We are so thrilled to share The Luxe Diary’s latest exclusive guide to help you know where to go. The Luxe Diary’s Luxe List is The Luxe Diary’s selection of the most sought-after, failsafe and exciting addresses that will keep you cool and rocking in Dubai. Peruse our selection of Slinky Sundowners, Breezy Brunches and Rocking Restaurants. This is your complete Dubai guide for getting out-out!
Slinky Sundowners
1. AURA SkyPool
You’ll have to plan ahead if you want to secure entry to one of Dubai’s most popular hotspots – their pool experiences have been known to fill up weeks in advance, however that shouldn’t deter you – the views are spectacular. Suspended 200 meters in the air, AURA is the world’s highest 360° infinity pool where you can enjoy the iconic skyline unobstructed and lounge on a daybed as the golden hour illuminates the horizon of the Arabian Gulf. Drinks and food come at an additional cost, but trust us, it’s worth the splurge to see Dubai glisten at new heights.
Information & Reservations.
Aura SkyPool Lounge, 50th Floor, Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Tel: 04 566 2121 | Aura Skypool
2. Twiggy by La Cantine
A firm favorite among the jet set and Insta-famous alike, don’t let that sway you away from experiencing all this impressive beach club has to offer. Conceptualized by the team behind established culinary hotspots La Cantine du Faubourg, Ninive and Lana Lusa, Twiggy by La Cantine offers a chilled and chic atmosphere for those wanting to experience the Mediterranean in the heart of the Dubai Lagoon. Bold artwork adorns the interior, a nod to the sixties icon the venue is named after, while their cocktails are equally as artistic, offering the best in refreshing flavor combinations.
Information & Reservations.
Twiggy by La Cantine, Park Hyatt, Dubai Creek Club Street, Port Saeed, Dubai
Tel: 04 602 1105 | Twiggy by La Cantine
Lagoon open daily from 9am to sunset, indoor restaurant open daily from 12pm to 2am
3. NOÉPE
NOÉPE is elegance personified for those wanting to enjoy the breathtaking views over the Creek and Dubai skyline at Park Hyatt Dubai. Nestled in the heart of the Creek marina, we were impressed with the rustic decor and bleached interiors that gave it a laidback luxurious vibe, further emphasized by the comfy couch seating, which we gladly sank into with a signature cocktail in hand. Opt for the Negroni O’Clock menu to truly make the most of this stunning setting.
NOÉPE, The Promenade, Park Hyatt, Dubai Creek, Dubai
Tel: 04 602 1814 | NOÉPE
Negroni O’Clock Promotion: Three Negronis from the special menu and complimentary cigar | 299 AED per person | Sunday – Friday from 12pm – 12am, Saturdays from 5pm – 7pm
Information & Reservations.
4. Jetty Lounge
Sit back and relax on the beach as the sun sets around you at The Jetty Lounge – a luxurious beach club located at the One&Only Royal Mirage. Synonymous with sundowners, you will immediately feel immersed in the beautifully intimate setting, with its chic beachside lounge decor, experly merging a European ambience with an Arabian design. Enjoy a cocktail from their ‘Moored to the Jetty’ menu, offering a playful array of cooling beverages, or sip a glass of cold grape as you take in the waves gently lapping on the sand. This is a place to unwind and chill for hours at a time.
Information & Reservations.
Jetty Lounge, One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina
Tel: 04 399 9999 | Jetty Lounge
Open daily 3pm to 1am
5. Vault
Vault is known for its incredible panoramic views, exceptional customer service, and of course, their Sundowner Specials. Located high on the 71st and 72nd floors of the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, the venue has a distinctly ‘old world’ classic yet contemporary vibe, elevated by its expertly curated selection of premium beverages and cigars. We loved the relaxed ambience at sunset, as we sipped their signature ‘Bankrupt’ and ‘Black Monkey’ cocktails, watching the Burj Khalifa slowly light up the night sky.
Information & Reservations.
Vault, JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, Dubai
Tel: 04 414 3000 | Vault
Sundowners Specials Promotion: Two drinks for 75 AED daily from 5pm – 7pm
6. Ula
If you’re looking for a bright and airy setting to enjoy a wonderful alfresco drinking and dining experience, look no further than Ula on the Palm Jumeirah. The space has been transformed from its former occupant – a steakhouse – to offer a more relaxed and chic Mediterranean aesthetic. At its center is a large tree with a circular bar wrapped around it, complete with woven cream ropes draped artistically across the bare wooden beams to resemble a beach canopy. With views that overlook the Palm, opt for their all day beach pass to really take in the picturesque setting.
