The Top Burj Al Arab Restaurants Had Me Feeling Like a VIP
I must admit, Burj Al Arab was only a dream that I used to look at every time I went on my usual afternoon walks along Sunset Beach. Being the only “seven-star” hotel in the world, I knew stepping foot in this hotel would mean doing some serious damage to my budget.
But while the hotel is exclusive only for guests, I found a hack where I can actually get inside without spending thousands on a suite in Burj Al Arab. You should dine at one of their restaurants!
Here’s a list of my favourites and what you can expect from them!
Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara
Media Credit: almahara_burjalarab
Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/burj-al-arab-jumeirah/dining/burj-al-arab-al-mahara
Address: Ground Floor – Burj Al Arab – Jumeirah Street
Contact details: +971 800 323 232
Operating hours:
- 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM daily
Price: $$$
When I first dreamed of dining at one of the Burj Al Arab restaurants, Al Mahara was already on top of my list because of the many reviews I’ve heard about it.
And my, I wasn’t disappointed at all because it’s everything you would expect in a restaurant inside the only seven-star hotel in the world – from the ambiance to the food.
The moment you step inside the restaurant, you’ll feel like you’re in a different world, thanks to that massive aquarium right in the centre of the dining hall that gives you a glimpse of life underwater.
But the ambiance is just the beginning of this whole experience. Sprouting from Capri’s two Michelin-star restaurant, Chef Andrea Migliaccio takes you on a culinary journey across Italy by putting modern twists on classic dishes.
Now, I know a few good Italian restaurants around town, but all of them don’t compare to the experience that you’ll get dining at this restaurant.
I still dream of their Eliche con Pesci di Scoglio, Tagliolini al Limone and Astice Blu. Believe me, you won’t regret spending a month’s worth of salary for the food here because everything is just so delicious.
Pro tip:
If you want to treat yourself to a real Italian feast with a little bit of everything, Al Mahara has L’Olivo’s Signature Menu for AED990 and Farmer Tasting Menu for AED790.
Al Iwan Restaurant
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Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/burj-al-arab-jumeirah/dining/burj-al-arab-al-iwan
Address: First Floor – Burj Al Arab – Jumeirah Street
Contact details: +971 800 323 232
Operating hours:
- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM daily
Price: $$$
It’s hard not to get mesmerised with Al Iwan because of its lush red interiors and massive drapes that scream royalty. And being located right in the heart of the hotel, it’s definitely one of the best Burj Al Arab restaurants in my opinion.
Al Iwan is an Arabic buffet restaurant that serves more than 60 kinds of dishes honoring the traditions of Arabic culture. Here, you’ll find all the dishes that celebrate the cuisine and everything it has to offer.
The restaurant even has a seafood bar that I love and three live cooking stations where you can find every meat that you can think of including its famous lamb ouzi.
But while you’re essentially in a buffet, you’ll still feel like you’re dining in a five-star restaurant, thanks to those opulent interiors that really take buffet dining to the next level.
So if you’re looking to experience Arabic cuisine for the first time or you just have this sudden craving for Arabic food like I do, it’s a good excuse to book yourself a table at Al Iwan and see the interiors of Burj Al Arab while you’re at it.
Pro tip:
If you loved your dining experience at Al Iwan, visit them every Friday for Persian Night and Saturday for Spices Night. Here, you’ll be taken on a culinary feast of flavours with dishes featuring the flavours of the East.
Al Muntaha Restaurant
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Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/burj-al-arab-jumeirah/dining/burj-al-arab-muntaha
Address: 27th Floor – Burj Al Arab – Jumeirah Street
Contact details: +971 800 323 232
Operating hours:
- 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily
Price: $$$
Every foodie dreams of dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant and for me, that dream came true when I dined at Al Muntaha, undeniably one of the best Burj Al Arab restaurants – and in the city.
Perched up high on the 27th floor of the hotel, you already get your money’s worth with the view that you’ll see while dining at this restaurant. The water, the buildings and the city just makes you realise how great of a life you’re living.
But if that’s not enough to give you all the feels, watch as Head Chef Saverio Sbaragli and his team whips out the most delicious French and Italian dishes that you’ll taste in your lifetime.
Are you a cheese lover? They have a cheese trolley that goes around the restaurant with different types of cheeses for you to try. Each dish is also made using the Chef’s masterful techniques and the freshest ingredients.
You would want to try everything on the menu, but go for their king crab tartlet, warm salad with truffle and sea bass with artichokes.
Al Muntaha is definitely one that you wouldn’t mind spending money on because of the experience that will surely make you want to save up more to afford another meal here.
Pro tip:
Are you planning to take someone on a date in Al Muntaha? Book their Epicurean Lunch Experience, a signature four-course degustation menu created by Chef Sbaragli. For AED460 per person, you get to be treated to a culinary delight daily from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM.
SAL
Media Credit: sal_burjalarab
Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/burj-al-arab-jumeirah/dining/burj-al-arab-sal
Address: Ground Mezzanine Floor – Burj Al Arab – Jumeirah Street
Contact details: +971 800 323 232
Operating hours:
- 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM, 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM every Monday to Friday
- 12:30 PM to 10:30 PM every Saturday and Sunday
Price: $$$
Trust me, the pool in Burj Al Arab is one of the best in the city, and you don’t actually need to be a guest to gain access to it.
You just need to book a table at SAL, one of the best Burj Al Arab restaurants, and in my opinion the best poolside experience in all of Dubai.
If you want to experience what it’s like to lounge by the pool in Burj Al Arab, you can dine in the indoor dining area or in the outdoor poolside lounge during winter when the weather is warm enough for you to stay outside.
SAL specialises in Mediterranean cuisine and you will feel that vibe throughout the restaurant’s decor. They also have a special A la carte, pool and sunset lounge menu to really give you options on how you’d like to experience the restaurant.
And if you’re like me who has a hard time deciding what to eat, you’ll have plenty of options here. You can go for their fresh catch of the day or go all out on meats with a massive tomahawk steak.
You can also enjoy the restaurant’s special sunset menu composed of an extensive list of cocktails and drinks as well as carefully selected dishes that will match these libations.
Pro tip:
Are you vegetarian? Don’t worry because SAL has a special vegetarian menu with health-friendly interpretations of their classic dishes.
Sahn Eddar
Media Credit: jumeirahburjalarab
Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/burj-al-arab-jumeirah/dining/burj-al-arab-sahn-eddar
Address: First Floor – Burj Al Arab – Jumeirah Street
Contact details: +971 800 323 232
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily
Price: $$$
Sure, you can have afternoon tea anywhere, but why not do it at one of the best Burj Al Arab restaurants? Sahn Eddar will show you how to do afternoon tea right.
Here’s a little secret: afternoon tea at Sahn Eddar is the cheapest way for you to get access to Burj Al Arab since the hotel is only open to guests and diners.
So if you don’t have a huge budget but still want to see Burj Al Arab, book a table at Sahn Eddar.
Located on the first floor, you get to see the tallest atrium in the world and get a glimpse of what it’s like to be in one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.
But that’s just the beginning of the experience because you’ll be served with the most decadent pastries and cakes presented in a beautiful tray that will surely make for a beautiful Instagram photo.
And you can sip tea, enjoy a great conversation while live classical music plays in the background to really complete your experience.
Pro tip:
Sahn Eddar’s wait list can get quite long. So if you want to experience afternoon tea here, make sure to book as early as you can.