New year, new dining scene. Concierge rounds up Dubai’s hottest new haunts.
Words by Catherine Langley
The Ivy
Famed as the UK ‘meet & drink’ for A-listers, next to Buckingham Palace, The Ivy is probably the most photographed address in London. Fortunately, we’re pleased to report that while The Ivy Dubai has all the culinary dynamism and atmosphere of the London-based haunt, it boasts a more intimate feel than the celebrity-filled alma mater.
Located at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, The Ivy Dubai ticks all the boxes when it comes to décor, service and menu. The trademark wooden panels and stained-glass windows are in place, while the bill of fare reflects the traditionalism of the London branch. Delicious signature dishes such as seared foie gras, herb-roasted lamb rack and shepherd’s pie are unforgettable and the staff, who are known for their attention to detail, are on hand to give you a detailed report of any dishes on the menu. The mains are particularly mouth-watering, but we recommend you save some space for dessert because the crème brûlée, baked Alaska and banana sticky toffee pudding all pack quite a punch on the culinary scale.
For those who would like to take a taste of The Ivy home, The Ivy Cookbook is available from the restaurant for AED195.
The Ivy
Location: The Ivy, Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Try: Dover sole
Open: Sat-Wed 12 noon to midnight, Thu-Fri 11.30am to 11.30pm
Tel: 04 3198767
Toro Toro
Seasoned carnivores can enjoy a feast of meaty delights at celebrity chef, Richard Sandoval’s newest culinary spot, Toro Toro. Perched over two floors with a view of Dubai Marina, this Pan-Latin dining experience borrows tastes from a variety of locations including Buenos Aires and São Paulo. Choice mains include the rocoto releno, which is beef stuffed baby pepper, prepared with mozzarella cheese and rosemary potatoes; chorizo empanada – a pastry dish with beef chorizo; and cheese and the pollo estofad, which is better known as braised chicken with green peas, carrots and chipotle-tomato sauce.
The décor is as mesmerising as the menu. Striking burnt orange tones are complemented by the open kitchen and pillared candles, which add a touch of drama. An eye-catching floor-to-ceiling fireplace cultivates a warm and welcoming feeling, which goes a long way to explaining why Toro Toro is always such a hive of activity.
After your meal don’t forget to take a seat by Cachaça Bar, where you can enjoy everything from the classic margaritas to the Latin favourites like Fresatini (vodka, strawberry and lime) and Latin Love (rum mixed with raspberry, coconut and pineapple).
Toro Toro
Location: Toro Toro, Grosvenor House
Try: Picadillo empandada
Open: Sat-Wed 7.30pm to 2am, Thu- Fri 7.30pm to 3am
Tel: 04 3998888
Table 9 by Nick and Scott
Scott Price and Nick Alvis are the latest gastro geniuses to burst onto the Dubai food scene. Having scooped the Best Newcomer prize at this year’s What’s On Awards, the British-born chefs, who met in Claridges’ kitchen in 2004, are at the helm of Hilton Dubai Creek’s newest signature restaurant, Table 9 by Nick and Scott. Named after the number on the chef’s table, at which guests can opt for a menu exclusively designed for them by the heads of the kitchen, the new menu features 28 dishes with a European theme.
With a markedly relaxed ambience – hand-pottered crockery and homemade menus are two of the trademarks – it’s impossible not to feel at home in this trendy Bur Dubai-based eatery. The menu is engaging with mouthwatering starters such as pig trotter served with a cucumber marmalade (tastier than it sounds), lobster with crackling and mango, and chicken with foie gras, hibiscus and prunes. The mains, which are all priced at AED100 per plate, are equally sumptuous. Try the sea bass, which is served with winkles and oregano butter, or the quail, which comes with a delicious truffle terrine, artichoke and broccoli. A top notch dessert menu includes old favourites with a new twist, such as liquorice meringue and clementine and Nick’s apple pie and custard.
Raoul, the sommelier, is on hand to pair each course with tipples from the extensive wine menu, which includes 50 types of wine available by the glass. Ultimately, Table 9 offers elegant cuisine with a chilled out setting, which is sure to be a recipe for success.
Table9
Location: Table 9, Hilton Dubai Creek
Try: Pork belly
Tel: Sun-Fri 6.30 to 11pm
Open: 04 2271111
Terra Firma Steakhouse
Situated next to the picturesque Festival Marina on Dubai Creek and taking its spot at water level, the InterContinental Dubai Festival City’s newest restaurant, Terra Firma, serves succulent, juicy steaks as well as a variety of other delicious dishes. Specialising in Australian Blackmore wagyu, the only hardship about dining at Terra Firma is the tough time you’ll have making your order. Simply put, everything looks amazing.
However, a great starting point is the tasty half dozen oysters, which are served with your choice of chilli, lemon parmesan or bread crumbs. Alternatively if you really feel like spoiling yourself, select the beluga caviar, which is served in 30g portions. For the main course the Blackmore wagyu striploin is a top choice, as is the grade five tenderloin. Those with a sweet tooth will find themselves in a world of indecision once more when it comes to dessert because both the baked American cheesecake and the warm apple and nut cobbler (served with flavoursome buttermilk ice-cream) promise to tickle the tastebuds.
Finish off the night with a shisha on the restaurant’s idyllic outdoor terrace. You can puff away on a selection of exotic flavours including apple, strawberry and blackberry.
Terra Firma Steakhouse
Location: Terra Firma Steakhouse, InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Try: Grade 5 Australian wagyu beef
Open: Daily 7pm to midnight
Tel: 04 7011111
Hakkasan Dubai
A lavish retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, award-winning Cantonese fine dining phenomenon Hakkasan is one of Dubai’s newest culinary haunts. Located at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, this elegant eatery has an appetizing menu, which has been carefully fashioned by chef de cuisine, Pang Pin Lee. Pang, who previously worked at Hakkasan Abu Dhabi, has brought more than 10 year’s experience to the role and unsurprisingly the bill of fare is filled with delicious dishes such as grilled wagyu beef and Peking duck.
The opulent décor, which was designed by famed concept interior designers, Gilles & Boissier, feature two private-dining rooms and two semi-private sections, as well as the Ling-Ling lounge, which is stylishly decorated in black, gold and white.
An outside terrace surrounded by a wall of vegetation is also available for alfresco diners.
Hakkasan Dubai
Location: Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Try: Steamed dim-sum platter
Open: Daily 6pm to 2am
Tel: 043848484
Vôi
Located at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on the edge of Palm Jumeirah, this elegantly decorated restaurant is the gem in Palm Jumeirah’s crown. From the glitzy mirrored columns to the flashy chandeliers, Vôi exudes old-style glamour and is reminiscent of French colonial Southeast Asia. For those who prefer to dine alfresco, check out the scenic outdoor terrace, which has charming views of the pool and beach. However, be aware these favoured spots are awarded on a first come first seated basis, so make sure you arrive early.
Start your meal with a delicious Hanoi mojito. Made with sweet basil and lemongrass, it’s a fresh take on the original cocktail, but one that will undoubtedly be received well, thanks to its refreshing flavour.
A fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine, head chef Phuong Mai, who has over twenty five years of culinary experience, has done a marvelous job of crafting and developing the extensive menu.
If you’re new to Vietnamese dining, try out the Vôi Experience, which is a set menu of six dishes. The fried net rolls explode with flavour and the freshly made Vôi bread is unforgettable.
Vôi
Location: Vôi, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Try: French scallops
Open: Daily 7 to 11.30pm
Tel: 04 4530000
Rob Nicholas is discussing. 