Latest news with #OrientExpress
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Northern Belle: World's poshest train to run trip from Cardiff
The 1930s Pullman-style Northern Belle, once part of the iconic Orient Express group, is a "luxurious yet intimate" train that travels the British countryside en route to some of the country's top destinations. The luxury train features seven beautifully detailed carriages (each bearing the name of a great British castle or stately home) that have been lovingly restored by some of the country's top craftspeople. The Northern Belle website adds: "Beyond the world of ordinary first-class, there has been an almost secret world. "Since the dawn of railways there has existed a world of private luxury trains and only a handful remain. "The Northern Belle is one such Train, and the most luxurious, carefully restored to its former glory by the Venice Simplon-Orient Express." The Northern Belle is regularly voted one of the world's Top Ten trains, while one of the individually hand-decorated carriages is used to form part of the Royal Train. It is even rumoured to contain the late Queen Mother's favourite seat. Actor Bill Nighy also described the train as 'the Grand Dame of luxury travel' when it featured on Channel 5's The World's Most Scenic Railway Journeys. The Northern Belle is regularly voted among the world's top trains. (Image: Cameron Pitts) When to see the Northern Belle in South Wales The Northern Belle is set to run a 'Cornish Lunch via Dawlish' trip from Cardiff on September 19, 2025. Britain's most luxurious train will depart Cardiff Central Station at 10.30am on Friday, September 19, making stops at Bristol Temple Meads and Taunton Stations, before returning at 8pm. Passengers, as well as those hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Belle, are advised that these times are "provisional" and are subject to Network Rail confirmation seven days before departure. How to book tickets for the Northern Belle If you want to be onboard the Northern Belle for its 'Cornish Lunch via Dawlish' trip from Cardiff, head to the website to book tickets. Tickets include: A round-trip on the Northern Belle luxury train Welcome Champagne reception including canapés and caviar blinis Seven-course lunch Bottle of wine per couple (Sommelier's Choice) On board entertainment Fortnum & Mason tea and Northern Belle blend coffee Escape the ordinary. ✨ Northern Belle 2025 journeys redefine luxury rail. Vintage carriages, gourmet dining, breathtaking Britain. Book your unforgettable escape: — Northern Belle (@northernbelletr) February 20, 2025 The Northern Belle website adds: "Your day will begin with a red carpet welcome at your departure station where our attentive Stewards will usher you aboard the Northern Belle luxury train for a journey to remember forever. "Once you've been escorted to your plush seat, one of our liveried Stewards will carefully pour a glass of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut NV Champagne as you study the sumptuous menu. "Ahead lies a journey back to the Golden Days of rail travel, a time when nothing was too good for the pampered passengers." RECOMMENDED READING: Prices Tickets for the Northern Belle Christmas experience cost £445 per passenger. You can also upgrade your ticket to: Laurent-Perrier Class - for an additional £95 (per passenger) KRUG Class - additional £195 (per passenger) The Northern Belle will return to South Wales on December 5 for a 'Christmas Lunch' journey (from £395 per person), with pick-ups from Cardiff and Swansea.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Tom Bateman's 'secret marriage' to Daisy Ridley as he lands 'coincidental' rom-com role
Tom Bateman is set to star in The Love Hypothesis opposite Lili Reinhart, reimagining the bestselling romance novel written by Ali Hazelwood Tom Bateman is set to sizzle on screen in The Love Hypothesis, joining forces with Lili Reinhart to bring Ali Hazelwood's bestselling romance novel to life for Amazon MGM. He's stepping into the shoes of Adam Carlsen, a professor entangled in a fauxmance with PhD candidate Olive Smith (portrayed by Reinhart), all to convince her friends she's not lacking in the love department. The 2021 book that soared up the New York Times' bestseller list began its journey as Star Wars fanfiction before Hazelwood gave it a scientific makeover and turned it into the steamy rom-com we know today. In an intriguing twist of fate - or perhaps a stroke of casting brilliance - Bateman happens to be the other half of Daisy Ridley, who played Rey, the character that sparked the original fanfic alongside her frenemy Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). As the internet buzzes with excitement over Bateman's casting, it's worth delving into his off-screen romance with Ridley, his co-star from The Love Hypothesis, reports the Express. The pair first crossed paths on the set of The Murder on the Orient Express back in 2017, but they've been rather tight-lipped about their relationship. Despite their discretion, film producer Judy Hofflund couldn't help but drop hints about their chemistry during the movie's premiere, saying: "Something kinda happened with Tom and Daisy right?" And then playfully adding, "That's public news. I should keep my