Where to eat, drink and party this week: Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s must-try dining hotspots

Here’s your ultimate guide to where to sip, dine, and celebrate all season long

Last updated: August 04, 2025 | 07:00

Manuel Almario, Senior News Editor

4 MIN READ

Discover Latin ladies’ nights, Michelin-starred lunches, sushi with a California twist, and chocolate shops worth every dirham.

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Dubai: Whether you're looking to sip unlimited bubbly with your crew, indulge in a power lunch, or discover the city’s most creative cuisine, we’ve curated the hottest dining and nightlife deals you need to try this season. From rooftop Latin beats to early breakfast steals and luxurious tasting menus, this list has a little something for every palate and plan.

1. Luchador Mexican Restaurant

Gather your amigas and step into a fiesta of flavor and rhythm at Luchador Roof Cantina & Lounge every Thursday. This lively Mexican cantina transforms into a vibrant girls’ night spot from 7pm onwards.
Enjoy three hours of unlimited bubbly, plus 30 per cent off a menu full of zesty, mouthwatering Mexican bites. With a live Latin band providing the soundtrack to your evening, expect to dance, sip, and celebrate under the stars.

Location: Aloft Palm Jumeirah
Date and Time: Every Thursday | 7pm onwards
Call: +971 50 192 1653

2. 1920

Inspired by the golden age of Prohibition, 1920 is an elevated speakeasy located atop IDC Brookfield Place in DIFC. This ultra-chic hideaway offers a nightly journey through expertly reimagined classic cocktails, panoramic skyline views, and a rotation of live sax sets, vinyl-spinning DJs, and golden-hour vibes.
Whether you're sipping cocktails at sunset or dancing to late-night jazz, 1920 delivers class, comfort, and serious city-slicker cool.

Location: IDC Brookfield Place, 52nd Floor, DIFC

Date and Time: Open daily from evening till late

Call: 04 498 1920

3. Pacific Groove x OSHI

At Pacific Groove, food meets the silver screen. The vibe is pure California coast, with open-flame wood grilling and bold, beautiful plates. The newly launched OSHI concept introduces a daring sushi menu with Japanese flavors and West Coast attitude. Think Osaka-inspired drinks reimagined for sharing, sipping, and social storytelling.

Location: Pacific Groove, Paramount Hotel, Dubai

Date and Time: Monday – Sunday | 4pm to 1am

Call: +971 55 180 7559

4. L’ETO

L’ETO brings elegance to the early riser. This new early breakfast menu features decadent and wholesome choices like Truffled scrambled eggs on brioche, Croissant Benedicts with silky hollandaise, Caramelised banana French toast, Matcha lychee granola for the health-conscious. Pair your morning with a pistachio latte or a velvety flat white for a polished start to the day.

Locations: Dubai Festival City & Mirdif City Centre
Date and time: Monday to Thursday | 8am – 11am

5. LOONA RUSSA

LOONA at Vida Downtown unveils LOONA RUSSA, a bold 12-course culinary experience that marries the heart of Italian gastronomy with the opulence of Russia’s finest ingredients.
Expect dishes like caviar-topped risottos, handmade tortellini with Siberian king crab, beef carpaccio with Russian horseradish crème. Each dish is plated for drama, delivering a unique, east-meets-west tasting journey.

Location: Vida Downtown Residences, Dubai

Date and time: Daily | 3pm – 9pm

Call: +9715 885 02200

6. Pastamamma

Pasta dreams come true at Pastamamma, where every noodle is handcrafted with love. This neighborhood Italian on Bluewaters Island delivers authentic dishes like fresh black truffle fettuccine Alfredo with chicken, truffle oil, and chives, spaghetti Milano with San Marzano tomatoes and sun-dried tomato topping, campanelle pesto genovese, tossed with pine nuts and crisp vegetables. This is comfort food done with elevated precision — no shortcuts, just flavour.

Location: Bluewaters Island, Dubai

7. TATEL Dubai

A stylish tribute to the flavors of Spain, TATEL Dubai offers a refined menu curated by Chef Alejandro Maestro, fusing tradition with modern flair. Expect the best from land and sea, like Galician octopus on a bed of smoked paprika potatoes, saffron lobster paella. With its chic interiors and live music ambience, this is dinner with a dash of drama.

Location: Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection, Downtown Dubai
Date and time: Wednesday to Saturday | 5pm – 1am
Call: +971 4 215 2121

8. Läderach

From ganache-filled pralines to signature nut-studded slabs, Läderach offers a masterclass in chocolate artistry. Perfect for gifts, post-brunch treats, or elevating your next coffee run. Their in-store café offerings include premium hot chocolates, chocolate-dipped fruits, and velvety cakes.

Locations:

Dubai: The Dubai Mall, MOE, Mirdif City Centre

Abu Dhabi: Yas Mall, World Trade Centre, Zayed Airport

Sharjah: City Centre Al Zahia

9. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Treat yourself to a 3-course lunch menu at three of Emirates Palace’s acclaimed restaurants:

Talea by Antonio Guida (Michelin-starred): Italian classics redefined

Lebanese Terrace: Elevated Levantine cuisine

Breakfast at Episodes: Daily from 8am to 12pm. Ease into your morning with seasonal breakfast favorites in a chic, serene setting. On Wednesday evenings, enjoy two hours of unlimited premium teas and coffees, paired with three artisanal pastries and refined savory bites, all beneath a dreamy canopy of cherry blossoms.

Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi

Call: +971 2 690 7999

Also Read: Round up the girls! 12 Ladies’ Nights in Dubai and Abu Dhabi you don’t want to miss

Manuel AlmarioSenior News Editor

Manuel has been with Gulf News for 24 years, currently serving as a Senior News Editor and a vital member of the team. From managing social media platforms and crafting viral content to shooting and editing videos on various topics such as weather, gold prices, and traffic updates, Manuel ensures news is not just timely but engaging. He also moderates reader comments and keeps the digital space respectful and impactful. Formerly the Community Editor for the Readers section, Manuel helped residents resolve issues with banks, telecom providers, utilities, and government agencies—giving people a voice and driving accountability. “I’m proud that, with the cooperation of companies, I was able to help people get the answers they needed,” he says. Beyond the newsroom, Manuel is driven by a passion for human interest stories—amplifying voices that often go unheard. “From rags-to-riches journeys to the quiet resilience of people with special needs, I believe these stories restore hope in humanity,” he added. “In every story I tell,” Manuel says, “my goal is simple: to inspire hearts, inform minds, and make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s a viral video, a quiet act of resilience, or a voice that needs to be heard, I believe every story has the power to connect us—and sometimes, even change us.” Manuel’s impact goes far beyond the newsroom—he’s been honored as one of the 300 most influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition 2020 by Illustrado. His dedication to telling powerful stories, along with his influence in community, culture, and human interest, has earned him a well-deserved place on this prestigious list.