Two universal facts. First, Dubai is home to some of the world’s finest restaurants. Second, Sheikh Hamdan is an all time foodie. And when these two facts blend together, it results into culinary inspiration for everyone. The Crown Prince of Dubai has always been at the forefront when it comes to supporting the burgeoning F&B scene in the emirate, with returning visits to many hotspots we all know and love.
Below, GRAZIA takes a deep dive in to some of Sheikh Hamdan’s favourite foodie spots, which just may give you some inspiration for your next outing in Dubai.
Avli By Tashas
A popular DIFC food haven, this spot has hosted Fazza on more than one occasion. Well known for it’s mezze, salads and seafood, Avli by Tashas offers an extensive menu to relish in Greek and Mediterranean delicacies.
BUNGLO34
Bungalo34 may have only opened earlier this year, but it’s already received the royal stamp of approval. Sheikh Hamdan paid a visit to the new venue back in February, dining at the beachside restaurant for an Italian feast.
La Niña
Another restaurant in DIFC’s bustling food scene is La Niña. It welcomed Fazza in its early days back in January. The restaurant posted on Instagram saying, “Honoured to welcome His Highness Sheikh Hamdam bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, at La Niña”. This luxe hotspot caters for palates fancying Mediterranean ambiance and flavours.
KYMA
This West Palm Beach spot is popular with residents and tourists alike. Oh, and royals, too. Sheikh Hamdan stopped by Kyma, a concept by RIKAS Group which also runs long-standing restaurant La Cantine du Faubourg, back in January. This spot features a restaurant, as well as a beach club, overlooking the water to Dubai Marina, Bluewaters Island and JBR. As for the cuisine, Kyma blends a mix of traditional Greek flavours, but with a contemporary Mediterranean flair, perfect for beachside dining.
SAL
A magnet for A-listers is Sal. It overlooks the glittering Arabian Gulf and is located in the iconic Burj Al Arab. Sheikh Hamdan paid a visit to the coastal dining spot back in December 2020 enjoying a variety of seafood dishes, something that the restaurant is known for.
jumeirah.com/en/dine/dubai/burj-al-arab-sal
GAIA
Inspired by the calmness of the Cyclades is Gaia restaurant. This fine-dining restaurant offers Greek recipes of years-long traditions with its own twist. Sheikh Hamdan has been a regular visitor the restaurant for a long time, often seen pictured with Chef Izu Ani, the brainchild behind the concept.
THE ARTS CLUB
The Arts Club has welcomed the Crown Prince of Dubai on a number of occasions. Last year, the Dubai royal paid a visit to one of their concepts, Rōhen, a Nikkei concept restaurant.
CLAY
Clay Dubai, located on Bluewaters Island, welcomed Sheikh Hamdan and his entourage last year. Boasting Japanese and Peruvian flavours along with Nikkei dining experiences, the venue has become a go-to spot for many. At the time of his visit, the restaurant shared, “We are honoured and privileged to have HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visit us. We hope and look forward to having him back another day.”
ROKA
Roka is an award winning Japanese robatyaki cuisine in Downtown Dubai with a view of Burj Khalifa. It opened the doors to it’s first international location in Dubai back in 2020 and Fazza was one of its first visitors.
rokarestaurant.com/en/roka-business-bay-dubai
sushisamba
Dining sky-high last year, Sheikh Hamdan paid a visit to SushiSamba, alongside one of his famous friends, footballing legend Cristiano Ronaldo. This restaurant is located on the 51st floor of the St Regis Dubai and overlooks the city’s skyline. It sure has to top your must-visit list.
