European vibes

1 After launching in Dar Al Wasl Mall in 2021 with its fermented dough pizzas, Moon Slice has now opened a second outpost within Dubai Mall’s The District featuring the signature menu items as well as new dishes only available here. Start with the cured beef carpaccio with truffle dressing – pleasantly subtle – where candied orange peel, pine nuts and Grana Padano come together for a delicate and flavourful starter. The fried calamari in squid ink is a surprise in that it maintains its crisp outer layer while the interior is perfectly cooked. The mushroom risotto is rich and creamy, but the short rib pasta is a winner – it’s meant to be a take on the brand’s short rib pizza, and features linguine and slow cooked meat for a satisfying bite. Save room for dessert, whether you’re after a refreshing sorbet or an indulgent tiramisu.

2 Walking to Iliana – set in its own building within the sprawling Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab grounds – makes you feel as though you’re about to leave the city, if not for the iconic silhouette of the Burj Al Arab glittering right behind the structure (Hot tip: snag a table outdoors in the winter – you won’t regret it). The interiors are classy and understated, allowing the food to steal the show. The scallop sashimi is citrusy and fresh, with the slightly sweet meat and lemon marmalade pairing delivering a deep umami. There’s a variety of spreads you can try; we went with the htipiti, made from whipped feta and Greek yoghurt, and couldn’t stop ourselves from digging in. The feta in crispy phyllo is a stunner; drizzled with organic thyme honey, it strikes a balance with the sharp cheese, while toasted sesame adds a nice smokiness.

If you’re after a fish main (and you really should be), head to the fresh fish market counter, where dishes are prepped to traditional recipes and grilled over charcoal briquettes or wood. There’s plenty to tempt diners from the dessert menu, but you absolutely have to try the Greek yoghurt ice cream with honey; its light texture and tangy flavour balance well with the soft sweetness of the honey and the crunch of walnuts on top.

3 Maison Dali, discreetly located at one end of The Opus by Omniyat, immediately evokes a world of theatrical opulence with its crimson velvet curtains and deep jade walls, an ideal setting for intimate meals. This dramatic flair extends to the innovative menu that is a marriage between Japanese and Mediterranean flavours curated by chef Tristin Farmer. The juice programme is designed to complement the courses, blending thoughtfully selected ingredients. I opt for the smoked cherry – a deep red concoction crafted from Arabica coffee and lapsang to deliver a dry, almost whiskey-like finish without any bitterness. We suggest pairing this with rich mains like the veal short rib. Starters are exceptional, especially the ginger dashi, which is a comforting broth with an initial hit of lemon, followed by a lingering brininess and warm ginger finish. The giant hamaguri clam shells are filled with a delicate mix of diced clam meat, shiso and cucumber. It carries the freshness of cucumber gazpacho coupled with mild, sweet-salty notes of the ocean. The highlight of the entire meal is undoubtedly the miso turbot with scallop-stuffed morels. Its succulence is complemented by a hint of heat and citrus from yuzu kosho and a silky beurre blanc drizzled with yuzu oil. Dessert brings a final theatrical touch with the bourbon caramel sauce for the honey toast, flambéed by our table, and served with crème crue ice cream, providing the perfect creamy contrast to the delicate crunch of the toast.