SAY ‘ADIEU’ TO 2020 IN STYLE
▶ With fewer people travelling and more fountain and fireworks shows than ever, tables for New Year’s Eve are booking up. Janice Rodrigues suggests some venues to splash out on
ABU DHABI Bord Eau
The chic restaurant has put together a six-course menu for diners who want to welcome the New Year with French flair. Tuck into gourmet options such as foie gras terrine, burrata, lobster tail and black Angus beef tenderloin, followed by a Guanaja coffee chocolate bar and artisan chocolate bon bons. Festivities will continue at the NYE Masquerade party at Sofra bld, where guests can see the midnight fireworks. From Dh599; Shangri
La Hotel Qaryat Al
Beri, Abu Dhabi; 02 509 8555; restaurantreservations.slad@shangri-la.com
Saadiyat Beach Club
Feast under the stars at this beachfront destination with indoor and outdoor arenas, seaside seating and VIP cabanas. The international sharing-style menu includes a seafood platter, plus meats with all the trimmings, and tarts and brownies to finish. Live entertainment will be on hand, plus activities to keep the children occupied. From Dh599; Saadiyat Island; 02 656 3500; www.saadiyatbeachclub.ae
Sofra bld
The fine-dining restaurant is hosting an elaborate masquerade-themed buffet dinner with myriad live stations from grilled seafood to teppanyaki. Delicious noodle soup aside, enjoy braised lamb shank, duck leg confit, chicken fricassee, lamb biryani and tandoori murgh tikka, plus charcoal-grilled meats. Views of the fireworks are guaranteed over the canal at midnight. From Dh599; Shangri
La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi; 02 509 8555; restaurantreservations.slad@shangri-la.com
Hakkasan
If it’s a fine-dining meal you’re after, the chic Cantonese
restaurant is serving its signature dishes on New Year’s Eve: think dim sum platters, black pepper crabmeat puff, roasted Peking duck salad, charcoal-grilled Chilean sea bass and wok-seared Canadian lobster. The spacious outdoor terrace provides some of the best views of the city skyline. From Dh688; Emirates Palace; 02 690 7739; hakkasan@ emiratespalace.ae
Coya
The popular Peruvian restaurant is ringing in the New Year with an extravagant Glitz & Glam bash. The venue will be filled to the brim with chrome balloons and iridescent tinsel curtains, while the resident DJ will be on the decks. For sweeping views of Al Maryah Island, there’s a minimum spend of Dh1,200 from the a la carte menu for a seat on the venue’s terrace or the Pisco Bar & Lounge sofas. Guests can also be a part of the festivities from the main tables with a minimum spend of Dh800. From Dh800; The Galleria Al Maryah Island; 02 306 7000; www.coyarestaurant.com
Zuma
The popular Japanese restaurant has two sittings for New Year’s Eve, one at 7pm and the other at 9.30pm. Dine on favourites – from the sushi and tempura to the miso cod and truffle mushroom rice – from the a la carte menu. There’s also an option to book a table in the bar area for Dh2,000, for up to four guests.
From Dh1,000; The Galleria Al Maryah Island; 02 401 5900; events@zumarestaurant.ae
Cabana Beach Bar & Grill
The picturesque destination is taking beachside dining to a new level with its “dugout dinner”, punctuated by candles, cushions, sand and waves. Those who don’t quite fancy a five-course meal on the sand can upgrade to a private cabana, fashioned as an igloo on the beach.
Dh5,000 for the dugout dinner, Dh6,000 for the igloo experience; The St Regis Abu Dhabi; 02 694 4444; www.stregisabudhabi.com
DUBAI
Aprons & Hammers
For those looking to welcome the New Year with a seafood soiree, Aprons & Hammers is here to deliver. The restaurant has three beachfront venues across Dubai, at The Beach, JBR, La Mer and Palm West Beach, with all offering a threecourse menu with scallop ceviche, mixed seafood platters and grilled lobster, capping it off with a cookie skillet.
