The Insider visited three unusual date spots to take your loved one you might not have heard of.
Alici, Bluewaters Island
Best for: 1st Date Intimate Vibes
We loved: The fresh seafood and friendly staff
Alici is a stunning and stylish Italian restaurant focusing on seafood with lashings of old world charm blended with contemporary decor. When we visited for our romantic dinner, there were several special touches that we loved, including the edible QR code that goes in the Amalfi Spritz cocktail, which links through to an Instagram tutorial on how the cocktail was made. The upstairs dining area has soft lighting with impressive arched windows overlooking Ain Dubai, and the interior design has crisp white table cloths interspersed with shades of blue, giving it a fresh and classy feel. The menu boldly claims to be inspired by seafood from the south of Italy, and the dining options are plentiful and there are options if you don’t want to splurge completely (perhaps only first date vibes) or if you really want to impress your other half, we advise choosing the Seafood Selection with Oscietra Caviar accompanied by a chilled bottle rose champagne.
We had the fried calamari with red prawns, sliced purple potato and chilli jam to start, followed by fresh oysters, an incredible octopus with Beluga lentils and saffron, plus Gambero rosso which were juicy Mazara prawns with blood orange and radish. We then tried the seabass carpaccio which was light and delicately flavoured, and the seared seabass with clams and potato broth. Alici is also known for its fresh pastas (being Italian) and we were tempted by the linguini with whole Canadian lobster in a rich tomato-based sauce, or the homemade garganelli with pecorino and juicy lab ragu. On the whole the food manages to be tasty and luxurious without being too heavy so you won’t be busting out of your dressed-up attire, and the little touches of having the lemon wedges in gauze limit your opportunity for spillage in front of the date you’re trying to impress.
Alici is trying and succeeding to be one of the finest establishments for fish dishes in the city, and is accompanied by impeccable service from knowledgeable staff, who are keen to make suggestions and recommendations. For dessert we shared the Limone which was shaped like a lemon, and filled with delicious citrus mousse and fresh berries. Other highlights include the Chocolate Fondant and the almond sponge cake with limoncello. Although we were stuffed by this point, they brought out a giant ceramic tree with branches displaying mini chocolates and wafers. Alici also has an excellent cocktails and wine list, so there’s something for every diner, and enough to impress your date with the intimate upstairs dining area, there’s a piano bar downstairs to add to the romantic ambience.
For more information or reservations please email reservations@alici.com or call +971 4275 2577 or Instagram @alicidubai
TABŪ, Business Bay
Best for: Unique and unforgettable sights and sounds
We loved: The private dining areas and all-in-one style with restaurant, lounge, terrace and nightclub all under one roof
TABŪ, a Japanese fine-dining restaurant, is renowned for its modern Japanese cuisine and captivating dining experience. Located on the 23rd floor of The St. Regis Downtown, it offers a unique blend of culinary mastery and theatrical entertainment.
The menu at TABŪ showcases a wide range of Japanese-inspired dishes, skillfully prepared by executive chef Roberto Segura, who hails from Peru. Alongside the delectable food, guests are treated to thrilling performances by sumo wrestlers and geishas. The restaurant features large LED screens, a catwalk stage, and even space for aerial performers, creating an engaging and immersive dining concept. Performers move throughout the space, surprising and delighting diners, adding an element of surprise to their evening, and making it an unusual and unforgettable place to take your date.
What sets TABŪ apart is its attention to detail, evident in the handcrafted costumes exclusively designed for the venue. These costumes merge traditional Japanese elements with a futuristic twist, from Geisha lamps to Yakuza characters, resulting in a visually captivating experience. Chef Roberto Segura brings his theatrical flair to the menu as well. Indulge in decadent dishes such as gold gyoza with burrata and truffle or the visually stunning ‘black’ black cod, which is sure to impress both your taste buds and your Instagram followers. TABŪ goes above and beyond by catering to various dietary requirements. With separate menus for meat lovers and vegans, the vegan options are thoughtfully crafted and feature dishes like miso eggplant with gomae and kimchi, Shimeji mushroom Japanese rice roll, vegan meatballs, and truffle.
One standout dish is the mesmerising ‘black’ black cod, beautifully presented on a white serving dish. Its tender flesh and robust flavour make it a signature dish at TABŪ. The dark miso-gomae sauce adds a savoury and sweet balance to the dish, further enhancing its appeal. Another highlight is the Slow Braised Wagyu Beef Short Rib with Japanese rice and Shiitake Mushrooms, prepared tableside using the traditional Ishiyaki method. This interactive dining experience allows guests to enjoy a rich, smoky, and earthy flavour. To conclude the meal on a sweet note, indulge in the Lava Chocolate Cake. With its chocolate Toban Yaki base, passion fruit ice cream crumble, and a luscious lava centre, this dessert offers a delightful combination of textures and flavours. TABŪ offers more than just exceptional dining. Private dining rooms, a breathtaking terrace with panoramic views, and an upstairs speakeasy-style lounge called The Other Side ensure that you and your date can spend the whole night together in style.
For more information or reservations please book via their website or call +971 052 950 1309 or visit their Instagram.
CE LA VI, Address Sky View
Best for: Ultra impressive Instagrammable views
We loved: The party vibe
A trip to downtown Dubai wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a hotel that has incredible views of the iconic Burj Khalifa, and the Address Sky View not only boasts an infinity pool overlooking the Burj, but also stunning dining outlet CE LA VIE, famous for its food and much-photographed swing. If you’re looking to take your date here, CE LE VIE will certainly impress with its views, plus indoor and outdoor dining areas, live DJ and a buzzing dancefloor area that picks up after midnight. Interiors are luxe and red, and while it’s a little dark and loud for a first date, it would be perfect for when you feel comfortable with your plus one and want an evening of vibes, good food and fun. We didn’t have particularly high hopes for the food, assuming that the restaurant would be a one-trick-pony and rest their popularity on their views and location, so we were pleasantly surprised at the fine dining menu and service.
We started with steaming hot bread fresh from the oven, followed by a light and rich Chicken Liver Mousse with Plum Marinade, and and the creamy European Date Butter with Date Honey, both bursting with flavour and accompanied perfectly by the bread. The Beef Short Rib Croquettes with truffle were absolutely superb and not too heavy, while the Roasted Rock Lobster was so tasty and had a hint of Asian flavour. The whole menu was imaginative and unusual, with dishes you don’t normally see on standard menus, so it’s a great spot to take a diner who loves to try new things. Head Chef Howard hails from Los Angeles, and his multitude of culinary influences show in the menu. Next up we had a sushi platter, served on a giant tray with multiple layers, featuring 24 pieces of nigriris and makis with different toppings and flavours. Chef Howard even came by our table personally and prepared for us a special dish which combined beef loin with a minced seafood cap and rich broth – all the dishes apart from the sushi were rich, so prepare to fully indulge yourself if you visit CE LA VIE!
For mains we had the Magret Duck Breast, marinated in shio koji and served with red currants, which was some of the most tender duck we’ve ever eaten, plus the Seabass au Poivre which was served crisped with potato scales, shrimp parsley and caper emulsion. To finish up we had desserts, which were the Yuzu Blueberry Cheesecake and the Dark Chocolate Fondant, washed down with delicious cocktails. There’s plenty to entertain you and your other half at CE LA VI, not just the views and excellent food, but also the party atmosphere that happens near the DJ booth after midnight.
For reservations please book online via their website or call +971 4583 6111 or visit their Instagram.
