Amazónico
Originally hailing from Madrid, with locations in London, Monte Carlo and Miami, Amazónico arrived in Dubai’s DIFC Pavilion in 2019 and quickly became one of the city’s most talked-about dining destinations. Spread across three lushly-designed floors, the restaurant is a tropical escape at the heart of the financial district, with a sprawling rainforest interior brought to life by Spanish designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán — complete with hand-painted butterflies, cascading greenery and vibrant energy.
At the helm is Chef Diego Sánchez, whose experience with Latin America’s culinary greats informs a menu that spans the region’s rich gastronomic heritage. The dedicated sushi counter is a highlight, with responsibly-sourced Bluefin tuna, prawn tempura with miso and torched king salmon among the standouts. From the grill, dishes such as solomillo de res tenderloin or Brazilian-style picanha deliver serious flavour, while inventive plates like wild stone bass with yellow chilli and cassava showcase a colourful, playful twist.
Evenings often flow into the Paraíso Rooftop Club, where cocktails and ‘electro-pical’ beats set the rhythm against DIFC’s skyline. For those leaving Dubai Watch Week and looking to mark the hour in style, Amazónico offers the perfect blend of spectacle, flavour and exotically rarefied atmosphere.
Amazonicorestaurant.com
Bull & Bear
Perched on Level 18 of the Waldorf Astoria DIFC, Bull & Bear is literally an elevated steakhouse. The hotel’s signature restaurant combines Wall Street bravado with old-world art deco elegance, from floor-to-ceiling windows framing Burj Khalifa vistas to bold bull and bear sculptures that set the tone for an ambitious dining experience.
With British chef Marc Hardiman at the helm, the menu balances premium steaks with inventive, locally-inspired European cuisine. Standout dishes include the Satsuma Wagyu steak with tempura duck fat chips, the sustainably crafted crab sandwich and a purple potato creation crowned with Oscietra caviar. Guests can also explore the tasting menu options — omnivore, herbivore or a bespoke ‘explore’ selection — each designed to highlight precision, creativity and seasonality.
Bull & Bear’s chic, contemporary interiors, rich in blues, golds and leather, create a sophisticated yet relaxed setting ideal for post-Dubai Watch Week unwinding or business networking. From the indulgent Wellington Wednesdays to jazz-infused lounges and panoramic views, the restaurant blends culinary artistry, hospitality and style, where time and taste are equally celebrated.
bullandbeardifc.com
Carnival by Trèsind
Located on Level P5 of the 65-floor Burj Daman tower, Carnival by Trèsind is a stunning Indian restaurant that transforms dining into a full-blown fiesta. From its vibrant décor, with gilded trees and oversized dining pods, to its theatrical cuisine, Carnival pushes the boundaries of traditional Indian food with modern twists and global influences.
Under the guidance of executive chef Rahil Aga, Carnival delivers inventive dishes crafted from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Guests can explore everything from street food-inspired chaat, dumplings and kebabs to bold mains like Wagyu beef in Indian butter, soft shell crab with coconut chutney and dum biryanis served with classic accompaniments. Vegetarian and seasonal options are equally celebrated, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
The restaurant’s ‘fun-loving’ concept extends beyond food: cocktails are playful and inventive, DJs and live music set the tone, and there is even interactive entertainment such as the family-friendly, carnival-style brunches, Bollywood nights and bazaar at the weekends. Carnival by Trèsind promises an immersive gastronomic adventure where Indian culinary tradition meets theatrical innovation. During Dubai Watch Week, it’s an evening you won’t forget..
carnivalbytresind.com
The Guild
Opened in 2023, The Guild is a multi-faceted dining and nightlife destination in ICD Brookfield Place — DIFC’s four-acre office and retail development. Merging New York brasserie energy with timeless sophistication, conceived by Melbourne-born visionary Tom Arnel of hospitality group EATX and brought to life by London-based architect David Archer, this 20,000 square foot venue spans four distinct realms, each offering a unique experience.
The Nurseries evokes Soho streets with leafy botanicals, a Champagne room and a chic pastry boutique, while The Potting Shed is a sunken lounge perfect for aperitifs or private gatherings. The Rockpool is a seafood lover’s paradise with live tanks, an oyster shucking station and sustainably sourced lobsters, complemented by private dining for 16. Then at the heart of The Guild lies The Salon, where open wood-fire and charcoal kitchens deliver culinary theatre, from USDA Prime and Japanese Wagyu to whole roasted chicken and sumptuous truffle-forward creations.
The crowning jewel, The Aviary, is a nocturnal cocktail bar and cigar lounge with resident DJs, drummers and a world-class beverage programme led by Vitor Lourenco. Velvet seating, glittering chandeliers and bespoke cocktails transform it nightly into DIFC’s ultimate after-hours escape.
For those seeking a respite from the whirl of Dubai Watch Week, The Guild offers an eclectic menu, live music on select nights, a dedicated grape bar and dining options for every mood. It’s Dubai’s go-to destination for immersive dining and nightlife.
theguilddubai.com
Ostura
The newest destination on these pages, Ostura only opened in August, and is perfect for Dubai Watch Week visitors seeking Arabian flavours with a modern, immersive twist. Perched on the 16th floor of Emirates Financial Towers, the restaurant takes inspiration from the timeless tales of the 1001 Arabian Nights, translating them into a theatrical fine-dining experience that delights both palate and imagination. Every dish tells a story, from the Sindibad’s Trip Fatayer — warm mezze of pan-seared baby octopus and sundried tomato in freshly baked pide — to the opulent Caviar of Sindibad’s Lost Island, with pan-seared scallops, Levantine sayadiah rice, gold leaf and edible flowers.
Ostura’s interiors mirror the drama of the menu, combining opulent finishes, warm lighting and subtle theatrical touches, while a hidden genie adds an element of playful mystery. By day, it offers a refined escape for business lunches; by night, it transforms into an Arabian fantasy with live performers and Oriental house music carrying energy well into the evening.
For those winding down after Dubai Watch Week, Ostura presents a different kind of precision and craftsmanship — one measured in culinary artistry rather than horological ticks. It’s a place to network, relax, and savour a story on every plate, ensuring that an evening spent here is as memorable as the watches at the show.
@osturadubai
Shanghai Me
Since opening in DIFC in 2019, Shanghai Me, located in Gate Village Building 11, has become a cornerstone of Dubai’s pan-Asian dining scene — it has even expanded to Doha and London, with Monaco coming soon. Conceived by Chef Izu Ani, who has created many other celebrated food concepts throughout the city, and restaurateur Evgeny Kuzi under Fundamental Hospitality, the restaurant blends the elegance of 1920s Shanghai with modern culinary innovation. Interiors by Michele Bonn showcase scarlet hues, plush velvets and intimate speakeasy lighting, while the terrace brings lush greenery to the fore.
The menu spans the continent’s greatest hits, interpreted with Japanese precision and Chinese flair. Highlights include Evgeny’s Wagyu Beef Sub with truffle accents, umami-rich Wagyu and kimchi dumplings, steamed chicken with scallops and Singapore noodles. A ‘dim sum library’ and Zodiac-inspired cocktails add playful sophistication, while Bund, the secret lounge hidden behind a mirrored wall, extends evenings with DJ sets and curated cocktails for those looking to linger.
For watch enthusiasts seeking artistry and a social pulse, Shanghai Me offers more than dinner: it’s a stage for connection, conversation, and celebration. After a day immersed in horology, it’s the ideal venue to unwind, toast to new discoveries, and let the evening unfold in style.
shanghaime-restaurant.com
