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Following the success of its outposts in Paris and Saint-Tropez, the much-loved Italian restaurant-meets-beach house Gigi Rigolatto has landed in Dubai, offering a retreat that embodies its ethos of ‘La Vita Alla Grande’ – the idea of living life to the full. Set at one end of J1 Beach, this highly Instagrammable spot (the work of Franco-Mexican architect Hugo Toro) seamlessly blends Italian sophistication with sun-soaked bliss. It offers an exquisite restaurant, four private cabanas, a retro-chic pool, beach club, Bellini bar and concept store. We spent the day on the beach, flopping between plush sun loungers under pretty parasols to the aquamarine sea. A small, but sufficient menu here has what you need to satisfy cravings. Highlights include the burrata pizza made with fermented dough, Parmigiano Reggiano, stracciatella and confit tomato, alongside crispy Patagonian calamari and a fresh seasonal tomato salad. The sea bream carpaccio is a true standout, with its zesty lemon notes. For those craving more, the main restaurant offers all manner of pleasurable fare.
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Tulum concept Gitano has made its way to Dubai and its neon pink sign welcomes guests down a tree-lined pathway into a restaurant space that then opens out to the beach through a boardwalk. A sparkling disco ball hangs above the black-and-white tiles that run through the restaurant, with tropical plants and wood adding to the atmosphere. The outdoor space not only has access to the beach but includes a beautiful pool surrounded by loungers with pink, fluffy towels waiting for sun-seekers. Popping over to Gitano for lunch followed by some pool and beach time is a great idea, and the food in the restaurant does not disappoint. The guacamole is fresh and zesty, with an addition of lime and chilli making it a delight to dive into. We absolutely wiped up the chorizo con queso fundido, with the veal, queso and habanero coming together as a moreish whole. A fabulous surprise was the branzino in banana leaf: the inclusion of fresh kiwi fruit cubes atop the delicate sea bass pairs really well. Desserts are equally worth the wait: the lemon tart is creamy without being too tart (it’s almost a cheesecake), while the dulce lava explodes into a rich white chocolate centre for a fantastic finish.
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Hailing from the south of France where it has reigned since 1969, African Queen has landed on J1 Beach and offers a sophisticated French Riviera experience with African-inspired flair. The décor stands out with animal prints, lush greens and earthy tones. The menu is a diner’s dream, with signature dishes highlighted for easy ordering – each dish offers a stunning mixture of textures carried out with finesse. The pissaladière – with caramelised onions, marinated anchovies and black olives – is moreish beyond belief. The onions almost lend a soft, creamy experience to every bite paired with the crispy base. Everyone who visits African Queen absolutely must order the tomato tatin; it’s quite the star with the parmesan crisp adding a welcome bite to the smooth and flavourful confit tomatoes. The lemon veal scallopini is soaked in a surprising zesty sauce that pairs perfectly with the fluffy rice as well as the freshly baked bread; you’ll be mopping up the sauce until you’re ready to burst. Desserts are a whole affair in themselves, with a fabulous presentation of the dessert menu – feast with your eyes on the platter before selecting your preferred dessert. Whether you pick the pineapple crème brûlée elegantly served in the fruit, or the African gold bar with an outer hard chocolate shell encasing a mousse with chocolate, banana and passion fruit, you will leave satisfied. Beyond the restaurant, African Queen also offers a chic beach club experience. By day, peach loungers and a long pool overlook the beach to create a relaxed vibe, while dinner transforms the space into a dining venue.
