On The Table // 11th October 2024

With one of the best food scenes, we're spoilt for choice with weekly launches and openings. 'On The Table' is our weekly round up of the best food and beverage news and things happening out and about in the UAE.

Here's our top picks this week:

• SUSHISAMBA will open second location in the UAE this November

Raemona favourite SUSHISAMBA has joined Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, with the opening of SUSHISAMBA in Abu Dhabi announced for this November, marking the brand's second location in the UAE. Celebrating the culture and cuisine of Japan, Brazil and Peru, SUSHISAMBA is born from the unique energy and bold spirit of these three distinct and fascinating cultures. In contrast to its sky-high Dubai counterpart, SUSHISAMBA Abu Dhabi is located on Podium 1 of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers and occupies an entire two-storey architectural gem just steps from the city’s picturesque Corniche.

For reservations: reservations@sushisambaabudhabi.com.

• Magic of Matcha as Maison Cha Cha Launches in Downtown Dubai

Maison Cha Cha, a vibrant new matcha bar and all-day café, has officially opened its doors in the heart of Downtown Dubai. Blending the energy of New York City with a dedication to wellness, Maison Cha Cha offers more than just a dining experience, it is a space where creativity, community, and wellbeing come together in a beautifully designed space.

With its unique focus on matcha, Maison Cha Cha takes pride in sourcing ceremonial-grade matcha from the local farms of Shizuoka, Japan. The café selects only the freshest and most tender tea leaves to ensure exceptional quality. Each cup is crafted using traditional methods, emphasizing precise measurements and a gentle whisking technique to achieve a rich, creamy finish. Guests can enjoy breakfast favorites like ChaCha Shakshuka and Truffled Mushroom on Toast, lunch and dinner options such as Chicken Milanese and Curry Coco Bowl, and a tempting array of desserts.

For more info and reservations: www.maisonchacha.com

• Mika's New Sunday Lunch Experience

MIKA, the culinary treasure nestled in Yas Marina, introduces a new Sunday lunch offering, inviting guests to enjoy a meticulously crafted 4-course Chef's set menu, which changes every Sunday. Paired with a glass of house wine or Prosecco, this exceptional dining opportunity is available for just AED 160.

For reservations: reservations@mika.ae

• New season at Cala Vista

Cala Vista, the beloved beachfront haven at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, has re-opened its doors for the new alfresco season with guests invited to rediscover la dolce vita amidst the hotel's picturesque surroundings and breathtaking views. The restaurant's return promises a delightful culinary journey curated by renowned Head Chef Luca Crostelli, featuring time-honoured Italian recipes and fresh, seasonal ingredients and an elegant new indoor dining area. The addition of the indoor space will allow guests to experience year-round dining.

The special daycation experience are definitely worth a look too. Indulge in a full day of sun-drenched relaxation with an exclusive day pass, priced at AED 500. This includes access to Cala Vista's picturesque poolside retreat and AED 250 of redeemable F&B credit to savour the finest Italian culinary delights amidst the mesmerising backdrop of the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and the glittering Gulf. Children are warmly welcomed too.

For reservations: Visit www.jumeirah.com/calavista or call +971 800 323 232.

• Mott 32 Dubai's Brunch No. 32 Returns with a New Menu  

Mott 32 Dubai announces the return of its iconic Brunch No. 32, celebrating the vibrant energy of Hong Kong cuisine, seamlessly blending traditional Asian influences with modern flair, all while offering breathtaking views from the 73rd floor of the Address Beach Resort, JBR. Weekly from 12:30pm to 4:00pm, Brunch No. 32 will feature a dynamic live culinary station with duck carving and pancake rolling, accompanied by freshly steamed pancakes, thinly sliced cucumber, scallions, and a special Hoisin sauce, all set to be enjoyed in a vibrant atmosphere, brought to life by a DJ and musician playing uplifting tracks from disco, house, pop, and rock remixes. Under the guidance of Michelin-star-awarded Group Chinese Executive Chef Lee Man Sing and Executive Chef Frankie Yang Tao, Mott 32 continues to set the benchmark for exceptional Asian cuisine in Dubai. Prices start at AED 375 per person for soft beverages, AED 495 per person for house beverages, and AED 745 per person for champagne, with a minimum of 4 guests for the duck.