Information & Reservations.
Ula, Dukes, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Tel: 04 565 2231 | ULA Dubai
Pool & Beach Day Pass Promotion: Weekdays: AED 100, including AED 50 redeemable on food and beverages. Weekends: AED 200, including AED 100 redeemable on food and beverages. Open daily from 9am – 7pm
Rocking Restaurants
1. Sucre
DIFC is fast becoming Dubai’s gastronomic hub for the latest in trendy dining concepts, and Sucre is certainly no exception to the list of growing high-end establishments in the financial district. This Argentinian restaurant offers the best in bold Latin American flavors blended with European influences to produce some truly standout dishes. The menu is designed to be shared with plenty of small and large plates, all cooked traditionally over an open fire marrying charcoal and wood, you certainly won’t go hungry with all that is on offer. We loved the decor too – think Aztec influences paired with dark wood and low lighting, this restaurant is the perfect pick for a very cool date night.
Information & Reservations.
Sucre, Podium Level, Gate Village 05 – DIFC – Dubai
Tel: 04 340 0829 | Sucre Dubai
Open daily from 12pm – 2am
2. Belcanto
If we had to describe Belcanto, the new restaurant in residence at Dubai Opera, in a few words, we’d choose ‘opulent’ ‘decadent’ and ‘plush’ as the perfect starting off point, before going on to compliment the truly unique experiential fine dining concept that had us fully immersed from the moment we entered the venue. Expect modern interpretations of authentic Italian cuisine and an impressive list of signature cocktails designed to elevate all of your senses, while being serenaded by live entertainment. Minimalist it is not, but we thought the decor perfectly encapsulated the atmosphere and glamor of a bygone age. A must visit.
Information & Reservations.
Belcanto, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai
Tel: 4 456 0936 | Belcanto
Open daily from 6pm to midnight
3. Mayabay
The latest addition to the stunning Turtle Lagoon setting in the grounds of Jumeirah Al Naseem, Mayabay offers a unique dining experience for those that want to enjoy the best of both Thai and Japanese flavor combinations. From the team behind Il Borro Tuscan Bistro, this Monaco import is the first international outpost for the brand. With the Burj Al Arab serving as the perfect backdrop to this lively location, this luxe dining concept caters for all tastes with an impressive menu full of traditional Asian dishes and signatures, such as their Maya crispy duck and black cod with miso and honey. Make sure to ask your sommelier for the perfect sake pairing to your meal to really enhance your culinary journey.
Information & Reservations.
Mayabay, Turtle Lagoon, Jumeirah Al Naseem, Umm Suqeim
Tel: 04 275 2500 | Mayabay
Open daily from 7pm to 3am
4. Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
We’ve fallen in love with the luxurious simplicity of Il Burro – it’s authentic use of ingredients and its history. Located within the turtle lagoon in Jumeirah Al Naseem, Il Borro provides the perfect backdrop for the finest wholesome Tuscan cuisine in Dubai.
In keeping with the Ferragamo family and the Il Borro estate’s vision to promote biodiversity, organic farming, and to deliver a true farm-to-table concept, Il Borro Tuscan Bistro translates these beliefs through an authentic dining experience in an elegant, refined atmosphere.
The cuisine is a modern interpretation of Tuscan classics, staying true to sourcing quality ingredients and where necessary accompanied by Il Borro’s own products such as the organic extra-virgin olive oil, honey, and selected
vegetables from Il Borro’s organic farm, “Orto del Borro”. It also features a carefully curated wine list that embodies all of the Il Borro wines and is a true representation of Tuscan grape varieties.
Information & Reservations.
Jumeirah Al Naseem Hotel, Turtle Lagoon
reservations@ilborrotuscanbistro.ae
5. Gohan
Gohan is an intimate restaurant within a restaurant concept by the La Cantine team. It’s exclusive feel through an unassuming door between the wine fridges in La Cantine make it an exciting spot to visit. Small in size but impressive in character, the venue is a celebration of authentic and conventional Japanese dining rooms. Like the venue itself the name Gohan (御飯) has humble and intimate traits, it translates as “meal of any sort” and is often used to refer to any cooked rice dish.
It is personal, traditional and intimate. The food concept is our take on an “elegant street food”, a selective and deliberately refined menu of skewers, sushi and gyoza working with the highest quality ingredients and introducing high-end foreign products such as fois gras and caviar into the mix. We love it!
