1
A sprawling rooftop lounge overlooking the Dubai Marina and the fronds of the Palm Jumeirah paired with bold interiors equals Peruvian-Japanese concept, Above Eleven Dubai. A local outpost of the Bangkok concept, Above Eleven is buzzing at night. The Nikkei menu is packed with a range of options, from ceviches to tiraditos, and maki rolls to traditional Peruvian dishes and robatayaki. The Hamachi truffle ponzu is a bestseller for a reason: the shiso leaf cuts through the salty caviar while the truffle oil is not overwhelming. The Above Eleven ceviche is also a triumph; it combines seabass, A11 leche tigre, crispy calamari, cancha, choclo and sweet potato, creating a harmonious yet contrasting texture when all the elements are eaten together. You must try the Patagonian toothfish from the robatayaki grill. The fish quite literally melts in your mouth. Oh, and definitely order the alfajores.
The melt-in-your-mouth Patagonian toothfish at Above Eleven Dubai
The guacamole at Black Flamingo is smooth and freshly prepared
2
Get a slice of Miami and a taste of Caribbean-Creole food at Black Flamingo Dubai, located on Palm West Beach. The menu has been crafted by homegrown hero, chef Reif Othman. It’s packed with a range of moreish items that will keep you satiated, and it’s clear how Reif’s influence reigns across every dish. Happily, the guacamole is freshly made, while the beef empanadas are tender and juicy and you’ll wonder whether to order a second plate. The coconut seafood ceviche is also definitely worth a spot at your table, with the portion size making it a great sharing option. The seabass frito is quite the looker – fish chunks have been deep fried to perfection, arranged artfully around the fried husk of the seabass. The strawberry churros are a surprisingly fun twist on the classic dessert – a perfect finish to your meal. The music adds to the flamingo-filled, luxurious interiors – it’s hard not to feel like dancing. And while you’re there, keep your camera handy – there’s plenty of Instagram-friendly spots for your feed.
3
Step into soothing environs at Amazónico Dubai where lush greenery and carved wood accents are complemented by tasteful touches of gold. The bespoke menu, which highlights the chef’s signature dishes, is a celebration of the Amazon region’s vibrant culinary heritage. The ensalada Amazónica is a stand-out starter bursting with sweet and tangy notes from mango and kalamansi citrus paired with the silkiness of avocado. The sushi selection also features Hokkaido beef nigiri with perfectly seared A5 Wagyu topped with Baerii caviar. While you wait for your mains to arrive, order a round of small bites. The poblano patacones is a delightful mouthful with crispy plantain topped with caramelised poblano pepper, burrata and kimchi. The patacones mechados is another delicious morsel with pulled veal, which melts in the mouth. But keep room for mains, which arrive in generous portions. The corvina del Pacifico is a flakey fillet of croaker fish on a bed of mashed potato, surrounded by a yellow chilli emulsion that you’ll want to drink right out of the bowl. The Brazilian-style grilled rump steak is sliced into delicate slivers at the table and served with chimichurri. Wrap up this meal on a sweet note with 2700 origen andino, a decadent plate of lucuma and chocolate mousse, black pepper ganache and chocolate-orange ice cream.
