Zubai! #ZubzzDotComTakesDubai!
(You do not get to judge the name of this post. S/O to Emefa Zormelođâ¤ď¸)
First Corona season trip - Dubai!
Dubai is easily one of my favourite places ever! And no, not completely based off the fact that I have NEVER had to correct anyoneâs pronunciation of my name but because its absolutely beautiful. Itâs definitely one of those places you need to visit at least once in your lifetime - itâs like they took all the beautiful things in this world and put them in one place.
Even though I was anxiously waiting for the borders to be opened I was still super nervous about actually making the trip. I planned this trip last August, moved it to October, then January and then finally planned for April.
Dubai has one of the easiest visa processes - so easy you donât even have to handle it yourself. The process is super simple and not too expensive (it costs $100-$200). I used Abton Crafters and they got me my visa in under 24 hours, which is CRAZY impressive.
The official Dubai airline is Emirates, with tickets starting from $700/4200 for Economy, $5000/¢30,000 for Business and $8,000/¢46000 for first class. There are definitely cheaper flight options but Emirates is the only airline that has a straight route - all other flights are connecting.
One of my favourite things about the country is thereâs a hotel for every budget. It isnât even a choice between comfort and cost because even for relatively low budgets you can find somewhere decent to stay. Their currency is Dirham (AED), and the current conversion rates are 1AED = ¢1.60 and AED368 = $100 (Estimate. It changes daily). If you canât find dirham to buy, buy dollars because your cedis will be almost useless - very very few places will change it for you.
I literally had 3 hours to pack and get ready because I decided to wing it and go the day my visa was issued, so naturally I ended up at the airport 15 minutes before the counter closed, late as usual, with the wrong passport. S/O to my mama because she came racing with the right one.
Donât make my mistakes. Before you leave the house make sure you have your:
Passport
Visa
Mask
EVERY relevant document
For added comfort you can book a lounge pass for ¢700, which gives you full access to the Emirates lounge. There are 2 in-flight wifi options - $3.99 which gets you basic service where you get to use communication apps like WhatsApp, and $15.99 which gets you a full flight package. You canât stream movies but you can use your browser, apps etc. You canât pay for the packages with cash, itâs strictly via card or Apple Pay and you have the option of getting it while youâre on the flight, or before.
Because of the current situation (still in a pandemic and all, donât forget), youâre required to do two COVIDâ19 PCR tests: one done 72 hours prior to departure, and a second test upon arrival in Dubai. The first one will be checked thoroughly before youâre even allowed to check in. You will not be allowed to board the flight without a valid test.
You can get the test done in Ghana for ¢300+ and at the Dubai Airport its $50, BUT for some reason it was free the day I arrived. You can track your results via the barcode sticker they put on your passport and theyâll send it via text within 48 hours. You will be required to quarantine in your hotel till you get your results before you can fully start your trip and youâll need to take another one before leaving the country. I got mine done at American Hospital and it cost AED 150 which is about ¢235/$40. If youâve been gone for 7+ days youâll need to take a second test when you get back to Ghana (click here if you need to pre-book). So thatâs 3-4 tests per trip. My poor nose!
Fun Fact: Even though Dubai is known for its excessively hot weather which for the most part is the case, it can get pretty cold, especially early in the year. Before your trip, check the weather forecast for that period.
The options here are endless: it is THE ultimate foodieâs dream.
Most restaurants offer more than just the meal - from sipping Prosecco in the clouds (a terrifying 2,716.5 feet from the ground) to eating oysters underwater, itâs an entire experience.
You might end up overwhelmed because for every cuisine or aesthetic youâre looking for, there are probably 20+ options. Random but I feel like the waitstaff have seen more than their fair share of tourists because they ask upfront if you would like them to take a picture for you and take really nice ones on the first try. Some even suggest poses or where to sit for the best lighting! That said, if youâre a #foodie passing through Dubai and looking for the best dining experiences to try - this is my list of 10 restaurants you absolutely need to visit!
1. Ossianio
đ Atlantis, The Palm
www.atlantis.com/dubai/restaurants/ossiano
đ¸AED 830 / ¢1300 / $225
Ossiano is an underwater seafood restaurant on Atlantis, The Palm. Absolutely beautiful views!
Itâs like sitting in a giant aquarium - you get to eat while watching all these beautiful sea animals swim past. As a sea (not just food, sea in general) lover, this was #1 on my list! I expected a lot and they delivered even beyond, it was 100% worth every dirham which is a good thing because itâs pretty expensive.
