Christmas Eve dinners in Dubai
Fill your belly the night before Santa visits with our pick of the Christmas Eve dinners in Dubai…
1. Porterhouse
It’s one of the most popular steakhouses on the Palm, and Porterhouse will be whipping up a suitably meaty pre-festive feast on Christmas Eve. Think turkey roulade with prune jam and crispy beef bacon followed by chargrilled Welsh lamb loin. There’s a veggie option too, if you’re so inclined.
December 24. Sofitel the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 7pm to 11.30pm, Dhs350. Tel: +971 4 455 6600. Taxi: Sofitel the Palm. sofitel-dubai-thepalm
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2. Al Hadheerah
Eating at this desert restaurant is partly about the traditional food, the grills and the spit roasts, but also about the Arabian Nights-style entertainment. From falconry to camels and a Tanoura dancer, this is dinner and a show. On Christmas Eve there’ll be a firerworks show to boot.
Bab Al Shams, Al Qudra Road, Dubai, 7pm to 11.30pm, Dhs495 per person (50 per cent off for children aged 5 to 12, children under 4 free). Tel:+971 4 809 6194. More info on website.
3. Raffles
This hotel knows how to put on a feast (our brunch there for Wills & Kate’s wedding is still among our top Dubai feasts of all time), and so we imagine their festive meal will be magical: they’re promising freshly roasted chestnuts, decadent French cheeses and house-smoked Salmon along with a four-metre-high gingerbread house.
December 24. Raffles, Oud Metha. 7pm to midnight, Dhs545 per person inclusive of house beverages and Dhs200 for children from 6 to 12 (two children per couple aged 6 and under dine for free). Tel: +971 4 324 8888. raffles.com.
4. Prego’s
Break from tradition and try an Italian Christmas eve this year. As well as a four-course set menu, with homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas, warm up your vocal cords because there’ll be carolers, live music and a visit from Santa.
Media Rotana, Tecom, Dubai, 7pm, Dhs299 and Dhs150 for children aged 6 to 12. Tel: +971 4 435 0201. Metro: Dubai Internet City. rotana.com
5. Olea
Get your tummy ready for the big day with a pre Christmas feast on December 24 at this new Levant-inspired restaurant and keep an eye out for Santa Claus who’s planning to make a pit stop here.
Kempinski Mall Of The Emirates, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs295 (soft drinks), Dhs455 (house drinks), children below the age of 6 dine for free, and children aged 6 to 12 dine at half price. Tel: +971 4 341 0000. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. kempinski.com/dubai
6. Fountain
Tuck into a traditional turkey dinner, along with a choice of tender cuts and succulent seafood at Fountain Restaurant. Expect plenty of variety in this buffet spread, with a live cooking station as well as a wide range of sweet treats to round off your meal.
Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai, Street 9, Oud Metha, Dubai, December 24 7pm to 10.30pm, Dhs155 (soft drinks), Dhs255 (house drinks), 50% off for children aged six to 12, kids under six eat for free. Tel: +971 4 336 6000. Taxi: Mövenpick Bur Dubai. movenpick.com
7. Vivaldi
A Christmas choir and a fine three-course Italian meal – ’tis the reason to stop by this Italian restaurant perched over Dubai Creek.
Sheraton Dubai Creek, Deira, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs250 with non-alcoholic beverages and a three-course meal, Dhs300 with house beverages, children under 6 dine free. vivaldidubai.com.
AND TWO OPTIONS TO BOOK FOR BOXING DAY…
1. Bushman’s Restaurant and Bar
Relax after this big day with this Boxing Day Lazy Brunch at the Australian restaurant. Try out some seasonal dishes from Down Under while enjoying live entertainment from the resident musician (and Australian X-Factor finalist) Jaymie Deboucherville. There’s also a chance to win for those who dress up as Santa.
Anantara the Palm, The Palm Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs275, Dhs150 for children aged 6 to 12. Tel: (04) 567 8304. dubai-palm.anantara.com
2. Centre Cut
Continue the Christmas day feeling (and eating) at this Boxing Day brunch at the stylish steak house. Expect quality Tomahawk beef and the traditional turkey dinner, but if you’ve had your fill then there’ll also be fresh sushi and some deliciously chocolaty desserts.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre, Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, 12pm to 4pm, Dhs490, Dhs155 for children aged six to 12.Tel: (04) 3722323. Metro: Emirates Towers. ritzcarlton.com
