b lla e donna iT lian a $
Map p218 (Mercato Mall, Jumeirah rd, Jumeirah
1; pizzas & pastas Dh35-55; h11am-11pm; c)
Ponder the beauty of Marilyn, Audrey and
other classic Hollywood stars as you sit in
this art-deco-inspired dining room and
munch on tender-crusted thin pizzas and
house-made pastas. The strong coffee will
jack you up for shopping in the adjoining
Mercato Mall. Sit on the terrace for glimps-
es of the azure Gulf.
n odle o boWl Chine Se $
Map p218 (Dune Center, al Diyafa St, Satwa; mains
Dh30-45; v) Noodles are prepared here in
every style imaginable – and none involve
a microwave. Braised, tossed, fried and
added to soups, accompaniments include
seafood, beef, chicken, duck and tofu for
the vegetarians. The dim sum also gets a
star rating, served steamed or deep fried –
or even as a dessert, deep fried and filled
with creamy custard. The dining space is
Asian-inspired with light colours and the
occasional ornamental Buddha.
6
Drinking &
nightlifEsK yVieW bar Co CkTail bar
Map p218 (%04-301 7600; http://www.burjalarab
.com; burj al-arab, off Jumeirah rd, umm Suqeim
3; hnoon-2am) Despite the stratospheric
tab, cocktails (Dh275 minimum) or after-
noon tea (from Dh275) on the 27th floor
of the Burj al-Arab ranks high on tourists’
must-do lists. And with good reason: the
views are simply breathtaking. Do arrive
before sunset or don’t bother. And do book
ahead. As for the Liberace-meets–Star
Trek interiors, all we can say is: ‘Welcome
to the Burj’.
upToWn bar Co CkTail bar
Map p218 (www.jumeirah.com; 25th fl, Jumeirah
beach hotel, Jumeirah rd, umm Suqeim 3; h9pm-
3am Mon-Fri) This place has a beautifully
calibrated seductive feel with fiery mood
lighting, low-slung couches and stunning
views from the hotel’s 25th floor. There’s a
lot of SM (standing and modelling, that is)
going on as this is another popular venue
for Dubai’s beautiful crowd.
aG ncye Wine bar
Map p218 (www.madinatjumeirah.com; Souq
Madinat Jumeirah, al-Sufouh rd, umm Suqeim
3; hnoon-1am) A convivial wine bar fre-
quented by khaki-clad tourists and ex-
pats, Agency is a civilised spot for a pre-
dinner drink. As at its sister branch at
Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the wine list
includes unusual varietals (skip the New
World wines in favour of better French
labels), but here there’s a terrace overlook-
ing the Madinat canals and with glimpses
of the Burj al-Arab. Satisfying bar snacks
include fried calamari and cheese fondue
with truffle oil. Good luck snagging a ta-
ble at peak times.b hri a bar Co CkTail bar
Map p218 (www.jumeirah.com; Mina a’Salam,
Madinat Jumeirah, umm Suqeim 3; h4pm-2am
Sat-Wed, to 3am Thu & Fri) A great choice in
winter, Bahri has a fabulous verandah laid
with Persian carpets and big cane sofas
where you can take in gorgeous views of the
Burj al-Arab. The vibe is very grown-up –
just the kind of place you take your parents
for sunset drinks. For a fun treat, order the
camel-milk mocktail.l ndseGe Spor TS bar
Map p218 (www.rydges.com; rydges plaza, al-
Dhiyafah rd, Satwa) This Australian sports
bar, on the ground floor of this handsome
hotel, is packed during rugby matches, on
Thursdays with its live band and on Fridays
when there is a good-humoured jam ses-
sion. Others may just be here for the beer –
Crown Lager or Victoria Bitter keep the
local Aussie expats happy.l feT banK Co CkTail bar
Map p218 (www.madinatjumeirah.com; Souq
Madinat Jumeirah, al-Sufouh rd, umm Suqeim
3; hnoon-2am) We love the waterside tables,
with abras floating past, but the real party
is inside the dark bar, where moody light-
ing, giant mirrors, leather club chairs and
chill beats create a dynamic lounge scene.
Ladies’ night is Wednesday with five mixed
drinks for Dh5. Also at Souq al-Bahar.Malecon b ra
Map p218 (www.dxbmarine.com; Dubai Marine
beach resort & Spa, Jumeirah rd, Jumeirah 1;
h7pm-3am) Tequila is the essential drink
at Malecon, an important stopover for the
party crowd after 10pm or so (come hereJumeirahDrinkinG(^) &
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