mouth shut. Oh well." They both kept mum about their personal lives until whispers emerged in February 2019 that they had co-signed a lease for a flat in Primrose Hill, London. Later that year, Ridley was seen sporting what appeared to be an engagement ring but rebuffed any relationship talk with Bateman, even dismissing Marie Curie's probe about the ring's significance. At last, in January 2023, Ridley acknowledged her nuptials during a chat with Rolling Stone, though she kept the finer details under wraps. Despite their preference for privacy, the celebrated duo isn't shy about showcasing their union in their professional endeavours. Their recent joint effort is the 2024 suspense film Magpie, penned and produced by Bateman, with Sam Yates at the helm, inspired by a story idea from Ridley herself. The plot centres on a marriage teetering on the edge as their daughter, an actress, lands a role opposite a famed actor. Ridley steps into the shoes of Anette, whose spouse Ben (Shazad Latif) becomes smitten with his daughter's colleague. The Star Wars lead has been keen to clarify that this gritty thriller doesn't mirror her real-life romance with Bateman. In a conversation with Ralphie Aversa from USA Today, she clarified: "I feel like I must assure people that this is not a reflection of our marriage. "I think you have to be in a very good marriage in order to make a film about a not very good marriage." Ridley also shared insights into the creative journey, labelling it as "revealing" and an "amazing endeavour". Fans have drawn comparisons between the thriller and Gone Girl, praising Ridley for one of her finest performances, although it's yet to hit UK screens. Will there be another collaboration between Ridley and Bateman? Stay tuned. The Love Hypothesis does not yet have a release date.
What's On
12-07-2025
- What's On
Where to eat, stay and explore in Rome, Italy
The Italian capital has long been a treasured draw on Europe's tourism map for its cultural highlights, incredible culinary scene and storied architecture that commands attention at every turn. But a new swathe of luxury restaurants and hotels are creating new reason to return to the Eternal City. Here, we revisit the best bits of Rome – and highlight the new icons travellers need to know about. The essential sights Rome's cultural fabric is built around historic monuments and storied ruins, and you can enjoy them all on foot – so long as you're willing to get your 10,000 steps in before lunch. Start at the Spanish Steps, also known as 'Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti', and enjoy panoramic city views from the top, before a steep climb of 135 steps takes you to the picturesque Piazza di Spagna at the base. From here, wander 650 metres further into the city to reach one of Rome's most timeless icons – the Trevi Fountain. A Baroque-style marvel carved out in the 18th Century, it features 20 metres of intricate sculptural design, including an iconic sculpture of the Roman god, Neptune. Be sure to take a coin to toss into the fountain – legend says that if you toss a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain, it guarantees a return to Rome. Just be prepared to wait your turn – unless you're going at sunrise, throngs of tourists will likely be ahead of you. A short walk away takes culture seekers to The Pantheon, another unmissable stop on our whirlwind tour of Rome's big-hitting icons. This architectural marvel is more than 2,000 years old, built between 25 and 27 BC, then radically reconstructed between 118 and 125 AD. While you can simply marvel at its detailed inscriptions and ornate columns from the outside, you can also explore inside the basilica, which is still used as an active place of worship. Skip-the-line tickets pre-booked online start from EUR15 (Dhs65), including an audio guide. From the Pantheon, a short walk takes you to Monument Victor Emanuel II, the Roman Forum and the ruins that surround the Colosseum, where our walking tour concludes. Start at the monument of the first king of Italy, built to commemorate the unification of Italy in 1861, then journey past ruins of historic castles, historic temples and ancient forums before reaching the Colosseum. From the outside, you can admire the fascinating façade of this 189m long, 156m wide amphitheatre. But to really understand the true majesty, book a guided tour that takes you inside, accessing the arena floor, underground dungeons and gladiator's entrance. The reservations to make For fine dining: Gigi Rigolatto On the rooftop of the newly reimagined Orient Express La Minerva comes Gigi, from Dubai-born Rikas Hospitality and French lifestyle brand Paris Society. An elevated alfresco address, sharing plates of elevated Italian classics are served up in a refined setting, backdropped by stretching city views. @gigi_restaurant_roma For authentic eats: La Canonica Tucked down a side street in Rome's beloved foodie neighbourhood of Trastevere, La Canonica is a cosy ristorante where guests dine alfresco under warm lanterns, against a wall of twinkling fairy lights. Think crunchy base pizzas with gooey cheese and fresh tomato bases, or hearty pans of al dente pasta made with family recipes. @lacanonicatrastevere For rooftop drinks: Divinity Terrace Hidden in plain sight in