From underwater dining to afternoon tea inside the world’s tallest building, the UAE is home to some of the world’s most unique dining experiences. These are our ten recommendations…
1484 by Puro
When it comes to unique dining experiences there’s nothing quite like 1484 by Puro. Located on the top of Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, the restaurant holds the title of the UAE’s highest restaurant. Situated an impressive 1,484 metres above sea level, the picturesque venue provides diners with magnificent views of the peaks and valleys of the Hajar mountains. Serving a variety of flavour-packed options with a nod to the delights of the Arabian Gulf, 1484 by Puro welcomes diners to indulge in traditional shakshuka, S’mores pancakes, calamari fritti, wasabi shrimp and Korean fried chicken.
At.mosphere
Enjoy a fine dining experience 442 meters above the ground inside the world’s tallest building! At.mosphere on level 122 of Burj Khalifa offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner on top of the world. Using only the freshest ingredients, diners can also indulge in a five or six course tasting menu featuring foie gras torchon, topinambour veloute and faux-filet de boeuf.
BRIX
Located in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour and home to Dubai’s only dessert tasting menu, this ten-seater spot features an open-plan format, allowing diners to observe the young chefs as they plate these masterpieces. With two edible stories to choose between: ‘Fire and Ice’ or ‘The Escape’, both are told through tantalising desserts and the unexplainable feeling of your senses tingling. The intricate, sweet-centric menus include savoury elements thoughtfully put together to deliver a harmonious balance.
Fresh Basil
The immersive new concept at Abu Dhabi’s Bab Al Qasr Hotel & Residences encourages adventurous diners to partake in a sensory-driven dining experience. The 90-minute culinary adventure takes place in a pitch-black dining room, where guests can enjoy a three-course mystery set menu while relying on their remaining senses – smell, touch, taste and sound.
Nikki Beach Dubai
Promising an intimate soirée with a bohemian aesthetic, Dinner in The Sand at the chic Nikki Beach Dubai allows guests to dine under the stars with beachfront views, twinkling lights and delicious cuisine. The culinary agenda features a set menu of signature Nikki Beach dishes to be enjoyed with your toes in the sand.
Ossiano
Feast on a sumptuous dinner as stingrays, sharks and fish glide right past your table. Ossiano offers diners a meal they won’t soon forget, combining caviar and avant-garde creations in a dream-like underwater setting at Atlantis, The Palm. Chef Christopher Malone’s seven-course tasting menu offers the perfect confluence of food and art, backed by stunning views of the aquarium.
Pierchic
Arguably one of the most romantic restaurants in Dubai, Pierchic can be found on the private pier of Jumeirah Al Qasr. Offering elevated waterfront dining overlooking the waters of the Arabian Gulf, the tantalising tasting menu from chef Beatrice takes diners on a culinary journey centred around traditional homemade pasta. Beginning with a choice from the Crudo bar followed by antipasti, pasta lovers can then discover the simple joy of the restaurants signature dishes and end on a sweet note with a variety of tempting desserts.
Ray’s Grill
The chic steakhouse on the 63rd floor of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers is the latest global restaurant to host the adventures of Le Petit Chef. A mixture of immersive theatre and interactive dining, Le Petit Chef takes diners on a 90-minute culinary adventure using state-of-the-art 3D mapping technology. Guests will follow the world’s smallest chef on a food-fuelled adventure as he prepares a five-course meal with often comedic results.
Sublimotion
Dubai’s most expensive dining experience has taken up residence at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. 360-degree screens with imagery are projected onto every surface as ten whimsical courses prepared with the finest ingredients are transformed with every scene and accented with incomparable performances. The immersive Sumbimotion experience accommodates only 12 people at a time, ensuring utmost exclusivity.
The Pods
The Pods at Bluewaters Dubai have transformed the notion of luxury dining in Dubai with the introduction of 22 private pods of varying sizes for an intimate dining experience. With a total capacity for 168 diners, these unique and personalised pods offer a unique dining experience that cannot be found elsewhere in the city. The menu of Pan-Asian dishes includes rock lobster with truffle, Korean chicken bao, maki rolls, and dim sums. Bringing the inside outdoors, each of the air-conditioned private pods feature lush decor, an abundance of greenery, a large central table and rounded plush sofas.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
One of the UAE’s most unique dining experiences caters to only 20 guests, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi’s Sunset Supper offers a dining experience on the highest active helipad in the Middle East. Upon arrival, guests will be escorted through secret back hallways and elevators to the secure rooftop and helipad. They can then enjoy the soothing ambience of a live saxophonist or violinist while taking in the unobstructed views across Abu Dhabi, while savouring distinctive beverages, extravagantly crafted canapés, a variety of delightful cakes, and the St. Regis Signature Afternoon tea.
