Photo: Instagram.com/sushisambadubai
As the weekend rolls up once again, it’s time to indulge your tastebuds with a memorable meal. Below, our roundup of restaurants worth visiting on your day off.
La Mar
Photo: Instagram.com/lamardubai
Atlantis the Royal is brimming with incredible restaurants, and the latest spot on everyone’s radar has to be Peruvian favorite La Mar by Gaston Acurio. Perfect for family dinners or an outing with friends, La Mar stands out for its warm, inviting interiors, and also boasts the title of being the only restaurant with an authentic Cebiche bar in all of the UAE. The Nigiri Criollo will have you falling in love at first bite, while the cebiche serves as a tangy break between sharing plates. Don’t miss out on the restaurant’s signature dessert — we won’t spoil it for you with too many details, except that you’ll never believe that the whole dish is made using corn.
Yui
Photo: Instagram.com/yui_dxb
A hidden gem located in Dubai Design District, Yui is every ramen lover’s dream. The restaurant’s menu is packed with variations of the Japanese favorite from yuzu shio to tantanmen, but don’t be fooled into thinking that’s all the hotspot is known for. Must-trys from the menu include karaage with spicy mayo, a selection of gyoza, and for dessert, authentic mochi in a range of flavors, stuffed with sweet bean paste. Add a glass of chilled peach juice to your order for the full experience.
Sushisamba
Photo: Instagram.com/sushisambadubai
Arguably one of the most-loved sushi spots in Dubai, Sushisamba is now offering fans of East Asian cuisine a whole new menu, featuring delectable dishes including a refreshing Samba Tartar (a mix of salmon, tuna and white fish served with nori and salsa mayo), crispy octopus, Moriwase seafood seviche, and if you love a hearty main, the Seafood Cazuella, which brings together shrimp, squid, black cod, scallops, clams and octopus on a bed of Peruvian rice. Add to that a breath-taking view of the Palm, and you’ve got yourself the perfect dinner destination in town.
Flamingo Room by tashas
Photo: Instagram.com/flamingoroomae
Here’s a spot that’s as Instagrammable as it is satiating. Instantly recognizable for its distinct all-pink interiors, Flamingo Room serves up a long list of must-try dishes, along with light snacks — ideal for a busy night out. Kickstart your evening with a fresh salad (we recommend the burrata), or go the seafood route with the salmon carpaccio. For mains, there’s absolutely no going wrong with the scallop pasta. Pro tip: Make sure to take a few pictures against the candy-colored backdrop on your way out.
Demon Duck by Alvin Leung
Photo: Instagram.com/demonduckdubai
Caesar’s Palace Dubai’s coolest new food spot is Chinese restaurant Demon Duck, which catches the eye instantly for its edgy interiors — and the menu echoes the aesthetics of the restaurant perfectly. Full of rich flavors and beautifully cooked renditions of duck, the restaurant’s heroes include the minced duck wrap (served with homemade pancakes), dan dan noodles, and bang bang chicken. If you love all things matcha, make sure to end your evening with the chocolate and matcha fondant. Served with brown rice ice-cream, this one is worth the calories.
Alaya
Photo: Instagram.com/alayadubai
Nestled in the heart of DIFC, Alaya is a dining destination worth visiting. The ever-busy restaurant is an eclectic and creative space for culinary excellence. Chef Izu Ani, the pioneering Dubai-based restaurateur, is at the helm of this charming spot, which serves as both a fine dining restaurant and the ideal hangout spot — think opulence meets nostalgia. On the menu? A plethora of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. If in doubt, order the lobster salad — it never disappoints.
Read next: Best Chinese Restaurants in Dubai: 12 Must-Visit Spots For A Luxury Fine-Dining Experience