the heart of the city, the Divinity Lounge sits atop The Pantheon Hotel, and offers panoramic views of the city. Come for drinks – there's an extensive cocktail list shaken up by the expert mixology team – but be sure to stick around for the golden sunset. @thepantheonhotel The stay: The grand dame There's an old-world glamour to Hotel de Russie, one of the inimitable Rocco Forte hospitality portfolio icons. A time capsule of Rome's golden age, you're drawn into the hotel's vibrant personality and rich soul the second you're greeted by the smartly dressed doormen. The interiors are beautiful – pops of rust red and emerald green on the soft furnishings, the lobby and lounge peppered with handpicked artefacts and ceramics. But it's the natural light flooding in from the courtyard that draws you back outside, where the hotel's true magnificence is revealed in all its glory. Here, you'll find Hotel de Russie's crown jewels – the Stravinskij Bar, Le Jardin restaurant, and the gloriously verdant secret garden, a true oasis where guests can enjoy leisurely post-breakfast strolls or pre-aperitivo wanders and drink in their splendour. The hotel's restaurant and duo of bars are exceptional. At Le Jardin, breakfast is a leisurely affair where tiers of continental dishes – think fresh fruits, homemade pastries and cured meats are arranged inside the beautifully painted restaurant. While the charismatic maître d' Mario choreographs orders of a la carte eggs, fluffy pancakes and omelettes made to order. Guests sit at tables in the serene garden courtyard, freshly ironed white tablecloths adorning the tables that give a formality, but don't feel stuffy. It's grand and glamourous, and the perfect way to start the day. New for 2025 is the Aquazzura bar, adjacent to Jardin de Russie, and an enigmatic new spot for dining and imbibing before dinner. Opening from 5pm, it's where haute fashion and renowned hospitality bring all their best bits together under striped parasols for inventive twists on signature margaritas and mini tacos stuffed with lobster, beef tartare or tuna crudo. Guest rooms offer a welcome balance of traditional grandeur and contemporary touches. We loved the turn-down service complete with Irene Forte face mask, made using ingredients from the Rocco Forte base in Sicily. Our own room overlooking the rose-tinted courtyard was the perfect base for exploring the Eternal City's highlights. And when returning from a day of sightseeing, the gentle piano music drifting subtly from the Stravinskij Bar below was enough to draw us down to continue our evening on the buzzing alfresco terrace. To further aid relaxation, we retreat to one of Hotel de Russie's most delightful secret spaces – the spa. A recently reimagined addition to the hotel's sensational facilities, guests benefit from access to a bubbling indoor pool, adorned in blue mosaics that emulate the feel of calmly cascading waves of the sea. Room rates start from Dhs8,378 per room per night. @hotelderussie The stay: The ultra-luxury innovator Six Senses might not seem like a natural fit for the Eternal City, but Six Senses Rome – the brand's first urban address – is designed to stand out. Lacing its well-earned reputation as a wellness and sustainability pioneer into an 18th-century palazzo results in a zen-inducing stay rich with its own identity. A thoughtful restoration has preserved dazzling features like the ornate marble staircase with grand columns, and the hotel's façade, which blends in perfectly next to the adjacent 16th century church. But it's in its contemporary touches where this hotel earns its wow-factor. Guest rooms are modern and minimal, with a curated pillow menu, a complimentary mini-bar, and daily affirmations left at turndown, all part of the in-room experience. Dining and wellness spaces are also designed to dazzle. Once you've marvelled at the ornate grandeur of the lobby, you're led into a lush indoor-outdoor garden, where terracotta pots are filled with tropical plants, promoting a sense of calm and inviting guests to embrace nature, even in the heart of the city. A grand emerald marble bar marks the entrance to BIVIUM, a warm and homely all-day dining restaurant that provides a social setting by day, and a more sophisticated dining destination by night. An open kitchen, barista counter, and a gelateria tucked inside (where guests benefit from daily free ice-cream) are all designed to encourage connection and community. Upstairs, NOTOS is the new addition to the culinary scene at the hotel, and will undoubtedly become one of Rome's most alluring rooftop dining destinations. Here, the cuisine is as sublime as the panoramic city views, with low-lying lounge seating, bar tables, and restaurant seating all designed for balmy alfresco evenings. The hotel spa is where the two worlds of historic Rome and oriental Six Senses collide so harmoniously, and the resulting spa features ornate Roman baths, where engravings inspired by Roman gods and goddesses adorn smooth stone walls. The facilities are exceptional: think emotion showers spiked with the scents of mint and orange, a steam room and sauna, plus three baths that are hot, tepid and cold, designed to revitalise and refresh. What impresses most is the expert curation of activities available to guests. Each day, a board announces the daily events, which range from candle making in the Earth Lab to olive oil tasting at BIVIUM. Thoughtful, intentional and designed to inspire – much like the overarching hotel experience. Room rates start from Dhs5,812 per room per night. @sixsensesrome Images: What's On & Supplied