There is no a-la-carte menu here, the food comes in 2 packages:
AED 650 (¢1017, $177) per head for 15 courses and
AED 770 (¢ 1205, $210) for 18 courses.
The drinks are pretty pricey too - adding wine to your package costs AED 550 (¢865, $150), cocktails begin from AED 90 (¢140, $24) and mocktails from AED 49 (¢77, $14).
I got the 15 course package and the food came in 3 sets (Click the image for the name. There are about 3 Iâve completely forgotten which is which, sorry)
First set:
Deep Sea Prawn âChicharrĂłnâ Ao-Shizo
âBloody Gazpachoâ Served on Frozen Salt
Seaweed Cracker Nori Jam & Alyssum
Sardine Rillette Truffle
Seriola Tacos Bell Pepper Sorbet & Raspberry
Mojama & Oxalys Piquillo & JalapeĂąo
Gillardeau Oysters Seafoam
Second
Scallop Beignet Lime & Coriander
Bacalao Negro Bouillabaisse & Seafood âViergeâ
Churrasco Black Onyx Chimichurri
âMillefriteâ Potato Chefâs Spices
Grilled Cucumber Ceviche
Third
âGranitaâ Orange & Sausage Black Pepper
Warm Dark Chocolate Mousse Lemongrass Ice Cream & Toffee
âOssianoâ Lemon Tart Yuzu Sorbet
I got a Pearl Diver cocktail, which apparently is a tribute to the history of Dubai and its pearling industry. It is made from Ketel One Vodka, Fruity Camomile, Yuzu, Elderflower and Liquid Pearls and comes with a little white chocolate ball/pearl full of a lemonade-y tasting drink.
By the time the 3rd set was served I was so full I had to inconspicuously loosen my belt. 10/10 experience!
Itâs honestly perfect for solo dinners but has an extremely romantic vibe and is perfect if youâre on a baecation. Also great for any celebrations. You can pay extra to have a scuba diver deliver a message on a card from INSIDE the aquarium!
Theyâre pretty strict about their dresscode - Smart Elegant. No sleeveless t-shirts, swimwear, flip flops or sport shorts.
Theyâre open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 6:00pm to 9:30pm and itâs strictly by reservation. Youâre charged upfront for your package, but if you cancel more than 24 hours to your reservation, you get a refund. If you get the 15 course set, you have the option to upgrade your package to the 18 course. All extra charges, like water (by the way, a bottle of water is AED 45 / ¢70 / $12 ), an upgrade, drinks etc are paid at the end of the night via cash or card.
Again, it was 100% worth every cedi, dirham and dollar.
15 Courses - AED 650 ( ¢1017, $177)
Cocktail - AED 90 ( ¢140, $24)
2. At.Mosphere
đBurj Khalifa Skyscraper, 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Downtown Dubai
đ¸AED 503 / ¢790 / $137
Itâs the view for me!
At.Mosphere is a fine dining restaurant, lounge and bar on the 122nd floor of the iconic Burj Khalifa, which is currently the tallest building in the world. By default that makes At.Mosphere the worldâs highest restaurant. The place is super popular for its beautiful views and fancy high teas, which generally cost between AED 430(¢680, $130) to AED 667 (¢1050, $180).
The afternoon tea, which is hosted in the lounge from 12:00pm-4:00pm comes in 3 table packages:
AED 430 (¢680, $130) for a non-window table and the set menu with sparkling wine
AED 503 (¢790, $137) for a window table with a set menu and sparkling wine and
AED 667 (¢1050, $180) per person for a set menu with champagne.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served in the restaurant and table reservations are categorized under window and non-window. The breakfast package is AED 375, but you have the option to order from the a la carte menu. The minimum spend for that is AED 200. Breakfast is free for accompanying children under 5, and 50% off for those 5-10 years.
There is no set menu for lunch, just a minimum spend of AED 300.
Dinner is mostly a la carte with a minimum spend of AED 600, and AED 450 for a non-window table. There is a tasting menu available at
AED 650 (¢1020, $189) Per Person For A 5 Course Experience
AED 750 (¢1080, $205) Per Person For A 6 Course Experience
AED 1200 (¢1880 , $330) Per Person For A 5 Course Experience With Wine
AED 1400 (¢2200, $380) Per Person For A 6 Course Experience With Wine
I got the second tea package, which came with unlimited sparkling wine. The amuse bouche, which is a complimentary starter, changes every day, and I got the Prawn Tart with Split Pepper which came with a dramatic dry ice presentation. For starters I was given the
Green Peanut Bread With Cucumber And Yoghurt
Egg Sandwich, Mayo And Chives
Prawn Eclair
Tomato Bread, Confit Chicken, Mayo With Caeser Salad
Salmon With Sour Cream And Fish Caviar and
Tart With Cheese With Balsamic Cube With Tomato
Small bites, enough to keep you from going hungry without making you full.
