logo
#

Latest news with #InfiniConcepts

Can't wait to get to the Mediterranean this summer? Elaia has you covered
Can't wait to get to the Mediterranean this summer? Elaia has you covered

Time Out Dubai

time25-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Time Out Dubai

Can't wait to get to the Mediterranean this summer? Elaia has you covered

It's that time of year when your Insta is flooded with friends basking in the sun somewhere between Mykonos and Mallorca. If you're after a Med getaway without catching a flight, make a beeline for Elaia at Pier 7 in Dubai Marina. The fresh-faced Mediterranean bistro gives proper holiday vibes with sun-soaked interiors and delicious food. Brought to you by the hospitality powerhouse Infini Concepts, Elaia is Dubai's answer to a European summer. It's all about golden olive oil drizzles, zesty seafood and sharing plates that feel like they belong on a terrace in Santorini. Whether you're here for a long lunch or an early dinner with the Dubai skyline sparkling behind you, the energy is easy and familiar, like a favourite holiday spot you keep going back to. Elaia has that elusive 'holiday-mode' feel down to an art. If the food doesn't make you feel like it, the breezy whitewashed walls and blue accents, to the buzz of conversation, will. And the best part is that the pricing will not burn a hole in your pocket. Dining offers to grab ASAP For weekday lunches, the Mediterranean Lunch Escape is an absolute steal. Running from Monday to Friday from noon to 3pm, it offers a starter, a main and a small bottle of water for Dhs99. You can tack on dessert for Dhs20 or a glass of grape for Dhs25 to Dhs30, if you're planning to ease into the afternoon. On Tuesday evenings, the Elaia's Ladies' Night offers two starters and two glasses of grape for Dhs99 from 6pm to 11pm – perfect for catching up with your favourite person over food you won't want to share. Then there's Pizza Between Us, where Sundays from 5pm to 8pm mean 50 percent off all pizzas. A great excuse to take it easy before the workweek kicks off. Sunset Hours make midweek Marina visits feel like a mini escape, running Monday to Friday from 5pm to 8pm. Expect mixed drinks for Dhs35, house beverages for Dhs29, and glasses of grape for Dhs29 too. And for those who love grape, there's an offer to check out on Fridays. From noon to 8pm, you can snag a glass or a bottle at discounted rates. Ready to enter a Mediterranean state of mind? You know we are. See what they're offering: @‌ElaiaDubai Open daily, noon-2am. Dubai Marina, (058 978 1000)

Your Mediterranean escape awaits at Elaia, Dubai Marina's newest gem
Your Mediterranean escape awaits at Elaia, Dubai Marina's newest gem

Emirates Woman

time24-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Emirates Woman

Your Mediterranean escape awaits at Elaia, Dubai Marina's newest gem

In a city where dining often prioritizes grandeur over genuine connection, there's something quietly refreshing about stepping into Elaia – b rought to you by the hospitality powerhouse Infini Concepts. Located at Pier 7 in Dubai Marina, this new Mediterranean bistro is where the warmth of a Greek island home meets Dubai's vibrant energy. A Space Designed for Comfort and Conversation From the moment you enter Elaia, the interiors transport you. Hand-painted murals inspired by Greek mythology stretch across the walls, their soft, earthy tones evoking sun-bleached Aegean villages. The lighting is deliberately gentle—warm, golden, and inviting—casting a glow over rustic wooden tables, textured ceramics, and plush banquettes designed for long, leisurely meals. At the heart of the space, a bespoke pizza oven crackles with flames, its smoky aroma mingling with the scent of freshly baked bread. The layout flows seamlessly from an intimate bar to a lively dining room and an airy terrace overlooking the Marina, each zone encouraging a different kind of gathering—whether it's cocktails with friends, a family feast, or a romantic evening under the stars. A Menu That Celebrates the Mediterranean Way of Eating At Elaia, the kitchen takes its cues from coastal tavernas, where ingredients shine and meals are meant to be shared. Start with dips like smoky eggplant melitzanosalata or roasted red pepper tirokafteri, paired with wood-fired bread still warm from the oven. Small plates—crispy zucchini with tzatziki, prawns saganaki, or hand-rolled keftedes—are designed to be passed around, while heartier mains like their salt-baked red snapper or grilled octopus with harissa romesco showcase the kitchen's knack for balancing bold flavors with elegant simplicity. Even the wood-fired pizzas, from truffle-laced to seafood-loaded, feel like a natural extension of Elaia's ethos—unpretentious, generous, and deeply satisfying. Not to forget their delectable desserts that take you back to Greek tablescapes with each bite. The Spirit of Steki—A Home Away From Home What truly sets Elaia apart is its embrace of steki, the Greek concept of a beloved gathering spot where friends become family and meals stretch into the night. It's in the way the bartenders remember your favourite order, the way servers guide you through the menu with genuine enthusiasm, and the way the space hums with laughter and clinking glasses. Summer Offers to Transport You For those spending the season in Dubai, Elaia's curated offers are a welcome escape. Weekday lunches unfold over two-course meals for just Dhs 99, while sunset hours bring cocktails at Dhs 35 and wines from Dhs 29. Tuesdays are for lingering over shared starters and glasses of wine with She Said Wine, and Sundays promise half-off pizzas with Pizza Between Us—because nothing says weekend bliss like a perfectly charred crust and a chilled glass of rosé. In a city that never stops moving, Elaia asks you to slow down, savor, and stay a while. Whether you're in search of a new go-to spot or simply a taste of the Mediterranean without the travel, the answer is waiting at Elaia—with open doors and a table set just for you. Open daily, noon-2am. Dubai Marina, (Reservations: 058 978 1000) – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images & Feature Image: Supplied