USA Today
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
When does 'Big Brother' Season 27 premiere? Date, cast, how to watch
Get ready for a "Summer of Mystery" as "Big Brother" returns with a new season touted to be its biggest ever in 25 years. Season 27 of the hit reality competition series premieres this week with the official theme "Big Brother: A Summer of Mystery," CBS confirmed earlier. "Big Brother" "follows a group of people living together in a house outfitted with 94 HD cameras and 113 microphones, recording their every move 24 hours a day," according to CBS. Every week, someone is voted out of the house, with the last remaining houseguest receiving a grand prize of $750,000. This year, houseguests will spend the summer inside the Hotel Mystère, an enigmatic yet luxurious version of the "Big Brother" house defined by hidden passageways, wineless wine cellar, a vintage aesthetic, a poison bar and a suspense-filled atmosphere. "This new group of houseguests is stepping into a summer where nothing is as it seems, where every twist rewrites the rules, and every turn conceals a hidden agenda," CBS said about the upcoming season. The new season comes as the show honors reaching 25 years on TV. Since 2000, the show has showcased hundreds of contestants vying to win thousands of dollars through a game of social politics. Every week, a player who wins the Head of Household competition must nominate two players who are up for elimination through a majority vote. Here's what to know about Season 27 of "Big Brother" and how to watch it. 'Big Brother' Season 27 will have a mystery houseguest In addition to unexpected twists and turns, CBS said the upcoming season will include a "masked visitor, a secret accomplice and the shocking arrival of a 'Mystery Houseguest' whose identity will remain under wraps … at least for now." Host Julie Chen hinted at the mystery contestant being a polarizing personality but did not reveal if it is a former houseguest. "Things that you think might just be there for decoration actually has a purpose beyond," Chen told USA TODAY. "Our motto is expect the unexpected and this season we take that motto into the physical being of the house itself." Chen also confirmed that Season 27 will see the return of bunk beds, which have not been used since the show's debut season, adding, "this year the bunk beds looks like a first class carts on the Orient Express. It's very elegant." Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox. When does 'Big Brother' Season 27 come out? The new season of "Big Brother" will kick off with a 90-minute premiere on Thursday, July 10 at 8 p.m. ET / PT on CBS. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. How to watch 'Big Brother' Season 27 "Big Brother" will air on CBS. Paramount+ Premium subscribers and Pluto TV viewers can watch the episodes on the platforms' "Big Brother" live feeds. 'Big Brother' Season 27 episode schedule Following the premiere on July 10, new episodes will air Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET / PT, followed by hourlong shows on Thursdays – featuring live evictions – and Sundays at 8 p.m., CBS said. 'Big Brother' Season 27 cast CBS announced the 16 cast members for Season 27 of "Big Brother" July 8. "This season's cast includes a professional bull rider, event curator, marketing manager, AI consultant, aura painter, attorney and a dungeon master, among others," the network said in a news release. Here's a list of who is in the cast and complete details here: 'Big Brother' Season 27: See full details of houseguests Who is the 'Big Brother' Season 27 host? Julie Chen Moonves will return as the host of "Big Brother" for Season 27. The New York native news anchor is tied with "Survivor" host Jeff Probst for the title of longest serving reality host, according to CBS. "It's been a personal journey of growth and development for me, and I can't imagine my life without this show in it," Chen said. What's the theme of 'Big Brother' Season 27? The theme of "Big Brother" Season 27 is "A Summer of Mystery." What's new with the 'Big Brother' house? The location for the "Big Brother" Season 27 will be the Hotel Mystère, which includes hidden passageways, a secretive wine cellar, a Victorian conservatory lounge and a poison bar. 'Big Brother: Unlocked' This year's "supersized" season will also feature a new segment titled "Big Brother: Unlocked," which will include "never-before-seen broadcast footage from the house, exclusive interviews, surprise guest appearances and unprecedented behind-the-scenes access." "Former houseguests will share firsthand insight and expertise as they analyze gameplay, assess the competition and give their insider's perspective" during the "Unlocked" episodes, which will air every other Friday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS starting July 25. Contributing: Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7. We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage.
