From new restaurants to one-of-a-kind immersive experiences, here’s everything you can check out this weekend in Dubai.
Discover a unique soul retreat at Sān Beach
Photo: Courtesy of Sān Beach
Although one of the newest additions to Dubai’s growing beachside restaurant scene, Sān Beach is nothing like its feisty neighbors and predecessors. The African-inspired spot aims to offer a sense of zen and calm and has dubbed itself a “culinary experience, beach destination, and soul retreat”, setting itself apart from the other spots that have found a home on Palm West Beach.
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Sān Beach has an expansive menu of international cuisine favorites, focusing on fresh seafood and meats. Its tranquil and laid-back ambiance with nature-derived details is elevated with breathtaking views of the city, beachside access, and a private pool, surrounded by sun beds, cabanas, and villas.
Soon after opening its doors, the destination has welcomed an exclusive takeover by Valentino to mark the launch of its summer capsule for the Middle East. Usually minimalistic, Sān Beach will shake things up until June 10 with the fashion house rendering the restaurant’s cushions, napkin holders, coasters, and more in colorful prints.
Sanbeachdubai.com, 04 4580499
Indulge in fine Italian cuisine at The Artisan
Courtesy: The Artisan, Dubai
Tucked away in bustling DIFC at Waldorf Astoria is The Artisan, an intimate Italian restaurant in every sense of the term. The fine dining restaurant owes its no-fuss dishes that are true to Italian cuisine to ingredients sourced from all across the country, such as Parmigiano Reggiano from Emilia Romagna and Tartufo sourced from Piemonte.
Diners can expect beloved Italian dishes created with the contemporary cosmopolitan palate in mind, alongside classic European beverages prepared by an expert in-house mixologist, and grape pairings. The restaurant’s interiors emanate warmth and comfort with marble flooring, blond wood fixtures, plush sofas, and walls lined with artwork from local and internationally renowned artists.
Menu highlights include freshly made pasta stuffed with pumpkin butter and sage, slow-cooked octopus, and one of the best truffle pizzas served in Dubai.
Theartisan.ae, 04 3388133
Share contemporary Levantine mezza at Bushra by Buddha Bar
Photo: Courtesy of Bushra
Charming interiors and a thoughtfully curated menu by celebrity chef Greg Malouf are the makings of Bushra, the newest member at The Grosvenor House Dubai brought by the Buddha Bar Group. The contemporary Levantine restaurant, whose name translates to “good omen, good news” in Arabic, specializes in Malouf’s art of mezza with rich sharing platters. Must-tries at Bushra include the spinach pide, duck wrapped in filo pastry, and chocolate mahallabia. The drinks too derive their flavors from traditional Levantine ingredients and spices such as sumac, nutmeg, and hibiscus.
The concept of the restaurant takes inspiration from the Middle East and North Africa civilizations that influenced Europe through the Ottoman expansion, and 19th-century literature, music, and visual arts. While guests dine, they are treated to entertainment by the resident DJs’ unique mixes of hedonistic Oriental music, artful compilations, and live performances of traditional instruments.
Bushra-dubai.com, 04 317 6000
Dig into a hearty brunch at Roberto’s
Photo: Courtesy of Roberto’s
Every Saturday, DIFC fine dining spot Roberto’s serves an indoor brunch that will have guests leaving satisfied with its epicurean and one-of-a-kind experience. Start off with head chef Danilo Valla’s special dish, which is composed every week and inspired by one of the fresh Crudo Bar selections of oysters, tuna, and more.
Sharing style Italian dishes follow, such as octopus soft on the inside and crisp on the outside—and pasta with Canadian lobster, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes. The main event of the Signature Brunch is the roasted black angus ribeye, sliced and served by the table with beef stock, mustard, and potatoes. Ending the lineup is an array of decadent desserts including a flavor-packed pistachio sorbet, a tangy Lemon E Lemon, and the classic tiramisu.
Robertosrestaurants.com, 04 386 0066
Embark on a virtual journey into the future at the Theatre of Digital Art (ToDA)
OutoftheAbyss by J Monaghan. Photo: Courtesy of ToDA
Located in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, ToDA’s new exhibition, Digital Extravaganza takes its visitors on a virtual journey into the future. Visitors can imagine themselves as travellers on a multisensory narrative journey which will take them to unknown lands on planet Earth and other galaxies with the help of virtual reality, augmented reality, meta reality, AI and the traditional form of video. The exhibition by the phygital platform Arhead will be in town from May 13 to August 31, 2022. ToDA will also host its first digital model and visualization of AI SYNTI. For all the tech enthusiasts wondering what the future could be like, you can get a preview of it this weekend at the exhibition. With the best display of technology paired with creative artists from all over the world, ToDA opens the door to a surreal virtual reality experience.
Toda.ae, 04 277 4044
End the busy week with a stretching session at Top Stretching
Photo: Courtesy of Top Stretching
For those looking forward to having a good, long stretch after the hectic workweek, Top Stretching brings you just that. Located in Dubai Marina and Jumeirah with 20 outlets across the globe, the newest studio has opened its doors at Downtown Dubai in Burj Vista. The pastel pink-themed studio offers a range of challenging yet fun workouts to its members from yoga and pilates to functional training, aero stretching, and split school. Adorned with pink equipment, interiors, and high ceilings, the ladies-only studio makes an otherwise stressful workout aesthetically pleasing.
Topstretching.me, 058 511 5600
Visit Jamie Oliver’s new Italian restaurant at The Dubai Mall
Photo: Courtesy of Jamie’s Italian
After Qatar and Saudi Arabia, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has brought his globally-renowned restaurant to UAE. Jamie’s Italian has opened its doors to diners at The Dubai Mall, serving dishes inspired by Oliver’s travels across the European country. On the menu are freshly-made pasta, pizzas, salads, hearty mains, sides, as well as antipasti, and indulgent desserts. All of the ingredients and produce used at the restaurant are freshly sourced and handpicked to ensure the best quality.
Thedubailmall.com, 04 362 7500
Camp indoors in a rainforest setting at The Green Planet
Photo: Courtesy of The Green Planet
Looking to get away from the city and spend the weekend in a forest? The Green Planet is now bringing the rainforest experience to you at the City Walk. Being the city’s only indoor rainforest, Green Planet Dubai is home to 3000 exotic plants and animals. The tropical biodome will pitch tents for its guests to provide the ultimate camping experience including activities like rainforest tours, a nature-themed movie or storytime and marshmallow roasting. The place also has a nature-themed, in-house café where you can relax after an adventurous day in the ‘forest’.
Thegreenplanetdubai.com, (800) 7699
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