Fouquet’s. Photo: Instagra.com/fouquetsabudhabi
There’s no room for error when it comes to picking the right restaurant for a special meal with your partner, whether that is asking them to marry you, an anniversary, or simply a date night. Being able to sit across from each other and make conversation over delectable food while being surrounded by a romantic ambiance makes for a day—or evening—to remember.
To that end, Vogue Arabia has rounded up some of the UAE’s most romantic restaurants in a bookmark-worthy list. So, when the time comes, all you need to do is look and reserve, and let the location do its magic.
Dubai
Carine
For a relaxed yet romantic setting, Carine by Dubai’s renowned chef Izu Ani is the place to be. Since it is named after his wife, love is rooted in the foundation of the restaurant, which is brought to life by its French-inspired ambiance. The bustling location is known to embody the best of the European country’s traditional establishments of boulangerie, bistro, café, and brasserie, serving French-Mediterranean classics such as lobster linguine and escargot in garlic butter. Located at the Emirates Golf Club, Carine is surrounded by greenery which also makes it a great al fresco dining spot in favorable weather.
Dubaigolf.com/carine, 04 417 9885
SushiSamba
The best of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine come together under one roof at SushiSamba for those who can’t choose between meat and seafood. Perched on the 51st floor of the Palm Tower, the restaurant offers one of the most beautiful views in Dubai: Panoramic vistas of the Palm Jumeirah coastline, the Arabian Gulf, Ain Dubai, and the Dubai skyline. A sprawling 3D-printed ceiling installation inspired by Japanese and Brazilian weaving traditions also lends its charm to SushiSamba, at the center of which is an open kitchen complete with a robata grill and sushi bar. To get a taste of the restaurant’s best, make sure to choose from its wide selection of sushi, and anticuchos.
Sushisamba.com, 04 582 1555
Ossiano
Ditch sky-high views to dine underwater for an unforgettable experience at Ossiano helmed by one of the world’s top chefs Grégoire Berger. The award-winning restaurant is located at the famed Atlantis Dubai, where its large aquarium is home to stingrays, sharks, and other fish which swim past you as you enjoy your meal. Besides seafood and various types of caviar, the luxurious fine dining menu inspired by Mediterranean flavors includes many beef and veal dishes.
Sevenrooms.com, 04 426 2626
LPM
This sprawling restaurant brings the French Riviera to Dubai’s Gate Village in DIFC where it neighbors art galleries, Christie’s auction house, and the Ritz-Carlton. With a menu that honors the soul of Niçoise cuisine through ingredients like artichokes, olive oil, courgettes, and tomatoes, the food aims to transport diners to the South of France with every bite. During the day, the high-ceilinged LPM is bathed in light entering through its big windows which is replaced by warm light come sunset for an equally romantic ambiance.
Lpmrestaurants.com, 04 439 0505
Atmosphere
If you live in Dubai or are visiting, a meal at Atmosphere, the world’s tallest restaurant, is a must. Find it 442 meters above the ground, on level 122 of the Burj Khalifa for a truly unparalleled view of Dubai. On par with it is the mouthwatering menu curated to suit every taste including foreign and local. The restaurant does so by sourcing the best ingredients from all around the world while also using some which have been grown exclusively for Atmosphere. Expect French oysters, Canadian lobsters, Japanese and Australian wagyu, French poultry, and much more.
Atmosphereburjkhalifa.com, 04 888 3828
Abu Dhabi
BBQ Al Qasr
Known for being the most romantic restaurant in Abu Dhabi, BBQ Al Qasr offers gazebos overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Its lavish menu features dishes made in fire pits and with signature open-fire cooking techniques such as lamb shank, tomahawk steak, baby chicken, and king crab legs. With the grand Emirates Palace as the backdrop, the restaurant creates an unmatched al fresco experience by inviting the refreshing sea breeze and the sound of the waves.
Mandarinoriental.com, 02 690 7999
Fouquet’s
French art meets French cuisine at Fouquet’s located at the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi. Aiming to embody the epitome of fine French brasserie dining, the restaurant maintains the gastronomy of the original Fouquet’s which opened on the Champs-Elysees in 1899. While the signature red and white decor and chandeliers are enough to spark romance, make sure to try the French classics like escargot from the menu by renowned chef Pierre Gagniere.
Fouquetsabudhabi.com, 02 205 4200
Sontaya
Meaning sunset in Thai, Sontaya is set among a series of floating pavilions at The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. It not only overlooks the resort’s private beaches but also the Arabian Gulf, and offers a calm atmosphere with ambient lighting and candle-lined platforms. The menu is created by chef Narongrit Thongwijit and features Thai and pan-Asian favorites such as duck pancake with hoisin sauce, potstickers and dumplings.
Sontayaabudhabi.com, 02 498 8888
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