3 minute read
The Mexican Spirit
WESLODGE
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Serving modern Canadian cuisine (it turns out there really is such a thing) Weslodge’s décor could best be described as tastefully random – stag antlers, red leather furniture, monochrome photographs of craggy pioneers and more paintings than you’d ever think were plausible for a single wall. The drinks, however, are simply out of this world - a mix of classic cocktails and intricate house creations that will blow your mind, made by some of the best and most tattooed bartenders in the city. Plus on the 68th floor, the whole experience comes with a side order of sweeping city views.
Tower B, 68th Floor, JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, Dubai T: +971 (0)4 560 1700 W: www.weslodge.ae Opening hours: Sun – Sat: 6pm – 1am Sun – Thurs: 11.30am – 3pm (lunch) Sat: 12pm – 4pm (brunch)
SIDDHARTA LOUNGE
Located on the roof of the Grosvenor House Hotel with near endless views of the Arabian Gulf, Siddharta Lounge is the perfect spot for a cold sundowner at the end of the day. Managing to be both chilled and sophisticated at the same time, you can relax on a sofa, or at the bar, or on the super-popular terraced steps spread out amongst comfy cushions as you watch the sun slink away below the marina.
Grosvenor House, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai T: +971 (0)4 317 6000 W: www.siddhartalounge.com Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 12.30pm – 3.30pm (lunch) Sat – Wed: 6.30pm – 12am (dinner) Thurs – Fri: 6.30pm – 12.30pm (dinner)
MAINE OYSTER BAR
Tucked away in an underground car park, Maine Oyster Bar takes some finding, and even if you know it’s there it can be a test of your sanity to find the door. Once inside, however, you’re treated to classic cocktails made by staff that seem genuinely (almost worryingly) pleased to be there and a bar that looks like it’s escaped from a New Orleans hotel. If you’re hungry and naturally ambitious, try Neptune’s Folly – a three-tier tower of prawns, snow crab, scallop ceviche and of course the freshest oysters.
Ground Floor, The DoubleTree by Hilton JBR, Dubai T: +971 (0)4 457 6719 W: www.themaine.ae Opening hours: Sat – Fri: 12pm – 12am (lunch & dinner) Thurs – Fri: 12pm – 1am
% ARABICA
With an interior that’s minimalist bordering on basic, this iconic, Japanese roaster has recently opened a branch at the Dubai Mall next to the aquarium (yes, this mall has an aquarium.) Practically bubbling with coffee obsession, in search of that perfect cup they grow their own beans, ship them, roast them and even solely export a precision espresso machine ominously called the Slayer. Both busy and friendly all day long, it smells irresistible and offers hands-down some of the best coffee in town.
The Dubai Mall, G/F, Shop 167, Downtown, Dubai T: +971 (0)4 331 1071 W: www.arabicacoffee.ae Opening hours: Sun – Wed: 9am – 12am Thurs – Sat: 9am – 1am
RÜYA
A visit to Rüya is the perfect way to discover locally inspired flavours while enjoying the comforts of one of the city’s most talked about new restaurants. The Anatolian offerings highlight the best of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean ingredients. The wine list boasts ancient wine world treasures that are exclusively imported from Turkey. Flavours of rose, hibiscus, honey and spices set-off the signature cocktails. Their use of the Coravin system means they have extraordinary wines available by the glass. Inside, painted ceramic walls and colourful cushions provide a rustic juxtaposition to the polished service, and the terrace that overlooks Dubai Marina is a great place to migrate to as the nightlife picks up late in the evening.
1st Floor, Lobby Level, Grosvenor House, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai Marina, Dubai T: +971 (0)4 3999 123 W: www.ruyadubai.com Opening hours: Sat – Wed: 6pm – 1am Thurs – Fri: 6pm – 2am