Restaurant Review: Soirée Dubai is the perfect blend of chill and buzz
There's an old French saying, Le soir, la nuit appartient à ceux qui savent en profiter (the evening belongs to those who know how to make the most of it). If there were ever a place in Dubai that embodied that sentiment, it would be Soirée. Pronounced 'swah-ray', this little gem tucked inside the striking Opus Tower by Zaha Hadid is exactly what you need to shift gears, whether you're in the mood for a relaxing catch-up or an electric night out, it was our perfect start to the weekend.
Step onto the first-floor garden terrace and it's like stepping into a sanctuary for conversation. This is where the chill happens. An intimate, almost secret garden vibe wraps around you, setting the perfect stage for a night where the clinking of glasses doesn't drown out your ability to actually talk to the person next to you. A rarity in Dubai's high-octane nightlife scene, it's the kind of place where you don't need to shout to make your point — blissful, isn't it?
But once you step inside, the energy flips. Suddenly, you're transported into a swankier, more vibrant atmosphere. Think Manhattan-style lounge-meets-art deco aesthetics, with low lighting casting shadows on sleek surfaces, and just the right hum of excitement in the air. This is where the night really begins.
Something for everyone
No great evening is complete without a great drink, and Soirée does not disappoint. Their signature beverages From the Garden and Not So Bloody are two standouts—refreshing, inventive, and enough to ease you into the mood for a memorable night ahead. The menu alone is a masterclass in creativity, offering everything from zesty concoctions to the classics done with a twist. It's exactly what you want from a place that aims to deliver an elevated experience without taking itself too seriously.
As for the food, Soirée strikes the kind of balance every restaurant dreams of: food that's perfect for grazing and sharing, but substantial enough to satisfy even the most ravenous of appetites. The small plates—shrimp wontons, crab cakes, beef tartare, and skewers—are nothing short of excellent, while the larger mains (think tenderloin, sea bream, and the rich angus ribeye) will give you the fuel to keep your evening going strong. Whether you're nibbling or feasting, there's enough on the menu to satisfy every craving.
The extra touch: A cultural twist
But here's the kicker that sets Soirée apart: the in-house art gallery. After you've had your fill of delectable food and perfectly mixed drinks, why not wander through their rotating collection of artwork? It's a clever touch, one that gives the place an added dimension of sophistication and cultural flair. You're not just dining here; you're immersing yourself in an experience, one that lingers long after the last cocktail is sipped.
Verdict
Soirée Dubai manages to do what so few places can: it balances an intimate, chilled-out atmosphere with a lively, stylish interior. It's the kind of place where you can unwind after a long day, indulge in fantastic food and drink, and still feel like you're part of something special. Whether you're sharing stories with friends, having a romantic dinner, or simply soaking up the buzzing ambience, Soirée delivers on all fronts. It's chic, effortlessly cool, and a place you'll find yourself returning to time and time again.
As the French would say, une soirée exceptionnelle vous attend (an extraordinary evening awaits you).
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Khaleej Times
For summer outfit inspiration, check out 'And Just Like That'
'Yes,' I exclaimed, sitting bolt upright in bed, startling my husband as an image of Sarah Jessica Parker (SJP) wearing a midnight blue, long-sleeved gown appeared on my feed last week. (I am fully cognisant that pre-sleep scrolling is a terrible idea, but fashion has callous disregard for circadian rhythms.) Obviously, Vivienne Westwood, not obviously this season, the dress in question turns out to be a vintage piece once owned by the late designer herself and now worn by SJP to the premiere of And Just Like That… Season 3. Streaming this weekend on OSN+, the third instalment of the Sex and the City (SATC) spinoff is set to bring a much-needed jolt of life to my style mojo this summer. Is it just me, or has all that greige, oversized suiting we've been exposed to for so long gotten a bit, well, greige? I am old enough to remember the time that Prada did grey in the late '90s and the entire high street followed suit; Marks & Spencer looked like its school uniform department had overrun the entire store. After a few seasons of ubiquitous restrained V-neck woollen sweaters, it's no wonder sense went out of the window and brightly coloured, bedazzled Juicy Couture tracksuits came rushing in. Since then, fashion has done its cyclical thing; sometimes OTT and shouty, sometimes restrained and whispering. In the 2010s, the birth of Instagram inevitably went hand-in-iPhone-clutching-hand with the kind of exuberant street style best exemplified by then Italian Vogue fashion editor Anna Dello Russo (ADR). Peacocking became an actual job – influencing – and no one did it like ADR. Not since Carrie Bradshaw had completely bonkers style choices been so celebrated. By this decade, macro trends – minimal, maximal, and everything in-between – have been rendered obsolete by the takeover of the algorithm, which feeds us increasing amounts of what we already like (in my case, Taylor Swift). But that hasn't stopped a pervasive desaturation of fun in pursuit of cool from dampening the fashion outlook. Even ADR has hung up her Dolce & Gabbana cherry hat for a life of meditation and yoga. Thank the fashion deities then, for SJP and her alter ego, Carrie, showing us that we can still find joy in fashion, that smiling is allowed, and that bow-adorned hot pink shoes are never a bad idea. Even in a rat-infested New York summer. We are now two decades on from the conclusion of SATC. Parker turned 60 this year, and I am delighted that she refuses to let the advancement of time dull her style sparkle. That medieval corseted navy Westwood dress was inspired; nodding as it does to Bradshaw's iconic wedding gown, which the character re-wore to the Met Gala in Season 2 of And Just Like That… Personal style doesn't have an expiry date. Neither should it have rules. One day we can be Carrie in layers of tulle, the next we can be Miuccia in a minimalist Prada re-edition from the 2000s. I have to confess my own inclinations tend to fall on the Carrie side of the fence. In a fashion-off between saccharine-shaded lashings of tulle and androgynous griege suiting, 99 per cent of the time I'll side with the tulle. There's something so life-affirming about going full Patricia Field, whose original costumes for SATC were as much a cast member as Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, Charlotte and, of course, NYC herself. So yes, I'll be tuning in for the fashion this weekend, just as much as the narrative thread that as Elie Habib, CEO of OSN+ & Anghami, says, 'Not only celebrate timeless friendships that transcend cultures, especially in our part of the world where close-knit social and family ties are deeply valued, but also reflect the evolving journeys we all experience, beyond the bounds of age.'
Time Out Abu Dhabi
3 days ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
This Southern-style Saturday brunch in Abu Dhabi serves drinks brewed on-site
If you're craving something with a little more bite, a little more character and a selection of hops, this is the brunch that'll blow your basic brunch out of the water. There are brunches – and then there's brunch at CRAFT by Side Hustle. Every Saturday from noon to 4pm, CRAFT throws down a bold feast. It's Southern US-style comfort food done right – smoky, sticky, spicy and slow-cooked perfection. If you're wondering what to get, start with the loaded brisket nachos and warm, house-baked pretzels before diving into the signature smokehouse spread: juicy beef brisket, bourbon garlic burnt ends, jumbo wings and spicy homemade chorizo (okay, we're officially hungry). Add sides like creamy mac 'n' cheese, crunchy slaw, seasoned skinny fries and slices of sourdough pizza and you've got a menu that's made for serious foodies. Dessert brings more American classics – think buttermilk pie and fresh, sugar-dusted beignets. Setting the vibe while you're chowing down on delicious food? The resident DJ who will be spinning the deck from 1-5pm. CRAFT is the UAE's first and only microbrewery restaurant where everything is brewed just metres from your table – and yes, the brunch serves pints. The drinks list doesn't stop at hops though. The premium package comes with a large selection of mixed drinks and spirits, including flavours like popcorn, espresso and many others. Prefer the classics? The house package includes two draft hops, grape and other refreshing mixed drinks. And if you want to continue the party, happy hour starts at 4pm. CRAFT by Side Hustle isn't trying to fit into the usual brunch mould – and that's exactly why it works. It's bold, independent, flavour-first and full of personality. Book now: Dhs199 (soft package), Dhs299 (house package), Dhs399 (premium package). Every Saturday from noon to 4pm. CRAFT by Side Hustle, B3, under Rosewood Hotel. @craft_by_sidehustle
What's On
3 days ago
- What's On
Dubai's beloved Gigi Rigolatto is opening in Bodrum this summer
Summer in Bodrum, the Gigi way… After winning hearts in Dubai, Paris and Saint-Tropez, Gigi Rigolatto is packing up its signature style and heading to the Aegean. Landing at the Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum this June, this new summer pop-up brings everything we love about Gigi – long, leisurely lunches, golden hour drinks, and that laid-back energy – to Turkey's most glamorous coastline. This is the same signature feel, now with Turkish Riviera views. It's a seasonal opening for now, with plans for a permanent home at the resort in 2026. If you're in Bodrum this summer, Gigi at Mandarin Oriental is a spot worth visiting. Here's what you can expect. The setting Picture this: an outdoor terrace with 140 seats and sea views that basically scream summer chill. Gigi fits perfectly right into Mandarin Oriental's relaxed luxury, It's tucked into the gardens of the hotel, right next to a private beach. What's on the table Everyone's favourite: Rich Italian cuisine. Perfect for long, lazy afternoons. The Bellini Bar is a vibe The Bellini is the star. And the bar is where Gigi's energy lives, the heartbeat of the space – somewhere between aperitivo hour and full-blown dance floor. The boutique There's a store on-site with Gigi's usual edit – beachwear, accessories, beauty, and design pieces that mirror Gigi's taste. It's relaxed, and feels more like a summer apartment than a retail space. The design Franco-Mexican architect Hugo Toro shaped each Gigi location as a personal space, inspired by Italy's rich history. The design follows refined Italian principles, quietly mixing in French lifestyle touches. While every restaurant shares core elements, the look adapts thoughtfully to its setting. Gigi Rigolatto, Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, Gölköy, 314 Sokak No.10, 48483 Muğla, Turkey. Tel: +90 252 311 18 88. @gigi_restaurant_bodrum Images: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