For my main I picked the beef which came with the creamiest mashed potatoes ever, and dessert was a selection of mini cakes and pastries.
Itâs a great choice for solo travel, I had such a good time. The waiter who served me was so nice - he, like almost every waiter I asked to take a picture of me, has clearly done his fair share of picture taking because he helped me with my angles and everything! Super nice man.
They have Ladies Night every night in the Lounge from 9:30-12:00am, and it comes with a bottle of bubbly (wine) and a selection of canapes and prices for that start from 149AED. The dresscode is smart elegant for the restaurant and smart casual for the lobby and you absolutely need to reserve before you go.
Itâs super pricey, but itâs definitely a must-visit.
Afternoon High Tea. Window Table with Set Menu and Sparkling Wine - AED 503 (¢790, $137)
3. Dinner In The Sky
đAl Sufoh - Skydive - Al Seyahi Street
đ¸AED 599 / ¢940 / $165
Lunch with a view (even though the name is Dinner In The Sky, they have lunch, afternoon tea and dinner options)!
Itâs such an unusual dining experience - For AED 599, I got to have lunch, literally in the sky. The âtableâ is suspended 50m off the ground, by a crane which spins very slowly occasionally so you can have a 360 view over the course of the meal. Now let me not lie, I was terrified! Goodness! I kept looking down and freaking out internally but Iâm more than glad I did it.
You pick your meal when youâre booking your seat, and each course has a variety of options.
I had
Starter - Middle Eastern Set (Hummus, Beetroot mutable, Vine leaves Chicken Mosakhan, Cheese Sambosak, Lamb Kibbeh With Arabic cocktail bread)
Main Course - Oriental Beef (Slow Cooked Beef Served With Buttered Seasonal Vegetables on Bed of Pomme Mousseline & Doukka)
Dessert - Cake and ice cream (not what was advertised but very nice regardless)
You get unlimited water and juice throughout, but for obvious reasons, no alcohol. I found the starters to be on the higher side of average, but my main was so good. Steak done perfectly, potatoes SUPER creamy - just perfecttt. The chefs are very friendly and will take pictures for you throughout.
Might not be necessary to add but it came in very handy for me so, there are lockers to store your things. Meaning you donât have to worry about dropping your stuff off at your hotel if it isnât your first destination. Also it didnât occur to me before or during, and thankfully I didnât need it, but use the bathroom before. Juuust in case.
This is such an interesting experience, I would recommend it as top 3 things to check out as a traveling foodie in Dubai.
Lunch In The Sky - AED 599 / ¢940 / $165
4. Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant
đ25th Floor, Hyatt Regency, Deira
đ¸AED 288 / ¢450 / $80
âRevolvingâ, synonym for rotating, meaning it moves! There are 5 pictures in this post because it was necessary to show the background change. Al Dawaar is a restaurant on the 25th floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Deira and is currently the countryâs only revolving restaurant. The concept is unbelievably cool - the restaurant spins throughout, giving you a 360 view of the area by the time youâre done eating. You can actually see the sides move, but itâs so smooth you barely feel anything. It takes about 30-45 minutes for the restaurant to do a full spin and you get views of both the busy city and the creek.
Thereâs no a la carte menu, itâs strictly buffet. The starter options are broader, but the actual food is mostly Mediterranean. I loved the starters and their desserts were so delicious they tasted like they were melting in my mouth but some of the things from the main section were a bit bland.
They are open everyday from 6:30pm to 11:30pm, and they have brunch on Fridays from 12:30pm-4:00pm. The timing is good because you get to watch the sun set from all angles.
Itâs a beautiful space and if youâre ever in Dubai, you need to visit it.
Buffet - AED 229 (¢360, $62)
Apperol Spritz - AED 59 (¢93, $16)
5. Saya Cafe
đWasl 51
đNakheel Mall
đCity Walk 2
đ¸AED 94 / ¢150 / $26
A visual artists dream!
I found it in my explore feed last month and it immediately went on my list. Saya Cafe is a really popular brunch spot with decent prices. Prices range from AED 15-40 (¢25-¢80, $4-$15) for drinks and for AED 50 (¢80, $15) you can get something really good to pair it with. The menu here is mostly brunch items: cakes, sandwiches etc. They also have interesting teas and shakes. I had the nicest Lychee-Rose Lemonade ever and the Signature Pink Benedict was so filling. I didnât see it early, but for an additional 15AED I could have added smoked salmon which (Iâm hoping) you all know by now is my FAVE. The Wasl 51 cafe, which is the one I visited, is divided into 2 sections with really cool designs on both sides - itâs pink and pouffy on one side and has 2d pen illusions on the other. Absolutely love it! The staff was really pleasant - my waiter allowed me to turn him into my photographer and he was good! A1 pictures as we can all see.
