Alaya Dubai is all about understated elegance. Sure, there are the classic white table clothes, but also stylish shades of green across the restaurant – think jade seats, emerald banquettes and even olive waistcoats on the staff. Modern Arabic art decorates the walls, which look like it has come straight from one of the neighbouring galleries. It is indeed a fact that DIFC has long been a hotspot for great restaurants, and there is a new contender on the block. Alaya, the newest Mediterranean restaurant with Middle Eastern influences, finally opened its door to the public on July 29, 2022.
According to an article, Inside, Alaya’s interior details are the height of luxury. Designed by Richard Saunders & Sagrada – which have worked on Coya in London and Riyadh – Alaya is decked out in many textures: boucle-paved ceiling, emerald green velvet cushioned seating, a stingray skin-like panel, and geometric-laid parquet, to name a few. Two sizable art pieces encased behind glass catch the eye on the walls: a traditional beaded tapestry and a contemporary abstract painting provide clues to Alaya’s eclectic approach.
Chef Izu knows his onions, herbs, and spices, as he has combined them to create a rich menu. Alaya Dubai celebrates Mediterranean cuisine and has Middle Eastern influences. The menu is divided into spreads, salads, cold mezze, hot mezze, rotisserie, mains and sides. While diving straight into the mains may be tempting, guests will miss out on some standout starters. In addition, Vegetarians are well catered for across the starters and sides, so diners won’t be sniffed at for only ordering small plates and turning this into a sharing concept.
The baked potato turns into a thing of beauty, as it is sliced into thin crispy pieces and then put back together, so it is served in its original potato shape and covered with truffle butter. The cheese borek has fluffy thin pastry encasing thick moreish cheese and is topped with truffle shavings. At the same time, the truffle freekeh is a smoky sensation, which has a risotto-like texture combining melted onion, parsley and truffle oil. On the other hand, The marvellous meat dishes include Wagyu striploin, Wagyu rump cap and Wagyu tenderloin, which everyone can order per kilogram, which everyone should try.
Flavours are extraordinary at Alaya, so ordering a dessert is just perfect. One can have pistachio ice cream, and a single scoop might not be enough. On the other hand, apricot tart, chocolate cake or date cake are safe regardless of one’s palate. Moreover, the mochikan chocolate cake is far too rich in flavours, and the drinks list is worth raising a glass to, as there are plenty of wines by the glass and a creative cocktail list. Guest should try The Alexandria Fizz with rum, cinnamon and sour apple. It has the perfect amount of spicy and sweet flavours.
Timings:
Sun – Thurs: 12:00 – 01:45
Fri – Sat: 12:00 – 02:00
Contact:
Alaya Dubai
677J+FX9 – Dubai International Financial Center – Gate Village 4
Dubai -United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 570 6289
Website: http://www.alaya-dubai.com/
Photo courtesy: http://www.alaya-dubai.com/
Location:
View World Map in a larger map