If you have been following my Instastories and Facebook updates – you’d know how special was my visit to Dubai and especially the memorable dinner that I’ve had at Al Dawaar – Dubai’s Only Rooftop Revolving Restaurant & Lounge.
Ideally located at the foot of the Dubai Creek, in the heritage area of Deira – the Hyatt Regency Dubai is a welcome oasis and over the period of time has evolved to attain an iconic status. The award-winning Al Dawaar is most definitely the major attraction of the hotel that has recently been remodeled and re-opened.
Perched high up on the 25th floor of Hyatt Regency, Al Dawaar offers stunning views of the city’s skyline, Burj Khalifa, sea, and the creek. The restaurant’s ambiance is one of timeless elegance, mixing colonial charm and artistry with the exclusive contemporary feel. Staying true to the restaurant’s discreet colonial theme – elements like white louvered shutters, paneled walls, French windows, tropical ‘Bird of Paradise’ palms, curvaceous rattan furniture in green velvets and tessellated tiled floors bring warmth to this chic, stylish space.
The two bars – one that revolves and the other that is stationary, are interesting spaces to enjoy a drink while watching over the breathtaking views of the city and the sea.
The live kitchen dining restaurant that Al Dawaar is, focuses on a contemporary International fare, featuring delicacies from the tandoor, wok fry, rotisserie, steam pots and frying pans! The chilled vertical salad bar ensured that everything on offer was crisp and fresh.
To whet my appetite was the seafood section where a wide variety of antipasti and fresh seafood was on offer including lobsters, prawns, crabs, and oysters. The oysters were my personal favorite. Light & Fresh, a dash of lemon added a subtle tang to elevate the taste and a glass of bubbly was a perfect pairing.
The international spread also offered a selection of pre-sliced salmon and tuna sashimi with a higher fat ratio that resulted in slices melting in our mouths. The tandoor section offered a range of meats cooked to perfection.
If you are one of those who enjoy seeing chefs work their magic at live stations, there are parts of the spread where the chefs conjure up interesting fare. Cooked to perfection, there was also a large smoked fish served to share, had skin that was wonderfully crisp on the outside. A tiny squeeze of lemon before digging in and you’d taste the tender flesh full of natural flavor – an entire world of difference from some of the smoked fish I’ve had before.
A cheese lover that I am, I was thoroughly impressed by the entire cheese selections. Never came across a selection this varied. Alongside are cold cuts and islands of Arabic mezze. The pita & smoked babaganoush that I had that day was absolutely terrific.
The entire spread is complemented by some of the award-winning cocktails, world-class wines, and a decadent dessert counter. Displayed at the dessert island were shelves of cakes, tiramisu, eclairs and other local desserts.
Al Dawaar is one of those dinner places conducive to celebratory family dinners, date nights and other occasions. It’s comfortable & spacious and the acoustics allow for proper conversations that could go on for all night.
They say, there’s nothing like pairing of good food with warm genuine conversations – I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to dine in here and Al Dawaar certainly offers “an experience like no other” in Dubai.
Oh between, it took approximately 90 minutes for the restaurant to rotate on its axis!
Vishal Fernandes is a seasoned traveller and a widely recognized blogger who has established himself as an authority on all things luxury. He loves wearing a blazer and has a fine collection of brogues. Vishal can mainly be found travelling the world and stopping off at some of the best hotels sampling their food & wines, or at some of the most prolific events. Along with his love for Food, Travel and wines, comes a massive enthusiasm for cars & watches.