Saya Signature Pink Benedict (Brioche Bread, Avocado, Beetroot hollandaise, 2 poached egg, mix of the salad and labneh) - AED 50(¢80, $15)
Lychee-Rose Lemonade - AED 39 (¢60, $10)
6. Logma
đBoxpark - Al Wasl Road
đFashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall - L3
đCity Center - Mirdif - Ground Floor, Mirdif
đ¸AED 84 / ¢130 / $23
Logma is an Arabic restaurant and catering service rated as one of Dubaiâs top destinations for an authentic Khaleeji/Mediterranean dining experience. They have a branch on the top floor of the mall with a very beautiful view. Prices here are surprisingly very pocket-friendly; most meals are below AED 50 (¢80, $15).
Emirati food is very similar to Indian food, and if youâve been following me for a while youâll know I love my spicy food. I had the
Beef Shakshouka (Minced beef with spicy tomato sauce, onion, topped with eggs, crispy herbs, pine nuts, and chilli oil),
Egg Paratha (Layered flat bread with omelette and cheese stuffing) and
A free lemonade shot
The shakshouka tastes like minced meat stew with fried eggs and wasnât as spicy as I thought it would be, while the most relatable taste for the paratha is extra flaky french toast with three times the usual amount of egg. Both nice but being the egg and cheese lover I am, the paratha won it for me.
They take feedback very seriously and after your meal youâre given a tablet to give yours, as well as a free lemonade shot.
For anyone looking for traditional Emirati food, this is one of the best places to visit. If youâre big on your food being extra spicy, request it with your order.
Beef Shakshouka (Minced beef with spicy tomato sauce, onion, topped with eggs, crispy herbs, pine nuts, and chilli oil) - AED 48 (¢76, $13)
Egg Paratha (Layered flat bread with omelette and cheese stuffing) - AED 36 (¢57, $10)
7. Nusr-Et
đJumeirah Beach Dubai Restaurant Village Four Seasons Resort - United Arab Emirates
đ¸AED 270 / ¢425 / $73
I mean, imagine not visiting this place as an avid social media user.
Salt Bae is an internet sensation who became famous after videos of him sprinkling salt and beating his meat in the most unusual way went viral.
He has about 20 restaurants in total, with 2 in Dubai and it was such a struggle picking between the steakhouse and his newly opened burger restaurant.
I ended up at the steakhouse, and I got a
Meatheart, which is a heart shaped meatball stuffed with cheese and fries and an
Italicus, which is a cocktail made of Russian Standard Vodka, Lychee Puree, Lavender Syrup, Aquafaba, Lime Juice, Rose Essence, Mint & Peychaud.
Taste-wise they were very good. I read some reviews before that said the food might not be worth the price but what I had was really solid. The cocktail was a little strong by the way. Even though they had steaks for as high as AED 1500 (¢2400, $400) for 400g and AED 4500 (¢7050 $1230), for 1750g, the general prices were wayyy friendlier than I expected.
It was a bit disappointing that he wasnât there since the whole experience of dining at his place revolves around his theatrics but still worth the trip. The waiters who served me were super friendly - taking my pictures, suggesting poses and joking the entire time.
There isnât a dress code here - itâs actually a lot more casual than I thought it would be. Reservations are not required, but the place gets packed fast so its in your best interest to make one.
The burger restaurant is located at 02, DIFCŘ Gate Village, Building 3, Trade Centre, for those who are interested. Itâs a good stop for social media fanatics - picture ops etc.
See the menu here.
Meatheart- AED 190 (¢300, $51 )
Italicus - AED 80 (¢125, $22)
8. Kiza
đGround floor, Emirates Financial Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road,DIFC - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
đ¸AED 85 / ¢135 / $24
This review is for my Ghanaian and Nigerian aunties and uncles who hate being away from home because they canât find their faves anywhere.
Kiza is a Pan African restaurant in Dubai that caters mostly to Africans in Dubai. I absolutely love finding Ghanaian/African spaces in foreign places - itâs like finding a piece of home in another manâs country.
Liiiiittle problem. The fufu I ordered was not fufu, but actually eba. Not even pounded yam, eba. Fufu isnât listed in the menu, but my waitress insisted they had some for sale. They do not.
