Dubai’s Crown Prince is well versed on the city’s dining scene…
From high-end steakhouses to seaside Greek restaurants, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is regularly spotted out and about. Here, you’ll find 25 restaurants that have been given the Dubai Crown Prince, fondly known as Fazza, seal of approval. We’ll have what he’s having…
11 Woodfire
View this post on Instagram
Our Crown Prince visited 11 Woodfire, early in January 2022. The open-fire restaurant, which opened on January 1, has quickly caught the attention of Dubai’s foodie crowd, as it’s headed up by acclaimed chef and restauranteur, Akmal Anuar. Sheikh Hamdan popped by to check out the new space, which thanked the Crown Prince for his visit on its Instagram page.
@11woodfire
Alaya
Sheikh Hamdan is a huge fan of Chef Izu Ani and in September of 2022, he visited Alaya, the new Eastern Mediterranean restaurant in DIFC featuring Middle Eastern influences. Chef Izu joined forces with Evgeny Kuzin to create this concept which promises to deliver a ‘tale of culinary travel from the Oriental Coast of the Mediterranean Sea to the bustling markets of the Middle East’.
@alayadubai
Alici
With its faultless Italian seafood, stunning interiors, and view-blessed terrace, Alici is one of our favourite restaurants in Dubai – so much so that it won Newcomer of the year at the What’s On Awards 2019. And it appears we’re not alone, with Sheikh Hamdan frequenting the Bluewaters Island gem.
Alici, Bluewaters Island, daily noon to 3.30pm and 7pm to midnight. Tel: (0)4 275 2577. @alicidubai
Avli by Tashas
View this post on Instagram
Sleek Greek restaurant Avli by Tashas is a regular haunt for HH Sheikh Hamdan. The Crown Prince of Dubai has been seen in this stunning DIFC dining room on more than a few occasions.
Avli by Tashas, Four Seasons DIFC, Gate Village, DIFC, daily 12pm to 3pm, 7pm to 1am. Tel: (0)4 356 0008. avlibytashas
BB Social Dining
View this post on Instagram
Sheikh Hamdan has been spotted dining at BB Social Dining on a number of occasions. During his first foray, the Crown Prince shared some tempting pics to Instagram of the BB bao, cauliflower popcorn, crispy sprouts and edamame hummus.
Gate Village 8, DIFC, Dubai, Sat to Wed noon to midnight, Thu and Fri noon to 1am. Tel: (0)4 407 4444. @bbdifc
Carine
View this post on Instagram
It seems the Crown Prince is clearly a fan of this Dubai chef, with Izu Ani’s Carine, at the Emirates Golf Club also on Sheikh Hamdan’s hit list. Expect a French-Mediterranean accent to the menu, with delicious breakfasts on weekends.
Carine, Emirates Golf Club, Sun to Thu noon to 3pm, 7pm to 10.30pm, Fri and Sat 9am to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. @carine.ae
Caviar Kaspia
View this post on Instagram
Sheikh Hamdan paid a visit to the Caviar Kaspia Dubai back in October 2021, when it had barely been open a week. The original Caviar Kaspia, found in Paris, is a favourite amongst A-list celebrities, including Rihanna, Katy Perry, and the Kardashians. In a photo posted to the restaurant’s Instagram page, the Crown Prince could be seen holding one of the restaurant’s signature Matryoshka Doll-shaped chest, which houses the restaurant’s caviar, which was gifted to him by the team.
Caviar Kaspia Dubai, Gate Village 2, DIFC, Saturday to Wednesday 12pm to 1am, Thu and Fri 12pm to 2am. Tel: (0)4 243 5633. @caviarkaspiadxb
Clay
View this post on Instagram
In May 2022, His Highness paid a visit to one of our favourites too. Clay, a Nikkei dining experience welcomed Sheikh Hamdan and posted to their Instagram that they were “honoured and privileged to have HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visit us.” The floor-to-ceiling restaurant boasts an intricate menu that serves ceviche, sushi, and beyond.