From Dh545; The Beach, JBR; 04 456 7888; La Mer, Jumeirah; 04 388 8670; Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah; 04 589 5444; www. apronsandhammers.com
Palazzo Versace
The hotel is ringing in the New Year with an Arabian Nights theme, complete with characters such as Aladdin, Princess Jasmine and the Genie. Start the evening with canapes and drinks on the Mosaico terrace, followed by dinner in Giardino, which has an international buffet, or Vanitas, for a five-course Italian meal. The after-party is at the Central Pool with beats by DJ Tim, a live band and other themed surprises.
From Dh690; Jaddaf Waterfront; 04 556 8805; dining@palazzoversace.ae
Vietnamese Foodies
The Asian restaurant is hosting an all-you-can-eat celebration at its Downtown Dubai branch, located in the shadow of Burj Khalifa. Gorge to your heart’s content on grilled lemongrass prawn skewers, vegetable spring rolls and more before tucking into mains such as aromatic roast duck with steamed buns
and coconut-braised prawns. There will also be unlimited Vietnamese coffee, tea and desserts, including Basque burnt cheesecake and matcha tiramisu.
From Dh699, Burj Vista, Tower 1, Downtown Dubai; 04 554 2090; www.vietnamesefoodies.com
Weslodge Saloon
Located on the 68th floor of JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, a seat at Weslodge Saloon guarantees gorgeous views of the Burj Khalifa fireworks. The menu for New Year’s Eve includes scorched Wagyu tataki and turkey with stuffing, plus hip-hop and RnB beats spun live. A vegetarian menu is available upon request.
From Dh799; JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Business Bay; 04 560 1799; www. weslodge.ae
Hotel Cartagena
Further up on the 72nd floor, usher in the New Year with Latin American flair at this restaurant, which features panoramic views of the city, including Burj Khalifa. A glimpse of the fireworks is guaranteed, as you tuck into lobster, truffle-filled empanadas and more, and groove to the beats of resident DJ Kio. From Dh799; JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Business Bay; 04 560 1799; www. hotelcartagena.ae
LookUp
This rooftop venue in the heart of City Walk offers uninterrupted Burj Khalifa views without the hassle of Downtown Dubai traffic. For New Year’s Eve, guests can expect canapes (think tuna tartare cones, salmon and nori roulade, and truffle pizzeta) and live entertainment, as they count down to 2021.
From Dh800; La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk; 04 403 3111, livelaville.com
Level 43 Sky Lounge
Looming above Sheikh Zayed Road on the 43rd floor, Sky Lounge has some unbeatable views. For New Year’s Eve, the venue is offering a choice between vegetarian and non-vegetarian set menus, with dishes such as carpaccio, beef tenderloin, and barley, chia and spinach cutlet, plus live music.
From Dh800, Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road; 056 414 2213; restaurantreservations.fpdubai@fourpoints.com
Black Tap
The popular burger chain opened an outlet at The Dubai Mall, by the Dubai Fountain, which means you can enjoy your CrazyShakes with a side of fireworks. A set menu is available in the outdoor seating area, which includes unlimited sharing wings and appetisers such as guacamole and chips, atomic shrimp and fried mozzarella; the choice of one main course from four options; and a milkshake, two mocktails and unlimited soft drinks per person.
From Dh900; The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai 04 330 5103, www.blacktapme.com
LPM Restaurant & Bar
The chic French restaurant is bidding farewell to 2020 with a circus-themed extravaganza. Guests are encouraged to dress up, there will be a DJ and decorations, plus exotic dishes such as pan-fried foie gras and whole black leg chicken.
From Dh980; Gate Village 8, Dubai International Financial Centre; 04 439 0505; info@ lpmdubai.ae
Gia
The Italian restaurant boasts a vast terrace with impressive views of Burj Khalifa. For New Year’s Eve, it has put together a three-course set menu with burrata, pan-seared salmon and mushroom risotto.
From Dh1,200; The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai; 04 234 9986
Hanami
With floor-to-ceiling windows and a terrace, Hanami will offer great fireworks views against the Palm Jumeirah skyline. Expect to dine on sharing-style Japanese streetfood dishes, from tempura and sashimi to grilled sea bass and Wagyu beef.
