Looking for somewhere new to dine out this January? We reveal some of the newest restaurant openings in the region to try.
August, Address Fountain Views Dubai
French baroque-inspired restaurant and lounge August is opening its doors in Dubai this January. Inviting diners to a new culinary experience with a modern twist, August promises to provide a first-of-its-kind journey through specially curated rooms with distinctive experiences. The venue features specially curated spaces – The Dining Room, The Cocktail Room, and The Terrace Garden, with each having its own identity.
The Dining Room is a space dedicated to socialising over a meal and drinks where August’s star chef, Juan Pablo Rey Nores, will be serving the best French-Mediterranean cuisine. Highlight dishes including Wagyu Carpaccio, Escargot, Foie Gras Brioche, Lobster Tagliatelle, Sea Bass Papillote and Steak Frites. Desserts include Caramel Fondant, Crepes Suzette, and the August Chocolate Dream.
The Cocktail Room – labelled as the Speakeasy Space – is set to become a go-to weekend party destination where guests will feel the warmth of house parties and enjoy a variety of cocktails by August’s world-class mixologists. Guests will be welcomed into this room with smoke and a unique laser show to set the mood.
Finally, The Terrace Garden is an outdoor space filled with calming greenery and foliage, offering an exquisite view of Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai. Whether guests are visiting for an elaborate dinner or a casual round of drinks, this space sets all the right expectations and promises a good time. The venue will be featuring a line-up of Dubai’s best DJs, and amongst the selection is August’s Resident, DJ Josho, the Lebanese-born Dubai-based DJ known for his no-rule music ideology. With a state-of-the-art sound system, this room is where most of the dancing happens. Guests can also find a speciality gin bar with drinks created by award-winning bartenders.
The new venue was conceptualized by Limestone Lab, the Experience Design Studio, for its Founder, Renowned Socialite, and Serial Investor, Ms. Tara Baghdadi, who commented: “We are excited to bring this artistic restaurant and lounge experience to life and cannot wait to welcome our guests.”
The restaurant’s interior and creative direction was brought to life by Zeina Ladki, Founder of FLTRD; a fashion platform curating and operating niche concepts and pop-up stores in the Middle East. Zeina has launched several renowned fashion stores and is the consultant behind the look and feel of August.
The venue will also display art from different galleries every month, with the first one being Ayyam Gallery for the launch; a leading arts organization that manages the careers of diverse established and emerging artists.
Nobu Dubai, Atlantis, The Palm
Nobu Matsuhisa’s globally renowned restaurant will begin its 15th year in a new stunning location. The New Nobu Dubai is located in a stunning setting, formally home to Atlantis’ Royal Bridge Suite. Located on the 22nd floor of Atlantis, The Palm, this impressive location has been completely transformed to house the brand new restaurant as well as Nobu Lounge and Bar which includes an expansive terrace. The restaurant has the most impressive views of the city and the Arabian Gulf, making it truly iconic.
Entry to the new Nobu is via a private elevator where guests will be whisked up to this sophisticated destination in the sky. There are five dining areas in total including the main dining room, an exclusive 13-seat sushi bar, a VIP booth and six private dining rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with views across the Arabian Gulf.
The restaurant might have a new location but the food is still up to the same standard and better as new dishes have been added to the menu further expanding on the Japanese cuisine with a Peruvian twist, with a vast array of dishes designed by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
Menu highlights include the legendary Black Cod Miso, Lobster Wasabi Pepper and for meat lovers, the Japanese Wagyu Beef. The Lobster Hobayaki is also a must try as well as the Chilean Sea Bass. Be sure to start your meal with a selection of sushi and to finish, the Nobu Cheesecake is an absolute must!
The new Nobu is more than just a restaurant, it now offers an after-dinner experience for guests to dance the night away as it transforms into Nobu After Hours, offering an elevated social dining experience and energetic vibe featuring a stellar collective of female DJs, dancing and a late-night menu. Nobu After Hours is set to become one of the city’s must-visit nightlife destinations.
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa said of the new location: “After 14 years of success with Atlantis in Dubai I am so excited to take the next step forward with our new Nobu restaurant. We have a great team in Dubai who have worked with me for many years, so I know that every guest who visits us will have an amazing Nobu experience.”
Nobu Dubai will relocate to its new 22nd-floor location in Atlantis, The Palm, on Monday, 23rd January 2023. For reservations, please visit www.atlantis.com/dubai/dining/nobu or call 04 426 0760. Nobu, located in The Avenues in Atlantis, The Palm, will be taking reservations until 8th January 2023. For the latest updates, stay tuned @nobudubai.
Em Sherif Restaurant, Doha
Em Sherif Restaurant has opened its first destination in Doha, bringing its fine-dining concept by restaurateur Mireille Hayek to Qatar. Located on Doha’s Al Maha Island exhibits Hayek’s traditional, refined, and unique take on the multifaceted Lebanese cuisine that triggers fond memories of home cooking. With an expansive sea-front terrace, the restaurant’s interiors designed by award-winning Ramy Boutros incorporate hand-selected and intricately embroidered chair designs – representing the Hayek family’s culture and history – and beautiful bespoke tiles on the walls with stylish silhouettes of botanical accents and delicate gold leaves. Designed to represent Lebanese architectural heritage, lavish with luxury and Madame Hayek’s own personal touch, Em Sherif delivers first-class dining experiences to guests.
“I love sharing my passion for cooking and authentic Lebanese food with the world and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here during such an exciting time for this city and region as global events take centre stage. We look forward to welcoming guests from near and far to discover our authentic Oriental cuisine with the special Em Sherif touch! Em Sherif Restaurant in Doha will be the ultimate new waterfront venue, combining exceptional dining with the warmth of Levantine hospitality to enjoy with family and friends alike,” said Mireille Hayek, founder of Em Sherif Restaurant, Café, and Sea Café.
Em Sherif Restaurant Doha is open for both lunch and dinner, offering both, a curated set menu and an A La Carte menu by chef Mireille Hayek and her daughter chef Yasmina Hayek. All ingredients are chosen from fresh produce to succulent meats, to surprise and delight guests with innovative dishes. The menu features an array of mouth-watering dishes including the signature Fattoush salad with pomegranate molasses, sensational Wagyu Hummus and Em Ali; a delicious vanilla-infused milk, nuts and puff pastry. Each dish has been carefully created using only the freshest ingredients and produce available. While enjoying their meal, guests will also be able to enjoy the best tunes spun by Em Sherif’s in-house DJs.
