It’s going to turn the rooftop of Nakheel Mall into a gastronomic hub, with some big name restaurant openings…
As if the culinary array on the Palm Jumeirah wasn’t all-taste pleasing enough, a new dining destination is coming to this part of town. What you may know currently as Nakheel Mall rooftop, is transforming into The St Regis Gardens, a culinary extension of The St Regis Dubai, The Palm.
Here, hotel guests and Dubai residents will be able to dine at an array of top restaurants, with big international names opening alongside homegrown gems. The collection of restaurants at The St Regis Gardens will further complement the hotel restaurants – all-day dining Cordelia and newly opened Ruya- plus the trio of concepts at the top of the Palm Tower: Aura Skypool, Sushisamba and CouCou.
Divided between the East and West side, some venues are already open, while others are set to debut in the coming months. We’re also expecting some yet-to-be-revealed additions.
Here’s everything we know so far.
Now open
Soho Garden Palm Jumeirah
Soho Garden at Meydan has long-been the city’s go-to destination for a brilliant night out, but at the end of 2021 it opened a second venue on Palm Jumeirah, creating an 8,000 square metre rooftop destination on the West side of Nakheel Mall rooftop. With both indoor and outdoor space, guests can begin their evening on the huge alfresco terrace, enjoying sundowners and taking in views of Ain Dubai and the Palm below. The area has its own bar, with a central stage for live entertainment, as well as plenty of comfy sofa seating under Soho’s signature cosy hanging bulbs. After dark, make your way inside to the massive club, which is packed with VIP tables, a huge DJ booth and the latest light and sound system. LED screens on the ceiling give a fully-immersive feel to ensure guests leave with incredible memories.
Soho Garden, Nakheel Mall rooftop, Palm Jumeirah, 5pm to late Sun to Fri, 1pm to late Sat. Tel: (0)54 233 5555. sohogardendxb.com
Tresind Studio
Previously located in the Voco Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, Trèsind Studio became the first restaurant to open at The St Regis Gardens in March 2022. It’s found on the East side of the rooftop. Similar to the original Trèsind Studio, the new venue also seats just 20 people per seating, with an option of two seatings per night. The design of the new restaurant is understated, with simple yet elegant white-clothed tables, each with their own daintily decorated centre piece. There’s an open kitchen and floor to ceiling windows. However, there is a new addition Trèsind Studio 2.0 – an urban garden on its 5,000sqft outdoor space, thanks to local organic producers, My Farm Dubai. The aim is to be able to cultivate fresh herbs, flowers and some seasonal fruits and vegetables on-site, contributing to the goal of a holistic farm-to-table dining experience. If you’re unfamiliar, this Michelin Star restaurant is helmed by Chef Himanshu Saini. Known for his creative concoctions in the kitchen, Chef Himanshu has built a strong fanbase in the city thanks to his drive to challenge common perceptions of Indian cuisine by showcasing flavours both new and familiar through a creative lens.
Trèsind Studio, East Side, St Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah, Tue to Sun 6pm to 1am (seatings 6pm and 9pm). Tel: (058) 895 1272. tresindstudio.com
Coming soon
Leña
Top Andalusian chef Dani García is set to open his first restaurant in Dubai. The man behind some of Spain’s top restaurants, including BiBo, Lobito de Mar and Dani Brasserie, will bring his sleek steakhouse Leña to The St Regis Gardens in April. If you’re not familiar with the brand, let us introduce you. Leña was born in Marbella in the summer of 2020, replacing chef Dani García’s eponymous fine dining restaurant, which the chef announced would close just 21 days after it was awarded its third Michelin star. A year after opening Leña Marbella, an opening in Madrid followed, the same year that the Marbella restaurant was recognised with the highest accolade of the restaurant category at the 2021 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. So, we can expect some pretty wow-worthy interiors when the brand opens in Dubai.
Leña, St Regis Gardens, East Side, Palm Jumeirah, opening April 2023. groupodanigarcia.com
Signor Sassi
Iconic Knightsbridge restaurant, Signor Sassi, is set to open at The St Regis Gardens this year. Signor Sassi Dubai will be the third Signor Sassi in the Middle East, with the brand already operational in Riyadh and Doha. The one in Kuwait, which was the first in the region, has since closed its doors. Signor Sassi is as famed in London for its hearty portions of classic Italian cuisine as it is for its VIP clientele. Stars including Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Jackie Chan and Tom Jones have all been spotted enjoying a meal at the celebrated Italian restaurant, which has welcomed diners since 1984. So, we can’t wait to see who walks through the doors when the restaurant opens in Dubai. On the menu, you’ll find delicate antipasti, traditional pasta, succulent meat dishes, or beautifully presented seafood, but the must-try dish is the spaghetti lobster.
Signor Sassi, St Regis Gardens, East Side, Palm Jumeirah, opening April 2023.
