Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) means the return of the highly anticipated Summer Restaurant Week, with this season’s edition taking place from 18 to 27 August. It’s the chance to embark on a remarkable culinary adventure at more than 50 of Dubai’s leading restaurants and family favourite dining destinations.
From the rich flavours of Middle Eastern delicacies to the elegance of European cuisine, and the aromatic spices of Indian fare, Summer Restaurant Week caters to every taste and preference. It’s also easy on the pocket too, as each participating restaurant is offering prix fixe menus including signature dishes at incredible prices with two course lunches being offered at selected restaurants at just AED95 and three course dinner starting from AED150. Summer Restaurant week is the perfect opportunity to revisit a foodie favourite, explore new flavours, and find out why Dubai has earned its place as a global gastronomy capital.
To whet the appetite, we’ve showcased each of the participating restaurants to explore for less this Summer Restaurant Week – with bookings now being taken at www.summerrestaurantweek.com.
MIDDLE EASTERN DELIGHTS
To immerse yourself in local flavours, head to restaurants that serve authentic Emirati dishes and pay homage to the region’s culinary heritage such as Al Fanar. The traditional décor and retro-inspired furnishings at these restaurants’ transport diners to the bygone era of Dubai with dishes like grilled seabass tanoor, creamy seafood soup and legaimat.
For traditional Persian and Iraqi cuisines, head to Shabestan in Deira Creek and Yaba by Chef Shaheen in Jumeirah 1 or enjoy Beiruti delicacies with a view at Al Nafoorah in Jumeirah Al Qasr or Ibn Al Bahr in Club Vista Mare.
If traditional Middle Eastern is not the way to go for you, Bushra by Buddha-Bar in Dubai Marina offers a sumptuous blend of traditional and contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine with creative mocktails and eclectic entertainment.
EUROPEAN ELEGANCE
Embark on an extraordinary culinary journey through the cities of Europe this Summer Restaurant Week. Accents transports diners to Italy with its authentic Mediterranean cuisine, there’s also the chance to enjoy an array of Mediterranean flavours and dishes at Skafos, while Alici delights with a coastal adventure of exquisite seafood. Bistro des Arts, La Petite Ani, and Couqley French Brasserie and Couqley French Bistro and Bar are exceptional restaurants that are sure to whisk you away to the streets of Paris.
For stunning views, Fi’lia on floor 70 of the SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences in Business Bay and Folly in Madinat Jumeirah, overlooking the stunning water-ways of Souk Madinat are popular options. Reigning supremes in European cuisine, Italian and Spanish delicacies can be found in Venus Ristorante in Bluewaters, Social at Waldorf Astoria, Vero at The Walk, Ballaro on Sheikh Zayed Road, Slice in Dubai Media City and Boca in DIFC. Whereas, Jones the Grocer in Hilton Palm Jumeirah, Jones the Grocer Express at DIFC, and Maison Mathis offer more of an international twist.
ASIAN SENSATIONS
Just like Asia, Dubai stands as a global melting pot, with its vibrant dining scene a true reflection of Asia’s captivating tapestry. Try an array of mouthwatering dishes from the Summer Restaurant Week menu to experience the silk route.
A top choice for modern Indian cuisine, Carnival by Tresind sets the stage for a gastronomic spectacle of Indian charm, where innovation meets tradition. Likewise, Farzi Café and Indya by Vineet offer a contemporary twist on beloved Indian classics. Taking the fusion up a notch is Aamara on Sheikh Zayed road, where Arabic flavours meet Indian spices. Experience fine dining at Varq at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai, with a unique Indian gourmet menu with artistic touches, and Mohalla at Dubai Design District also boasts a rich menu of exquisite Indian delights.
For Southeast Asian enthusiasts, LAO on the Palm offers home-style cooking in a relaxed atmosphere, or you can enjoy delectable Japanese and Asian dishes – including their famous bao buns – at BB Social Dining at DIFC. There is Pai Thai, surrounded by lush greenery and serene water, and Maison De Curry offering the best views of the Burj Khalifa and the fountain, for those looking for a complete experience.
Some of the top picks for traditional Southeast Asian flavours and gastronomic bliss are Vietnamese Foodies in Nakheel Mall, Kimpo on Sheikh Zayed Road, Lah Lah in Zabeel House the Greens, Soon in JLT and Zheng He’s in Al Sufouh offering modern Chinese along with stunning views, while Taiko at Sofitel The Obelisk offers a chance to explore the flavours of the Far East.
SPICE-FUELED ADVENTURES
Summer Restaurant Week is turning up the heat with a sizzling selection of fiery Mexican delights. Dubai’s Mexican trio – La Tablita, Lila Wood Fired Taqueria, and Maya by Chef Richard Sandoval – leave no spice unturned as they bring the fiery spirit of Mexico to the heart of the city, with a fine-dining spin on classic Mexican dishes.
MEAT LOVERS’ PARADISE
For meat lovers, Butcha, in City Walk is the place to be to savour delicious Turkish steak cuts. Whereas, 11 Woodfire in Jumeirah 1, which has received a Michelin Star two years in a row along with inclusion in MENA’s 50 best restaurants of 2022, and Bull & Bear in DIFC offer premium options for those looking for a delicious selection of meats and vegetarian options.
SOMETHING DIFFERENT
If a unique experience is what you are after, there is SFUMATO with a concept of affordable luxury with a forthright but delicate vision of all-day dining for the new wave. The menu caters to everyone from meat lovers to vegetarians, as well as offering a world-class pastry selection. Or try 21grams, a multi-award-winning, homegrown bistro dishing up honest, daring and vibrant soul food rooted in the countries of the Balkan Peninsula. Moreover, for a never-tried-before fusion, Oanjorestaurant is a sensational venue to taste the heavenly blend of Portuguese and Japanese cuisines.
Summer Restaurant Week includes a taste for every palate, with Wild & The Moon offering curated, tasteful, vegan dishes prepared with creative flair. For a laid-back evening, explore Dining Boutique, and try their specialty coffee followed by a casual dining experience.
The city also offers venues that are environmentally conscious, Michelin Green Star awarded LOWE, which embraces contemporary cuisine with sustainability at its core, promises a dining affair that is both conscious and extraordinary, and Teible, another Michelin Green Star and Bib Gourmand awarded restaurant, is an ode to the region’s local produce, neatly nestled on the ground floor of Jameel Arts Centre with a minimalistic design. Offering a gastropub experience and capturing the essence of traditional British flavours with a twist are Dhow & Anchor, Reform Social & Grill, Roaring Rabbit and The Nine. For family -friendly casual dining, Bite Me Burger at The Ritz-Carlton DIFC also offers a gastro pub experience with delicious burgers and internationally sought-after dishes.
Lastly, try out Mina Brasserie for a chic and modern twist on brasserie classics, and Social Company or Mitts & Trays for their diverse range of international dishes, each crafted with artistic flair.
Enjoy the ultimate summer extravaganza filled with incredible surprises, unmissable retail offers, diverse culinary delights and endless entertainment this Dubai Summer Surprises, running until 3 September. For more information, visit @CelebrateDubai and @StyledByDubai on social media channels, and mydss.ae.
Dubai Summer Surprises is supported by key sponsor RAKBANK MasterCard and Strategic partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Seef, Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, Bluewaters, Citywalk, Emirates Airline, Enoc, Etisalat, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira), Nakheel Malls (Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel Mall, Dragon Mart 2, Palm West Beach and The View), The Beach and The Outlet Village.
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