Ruya
Rüya (which means “dream”) is a real Turkish meihan in Dubai. But old ideas, like the world, are turned upside down here - it can be seen that the menu was developed by a bold and smart cook. In addition to the Anatolian specialties, they also offer classics: pide, jag-kebab and other grilled dishes, kutmer, thick lamb and eggplant stew, rice puddings with cinnamon, baklava.
Colin Kleig, who previously worked in Dubai at Qbara Restaurant, as well as the JG Dining Room and JG Kitchen by Jean-Georges Fongerichten, heads the Rüya cuisine. And the Dogus Restaurant Entertainment and Management group is engaged in the management - in the next two years, it plans to open Rüya restaurants in London, New York and, possibly, even in Moscow.
Kleig looks at the classics of the cuisine of Anatolia (region in Turkey) in a new way. Here are some of his specialties: midi dolma (mussels stuffed with rice), variations on the theme of lahmajuna and pide, a leg of lamb in a pot and mint manti.
The Mediterranean-style indoor hall and outdoor terrace can accommodate 240 people (total area of the restaurant is 800 meters).
There is a huge stove in the Rüya kitchen - so that all visitors can see it. Chefs cook in it a pide - flat cakes in the form of boats with unsweetened fillings. In the same oven, lahmajuns are made - a dish of minced lamb in the finest pita bread. Kebab chef is behind the stove - he also watches how lamb and chicken are grilled. Of all Turkish dishes, Kleig himself likes kuymak - the traditional breakfast of Turkish fishermen.
Umut Ozkanja, the owner of the restaurant, is from the Black Sea coast of Turkey, and many of Rüya's dishes are inspired by what his father Rasim prepared (Umut's father has been working in the restaurant business in Turkey for 50 years).
“For many foreigners, Turkish food is just kebabs,” says Umut. “But in reality kebabs are only two percent of our cuisine. Therefore, we want to beat our traditions and present Turkish cuisine in an impeccable form so that it does not disappoint Dubai gourmet. " It remains to add that in Rüya Turkish cuisine is almost perfect. The outdoor terrace overlooks Dubai Marina complements the pleasure of visiting.
Kitchen: turkish
Location: Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai Marina
Account: 4000 dirhams for two
Al Mahara by Nathan Outlaw
Nathan Outloh made great strides in England. He cooked fish in three restaurants and a gastropub. His dishes were simple, but critics liked them so much that Outlo earned three Michelin stars. And then Nathan got a phone call from the general manager of the Burj Al Arab hotel, and his life changed dramatically.
According to Outlo, at first he thought he was being played. But it turned out that the main manager of the hotel, Tony McHale, once had lunch at Nathan's restaurant in Cornwall - and he liked it there so much that he decided to invite the chief to his work.
Outlo is famous for always looking for the freshest fish for its English restaurants. At first, he was not sure that he would be able to find the same fresh products in the UAE, but when he found out that he would organize three planes from England per week, he calmed down. McHale's dream came true. In addition, Nathan was impressed by the assortment of Dubai products, especially oils, fresh spices, tahini and couscous.
The main idea of Nathan was to make a very expensive and respectable restaurant in the Burj Al Arab hotel cozy and affordable and, I must say, he succeeded. Lunch of three fixed dishes costs 450 dirhams, and dinner - 650 dirhams. Agree that for a kitchen from a Michelin cook it is quite inexpensive. And, perhaps, better oysters than in the restaurant Al Mahara, you will not find in all of Dubai.
Kitchen: sea (there is also a vegetarian)
Location: Hotel Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Account: from 450 dirhams per one
Ayamna
We all miss the tastes of our childhood. These tastes are dear to us no less than memories of the family and the first house. The word "Ayamna" means precisely this longing for the past and in Arabic means "good old days" or "long past." Ayamna promises to quench this longing and immerse in an almost family atmosphere.
The restaurant is located in the Atlantis the Palm hotel, and its interior is not inferior in luxury to the hotel itself: white-blue-black geometric ornaments, a wide staircase soaring upwards, a large open terrace, which is so pleasant to dine in the winter season. In the open courtyard you can sit in wicker chairs with cushions to the accompaniment of live Arabic music.
Arabic food is traditional - nothing new, but everything is very tasty. Order, for example, a set of hot and cold meze appetizers, grilled lamb and viscous date pudding. Chefpovar recommends the signature dish "king prawns in tomato broth with zira and potatoes." You can also try the magnificent fish tajine, which, of course, is also served with meze. Local hummus also deserves attention - it is special here. The gentle, creamy aftertaste of hummus from Ayamna you will remember for a long time. It is served with warm hubb cakes - fresh, soft and lush, which are baked right in the restaurant.
Separately, it is worth noting the dishes - maybe the best in the city: perfect white ceramic bowls and plates with lumpy edges. Perhaps it is they who create such a cozy and homely atmosphere in the restaurant.
Kitchen : arab
Location: Atlantis The Palm Hotel
Score : from 400 dirhams for two
There is a hookah
Segreto
If you are going to the Italian restaurant Segreto (translated from Italian. "Secret"), take a compass and a map: he hid in one of the most secret corners of the Madinat Jumeirah hotel complex. These may seem like unnecessary difficulties, but the atmosphere of mystery has its advantages. At least in the restaurant you can relax from the insane speeds of Dubai.
The best way to get to the restaurant is through the Al Qasr Hotel. You will be led to the boat pier, and before dinner you will make a pleasant trip to Abre along the canals of Madinat.
But Segreto should be found at least for the sake of the kitchen. Italian classics are deliciously prepared here: Frittata Rustica al Tartufo (mushrooms, parmesan, asparagus, truffles), Stinco di Agnello Cotto Lentamente (stewed lamb leg with corn stew), Panna Cotta alla Vaniglia (tender pannacota with hot fruit sauce and ... Food, waiters, furnishings - you can feel the spirit of Italy in everything.
Therefore, do not get lost along the way, sit at a secluded table, enjoy the tastes of Tuscany and ... do not tell anyone about this place!
We recommend ordering dessert on the recently opened terrace on the second floor of the restaurant. Surrounded by Arabian bagdir towers, sprawling palm branches, olive trees and illuminated by the moonlight, it is ideal for a date. Soon they promise to serve there and a hookah.
Kitchen : italian
Location: Hotel Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah
Account: from 500 dirhams for two
Roberto's abu dhabi
Roberto's, one of the most popular restaurants in Dubai, is now also represented in Abu Dhabi, at the luxurious Rosewood Hotel on the urban island of Al Maryah. The interior from the famous designer Paul Bishop is very successful. The kitchen is open, and fresh seafood is picturesquely laid out on a white marble counter.
The restaurant’s menu is an attempt to maintain a balance between Dubai’s Roberto's heritage and new experiments, between all beloved classics and exclusives for Abu Dhabi. Chef Francesco Gvarrachino boldly combines the incongruous: risotto with beets and gorgonzola, Japanese marbled beef with matcha green tea. Yes, that's right - marbled beef with tea. According to the chef, he respects traditions, but does not hesitate to use the most modern techniques and unexpected taste combinations.
It's nice to see dishes from Roberto's adviser Enrico Bartolini on the menu - for example, his most famous creation: half-fried and half-raw Sicilian shrimps with tamarind. It is also worth a try "polpo, cacio e pepe, e carciofi": octopus with fresh artichokes, delicate pecorino cheese and black pepper sauce.
Roberto's in Abu Dhabi - with a lounge, outdoor terrace and an impressive selection of fresh fish and meat dishes - is open every day from noon to two in the morning.
Kitchen: italian
Location: Hotel Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Account: from 500 dirhams for two
