta, balsamic and orange is almost too good to share), grilled kebabs come perfectly charred, the manakish is thin and generously topped and the pida are huge. You'll have to somehow save space for a dessert – from ice cream, cotton candy to Snickers cake, these are an indulgence not to be swerved here. Sit on the terrace during the cooler months and take your time. Unlicensed. Boulevard Heights, Downtown Dubai, (04 266 7099). Carna Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Carna. This modern steakhouse sits on the 74th floor of the SLS Dubai, meaning the views from the dining room are eye-popping. Not only that, the steaks are excellent too. The brainchild of famed Italian butcher Dario Cecchini, there's a meaty nose-to-tail menu that will appeal to carnivores. Cuts include picanha, tenderloin, striploin, rib-eye and tomahawk. Interiors are plush, views are wow-worthy and the dishes shine, making this not only one of the best restaurants in Business Bay but also one of the best steakhouses in Dubai. Licensed. SLS Dubai, Business Bay, @carnadubai (04 607 0737). Check out our full Carna review here Couqley French Brasserie Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Couqley French Brasserie One of the best – and most affordable – French restaurants in Dubai, Couqley in Business Bay is a delightful spot for a Parisian-style meal. The menu boasts all the French classics – beef tartare, tuna tartare, moules frites and an excellent steak frites, swimming with a glorious signature steak sauce. Veggies are not left out here though, as there's a top-notch cheese plate, as well as pappardelle aux champignons et truffes, burrata salad and one of the tastiest sides in town – grilled Portobello with Parmesan. With plenty of deals and a relaxed vibe, there's a lot to like about Couqley. Licensed. Pullman Dubai Downtown, Business Bay, (04 514 9339). Check out our full Couqley French Brasserie review here Em Sherif Café Credit: Em Sherif Café Known in Beirut as one of the most elegant restaurants in the city, Em Sherif comes with lofty expectations. And here in Dubai it lives up to those high hopes. The menu in Dubai is a more casual, home-style experience than the Beirut original, and the food is utterly delicious. Start with creamy hummus and sesame-studded falafel before moving onto cheese pie and a perfectly cooked mixed grill. A charming experience with generous, tasty plates – it's no one wonder Em Sherif is the best Lebanese restaurant in Dubai. Unlicensed. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, (056 577 7900). Check out our full Em Sherif Café review here Fi'lia Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Couqley French Brasserie Looking for a top-notch dinner with panoramic views? Fi'lia is the spot for you. Serving up Italian-leaning Mediterranean dishes, the menu is broken down into three sections: nonna – traditional Italian flavours your grandmother would make, mamma – contemporary twists on a classic, and figlia – a daughter's modern approach to a generational masterpiece. There's also a selection of both classic and special pizzas with margheritas, burrata bresaola and more as well as 'la famiglia' sharing dishes. Set on the 70th floor of the hotel, there are 360-degree views across the city, while indoors is bright and airy with plenty of foliage. Licensed. SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, Business Bay (04 607 0770). Check out our full Fi'lia review here Günaydin Credit: Günaydin If you're looking for somewhere to eat Turkish food in Souk Al Bahar, Günaydin is the one for you. This fancy Turkish steakhouse has prime views of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain show, so it's an impressive place to tuck into the tasty grills. Having started life as a butcher's shop in Istanbul, there are plenty of meaty mains to try including steaks and a separate lamb menu. Pick on hot and cold mezze while you ponder which cut you want. Licensed. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, (04 554 0700). Check out our full Günaydin review here Honeycomb Hi-Fi Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Fi'lia. Time Out Dubai's Bar of the Year 2023 is not only the number one place for a brilliant night out, but it also serves some of the best bar food in Dubai. One of the coolest spots in town, Honeycomb Hi-Fi is a hit with music-lovers. With a music listening station, a vinyl record store and a roster of top DJs, it's a popular spot for a hip evening with your friends, with creative mixed drinks, too. When it comes to food, it's an izakaya-style idea so try plates such as chicken karaage, lamb gyoza, garlic prawn udon and stuffed