Terrace views of the Burj Khalifa to rival any venue in Dubai – check. Being wowed by the Emirate’s most dramatic infinity pool – check. Deliciously sophisticated dishes and drinks served by proficient and friendly staff – check, check, check. This is quite the wishlist, even for someone heading out to celebrate a special anniversary, but luckily it’s only a fraction of the charm, that comes as standard at Cé Le Vi. But celebrations aside, where does the contemporary Asian eatery stand when it comes to COVID-related precautions?
Having its own valet and entrance in a separate tower, away from the rest of the Address Sky View hotel, is instantly an advantage when it comes to social distancing, and mandatory temperature checks are taken before you enter the glass-fronted lift for an exhilarating journey up to the 54th floor, one that offers far-reaching views over Downtown Dubai. If your nerves survive the trip then you’ll be guided to your table by elegantly-masked staff – ready and willing to take your order once your own mask is removed.
It’s our first time at Cé La Vi and the spectacular, panoramic view of Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai is breathtaking. We’re here to celebrate six-years of moving to the UAE, so the magnificent view of Dubai’s crown jewel is the finest reminder of how much we’ve loved living here. We’re already brimming with delight as we scan QR code cards (sat next to sanitiser) to access the dining and drinks menu.
GRILLED TUNA TATAKI
And first impressions are good – anywhere that serves bread rolls with a choice of five sides has to be a winner – choose from European butter with date honey, miso chickpea hummus, chicken liver mousse with lychee marmalade, Korean chlili oil yuzu labneh with pistachio verde and our stand out favourite – the smoked salmon dip with salmon roe and chilli oil. Executive Chef Howard Ko is feeling particularly generous and comes out to personally deliver us our bread – magnifying the celebratory atmosphere. He’s not shy and is back to also bring out the starter dishes of crispy potato hash Okonomiyake-style and the brand new tuna tataki, served with frisée, pickled chillis, confit lemon, avocado mousse, jalapeño ponzu and coriander oil – these two dishes are so good, they’re worth the trip alone.
BUCATINI CACIO E PEPE
We’re having a ball, and every time there’s a gap between courses we have the world’s tallest building to strike up a conversation about, or just simply stare in awe at – it never gets boring. Mains arrive and they’re as generous in size as they are delectable. We’ve opted for pasta: the hearty campanelle with lamb ragu and the lusciously creamy vegetarian option of Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, strings of carbs served with seaweed butter, black pepper, pecorino and nori bread crumbs. And if plant-based is your go-to, the restaurant has also just launched a full vegan option.
MANGO CHEESECAKE
Always keen for dessert we’d saved room for the rich dark chocolate fondant with beetroot ice cream and the refreshing mango cheesecake – strikingly contrasting in taste but equally comforting. We stay to enjoy one final drink to soak up the backdrop of our anniversary setting, before being escorted through the socially distanced tables for the return journey in the lift – where the views themselves are a celebration of Dubai.
CALL NOW or BOOK HERE Find Cé La Vie at Tower 2 – Level 54, Address Sky View Hotel – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Dubai
