Dubai’s newest culinary collection
The brand new Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai has finally opened it’s doors – perhaps one of the most sought-after hospitality openings of this season and in the works for a long time now. A city escape through and through, this makes the group’s second property in Dubai, after the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira – an iconic property in the heart of one of the city’s most, authentic, bustling neighbourhoods.
The urban structure blends the signature Asian heritage with local character, offering 259 guestrooms and suits, 224 private residences and 10 dining venues, all crowned by a rooftop helipad designed for discreet VIP arrivals. The facade is not unmissable, designed by UNStudio and engineered by Werner Sobek – the structure is defined by a twisting form and the region’s tallest ceramic façade, and he overall design promotes sustainable vertical living.
The Dining Experiences to Explore
Like any Mandarin Oriental, the dining experiences are worth a deep canvas, bringing together some of the biggest homegrown and international names under one roof.
Yù & Mì is a modern Chinese bar and restaurant, inspired by the bustling, buzzing cultural energy of 1960s Hong Kong – a stunning contrast meant to be preserved. ‘Yù’, meaning jade, is a nod to something rare and precious, while hidden from view, lies ‘Mì’, meaning discreet – a space revealed only to those who care to venture further. Here, perched on the 36th floor of the property, authentic Cantonese and Sichuan flavours fuse for an experience inspired by Hong Kong’s storied speakeasies and supper clubs.
On the same floor is Chittara, celebrating the very best of Italy’s heritage and timeless dining culture with handmade pasta and regional Italian fare. From the North to the South, real ingredients and traditional recipes will be given the spotlight, while a curated wine bar offering a selection of Italian wines will add depth to the experience.
Noia by the Pool is the rooftop experience this season needs, with the relaxed spirit of the Greek islands to the 11th floor rooftop terrace, where Mediterranean cuisine, panoramic views and poolside dining create an effortless day-to-night experience. Think uber-chic cabanas, beautiful sunsets to catch and the charm of slow Mediterranean living.
Coming Soon
While three concepts are already open, more will follow suit soon – Billionaire, one of Dubai’s most coveted dinner-and-a-show experiences, will be finding a second home at the hotel, alongside Lion in the Sun also by Majestas Group – a concept that draws its soul from Flavio Briatore’s original Lion in the Sun retreat in Malindi, Kenya, with a focus on more open-fire, ingredient-driven cooking, and embracing the idea of a ‘salotto in the sky,’ which translates to a ‘living room in the sky.’
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Celebrated Nikkei concept Osaka will be coming all the way from Lima, with two decades of Nikkei expertise born from two friends’ shared passion for this fusion cuisine. Pavyllon Dubai by Yannick Alléno, a European export, will pay homage to the globally-acclaimed chef’s bistro heritage with a modern twist.
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A rooftop Greek restaurant and street-level urban eatery, featuring the Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop, will complete the culinary offering
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Deeply passionate about food, culture and community, Manaal loves telling extraordinary stories of ordinary people. Besides sniffing out a tale to tell, her favourite things to do include binging true crime documentaries, chasing cats on the streets and curating a good outfit.
