New places pop up every day here in the UAE. This week I look at the four spots I’m dying to try.
Gia Dubai
Gia is a new Italian restaurant located at the new Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue. The dishes at Gia are a combination of traditional Italian cuisine and a modern influence. They focus on fresh ingredients, with some imported directly from Italy. Their vibe is airy and bright with pops of light colours all over the place. They also have views of the Dubai Fountain, so it’s a perfect spot to take someone out for lunch.
Location: Dubai Mall.
Cost: Various.
Timings: Saturday to Wednesday from 10am to 12am, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 1am.
Filful
The Lebanese eatery has recently unveiled its second location at Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard. Filful is known for its tasty Beiruti street food as well as its vibrant atmosphere, welcoming staff and a menu crammed full of nostalgic food. The entire menu is uncomplicated, generous and produce-driven. Whether it’s classic manakish straight from the furnace, a signature shawarma, fried falafel or a grilled tawook, they’ve got it all.
Location: Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard.
Cost: Small dishes start at Dh13.
Timings: Daily from 8am to 1am.
Bellavista
This brand new Italian restaurant located at Grosvenor House has recently opened its doors to the public. It promises authentic cuisine with warm service and ambience. Inside, the space is bright and inviting with pastel shades and tones. There’s also a terrace area offering an al fresco lounge dining area. Menu highlights include spaghetti pomodoro, salmon avocado tartine and everyone’s favourite, margherita pizza. Other traditional dishes include beef carpaccio with fresh black truffle, smoked burrata with fresh backed rosemary bread and the Italian favourite wild mushroom stuffed arancini with a rich tomato sauce. Bellavista offers views of Dubai Marina, making it a great setting to dine with friends and family.
Location: Grosvenor House, Tower 1.
Cost: Various.
Timings: Lunch is served from 12pm to 7pm and dinner from 7pm to 11pm.
Republic & Co
The Lebanese export has made a name for itself in Beirut over the past decade as the go-to for casual dining and gathering. The concept has now launched in Dubai with a more upscale look. Republic & Co is open 24/7 on the lobby level of the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront on Marasi Drive. The venue overlooks the canal and Burj Khalifa. They serve breakfast, lunch, early evening bites and dinner in the restaurant before people can switch over to the upbeat lounge area for signature beverages and tunes from in-house DJs.
Location: The Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront.
Cost: Various.
Timings: 24/7.
