Pull up a chair as we present the latest news, reviews and must-try menu highlights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s most talked-about restaurants, bars and cafés
FRESH AND FLAVOURFUL A hub for all things plant-based, Folia’s innovative menu is a vegan diner’s dream. With its lush setting, tucked away in a secluded garden oasis in the heart of Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, the menu offers a range of healthy, fresh alternatives to modern classics. Expect tantalising delights, from the raw Margherita pizza, made with cashew nut cheese and pesto, to the ‘meatless’ burger, packed with the goodness of quinoa, guacamole, tomato and lettuce. And the indulgent coconut cream pie, with its macadamia crust and banana creme, will make sure the best is saved for last.
ASIAN FEAST Offering exquisite flavours from across Asia, Ba – Boldly Asian at Fairmont The Palm brings the sweet, savoury and spicy tastes of Korea, Japan, China and Taiwan together. A recent revamp has given the venue an all-new look with a refreshed menu that’s sure to entice. Try the octopus dumplings, miso buttered lobster and fluffy Japanese cheesecake, all served at the sleek haunt with spectacular views over Dubai Marina.
BY THE BEACH The latest dining destination at the city’s favourite beachfront hangout, Mediterranean Kitchen comes to La Mer, bringing together the most sumptuous tastes of land and sea. The restaurant showcases over 60 dishes, from seafood to meats with sharing plates, ideal for large gatherings. From breakfast to dinner, favourites include the slow-roasted lamb shank and the jumbo prawns.
THE RIGHT BITE An elegant yet relaxed space, Toplum puts a modern spin on classic Mediterranean cuisine, making it the perfect spot to refuel while enjoying a shopping spree at Mirdif City Centre. The breakfast staples, served with delicately brewed speciality coffees, are already firm favourites, while the truffle burger, with rich black Angus, graviera cheese, bacon chutney and truffle aioli, is a winner.
RELAXED VIBES Already a firm player on the Jumeirah Beach Road dining circuit, Society Café & Lounge has launched its latest seasonal menu. The casual dining concept has added several new treats to its all-day breakfast offering, including banana bread with spiced honey and blueberry mascarpone as well as beetroot hummus. New mains blend east and west with a decadent and creamy truffle bucatini, sesame chicken schnitzel, shrimp tacos as well as eggplant and lamb moussaka.
CLASSIC TASTES Joining the DIFC culinary scene, Shanghai Me pays tribute to the glamorous 1930s with its extravagant setting. The bamboo and bougainvillaea-lined terrace is perfect for enjoying the cooler climate while the refined interior lends itself to social gatherings. Serving recipes handed down through the generations, menu highlights include the spicy chicken popcorn with dry chillies, chicken and avocado salad, Szechuan prawns and roast duck. For dessert, the venue’s signature creation – pandan brioche cake with coconut ice cream – is a must-try.