Elaia Dubai review: Mediterranean dishes with a fun twist, from burrata to baklava
Elaia Dubai review: Mediterranean dishes with a fun twist, from burrata to baklava

The National

time20-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • The National

Elaia Dubai review: Mediterranean dishes with a fun twist, from burrata to baklava

Mediterranean food has long been synonymous with comforting dishes and fresh ingredients brimming with flavour. At Elaia, which opened in Dubai Marina in May, dishes come from all around the Mediterranean region, featuring classics with a subtle twist to create a delicious blend of familiar and novel flavours. The setting Finding the restaurant can be tricky if you are unfamiliar with the Pier 7 entrance, which is right past Dubai Marina Mall. You can hand over your car to the valet at the get-off point on the buzzing roundabout or park in the mall and walk over from level one instead. From Pier 7, take a second lift up to the fourth floor and, almost instantly, the atmosphere changes to a dimly lit but lively setting. Hit songs from the 2000s play in the background, while Greek mythology-inspired ornaments set the mood. The restaurant has an expansive view of the twinkling Dubai Marina. As the sun sets over the horizon, the water changes colour and the glimmering buildings melt into the skyline, morphing into something reminiscent of a painting. In the dining room, an air of intimacy is palpable thanks to the low-hanging chandeliers, plus warm lamps placed on every table. The vibe Elaia is Greek for olive tree, an integral element of the Mediterranean region, which is also known for its fresh flavours and sharing-style plates. 'We wanted the menu to reflect the sharing concept because Elaia is a social venue; you come here to share,' says Aleix Garcia, founder of Infini Concepts. 'We wanted to create something that was not just a restaurant, but more of a bistro with quality produce and good service,' he says. Strongly influenced by Greek culture and mythology, the restaurant's interior is replete with large painted murals and golden ornaments. 'We wanted to respect Greek mythology with a bit of creativity and a modern touch,' says Garcia, alluding to the murals hand-painted by Maria Kova, who specialises in abstract art. The food, meanwhile, represents the Spanish, Italian and Greek people working at the restaurant. 'We drew a lot of inspiration from what they actually grew up with,' says head chef Etienne Mieny, 42, who adds that he sources fish, olive oil and a range of other produce straight from the Mediterranean region. 'We just looking to create a homey, family-style environment where people can be themselves and spend time with those they love,' he adds. The menu My dining companion and I start our meal with tzatziki (Dh38), a cold yogurt-based dip that comes with cucumber, dill and a drizzle of Italian olive oil, plus warm pita bread on the side. It's well-balanced but, having tried tzatziki in the Aegean, I found this version lacking the anticipated flavour punch of garlic. Fortunately, the prawns saganaki (Dh62) starter meets expectations. The prawns are laid in a tangy, herby tomato sauce with cheese cubes, and are rich in flavour. If, like me, your spice tolerance is high, you might need to add more chilli to this dish. The Italian-inspired Sorrento salad (Dh78) takes the form of a ball of burrata served on a bed of marinated zucchini ribbons drizzled in balsamic vinegar and topped with mustard seeds. The smooth cheese is cut open and garnished with salt and pepper before being served with basil leaves for a melt-in-the-mouth experience. For the mains, the cornfed baby chicken (Dh155) is a highlight. The chicken is grilled and tender to the bite, marinated in a peppery-umami sauce with caramelised mushrooms, all reduced in non-alcoholic red wine. The beautifully plated grilled octopus tentacle (Dh175) is another winner, sitting on a smooth spread of harissa romesco paste, with crispy roasted potatoes and onions and garnished with salsa. The meat is far from chewy, making for a satisfying experience complimented by the creamy but smoky romesco. It's desserts that take the cake. We have light-as-air tiramisu with a coffee-soaked sponge layer (Dh85), creamy Basque cheesecake with tart berry compote (Dh60) and 'modern baklava', with pistachio-cardamom ice cream coated in white chocolate and sandwiched between crunchy honey filo layers (Dh65). Contact information Elaia is open daily from noon to 2am. Reservations can be made by calling 058 978 1000.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store