Time Out Dubai
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
12 of the most unique restaurants in Dubai
,Dubai doesn't do boring, especially not when it comes to restaurants. Sure, the city's packed with world-class dining spots, but if you're in the mood for something a little unexpected (read: eating spaghetti while suspended in the sky, or biting into a sandwich on a manmade ski slope), we've got you covered. From the wildly weird to the wonderfully whimsical, these unique restaurants are anything but ordinary. Buckle up, it's going to be a deliciously bizarre ride. Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant The most unique restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant Choosing where to sit in a restaurant is high-stakes stuff, and we're not embarrassed to admit we've wandered from window to window multiple times, sat down and then ended up moving again. But at Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant, you don't have to worry about choosing the best view of Dubai, as it's guaranteed to come to you. In the 90 minutes it takes to rotate the entire way around, you'll get to enjoy 360-degree views of Deira and beyond as you tuck into classic buffet dishes. We will admit, that the novelty does wear off (it's the city's only revolving restaurant for a reason), but the views from the 25th floor make this spot well worth a visit at least once. Mon-Fri, 6.30pm-11.30pm; Sat-Sun 12.30-4pm, 6.30pm-11.30pm. Hyatt Regency Dubai, Deira Corniche (04 209 6912). Dubai (Credit: Pexels) Located on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa and known for its super views, Atmosphere has long been a destination of choice for afternoon tea, evening drinks and fancy dinners. The venue features a restaurant, along with a relaxed lounge and bar area. The more casual lounge serves up international cuisine, including tasty bites and small-portion meals. Atmosphere is open throughout the day, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the restaurant, and breakfast, high tea, and dinner in the lounge. Visitors to Atmosphere can expect to sample the likes of foie gras, billionaire sliders, braised wild mushrooms, oysters on ice, Wagyu tomahawk, blue lobster and much more. Check out our full Dubai review here Open daily, 7am-2pm. Burj khalifa (04 888 3828) Avalanche Café The most unique restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Avalanche Café This is one Dubai café that you can only access via a ski slope. Spend a morning at Ski Dubai and snowboard your way down to Avalanche Café to enjoy a nice warm bowl of soup and a sandwich with views of all the action on the slopes. Make sure you end your meal with hot chocolate, which comes topped with whipped cream and mini marshmallows. Open daily 8.30am-midnight. Mall of the Emirates (04 409 4228). Blume All the glamour of the Orient Express… but make it Dior. Tucked inside Dubai Mall, Blume is a luxe dining spot that's styled like a vintage train carriage, complete with plush Dior-print cushions, glossy brass fittings and artfully stacked designer luggage by the door. It's all very extra, and we're here for it. The menu is as globe-trotting as the décor, with dishes spanning the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Think caviar, sushi, raw bites, grills, pasta, pizza and just about everything in between. A perfect pitstop for fashion lovers with an appetite. Open daily 10am-1am. Fashion Avenue, Dubai Mall (04 547 6444). Dinner in the sky The most unique restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Dinner in the Sky Ever thought of dining on a table that's suspended by a crane 50 metres high up in the sky? Even if you haven't, in Dubai it's still an option. The menu includes a selection of high-end dishes and views of the entire city. You'll be safely strapped into a chair and can watch each course be prepared by chefs up in the sky. The whole experience takes about 90 minutes. Definitely one you won't forget. The Dinner in the Sky table can seat a maximum of 22 people per session. From Dhs650. Daily 2pm-3.30pm, 3.30pm-5pm, 5pm-6.30pm, 6.30pm-8pm, 8pm-9.30pm and 9.30pm-11pm. Al Sufoh, next to Zero Gravity (058 819 3296). GÅL Restaurant & Lounge Credit: GÅL Restaurant & Lounge Located at the Address Downtown Dubai, this vibey restaurant is perfect for a unique, late-night out. The menu features a Mediterranean blend of Italian, Greek and Turkish cuisines. Beyond the tasty food, there are insane Burj Khalifa views, high-energy entertainment including live DJs, musicians and wild performances (yeah, that's the napkin show that went viral). Plus, the space itself is an art gallery, featuring contemporary art that seriously ups the ambience. Open daily 5.30pm to 3am. The Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai, (04 589 7883). KRASOTA Dubai The most unique restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Krasota