The Mediterranean restaurant takes the space once occupied by the legendary liner’s alfresco swimming pool…

Over a year since the legendary QE2 cruise ship debuted as Dubai’s first floating hotel, it’s announced the opening of its first alfresco dining option. Called Pavilion, the restaurant will serve Mediterranean dishes and will aptly open on the Pavilion Deck from Saturday November 2.

Those who sailed on the ship during her years of service will recognise this spot as the space formerly occupied by the QE2’s outdoor swimming pool.

Inspired by its nautical surroundings, the menu reads like pages straight from a restaurant perched on the coast of the Aegean sea. An al dente pasta selections features Rigatoni Al Buffalo, spaghetti al putinesca and seafood linguine, while for mains guests can feast on giant garlic prawns and pan-fried red snapper.

An array of signature cocktails and mocktails will compliment the menu, including a QE2 sangria.

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Open for lunch and dinner, diners will also be treated to beautiful views of the neighbouring Mina Rashid Yacht Club and twinkling Dubai skyline in the distance.

On Fridays, the Pavilion deck will be transformed into an extension of the popular QE2 Brunch., which takes place inside at Lido restaurant. With cuisines from around the world, it will feature live cooking stations of fresh pasta, seafood and BBQ options, as well as boasting a Mediterranean-style buffet. It’s available on Fridays from 1pm to 4pm, priced at Dhs225 for the soft package and Dhs395 including house beverages.

Pavilion adds to the existing QE2 Dubai restaurant line-up that includes all-day dining restaurant Lido, the Yacht Club bar, The Golden Lion pub, fine dining restaurant The Queen’s Grill and The Grand Lounge, which regularly hosts live shows.

Pavilion, QE2 Dubai, Mina Rashid, Dubai, 12pm to 11pm, daily from Saturday November 2. Tel: (04) 526 8811. qe2.com/dining

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