What better way to enjoy the cool winter evenings than by dining outdoors? There is no shortage of venues with terraces, some of which offer views of the waterfront and city skylines. Afshan Ahmed rounds up of some of the newest options available for alfresco dining in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
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Abu Dhabi
Bu
Located on the fourth floor of The Hub at World Trade Center Mall, Bu has one of the biggest roof terraces in the city, which is perfect for alfresco dining. The stylish venue recently reopened its outdoor dining and has a variety of brunches planned for the winter season. The terrace has separate seating areas for casual diners and fine-dining guests. The long sharing tables make the brunches a community affair, while the four-seater swing set and the nautical-style booths, with fairy lights hanging above, are great spots for after-work socialising. Their pan-Latin menu includes the regular Fiesta del Sol brunch and Dest!nat!on dinners, along with a new street market-style brunch that includes an outdoor barbecue, live cooking stations and Latin beats.
• Call 02 666 8066 or email [email protected]; www.butrinity.com
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Abu Dhabi
Roberto’s
Enjoy the waterfront vista on Al Maryah Island from the terrace at Roberto’s Abu Dhabi, while a live DJ sets the mood. The restaurant, which recently opened at the Rosewood Hotel, The Galleria Mall, has a terrace that is climate- controlled to help ease diners into the new season. The Italian-style indoor seating and terrace were designed by international award-winning designer Paul Bishop but it is the menu, developed by executive chef Francesco Guarracino, that will keep you coming back for more.
• Call 02 627 9009 or email [email protected]; www.robertos.ae
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Abu Dhabi
Tamba
As the sun sets over the capital, the party begins on Tamba Abu Dhabi’s outdoor terrace. The restaurant, in the World Trade Centre Mall, will host Rooftop Sundowners every Friday, featuring live entertainment from a DJ and saxophone player Matt West. Diners can enjoy brunch from 4pm until 7pm, with a selection of signature dishes in canapé-style and beverages for Dh220.
• Call 02 6728 888; www.tambarestaurant.com
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Abu Dhabi
Eclipse
This venue, at the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, offers impressive views over the water at Al Maryah Island, which help to make it the perfect spot to spend a winter’s evening in the capital. The urban-inspired vibe includes a resident DJ, who spins an eclectic set of dynamic and soft tunes. The new à la carte menu focuses on fresh flavours and locally sourced ingredients, including oysters and hammour. A bites menu is served from 7pm until 12am, and there is an inventive mocktail menu.
• Call 02 333 2222; www.fourseasons.com/abudhabi
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Dubai
Aji
Sample fusion flavours while taking in the skyline of Dubai at the newly-opened Aji on The Palm. The Peruvian-Japanese restaurant at Club Vista Mare on The Palm has an amber-lit terrace with an eclectic playlist for guests to enjoy all night long. You’ll be served a handcrafted Nikkei-style menu, designed by Japanese-born, Peruvian-raised head chef Eric Fernando, and shaken cocktails in a laid-back setting. Open from Saturday to Wednesday from noon to 2am and until 3am on Friday.
• 04 552 0244; www.aji.ae
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Dubai
Burj Al Arab Terrace
Take your outdoor dining and socialising to a whole new level at the Burj Al Arab Terrace. Marrying a futuristic design that becomes one with the waters of the Arabian Gulf with top-notch hospitality, this terrace has two pools, dedicated butler-serviced cabanas and a beach area with sunbeds. The Scape Restaurant ensures that those in attendance are fed globally-inspired dishes and beverages. The terrace extends 100 metres out into the sea, and is linked by a central walkway that takes the form of a tropical-forest canopy.
• Call 04 301 7400 or email [email protected]; www.jumeirah.com
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Dubai
Al Falamanki
This restaurant, a hidden gem along the Jumeirah 2 strip, has a new terrace. The food and ambience at Al Falamanki Dubai have been tailored to transport diners to the streets of Beirut. Lebanese comfort food is served in an outdoor setting lined with trees and plants in Nido condensed milk tins to evoke a traditional homely feel. Diners can also unwind over shisha and games at the restaurant.
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Dubai
Pai Thai
Begin your romantic dining experience with an abra ride across Madinat Jumeirah before arriving at Pai Thai. As the weather cools, the restaurant’s outdoor-seating area comes alive, with diners having access to an exclusive courtyard where they can enjoy a more intimate evening with loved ones. The classic Thai menu includes soups, meat, seafood and curries with distinctive Oriental herbs and spices. The restaurant organises the Feast of Xahar every Friday and Saturday for Dh195, with a menu by head chef Aphichat Amatmontri.
• Call 04 432 3232 or email [email protected]; www.jumeirah.com
