From ultimate spots to celebrate special occasions to exciting new offerings to indulge in, here are the things to do in the UAE in May
CÉ LA VI Dubai
CÉ LA VI Dubai invites diners to an extraordinary dining experience centred around sushi and robata. Led by Chef Howard Ko, expect a meticulously crafted menu that combines traditional Asian flavours with French influences, utilizing premium quality ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. Tuck into four unique sushi platters alongside a diverse array of robata specialties including Whole grilled branzino, Roasted rock lobster tail, and Grilled red mullet.
Sushi platters start from AED195. Visit website.
Varak
Varak, the Dubai-based homegrown luxury pâtisserie, is offering a delightful summer menu including the signature Mango trifle, Mango and cream cake, Vanilla praline cake, and Berry cream cheesecake. Whether you’re planning an extravagant summer soirée or just an indulgent treat for the weekends, discover an array of culinary delights at Varak.
Starting from AED110. Visit website.
Blind Tiger
Complementing its diverse range of captivating offerings, Bling Tiger presents its latest weekly event, “Untamed Sessions,” an exuberant jazz evening with a wide selection of concoctions and delectable bites. Indulge in culinary delights such as Crispy calamari, Wagyu beef skewers accompanied by black pepper jus, Corn croquets with romesco sauce, Lobster rolls with avocado salsa, and Truffle pizzetta topped with creamy burrata.
Every Thursday from 9pm. Call 800 323232 or email reservations@jumeirah.com.
Marco’s Italian
Nestled within Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Marco’s Italian brings a new elevated menu inspired by the spirit of Italy. Created by Italian Chef Giampaolo Maffini, the menu features an array of mouth-watering dishes including Bruschetta and fritto misto, Burratina mediteranea, classic Penne all’arrabbiata, Ravioli burrata e pomodoro, Margherita, and Tartufo e porcini. Finish on a sweet note with a traditional selection of desserts such as the Sicilian cannoli, velvety Panna cotta served with a berry compote, and Tiramisu.
Call +9712 654 3333.
Bungalo34
Kickstart your mornings with a coastal cuisine twist in a plush indoor setting while enjoying the picturesque beachside view during the warm weather. Indulge in a selection of breakfast beverages coupled with a traditional Riviera-style continental breakfast, Mediterranean-inspired Vanilla Greek yoghurt with preserved sweet fruits and roasted nuts, Smoked salmon & potato galette, or a Lobster benedict. Little ones can tuck into scrumptious Nutella puffs topped with caramel, banana, chocolate sauce and strawberry concassé, and the Tarte tropézienne.
9am-11:30am. Contact +9714 238 1780.
Akira Back
Enjoy an immersive Omakase (translates to chef’s choice) dining experience with succulent dishes curated by head chef Giovanni Ledon. Look forward to new delicacies introduced every month coupled with a premium pairing of signature beverages, including sake concoctions and grape pairings by Akira Back’s in-house sommelier, Irina Baeva.
Sushi Counter, Akira Back. Every second and fourth Wednesday of the month (10th and 24th of May). 8pm onwards. AED699 per person including soft beverages. AED899 per person including sake pairing. AED1,399 per person including premium beverages. Call +9714 245 5800 or email wpalmdining@whotelsworldwide.com. Visit website.
NIRI Restaurant & Bar
The award-winning restaurant has unveiled its first tasting menu, offering flavourful Japanese dishes including Suzuki agedashi (golden crisp seabass with tentsuyu sauce and chilli daikon), Tsukune (minced meat with truffle oil and fresh egg yolk), Ika (squid with sweet yuzu kosho marinade), Kinako pistachio cheesecake, and Chocolate soufflé.
Monday-Sunday from 12pm-10:30pm. AED300 per person for five courses and AED375 for seven courses. Visit website.
La Mezcaleria JBR
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with mesmerizing views of the Marina, JBR, and Bluewaters skyline and an extensive staring-style menu brimming with Latin-American dishes such as Cheese nachos, Corn salad, Beef quesadillas, Chicken fajitas, Chicken tacos, Shrimp tacos, and Churros.
May 5 from 8pm-1am. Starting from AED195 per person for a sharing-style menu. AED395 including food and unlimited beverages. Call +97156 520 2020.
Asil
Asil is set to welcome a unique collaboration with Chef Osman Sezener from OD Urla, a renowned “farm-to-table” restaurant in Turkey, and Chef Mohamad Ourad for an unforgettable dining experience inspired by the Aegean. The menu boasts a range of mouth-watering dishes, starting with a signature soup made from grape leaves sourced from the vineyards of Urla, followed by a traditional Aegean dish of oven-baked celery with orange and mandarin; a combination of couscous, wood-fired calamari, and tomato sauce; and potato cream topped with grilled octopus in pomegranate molasses. To conclude, guests can indulge in the exquisite artichoke served with lamb shank cooked with mesir paste.
May 5 and 6 from 6:30pm-9:30pm. Call +9714 520 0055.
Wise Guys
Nestled within DIFC, the all-new sandwich spot brings the old-school New York to Dubai and offers an array of freshly-made gourmet sub. Indulge in an Egg manifesto (a pillowy soft potato roll filled with fresh farm eggs made to order), signature Wise Guys with pastrami, Forget about it (beef speck, pecorino, truffle cream cheese, pickled onions and a mix of botanicals on butter toasted schiacciata), and The ollie (smoked turkey, fresh mozzarella, horseradish mayo, sauteed spinach, marinated tomatoes, romaine lettuce and honey sriracha on a butter toasted sourdough bread).
Visit Instagram.
Bagatelle
Introducing VICE by Bagatelle, look forward to a one-of-a-kind experience featuring leading DJs and artists including multi-gold and platinum-selling artist, Miami-based DJ HUGEL. Enjoy the exhilarating night with a sumptuous French Riviera-inspired cuisine from its à la carte menu.
May 11 from 8pm till late. Call +9714 354 5035 or email dubai@bagatelle.com.
Little Venice Cake Company
Dubai’s Little Venice Cake Company has launched a selection of handcrafted Coronation specials, skillfully designed by the renowned Mich Turner MBE. Order the Coronation date loaf crafted from Medjool dates, fresh Bramley apples, lemon, ginger, and sultanas; the Strawberry lemon royale cake with fresh strawberries and white sugar daisy-style flowers; or the Carrot cake, which pays homage to King Charles III’s love of the land, and is made with fresh carrots, walnuts, sultanas, coconut, a delightful citrus syrup, and orange cream cheese frosting.
May 1 until May 15 from 10am-8pm. Cakes starting from AED360. Call +971 4 426 2150.