wings. Licensed. Pullman Dubai Downtown, Business Bay, (04 412 6666). Check out our full Honeycomb Hi-Fi review here La Maison Atelier Sucré Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: La Maison Atelier Sucré Love waffles? La Maison Atelier Sucré should be on your list. This Belgian pastry shop specialises in Liège waffles – made with brioche-style dough and sugar pearls that caramelise when baked. A sweet, chewy waffle La Maison does a range of flavours from vanilla to cinnamon, chocolate-filled, pistachio, speculoos, cherry, apple and cinnamon, vanilla custard and pineapple and more. Buy them individually, or splash out for a box of four. Whether you share or not is up to you. Unlicensed. Bay Square, Business Bay, (04 446 9014). Long Teng Seafood Restaurant Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Long Teng Seafood Restaurant Long Teng is renowned for its Chinese seafood dishes, which it does extremely well. Set over several floors in Business Bay, this authentic spot is the go-to when it comes to traditional, fresh seafood dishes. There's also a wide selection of dim sum – from crystal prawn to veg, as well as cute little chick-shaped custard buns. From noodles to stir-fries, there is everything you could want, making it one of the best Chinese restaurants in Dubai. It's so good there's even a location in Time Out Market Dubai. When it comes to the best restaurants in Business Bay, this is a must try. Unlicensed. U-Bora Business Tower, Business Bay, @longtengseafood (04 241 1666). Check out our full Long Teng Seafood Restaurant review here Jun's (Credit: Jun's) Hailed as one of the most creative Asian restaurants in Dubai, Jun's comes from acclaimed chef Kelvin Cheung and proudly serves up 'third culture cooking'. A blend of flavours from around the region, with some North American influences, expect everything from lobster pani puri and red-hot chicken kaarage and waffles through to Jamaican-Chinese lamb neck, jalapeño onion burger and bone marrow shrimp fried rice. And of course, the now infamous rainbow heirloom carrots, the only vegetarian dish we've ever eaten that tastes like actual smoked salmon. Try them, and a heap of other signatures when you're there. Innovative, fun and thoroughly delicious – with top-notch service and Burj Khalifa views to boot. Licensed. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, (04 457 6035). Check out our full Jun's review here Mama'esh Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Mama'esh Mama'esh is one of the best budget restaurants in Dubai and one that we can't get enough of. A Palestinian restaurant that has spread to various locations throughout the city, the food is excellent and authentic wherever you go. For a cute date night or lunch out with the family, head to the Business Bay branch for charming décor and a delightful little terrace. Dig into freshly baked manakish laden with gooey, molten cheese, or Palestinian hummus and spinach fatayer. The breakfast platters are ace, and for traditional Palestinian food, there's no better place in Dubai. Unlicensed. Bayswater Terrace, (600 548 287). Check out our full Mama'esh review here Prime68 Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Prime68 An oldie but still a very goodie – Prime68 is a stalwart on the Dubai dining scene with valid reason. Officially the best steakhouse in Dubai – again – Prime68 not only serves delicious, expertly cooked meat, it also offers some of the best views around. As you'd expect from the name, you'll find this steakhouse on the 68th floor of the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai with stunning skyline views. Inside it's a pretty classic setup in terms of steakhouses, but lifted with modern touches. When it comes to meat, enjoy cuts from all over the world, including a tomahawk if you're in the mood to share. Expertly cooked and full of flavour, meat-eaters will love Prime68. These guys are steak specialists – they know what they're doing and they do it well every time while keeping the prices in the mid-range, and for that, we applaud them. Licensed. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, @prime68dxb (04 414 3000). Check out our full Prime68 review here Rang Mahal Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Rang Mahal This smart-casual restaurant at JW Marriott Marquis works well whether you're after a date night or catching up with friends, plus offers plenty of deals throughout the week to draw you in. Dishes span across the country, ranging from Kerala fried chicken to Mangalorean ghee roast prawns to Punjabi lamb, so whatever you're in the mood for all bases are covered here. Licensed. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, @rangmahaldubai (04 414 3000). Check out our full Rang Mahal review here ROKA Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: ROKA The sister restaurant of Zuma, from chef Rainer Becker, ROKA is focused more on robata than sushi, though you'll find plenty of both on the menu at this Japanese restaurant in Dubai's Business Bay. With a terrace boasting Burj Khalifa views and a bar serving trendy Japanese-inspired mixed drinks, it's also a popular spot for drinks and bites for those who aren't in the mood for a full meal. Dig into a selection of robata and you'll be a happy diner. Licensed. The Opus by OMNIYAT, Business Bay, (04 439 7171). Check out our full ROKA review here Salmon Guru Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit;: Salmon Guru. Born in Madrid, Salmon Guru is a quirky, fun-loving bar that has more than a hint of the eccentric. Alongside neon signage, creative drinks in unusual vessels and banging beats, there's also some of the best bar food in Dubai. With funky fusion plates such as carpaccio, bao tacos, croquettes and fried oysters, it's a menu as eclectic as the décor and drinks. Coming from world-famous mixologist Diego Cabrera, Salmon Guru is also Time Out Dubai's Best Mixed Drinks Bar 2023, so order a beverage alongside your snacks. Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay, @salmongurudubai (052 814 9537). Check out our full Salmon Guru review here Soul Kitchen Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Soul Kitchen A Beiruti-born restaurant found in Business Bay, Soul Kitchen is not only a Middle Eastern restaurant, it's also a bar that has a top roster of live music. Ideal for an entire night out, the vibe is buzzing and the venue is a popular spot late into the night. The menu boasts a mix of Levantine and Latin American cuisine – with dishes such as crudo, ceviche and guacamole neighbouring sambousek, arayes and meaty grills. Licensed. Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront, Business Bay, (04 836 0900). Check out our full Soul Kitchen review here Tàn Chá Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Tàn Chá Tàn Chá – which translates as 'to explore' in Mandarin has quickly become a must-visit restaurant for Chinese food in Dubai. This lively moodily-lit venue also has a cool, clubby atmosphere about it that makes it a great spot for a Saturday night, while its menu comprises plenty of fan favourites including wasabi prawns, soft shell crab, and a rather extra Peking duck which we suggest enjoying out on the terrace. Licensed. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, (056 681 8881). Check out our full Tàn Chá review here Tang Town Credit: Tang Town With a menu steeped in the thousand-year-old culture of the Tang Dynasty, Tang Town takes its Chinese seafood seriously. An abundant selection of live seafood draws in the connoisseur, with organic fish head served 12 different ways, various cooking methods for baby lobster – from simply steamed with garlic to baked with chicken broth and cheese – and a marinated jellyfish head salad that wobbles delicately as its served. An exceptional new addition to Dubai's Chinese dining scene, with the Tang roasted peking duck with caviar rivalling the best in town. Licensed. Dubai Mall Fountain Views, Downtown Dubai @tangtown_dubai (04 431 2888). The Eloquent Elephant Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: The Eloquent Elephant Known for its decent selection of craft hops, elegant-yet-homely gastropub The Eloquent Elephant has cool, industrial-style interiors and a small outside terrace for when the weather is cooler. With quiz nights, brunches and more, there's lots to draw you in. Once there it's time to check out the brilliant pub food menu, which stars burgers, curries, bangers and mash and proper British puds like sticky toffee pudding and pineapple upside cake. Dubai, Business Bay, (04 438 3100). Check out our full The Eloquent Elephant review here Thiptara Credit: Thiptara If you're after a wow-worthy date night location in Dubai, Thiptara ticks all the boxes with its modern décor and utterly gorgeous location, right at the foot of Burj Khalifa. You're so close to the Dubai Fountain show that you're practically in it. The food is decent too, all the familiar dishes are on the menu, though the prime location demands higher prices. A top choice for special occasions or to impress visitors, you won't forget Thiptara in a while. Licensed. Palace Hotel Downtown, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, @thiptaradubai (04 428 7961). Check out our full Thiptara review here Tong Thai Best restaurants in Business Bay. Credit: Tong Thai This swanky restaurant at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai serves high-end Thai food and is a longstanding spot that's popular with lovers of Thai food. The restaurant itself is a cavernous space, with moody red lighting, hanging lanterns and swish interior design. The menu is also suitably high-end, with all the classics present and correct, but given an upmarket touch. You can choose your spice levels and dishes are indulgent – they're also large so order a few to share and get stuck in. One of the best Thai restaurants in Dubai for many a year, with no signs of fading yet. Licensed. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, @tongthaidubai (04 414 3000). Check out our full Tong Thai review here Need a reservation in the meantime? New restaurants in Dubai that you need to visit right now From casual eats to fine dining, there's bound to be a new venue you'll want to try These are Dubai's best restaurants: 85 incredible places to dine in 2024 All the winners of the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2024 25 of the best restaurants in DIFC: Reservations you have to make now Tried, tested and highly rated restaurants to try in Dubai's financial district
Time Out Dubai
24-04-2025
- Time Out Dubai
Carna Dubai in Dubai
It's the side to your steak you didn't realise you needed – a story. And this one dates back to 1976 in the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy. Let us set the scene for you. Legendary butcher Dario Cecchini takes over his family's business with a noble mission – to uphold the art of butchery, crafting a properly cooked piece of meat every time whilst eliminating waste and promoting sustainability. Dishes jam-packed with flavour coupled with minimum carbon footprint? We're in. So, where does sparkly Dubai come into this? In May 2021, Cecchini opened Carna by Dario Cecchini, a European Contemporary Steakhouse, on the 74th floor of the SLS Hotel overing Business Bay and beyond. Tapping into the foundation of the family business's early days, it adds in that Dubai twist the right way – with elegance, pizzazz and drama. (Credit: Carna Dubai) From the second you enter, it all delivers. The lift zips you up the SLS's lift before arriving to a lounge-like foyer, where you're greeted by a pleasant host before weaving through an lantern-lit hallway before walking through a plush curtain. It feels exclusive and special. You'll be happy you adhered to the smart elegant dress code. Step inside the main dining room and you'll thank yourself even more. With chandeliers lined the room, forest green wall ties, statement artwork and sky-high windows, it's all very fabulous. But better yet, a tree placed in the middle of the room offers. Once you're done admiring the tree, look outside. The illuminated wheel at JBR and Burj Al Arab steal your attention – they're crystal clear. Take your seats at a white linen-covered tables, complete with table lamps. There are hints of art deco, a welcome contrast from the typical dark steakhouses. It's giving vibrant yet cosy. When ordering we take the lead from our friendly and attentive server. First up is Dario's beef tartare for a starter, prepared tableside to expose the aromatic elements, from special salt to herbs and spices. It's one of those Instagram moments, but in the best way. Have no shame in filming as the dish is whipped up before your eyes. (Credit: Carna Dubai) Burrata arrives at the same time, with shaved zucchini, piquillo pepper, espelette oil, eggplant caviar and toasted sunflower seeds. It's an unexpected yet fantastic combination. Chicken liver parmentier, oxtail croquettes and a candy tomato salad, with watermelon radish black olives and bergamot vinaigrette, are all on the list, making for a strong start to the evening. But onto the main event. Few go to a steakhouse and not order the steak. The server elaborates on the different cuts with ease, from the leanness of the tenderloin, an Australian black angus long fed filet steak weighing in at 200g, to the marbling of the 250g Australian wagyu flank steak. Both grace our table, with pristine presentation. If you really want to splurge, opt for the 420g rib-eye, but beware, it will set you back Dhs495. These don't come with sides, but make sure to add them to your order. Opt for cremed spinach and whipped smoked potatoes to complete your sizzling meal. Every last morsel went down a treat. The requested 'medium' was aced, the staff was knowledge and seemed to mind read (water top ups at the ready). Talk about service. We guarantee you'll be in the best kind of food coma. And if that's not the best bedtime story, we don't know what is.