I ordered it with spicy seafood pepper soup which was so so nice - all the correct spices and a good helping of seafood. The only thing that wasnât amazing was the calamari rings, which was pretty bland, but that soup was dynamite. It had a strong âdawadawaâ (I apologize to my non-Ghanaian readers, I dont know the English word :( ) smell, so maybe skip it before a date.
Their Ghanaian menu is pretty basic - they have jollof and kelewele, which looking back I probably should have ordered, but they have an extensive Nigerian one. You can get everything from Efo Riro to Afang soup. Prices are a little on the high side, but based on the portions of the food I ordered, Iâd say itâs worth it. Again, that pepper soup was absolutely fire.
Itâs not just a restaurant by the way, they have daily nightlife events in their lounge, like Afrobeats night, Reggae night etc. You can check the link at the top for more information on their weekly events.
âFufuâ - AED 25 (¢40, $7)
Mixed Seafood Pepper Soup - AED 60 (¢95, $17)
9. Aprons And Hammers
đWest Beach, Palm Jumeirah
đ¸AED 178 / ¢280 / $50 (Tax exclusive)
Seafooooood! And the beach! Two of my favourite things rolled in one. There was absolutely no chance of me not adding a seafood place to my list and this place came highly recommended by a lot of travel blogs.
Aprons and Hammers is a beach front seafood restaurant in West Beach on Palm Jumeirah. They have 2 other branches in Dubai, all in Jumeirah but my review is on the WB one. Even though itâs all under one place, itâs divided into the sandbeds and the restaurant area. The sandbeds use a different, lighter food menu with a minimum spend of AED 150 while the restaurant area has all the actual seafood, including their specialty - seafood buckets. Reservations are seriously recommended because it gets full very fast - I almost didnt get a table. While the sandwiches and mains are on the reasonable side their seafood buckets are pretty steep, with prices beginning from AED 195 for a small crab bucket. The other 2 have slightly cheaper options and broader menus, which you can check via the website link.
I got a Cotton Candy cocktail and Grilled Seafood Platter. The platter has fish, shrimps, calamari and pan-fried mussels with either lemon butter or garlic chili and is served with fries. The drink came in less than 10 minutes and the food about 25. Their general service was slow though, they seemed a little overwhelmed. I had to order for 3 things twice because the request seemed to have been passed on to someone who passed it on and then got lost.
I think this is the first beach I havenât stayed at till late because it was EXTREMELY hot. Regardless, its a really good way to spend a Saturday in Dubai.
Grilled Seafood - AED 128 (¢200, $35)
Cotton Candy - AED 50 (¢80, $14)
10. Scoopi
đ523 Jumeirah St, Jumeirah 3
đ¸AED 100 / ¢160 / $28
Scoopi was a definite on my list for 2 reasons - a. A1 desserts and b. Edible gold! There was no way I was flying here without making plans to eat gold like a diva - My trip wouldnât be complete otherwise.
They have the most expensive ice-cream in Dubai, and possibly the world - an $820/AED 3000/¢4700 bowl of vanilla bean ice cream from Madagascar with saffron from Iran, rare black truffle from Italy & 23 carat gold flakes and powder.
Now, my money hasnât reached the point where I will willingly spend ¢4700 on a bowl of ice-cream but I did get myself edible gold ice-cream which I loved! What does it taste like? Slightly metallic but sweet - the idea is far more exciting than the reality. Still, worth it!
Charcoal Ice Cream with Edible Gold in Charcoal Cone - 100AED / ¢160 / $28
Honourable mention because itâs not a restaurant but necessary, especially if youâll be in an apartment, not a hotel:
11. Talabat
Talabat is a food delivery service that delivers from almost 100 places. Very very efficient and easy to use. You can pay with cash or with your card (even your Ghana one)
*Tried signing up for Deliveroo but they wouldnât let me. Wouldnât accept my phone number.
A few last minute notes:
I feel like I should add, you know what really takes your money in Dubai? TAXIS! Hotel shuttles will take you to certain places close by for free, but thatâs within a small radius of the hotel. Taxi and uber fares here are pretty high, especially when you convert them to cedis. They run on a meter which just flowsssss. Be prepared. They let you pay via cash or card (Ghanaian drivers want to squeeze their faces if you want to pay with momo but these people fully carry card readers around).
Also thereâs free wifi in public areas like at the mall, the airport and even in some taxis. If they donât have, most of the drivers will let you hotspot them. Almost every restaurant or hotel has wifi as well, so even if you donât have a Dubai sim card you can stay connected.
Canât wait to see where we go next!