Clay, Bluewaters Island, open Sun to Thu 12pm to 12am, Fri and Sat 12pm to 2am. Tel: (0)4 422 5600 @clay_dubai
CznBurak
View this post on Instagram
The Turkish-Middle Eastern restaurant is owned by its namesake, celebrity Chef CznBurak, who has amassed a huge following on Tik Tok and Instagram for his culinary videos. The chef himself cooked for Sheikh Hamdan when he visited on December 25 2021.
CznBurak Dubai, Boulevard Point, Downtown Dubai, open daily 12pm to 3am. Tel: (0)58 108 1800. @cznburakdubai
Gaia
View this post on Instagram
It’s no secret that the royal family loves chef Izu Ani’s restaurants, but if frequency is anything to go by, we think Gaia might be the one they like the most. Both HH Sheikh Mohammed and HH Sheikh Hamdan have been many times, spotted tucking into an array of Izu’s signature Greek-Mediterranean dishes.
Gaia, Gate Village 4, DIFC, Dubai, daily 12pm to 3pm and 7pm to 2am. Tel: (0)4 241 4242. @gaia__dxb
Katsuya
View this post on Instagram
Japanese eatery Katsuya opened at the end of last year in the Hyde Hotel Dubai. The Crown Prince visited on Wednesday, February 9 2022 to enjoy a dine dishes created by Head Chef Pavel Nigai. The eclectic new restaurant serves up unique rolls, specialty sushi and sashimi platters, perfectly steamed dumplings, and robata grilled meats.
@katsuyahydedubai
L’Amo Bistro Del Mare
View this post on Instagram
Shortly after opening, the beautiful Italian seafood-inspired L’Amo Bistro Del Mare welcomed Sheikh Hamdan for an elegant lunch at Dubai Harbour. Taking to Instagram in May 2022 to share the snap, the new restaurant said they were ‘delighted’ to welcome the Crown Prince for lunch.
L’Amo Bistro Del Mare, Dubai Harbour, 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 11.30pm Mon to Fri, 12pm to 11.30pm Sat and Sun. Tel: (0)4 278 4800, lamorestaurant.com
Lana Lusa
Sheikh Hamdan paid a visit to Lana Lusa, the authentic Portuguese eatery in Dubai’s chic Wasl 51 district in Jumeirah 1. Serving an array of authentic Portuguese flavours for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this homegrown, unlicensed gem is all about sharing style dishes and a warm, welcoming vibe.
lanalusa.com
La Maison Ani
View this post on Instagram
Are we surprised that another one of Chef Izu’s spectacular restaurants has made this list? Sheikh Hamdan visited this chic French restaurant in May 2022. La Maison Ani encompasses all aspects of daily French living and it comes as no shock that Dubai’s Crown Prince paid the restaurant a visit shortly after its opening.
La Maison Ani, open Sun to Fri 9.30am to midnight, Sat 10am to midnight. Tel; (0)4 456 1989 @lamaisonanibychefizu
Madeleine et Marcel
Gorgeous new boutique patisserie Madeleine et Marcel welcomed Sheikh Hamdan recently. The venue, which can be found in Jumeirah Emirates Towers, serves up a selection of delectable sweet treats, coffees, and juices.
Madeleine et Marcel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, 8.30am to 8.30pm daily. @madeleine.et.marcel
Mimi Kakushi
Mimi Kakushi transports you to 1920s Osaka, a glamorous homage to the avant-garde oriental era, with a sultry amalgamation of big round leather booths and a cool jazz soundtrack playing in the background. On the menu, sharing plates of signature dishes such as sashimi, sushi, tempura, and gyoza. Sheikh Hamdan chose the UAE’s 50th National Day to pay this swanky spot a visit.
mimikakushi.ae
Nammos
View this post on Instagram
Just like the Mykonos original, the Dubai outpost of Nammos is a magnet for the A-list. Sheikh Hamdan was one of the first through the door when the supremely chic Greek restaurant opened in December 2019.