KRASOTA Dubai describes itself as an immersive gastro-theatre destination created by the team behind Moscow's famous White Rabbit restaurant. Based at The Address Downtown Hotel, KRASOTA offers a combination of 'visual art, haute cuisine, and advanced technology' to create a super immersive dining experience. The restaurant collides with visual art with fine dining. Here, you'll be able to experience dinner surrounded by paintings of international artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You won't be seated in a regular dining room; it's more of an auditorium with a large circular table for 20 diners, with a pixel-perfect 3D multimedia performance projected across the curved walls and flashed over the table. Every act of the gastro-performance matches each course on the set menu. Definitely an unusual Dubai restaurant. From Dhs1,500. Daily at 6pm and 8pm. Address Downtown Hotel, Downtown Dubai (04 433 1258). Navat Tired of dining with humans? Head to Navat in Downtown Dubai, where your dinner date can be a giant teddy bear. No, seriously. Every table comes with a life-sized plush toy. The café serves up Central Asian comfort food (think: manti dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, buttery boorsok) alongside iced lattes shaped like bear heads and cakes that are almost too cute to eat. It's kitsch, it's cosy, it's a little unhinged, but in the best way. Whether you're in it for the carbs, the cuddles, or the Instagram, Navat is one of Dubai's unique restaurants. Open daily from 8am-3am. Standpoint Residences, Downtown Dubai, @navatdubai_ (056 879 2607). Pierchic The most unique restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Pierchic Few spots in Dubai serve drama (and uniqueness) quite like Pierchic. Set at the end of a wooden jetty stretching into the Arabian Gulf, this upscale Italian restaurant offers front-row views of the Burj Al Arab and the endless sea. Arrive by buggy, stroll down the pier, and settle in for a memorable meal surrounded by water. The menu by chef Beatrice Segoni features elegant seafood pastas, raw dishes, grilled octopus and creamy burrata. It's romantic, refined, and seriously photogenic. Pricey? Yes, but make sure you check out the chic lunch deal, which starts at Dhs150 per person. Open daily, 7am-2pm. Burj Khalifa (04 888 3828). The Pods The most unique restaurants in Dubai. Credit: The Pods Located on Bluewaters Island, the Pan-Asian restaurant offers dining bubbles or pods with views over JBR beach, and there are 22 of them. Inside your pod, you can play your own music by connecting to the Bluetooth speaker, and there is plenty of space for you and your crew to dine in comfort as you look out onto JBR Beach. Don't worry about keeping cool if it's warm outside, because each pod is air-conditioned. The menu offers Pan Asian cuisine served in a pretty fashion with garnishes including edible flowers that tie with the botanical décor. Booking a pod starts from Dhs199, and everything else is à la carte. À la carte. Open daily 8am-1am. Bluewaters Island (04 453 8994). T-Rex Adventure Café The most unique restaurants in Dubai. Credit: T-Rex Adventure Café Can I get a roar roar? Dubai's first dinosaur-themed restaurant has stomped into Riverland in December 2024, and it's as wild as it sounds. At T-Rex Adventure Café, life-like raptors lurk between tables, jungle vines hanging from the ceiling, and the dino crew (including Chef Rex himself) brings Jurassic vibes to every bite. Themed dishes like the Caesar Saladasaur, Dino-mite prawns, and Triceratops penne make it a hit with kids and grown-up dino nerds. Don't miss the nightly 'Dino Mania' show at 8pm. It's weird, it's wonderful, and it's definitely one of the most unique restaurants in Dubai. Open daily from 10am-11pm. Riverland Dubai, Dubai Parks & Resorts, (800 262 9464). Trove The most unique restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Trove Trove isn't just a regular restaurant — it's a whole visual experience. Set inside Dubai Mall with front-row views of The Dubai Fountain, this art café-lounge hybrid is splashed with bold murals, neon signs and offbeat sculptures at every turn. It's like dining inside a pop-art daydream. The globally inspired menu spans from Japanese donburi to lemony risotto with short ribs. Come for the food, stay for the R&B nights and Troveback Thursdays. It's fun, flashy, and full of personality. Open daily, 10am-2am. Trove, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai (04 347 7444). Want to make a reservation in the meantime? Over 100 of the best business lunch deals in Dubai, by area Upgrade your lunch with an incredible offer Dubai's best restaurants: 86 incredible places to dine in We know where you should book into this week The 40 best restaurants and bars on Palm Jumeirah Consider this your definitive, go-to guide to dining on the island