For reservations: reservations@mott32dubai.com / +971 4 278 4832 or visit: www.mott32.com

• New Additions to Bisou Restaurant’s Menu

Bisou Restaurant has introduced a range of new dishes across its breakfast, main, and dessert menus. From savoury flatbreads to indulgent desserts, our latest offerings blend modern flair with culinary tradition, providing something special for every palate.

For breakfast, Bisou now offers Turkish Eggs (AED 85), along with a selection of flatbreads, including a flatbread with beef mortadella, cheese, avocado, and tomatoes (AED 60), a vegetable flatbread with hummus, avocado, tomatoes, and spinach (AED 45), a flatbread with eel, avocado, Parmesan cream, and pistachio (AED 80), and a flatbread with veal chorizo, muhammara, tomatoes, and feta cheese (AED 70).

The main menu now includes a risotto with chanterelles (AED 160), rigatoni cacio e pepe with Comte and truffle (AED 175), and a lamb burger with tomatoes and tête de moine cheese (AED 165). For seafood lovers, there are sea bass with herbs, tomatoes, thyme, beurre blanc, and red caviar (AED 235), orzo pasta with King crab and tomatoes (AED 235), and octopus with Ramiro pepper and tomatoes (AED 195). Meat enthusiasts can savour ribeye with truffle sauce and mashed potatoes (AED 320) or the Australian ribeye bone-in at 800 grams (AED 700).

To finish the meal on a sweet note, Bisou is introducing an almond cake with plum and hibiscus ice cream (AED 60), Pavlova with raspberry (AED 70), and the classic Paris-Brest (AED 80).

For more information or to make a reservation: +971 4 575 3920 or reserve through SevenRooms.

• Above Eleven: Dubai’s Most Stunning Rooftop Dining Destination

Perched high above the bustling streets of Dubai, Above Eleven at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah promises an elevated dining experience like no other. With breathtaking 320-degree views of the city’s iconic skyline, the rooftop venue a go-to spot for vibrant social gatherings, memorable celebrations and laid-back evenings with friends. Whether sipping perfectly handcrafted cocktails or enjoying the venue’s Nikkei-Japanese cuisine, Above Eleven offers the perfect blend of ambiance and panoramic beauty that redefines what it means to dine in style.

For reservations: (0)4 666 1420.

• Barbossa’s Retro Saturday Brunch - now on the terrace

Every Saturday, Barbossa transforms into a brunch paradise, offering a bountiful spread of modern Mexican and Latin American cuisine, from 1pm to 5pm at the heart of Yas Bay Waterfront. This urban oasis, known for its eclectic blend of Latin American vibes and LA-style sophistication, offers a fun experience. Diners can feast on a variety of starters for sharing, including the fresh and vibrant Avocado Mango Salad or dive into the rich flavours of our Quesadillas. With a selection of tacos available,  featuring Achiote Chicken and Baja Shrimp, the variety is bound to satisfy all tastes. The mains, such as the Eight Spice Salmon and the hearty Slow Cooked Lamb Barbacoa, are expertly crafted under the direction of Chef Mina Mouris Zaki, who infuses each dish with an authentic Latin American zest. 

The beverage packages range from Soft Package at 249 AED, House Package at 399 AED, to the extravagant Champagne Package at 599 AED. 

• Gilt restaurant at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab ends minimum spending requirements

With amazing views that spark the imagination by creating a mood of refined elegance, guests at the majestic Gilt are welcomed by warmth and wonder. As one of the go-to destination bars and lounge in Dubai, Gilt entrances visitors with a spectacular location and captivates through an inspired variety of unique expertly crafted cocktails. Adding to this experience is that there is now no minimum spending requirement allowing guests to have more time to immerse themselves and enjoy each other’s company at Dubai’s premier destination bar and lounge.

• Pitatti by The Beach Southern Italian Brunch

Guests are invited to experience the authentic flavors and lively atmosphere of Piatti by the Beach, located in Raffles the Palm Dubai, for a perfect Italian Saturday where vibrant performances by the resident DJ and a talented Italian singer set the perfect mood. The menu features exquisite starters such as Carpaccio di Fassona con Parmigiano e Rucola and Zuppetta di Cozze. For the main course, guests can indulge in a variety of mouth-watering options before concluding their meal with traditional Italian desserts like the refreshing Sorbetto al Limone or the timeless Piatti Tiramisù, celebrating La Dolce Vita with every bite. Check it out every Saturday from 1.00pm -4.00pm. Packages start from AED 380.

For reservations: reservation@piatti-restaurants.com or +97142488888.