Nammos Dubai, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, daily 12.30pm to 12.30am. Tel: (058) 1210000. @nammos.dubai
Opso
View this post on Instagram
This modern Greek restaurant in The Dubai Mall is a favourite of Sheikh Hamdan’s. We’re not sure if it’s the contemporary Greek menu or the fountain views that he enjoys most, but both are pretty spectacular.
Opso, Fashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, daily 9am to 1am. Tel: (0)54 424 4999. @opsodubai
Pinza
View this post on Instagram
Just because it isn’t fine dining, doesn’t mean that it isn’t delish. Sheikh Hamdan in January of 2022 ordered a feast for himself and friends from a the homegrown pizza joint, Pinza. Serving up delicious twists on the classic and humble dough-based dish, Pinza is delightful and available for delivery all around Dubai. A picture was shared to Pinza’s Instagram page with the caption “We are eternally grateful to be a homegrown company in this wonderful country. We appreciate your support always.”
Pinza, available for delivery around Dubai and dine in at Gate Avenue, DIFC. @itspinza
Roka
View this post on Instagram
Zuma’s little sibling Roka opened in the stunning ME Dubai hotel in early 2020. It didn’t take long for HH Sheikh Hamdan to explore the modern Japanese menu for himself.
Roka, Me Dubai, The Opus, Business Bay, Sat to Wed noon to 4pm and 6.30pm to midnight, Thu and Fri noon to 4pm and 6.30pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 439 7171. @rokadubaiofficial
Sal
View this post on Instagram
Looking like it’s been plucked straight from the shores of the French Riviera, Sal is the new poolside restaurant at Burj Al Arab. Sheikh Hamdan shared a meal here with his friend, Maj, sharing French-Mediterranean seafood dishes on the terrace.
Sal, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah, daily 10am to 7pm, from Dhs800. Tel: (0)4 301 7600. @sal_burjalarab
SushiSamba
Sheikh Hamdan and his close friend Cristiano Ronaldo delighted unsuspecting diners at the sky-high restaurant SushiSamba Dubai, which is found on the 51st floor of St. Regis Dubai, The Palm. There, they took a stroll around the venue – and were no doubt impressed by those spectacular views.
SushiSamba Dubai, Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, Saturday to Tuesday 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 2am, Wednesday to Friday 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 3am. @sushisambadubai
Taverna Greek Kitchen
You might have heard a few forks clatter onto the tables on November 16, 2021 from delighted onlookers at Taverna Greek Kitchen, located at Souk Madinat Jumeirah. The Crown Prince, affectionately known as ‘Fazza’, dropped into the gorgeous waterfront restaurant for lunch with friends and family. Taverna serves up beautifully authentic Greek food in a rustic yet elegant setting.
Taverna Greek Kitchen is open from 12pm to 12am daily. Tel: (0)4 589 5665. tavernagreek.ae
The Maine Land Brasserie
View this post on Instagram
The Maine has long been a Dubai favourite for exemplary seafood and steaks, and its upscale iteration in Business Bay is no exception. Sheikh Hamdan and his entourage visited the swanky steakhouse in the ME by Melia Hotel, dining on platters of perfectly cooked meats and side dishes of Brussels sprouts and asparagus.
The Maine Land Brasserie, ME by Melia Hotel, Business Bay, Sat to Tue, noon to 11.30pm, Wed to Fri, noon to 12.30am. Tel: (0)4 577 6680. @themainedxb
Twiggy by La Cantine
Twiggy by La Cantine invites its guests to step into the Mediterranean, and none other than Sheikh Hamdan did just that in late November 2021. Located on the edge of Dubai Creek at the Park Hyatt Dubai, Twiggy brags a beach club with a stunning French-Mediterranean restaurant. On the menu is an array of exotic drinks and delicious bites that will take your lunch or dinner to a whole new level.
@twiggydubai
Images: Socials
