Why Bluewaters Is The Island Destination Of Choice For Dubai’s Curious Foodies And Explorers
Bluewaters is fast emerging as a haven for the discerning gourmand and the retail-happy. Meraas’ sophisticated island destination, which also houses the world’s Largest observation wheel – Ain Dubai – is now home to an increasingly eclectic range of F&B and retail concepts from across the globe.
Hell’s Kitchen, the restaurant made famous by television celebrity and multi-Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay, has its second global outpost now operational on Bluewaters’ territory. The high-octane, open kitchen environment overseen by the English chef known for his Michelin star creations in London, features gourmet dishes of worldwide renown such as his beef wellington, sticky toffee pudding and appropriately for its setting in Caesars Bluewaters Dubai, a Caesar salad.
And while we’re on the Caesars-inspired theme, there is, of course, Bachannal. Inspired by the highly-acclaimed restaurant in Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, you can now satisfy your cravings with decadent, indulgent dishes at Bacchanal in Dubai with open restaurant kitchens serving everything from prime rib, chilled crab legs and oysters to baked-to-order soufflés.
The arrival of Caesars Bluewaters Dubai has also brought with it a litany of exquisite F&B concepts, including: Paru – an elevated, rooftop, Japanese eatery, Zhen Whei Dim Sum – authentic pan-Asian dishes with a contemporary twist, Cleo’s Table – a Mediterranean diner with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, and Sandbar Bar & Grill – Southern French dining on the Arabian Gulf’s beachside.
Beyond Caesars, there is The London Project, a brand-new concept with incredible sea views, located at the foot of Ain Dubai. With an ambience and décor reminiscent of an English country garden, the eatery goes beyond an immersive dining space to a restaurant that shapes social trends.
For those with art in their heart, London Slide, attached to The London Project features décor and food packaging with bespoke, auction-worthy artwork by emerging artists such as Rich Simmons who are making their mark globally.
Diehard meat and seafood lovers will welcome the arrival of The Selfish Bull, a surf-and-turf eatery with a choice of indoor or al fresco seating and an affordable menu from the owners of Aprons and Hammers, the seafood restaurant that has been voted the best in Dubai six times to date.
Seafood fans have reason to rejoice as Alici, a new homegrown concept that serves authentic Italian seafood, is now open at Bluewaters. Alici, which means “anchovies” in Italian, comes from the same stable as Il Borro, and will serve fresh seafood with a dash of lemon, a flavour that has its roots in the South of Italy. Sourced both locally and from the famous fish markets of Milan, the ingredients of each dish give it an extra edge.
As for trusted favourites, the French eatery La Brioche ships the ingredients for its artisanal French dishes. The restaurant’s extensive menu, which includes a fine selection of sweets, is refreshed every six months, so repeat diners can enjoy something new every time.
Those who fancy catching up over afternoon tea with friends now have a new hot spot to visit at Bluewaters. The newly opened Un Dimanche a Paris – meaning A Sunday in Paris in French, offers all-day dining services ranging from breakfast, lunch and dinner to sophisticated afternoon teas. What’s more, dessert lovers can also indulge in decadent treats from the chocolate boutique in the restaurant.
For those who like exploring fusion food, there is Tete – meaning ‘grandmother’ in Levantine Arabic. The restaurant serves exquisite Lebanese/Brazilian cuisine to the accompaniment of live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays. Yet another concept restaurant, Sah El Nom, which means ‘good morning’ in Arabic – named after a Syrian television series from ’70s – features authentic Syrian cuisine.
Those who prefer to bite into a burger to satisfy those hunger pangs will love Ketch Up, the outpost of the American eatery in Dubai that boasts an expansive menu with options to tickle even the pickiest taste buds, including the popular guacamole and a lettuce wrap for health-conscious foodies. A selection of delectable desserts makes Ketch Up anything but your typical fast food joint. While, Puerto 99 by Meschico, serving Mexican cuisine, will take visitors on an authentic culinary journey to the Latin American country.
Hailing from Australia, The Coffee Club does more than just great coffee – its menu contains everything from salads and wraps to pastas, burgers and steaks. The 30-year-old concept also meticulously follows the latest food trends and regularly introduces new dishes.
Mitts & Trays, a Dubai-born eatery known for its home-away-from-home ambience, has also opened its second branch at Bluewaters, opposite Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai. Its menu features bespoke items, such as watermelon feta cheese salad that resembles a sushi roll, in addition to a wide selection of desserts.
Franprix, the French grocery store, has made its debut in Dubai at Bluewaters. The everyday store has been innovatively designed as a space where one can pick up their groceries as well as unwind and grab quick bites to eat-in or take away.
Opening soon at Bluewaters are Günaydin, a Turkish meat shop and steakhouse, L’eto, the popular breakfast and dessert place, Basanti & Co., the concept that serves contemporary Indian cuisine, and candy shop Jelly Belly.
The island hosts select retail outlets, such as iSea that sells trendy sunglasses and frames, including sporty and beach-ready eyewear, Ciel De Perfume, and Beyond the Beach, an urban chic swimwear collection that stocks brands such as Seafolly, Tommy Bahama and Oakley. Superdry, the UK-based clothing company, will offer an exclusive collection of beachwear and gym wear at its Bluewaters’ branch.
Those with a penchant for novelty items can step into Typo, which transforms everyday stationery into art objects, to browse through its cool range of gift items, such as mugs, games, and blankets, or Tarsam, which sells unique electronics and gadgets. While at Discover Dubai, tourists can pick up memorabilia of their UAE visit.
Other retailers soon to open at Bluewaters include The Camel Company that stocks its own collection of soft toys, souvenirs and gifts, Ateliee, the opticians, Galerie Hindam that stocks exclusive jewellery and watches, and Seif Pharmacy.
Visitors looking to relax, following a long day of exploring the island, can head over to the Cove Beach – a stylish private beach club, or the Qua Spa– a Roman themed spa offering an elevated experience like no other, at the Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai.