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FACT
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
Bâoli Dubai Review: Where Glamour, gastronomy and golden hour collide
The Cannes creation includes a restaurant, a secret speakeasy and a beautiful beachfront. As the final piece of the J1 Beach jigsaw puzzle falls into place, Dubai's latest beachfront destination is complete. This stretch of carefully curated coastline has become the talk of the town, its allure built on an enviable collection of beach clubs imported from Cannes, St. Tropez, and Tulum. While each venue along this coveted strip has its own personality and price point, Bâoli Dubai promises leisure, luxury and sun-drenched hedonism. Bâoli's allure extends far beyond its iconic name. Backed by Sunset Hospitality Group, the team behind FACT Award-winning AURA Skypool, Mott 32, and Signor Sassi, the Bâoli brand is bolstered by a designer Prada boutique on-site and what is, without question, the largest swimming pool on this glittering strip. Designed by Barcelona's acclaimed Lázaro Rosa-Violán Studio, this waterfront wonder channels the chic charisma of the original Cannes location while creating a setting that is distinctly Dubai. Bâoli offers a blend of coastal cool and Asian mystique, with natural stone, light wood, ornamental textures and cascading greenery lending an immersive edge to every corner, from the petal-shaped Sun Deck to the serene indoor-outdoor dining room. Executive chef Omar Basiony has worked wonders, ensuring the legacy of the Bâoli brand runs through the culinary offering without carrying one dish over from the flagship venue in Cannes. The result is a menu of Mediterranean fare kissed with Japanese precision. A prime example of this approach is the French Sea Bream Carpaccio. Its spiralling ribbons of flesh arranged like petals and dressed with wasabi, spicy miso, and mandarin. The fish hails from a farm off the coast of the original Bâoli in Cannes, paying tribute to the brand's birthplace. Just as striking is the Tomato Carpaccio (AED 80), where chunky Uzbek Couer de Boeuf tomatoes mingle with a delicate yuzu crème fraîche, tomato vinaigrette, and crispy tanuki crumbs. The raw and robata dishes are where the menu excels. The Spicy Tuna Maki (AED 125) pops with crispy quinoa and red tobiko, while the show-stealing Hamachi Crunch (AED 130) delivers a touch of texture and sweetness with its fried exterior, sweet potato purée, and a delicate hamachi tartare. Luxurious ingredients elevate classic Japanese favourites. The Otoro Nigiri, crowned with caviar, is a beautiful bite, while the Toro Uni Bowl, paired with a textured cracker, brings silky, briny intensity in every bite. From the robata, the 300g MB10 Pure Blood Wagyu Striploin (AED 750) is unapologetically indulgent. Charred shishito peppers sit beside slices of perfectly tender beef, each bite layered with umami and smoke. For seafood lovers, the Taraba King Crab (AED 320), grilled whole and slathered in yuzu kosho butter, is decadent and deeply satisfying. However, it's the 12-hour Short Rib (AED 180) that steals the show. Slow-cooked sous vide style and then skewered and charred on the grill, it's a textural triumph paired with tarragon mustard. Desserts are no less theatrical. Glace à Gogo (AED 120) arrives in a cloud of dry ice, a deconstructed sundae featuring Taiyaki-shaped Madeleines glazed in vanilla and brown butter, providing moreish morsels to dip into the sharing portion of velvety crème fraiche gelato. Visiting on a Sunday, we discovered the party-ready polish of Bâoli Dubai. A cosmopolitan crowd soaking up the sun, live percussion and a soundtrack that veers from Drake to Kanye West via Middle Eastern melodies. Framed by towering palms and frangipani trees in full bloom, the central pool is a glistening blue canvas surrounded by pristine daybeds and private cabanas. As the daylight dims, the energy shifts and attention turns to the Moon Room, an elegant speakeasy designed for intimate evenings and crafted cocktails. Bâoli has long been a celebrity magnet with Eva Mendes, Naomi Watts, Jay-Z and Sienna Miller among its loyal Cannes clientele. Its Dubai outpost seems set on continuing the tradition, with French Montana spotted poolside. We even peeped Anthony Joshua as we exited the venue. This heady mix of refined design and A-list energy makes Bâoli Dubai more than just another beach club. Anchored around a marvellous menu and picture-perfect pool, Bâoli guarantees a memorable meal whether you're tanning and having a night out on the tiles. GO: Visit for more information.
FACT
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
Reif Othman opens two new restaurants inside the world's longest cantilevered building
Savour pizza and ramen while suspended 100 metres above Dubai. Reif Othman is one of the UAE's most popular chefs. He is behind FACT Award-winning restaurants and was named our Chef of the Year in 2022. Now, the celebrated chef has launched two new concepts inside The Link at One Za'abeel. Known for his unconventional take on Japanese street food, SIO is a dedicated ramen house that dives deep into the soulful simplicity of Japanese comfort food. Taking its name from the Japanese word for 'salt,' the concept elevates the traditional noodle shop experience with a refined yet heartfelt menu. Highlights include the signature SIO Ramen, a bowl brimming with homemade broth, tender steamed chicken, marinated egg and a bright pop of sudachi citrus; the indulgent Carbonara Udon, crowned with an onsen egg, crispy beef bacon and shaved pecorino; and the bold, broth-less Spicy Vongole Ramen, where fresh clams combine with hojiso, shiso leaves, and a fiery kick of yuzu togarashi. Next door, KONA — meaning 'powder' or 'flour' in Japanese — marries Italian tradition with Japanese flair. This bold pizzeria offers more than just the familiar Margherita and Pepperoni. Signature pies include the Diavolina, layered with gochujang tomato sauce, marinated Wagyu ribs, and galbi mayo; the Ama Ebi, which combines spicy tomato sauce, red yuzu kosho, and fresh shrimp; and the daring Spicy Kaki, topped with beef nduja and sweet persimmon. While KONA might be new, pizza is hardly uncharted territory for Reif, who was behind the marvellous menu at Moonslice Pizza when it opened in 2021. 'SIO and KONA are very personal projects for me,' says Chef Reif Othman. 'They reflect my love for pure, bold flavours and my passion for pushing culinary boundaries while always staying true to craftsmanship and authenticity. I'm excited for guests to experience these concepts and taste something both familiar and completely new.' Reif hails from Singapore and has made his mark on Dubai's dining scene. Throughout Reif's career, he has garnered numerous awards, including a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand and a spot on the inaugural MENA 50 Best list. His restaurants include Hoe Lee Kow, Reif Kushiyaki and TERO (The Experience by Reif Othman). Later this year, he will team up with 7 Management to open Yubi Handroll Bar on Dubai's first licensed street. SIO and KONA can be found in the space formerly occupied by Arrazuna in The Link and are open daily from 12pm to 11pm. GO: Follow @siobyreif and @konabyreif on Instagram for more information.