Information & Reservations.
+971 4 3527 105 | Gohan
Lunch 12:00pm-4:00pm Monday to Friday | Dinner 7:00pm-2:00am Everyday
6. Sushisamba
From Japanese tempura and sushi, to Brazilian churrasco, moqueca, Peruvian anticuchos and seviches, Sushisamba’s fusion culinary creativity is limitless with something for everyone. Sushisamba’s open kitchen and fiery robata grill offer brilliantly roasted and flavored meats, vegetables and fish, and its conceptual small plate style of service encourages a “shared” dining experience which is super convivial and fun. But it is not only the views – so high up in the St Regis tower – that are so amazing at sundown in particular, it is also the atmosphere. Come sundown, the party heats up with live Brazilian Carnival inspired performers – full feather and glitters, spectacular!
Information & Reservations.
St. Regis Hotel Level 51 – The Palm Tower – The Palm Jumeirah
+971 4 278 4888 | Sushisamba
Breezy Brunches
1. Brunch 105 at La Cantine du Faubourg
Since Brunch is all about family, friends and fantastic food, La Cantine du Faubourg is hosting its Brunch 105 every Saturday & Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. Step in a Parisian bedroom setting and experience a chic Saturday afternoon. Make the most of your weekends and try the Brunch delicacies, from the wide selection of Pastries, Eggs, Signatures and Sweets. Served A la table, choose your preferred dishes from the Brunch menu, along with beverages. Pick up the all-inclusive package of your choice starting from AED 345, including of Mocktails, Fresh juices, Soft Drinks & Hot Beverages. Be ready to enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with DJ beats.
Information & Reservations.
Every Saturday & Sunday
12pm – 5pm
+971 4 3527 105 | La Cantine
2. Mischievous Monkey Brunch at Masti
Masti’s ‘Mischievous Monkey Brunch’ features four à la carte courses of adventurous Indian fusion dishes. Highlights include pulled tandoori chicken bao, pizza with burrata, truffle and makhani sauce, ‘new style biriyani’ and creamy butter chicken with stracciatella.
For the full Luxe Diary review of Masti brunch click here.
Information & Reservations.
Dhs295 (soft drinks), Dhs395 (house beverages) Sat 1pm-5pm. La Mer, Jumeirah 1 | Masti
800-MASTI(62784) | info@mastidubai.com | reservations@mastidubai.com
3. Zuma Brunch
Zuma is the legend of Dubai brunches. The slickest, luxiest, most exclusive and absolutely signature. Served at the table, Zuma brunch’s menu includes many of the Zuma’s most famous dishes (Tataki, Gyoza, their tempura, the incredible black cod and the wagyu beef. Wash it down with premium champagne in the back drop of brilliant beats – for us there are few brunch experiences that beat this one! Pricey but worth the splurge.
Information & Reservations.
Dhs595 (soft drinks), Dhs659 (house beverages), Dhs795 (bubbly), Dhs255 (kids aged four-12).
Gate Village 06 DIFC +971 4 425 5660
Brunch Saturday: 12.30pm to 3.30pm | Zuma
4. Bleu Blanc
We love the cool Frenchie vibe of Bleu Blanc’s brunch. The decor is Mediterranean chic – the menu is well chosen. Start with teh live crudo bar and enjoy table service with a delicious selection of mains. The setting is over the Dubai Canal which glitters in the afternoon light as you sip the blushest Mediterranean rosés and listen to the cool beats of the resident DJ. This is one of our favourite, excellent value experiences – highly recommended.
Information & Reservations.
Dhs350 (soft drinks), Dhs450 (premium) – 1.30pm-4.30pm.
The St. Regis Downtown Dubai (04 512 5533) | Bleu Blanc
5. Coya
Coya’s brunch is deliciously immersive as you delve into a fusion vibrant Latin American vibe. From the decor, the art to the tribal beats, Coya really does whisk you away. The dishes are inventive, flavours are abundant and everything has an authentic vibe despite the fusion quality which can, if done wrong, dilute the originality of an experience. Enjoy incredible ceviches washed down with signature pisco sours and be sure to stay to the end, when the whole restaurant becomes a Rio Carnival to the delight of brunch goers. Expect dancing and fun well into the afternoon and evening!
Information & Reservations.
Every Saturday 12.30-4pm – T: +971 4 316 9600 | Coya
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