If you think the phrase ‘less is more’ rings true, it’s likely you’ve never visited Al Habtoor City, an urban triptych of world-class hotels in which a wildly exciting collection of restaurants, bars and activations come together to raise the bar of Dubai’s dining scene. Here’s how to enjoy Al Habtoor City, one bite at a time...
THE POLO BAR
A place to see and be seen, the plush leathers and dark wood interiors at The Polo Bar at Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotels & Resorts are an ode to the timeless sophistication and classic bars of New York’s gilded age, where grandeur and gourmands met and mingled. Filled with sports references, as one might expect, the bar has a carefully curated collection of cocktails, spirits and ingredients, all served alongside the soothing tones of Maria, The Polo Bar’s resident vocalist, who fills the air with the sounds of Sinatra. Refined yet jazzy, it’s the perfect place for an after-dark rendez-vous.
WINTER GARDEN
As the festive season approaches, the beauty of Al Habtoor City comes into its own, with the opening of the Winter Garden in the Al Habtoor Palace grounds. An annual al fresco extravaganza, the event runs from November 1 until the end of March 2022. The enchanting winter wonderland is a hive of festive activity, from choir performances and decorations, to street artists and acrobats, pop-up stalls to street food stands and, of course, a visit from Santa himself. Open to all ages - including four-legged friends - it has fast become a holiday season essential.
THE CITY BRUNCH
A favourite for families, City Brunch at The Market - Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City’s multi-disciplinary food hub - offers far more than just food. It’s a place to meet, mingle, laugh and have fun. With a large play area filled with activities and cooking classes for little ones, it allows the adults to relax, let their hair down, and sink into an afternoon of good food and good times. Taking place every Friday from 1.00-4.30pm, the family brunch starts at Dhs349 per person, Dhs149 for children aged 6-12, with kids below six eating for free.
WORLD CUT STEAKHOUSE
Brunch is something of a Dubai institution, and doing it well is something World Cut Steakhouse at Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotels & Resorts prides itself on. Its Raise the Steaks Friday Brunch ups the ante for this degustation staple, with an à la carte service bringing an impressive line-up direct to the table, expertly paired with a curated list of drinks. The experience starts with champagne, cocktails and canapés at The Champagne Lounge, before moving into the restaurant to let diners dip into the Raw Bar trolley of oysters, mussels and tuna tartare; a selection of the finest cuts, from Australian Angus beef tomahawk to surf and turf; and, for afters, a newly-added interactive Cheese Bar.
V LOUNGE
Serving up cocktails, smooth grooves and epic skyline views from the 30th floor, V Lounge at V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a Dubai mainstay for those in the know. A light-filled laid-back lounge by day, it transforms into a vibrant social scene come night, with global beats and talented mixologists bringing the heat. A beautiful spot to soak up the city during sun up, its dark materials and purple lighting invite a sultry mood once the sun sets. Serving cocktails and snacks from 8am to 3am, V Lounge has really cornered the market for a cool all-day hangout.