Villamore

Villamore

22 | Dining and Nightlife Middle East

The new Emerald Palace by Kempinski really does live up to the name of Dubai’s new Palace by the sea. Upon entering an undeniably opulent lobby, with a grand piano, gold leaf embellishments and elongated colonnades, the hotel offers and impressive visual assault, a stark contrast to the beachfront setting of the Mediterranean restaurant Villamore.

A standalone structure, close to the hotels swimming pool, Villamore is like a breath of fresh air. A two-story structure heavily influenced by the trattorias and tavernas of the Mediterranean manages to be both chic and rustic in equal parts. Led along stone floors and down whitewashed corridors, we find ourselves on the pleasant terrace. Decked out in blue and white upholstery, Villamore provides the distinct feeling of Santorini island life. A sense that’s only heightened by our unique location, sat upon the sands of Palm Jumeirah with striking views towards the glittering skyscrapers of Dubai Marina piercing the horizon.

Villamore’s Barefoot Lunch attracts a more mature crowd than we perhaps expected and looks to simplify the weekend brunch experience with a four-course set menu of Mediterranean dishes that leans heavily into the cuisines of Italy and the Levant whilst maintaining a strict focus on seafood. We begin in the anti-pasti room (yes you read that correctly) here guests are encouraged to graze on a selection of cold mezzes, cheeses and cured meats. We highly recommend the Spanish Manchego drizzled in balsamic oil and honey which accompanied by a fine beverage, marks a wonderful start to this weekend affair.

Summer 2019 | 23