From Dh1,200; Andaz Dubai
– The Palm Jumeirah; 04 581 4037
Observatory Bar & Grill
It’s all in the name – the panoramic restaurant is located on the 52nd floor and has some of the most spectacular views in the city. Depending on where you sit, you can get views of the Palm Jumeirah or Dubai Marina, so sparkling sights are guaranteed as you dig into a six-course set menu.
From Dh1,200; Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, Dubai Marina; 04 319 4000
Sonara Camp
What’s New Year’s Eve in Dubai without at least one Great Gatsby- style party? This one comes complete with Broadway dancers, live musicians and a fire show, and is in the desert to boot. All the camp’s regular features, from the film under the stars experience for children to camel rides, will also be on offer. Feast on a four-course menu with dishes such as a pitta puff with sun-dried tomatoes and basil; Wagyu beef and miso served in a crispy cone; slow-cooked peppers; and roasted farm chicken thigh. From Dh1,200; Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve; www. nara.ae/sonara/book/nye
Armani Hotel Dubai
The hotel’s restaurants are set within Burj Khalifa, offering top views of the surrounding area. For New Year’s Eve, savour an Italian culinary experience at Armani / Ristorante, try Indian flavours at Armani / Amal or tuck into a contemporary Japanese menu at Armani / Hashi, with all three restaurants
offering six-course meals. The restaurants will not offer outdoor seating for New Year’s Eve, but the sparkling views can still be seen from their windows. From Dh1,299; Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai; 04 888 3666, restaurant.reservations@armanihotels.com
Kyo Restaurant & Lounge
The Japanese fine-dining restaurant is serving up a set menu for New Year’s Eve, with appetisers such as tuna avocado tiradito, salmon tataki sashimi, wakame, a sushi platter and wakame soup; mains such as citrus guajillo octopus and short-rib teriyaki; and a hazelnut concoction for dessert. You get all this, plus views of The Palm Fountain and Atlantis, The Palm’s fireworks. From Dh1,400; The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah; 04 557 5182; kyorestaurant.com
Treehouse
The rooftop lounge at Taj Dubai offers picture-perfect views of Burj Khalifa from a lush green space. Other than the unlimited grills and platters of fresh oysters, guests can expect a paired menu, plus beats by resident DJ Taylor. From Dh1,750; Taj Dubai, Business Bay; 04 438 3134; fbreservations.dubai@tajhotels.com
La Serre
The Instagram-worthy bistro and boulangerie is having a Moulin Rouge dinner party with dancers, a violinist and a DJ. From the kitchen, highlights include grilled prawns, escargots de Bourgogne, frogs’ legs with garlic and parsley, a raw selection of tuna, and beef and smoked salmon tartare, followed by a middle course of lobster linguini, oxtail ravioli and confit duck stuffed cannelloni. For those with room for dessert, sweets from the bakery await. From Dh1,999; Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai; 04 528 3779; reservations@ laserre.com
Taikun Dubai
Don your sharpest 007 look because the pan-Asian restaurant and lounge is ringing in the new year with a Goldfingerthemed party. There will be performances by dancers and singers through the night, while a set menu features signature dishes including black cod miso, spicy marinated lamb chops and black pepper beef with shiitake mushrooms. There’s seating indoors and out, with the garden giving diners views of Burj Khalifa. From Dh1,999; Vida Downtown, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai; 04 528 3780, www. taikundubai.com
Asado
The steakhouse in the Palace Downtown has a terrace that offers some of the best views of Burj Khalifa. For New Year’s Eve, guests can enjoy the sights while tucking into a five-course sharing menu from the Argentinian restaurant, which is best known for its prime cuts.
From Dh2,300; Palace Downtown; 04 428 7961, DineAtPalaceDowntown@addresshotels.com
At.mosphere
Those seeking a truly special start to the year can head to the world’s tallest building. At.mosphere in the Burj Khalifa is hosting a luxe bash that lasts seven hours and includes a nine-course menu, with everything from scallop ceviche to slow-cooked Wagyu steak. There will also be live entertainment and an appearance from a Secret Parties magician. From Dh3,000; Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai; www.secretparties.com