With the pandemic affecting international travel all over the world, it’s looking more likely we’ll be staying in Dubai for the winter season. Thankfully we’re lucky enough to be able to enjoy the festivities in perfect 25 degree weather, and Dubai is full of picturesque alfresco dining and drinking terraces that will let us make the most of it.
Here we round up the most inviting outdoor bars, restaurants and beach club terraces where you can make the most of the UAE’s cooler climate and savour its stunning views at the same time.
Drift Beach Dubai
One of Dubai’s most luxurious beachfront locations thanks to its laid-back luxury, panoramic views and five-star service, Drift Beach at the One&Only Royal Mirage has always been the perfect spot to while away a lazy afternoon. Great news then that the award-winning beach club is now open for dinner, serving its vibrant Provençal cuisine out on restaurant’s terrace, underneath the star-kissed night sky.
Guests can expect dishes including Les Escargots, La Pissaladiere and Les Encornets for starters, before sampling signature mains such as Côte De Veau Milanaise and Le Poulpe Braisé. We can’t wait for this one.
INFO: Dinner will be served Wednesday – Saturday from 7pm – 11pm, info@driftbeachdubai.com
Fish Beach Taverna
We might not have been able to get to Santorini this year, but luckily the next best thing is right on our doorstep. Set right on the water’s edge of Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, this magical hideaway boasts cobbled pathways, shabby-chic white and turquoise picnic tables, romantic twinkling fairy lights and a delectable menu of traditional Greek dishes, all designed to be enjoyed alfresco.
This season, Fish is also home to Secret Escape Brunch – a new weekly Saturday brunch where guests can dig into everything from octopus marinated in fresh rosemary, garlic and fresh oregano, salted sea bass infused in fresh herbs served with orange, rosemary, fresh oregano, mustard and olive oil, as well as whole grilled catch of the day, served fresh from the sea.
INFO: fish-dubai.com
Carine
Tucked away beside the rolling green hills of the Emirates Golf Club, Carine’s Mediterranean-inspired menu has made it a firm favourite among the Dubai’s foodies. The best bit? It’s opened not one, but two terraces this month, making the perfect spot for a quick breakfast, a leisurely lunch or a romantic dinner under the stars. There are also 16 new dishes debuting this November, grounded in simplicity and
featuring familiar ingredients enhanced with dynamic textures and flavour.
For starters, escargots, three new carpaccios – cured salmon, madai snapper and beef – and marinated heirloom tomatoes combinations have been added to the menu, while for mains, you can now indulge in lamb saddle, grilled salmon, lobster croquettes and spinach & ricotta ravioli, which will join Carine’s perennial favourites. Bon appetit!
INFO: dubaigolf.com/carine
Cé la Vi
One of Asia’s best known rooftop bars, Cé la Vi’s Dubai counterpart most certainly doesn’t disappoint. Sitting high above Dubai on the 54th floor of the Address Sky View, its expansive terrace offers panoramic views of the Dubai skyline, so be sure you bring your camera for this one. For autumn, Chef Howard Ko has carefully curated a delicious new menu, bringing together flavours that
resonate with the cooler months including warm sunchoke coconut soup, rich tagliatelle mushroom
fricassee, campanelle with Lamb Ragu and a sticky Date Pudding. Date night perfection.
INFO: reservation-dxb@celavi.com
Amazonico
Offering the best views of Downtown Dubai in the city, DIFC’s jungle-themed restaurant is home to an expansive rooftop terrace littered with banana-yellow parasols and bright cushioned booths. Serving up Latin American cuisine and signature tropical drinks against the backdrop of the looming Emirates Financial Towers, it’s the perfect spot for a post work rendezvous come Thursday night.
INFO: amazonicorestaurant.com/dubai/
Nammos
Hailing from Mykonos, this famed restaurant and beach venue at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai is the perfect combination of buzzy atmosphere and ultimate relaxation for a leisurely lunch and afternoon in the sun. A seat on the terrace welcomes view of dreamy turquoise waters and private golden sand beach, which can be enjoyed while dining on course after course of white, buttery fish, a rainbow of ripe vegetables and chunks of delicious goat’s cheese – most of it slathered in lemon and the finest olive oil.
INFO: nammos.gr/nammos-dubai
Noepe
Surrounded by opulent yachts, swaying palm trees and glittering festoon lighting, Noepe at the Park Hyatt is the ideal spot to visit during Dubai’s winter for alfresco drinks. Inspired by the glam Cape Cod – a hook-shaped peninsula of the U.S. state of Massachusetts that’s a popular vacation spot, especially with the affluent and famous – the menu focuses on uncomplicated fresh seafood dishes like lobster bisque, crab cakes and cape cod fish and chips. It may be simple, but it’s extremely effective.
INFO: hyattrestaurants.com/en/dining/uae/dubai/seafood-restaurant-in-dubai-creek
