An Insight on Al Mahara Restaurant- A Visitors Delight

If you have ever played fantasy travel, then you can comfortably claim to have traveled in the top travel destinations in the world. My favorite destination in the recent past has been Burj Al Arab. It is the game that sparked my interest in this hotel, one of the tallest hotels in the world. For this reason, I decided to research some of the restaurants within the establishment, and I have exciting findings.

What is the best restaurant in Burj Al Arab? The best restaurant is Al Mahara restaurant; the home to quality food, and unparalleled experience, thanks to its exquisite setting. It was ranked 12^th in 2017 top 25 best restaurants around the world and the best in the Middle East. Presently, it features on the global map, and some of its competitors are the likes of Le Louis XV and Epicure at Le Bristol.

Al Mahara is a restaurant beyond wonder. Its name means “The Oyster Shell” in Arabic- and it is for a good reason. The experience you get goes far more than the dining experience. You get a rare chance to dine with dolphins and other sea animals in its world renown aquarium, having a capacity of 100 cubic meters. Additionally, their head Chef, Biggs Pete, will never let you down.

The Magic of Burj Al Arab

The hotel is located offshore, and the shape of a sail inspired its design. First timers to the main island always think it is an approaching ship- the architecture is that good.
It is the third tallest hotel in the world, with a finishing made of over 24 gold carats.
The Telegraph’s ULTRA award in 2018 went to the Burj. Additionally, it was also given the Five Star award by Forbes Travel Guide.

Did You Know?

Al Mahara is the flagship restaurant in what is considered the most luxurious hotel in the world, Burj Al Arab.
The access to the restaurant is through a stimulated submarine, which cruises through am aquarium holding over 990, 000 liters of water.
A female zebra shark lives in the restaurant’s aquarium. A biologist, David Robinson, argues that it may be the only shark in the world to experience for straight years of virgin births.
It is one of the most expensive hotels in the world. A single person’s meal of cavier and oyster consists is worth $500. However, their meals start at $139.41 per person.
The infamous Nahtan Outalaw, the British Michellin star chef, has been cooking in the restaurant since 2016.
A single night costs $1500.

If you have been dreaming of having an opportunity to dine with the big wigs, then this is your chance, and Al Mahara is the place. Everything in that restaurant is unique and gives a hint of class, from the dress code, yes, there is a dress code for lunch and dinner. If you are a contender of “my dress my choice,” then this may not be the place for you, and truth be told, probably you are reading the wrong blog. You can search for other restaurants that are more of your speed (on a light note).

Dress Code

The dress code for both lunch and dinner should be smart elegant. For guys who always miss the point when it comes to dressing, smart elegant referrs to a stylish-semi formal attire, suitable for the occasion.

For those who are still clueless, a dark suit or blazer with dark pants can be a good starting point. Jeans and Shirt is an absolute NO. Also, don’t wear a regular business shirt if you don’t have a tie. Take your time to select appropriate clothes before heading out. You don’t want to give an impression of a 16^th Century immigrant who has just landed from Jurassic park.

Ladies, you can do your thing. It would be sad having to explain what you should wear.

Cuisine

The best thing about traveling is that you get to experience the different cuisines cultures have to offer.

The restaurant, Al Mahara, serves the best Northern European cuisines in Dubai. Their Chef’s vegetarian menu has starters, which consist of Chilled Red Pepper & Tomato soup, Dill Chutney, and Cucumber or Black beans, and summer beats. For the main course, you can opt to have Pine Nuts, and Truffle with mushroom dressing served with grilled asparagus and potatoes.

My favorite part is the desserts. The Chef’s menu recommends seasonal fruit plate, or poached pineapples, passion fruit, mango sorbet with lime.

If you are keen enough, you should have realized that I went with the vegetarian menu- and for a good reason. The restaurant gives its customer’s dietary needs special consideration. Therefore, for the ladies and gentlemen who strive to protect animal species by eating their food aka vegetarians (the irony is always amusing), you are welcome.

Another mark of excellence that cannot go without mention is the fact that the servers enquire of any dietary restrictions and requirements and allergies before you are allowed to devour the meal. Always remember to be patient with them since it is for your good.

Also, all the prices are in UAE Dharam; therefore, having an online currency converter may be handy.

Time

Burj Al Arab serves its lunches and dinner at specific times. This is not your ordinary restaurant where you can take your Laissez faire attitude, expecting to have your lunch at 4 pm.

Lunches are served between 12 noon and 2:30 pm daily. The last order is taken at precisely 2:15 pm. An extra minute is all it takes for you to miss your lunch.

Similarly, dinner is served between 6:30 pm and 10:30 pm, and the last order is taken at 10:15 pm from Sunday to Wednesday. In the remaining days, the meals are served up to 11:00 pm.

If you want a taste of class, then you have to raise your game in terms of time management.

Discount Policy

If there is a single reason why I think this restaurant is worth being voted the best In UAE is its discount policy.

The restaurant’s discount policy is very appealing, especially with the harsh economic times. Even if you are on a lean budget, then you can work your way around these policies to ensure you get a feel of the supreme dining experience, without denting your bank account.

First, children aged between 4 and 11 years dine at 50% price, and three-year-olds or younger dine with the restaurant’s complements. So, you don’t have to worry that your children may start a food fight, yet you are spending a fortune on the food. But kids will always be kids. They do know that such a sight is usually hurtful to the eyes and pockets alike. Nonetheless, the restaurant has got you covered on that. Don’t hesitate to carry your kids along. Remember, anyone above 12 years dines at the full rate.

Also, it is noteworthy that there are specific meals and drinks where the discounts do not apply. Take note of that, lest you end up embarrassing yourself the moment you realize you cannot foot the bill. You can prevent this. Enquire the discounts each time you visit the restaurant. Mind you, it doesn’t cost a thing, except giving you massive savings.

Age Restriction

Burj Al Arab is a fun place for people of all ages. However, for the safety of your family, several age restrictions apply depending on the time and seasons. During lunch hours, children of all ages are allowed to dine in the restaurant. However, at night, only those who are over eight years are permitted to dinner. The rest should be asleep.

Also, if you have cheeky teens, you must watch them closely. According to laws in Dubai, anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited by law to purchase alcohol, and the drug regulation federation is very strict on the issue.

On the same note, smoking is prohibited in all areas in the restaurant, except for the patio.

Call The Driver

Your driver is only a call away. You can call 800 831 to get a chauffeur who will safely take you home if you have over eaten and are unable to drive. It happens. Also, if you have had too much to drink, then you can take advantage of the occasional transport offers, where you can get an instant 10% discount.

Final Thought

I may have forgotten to mention that the next time you are making an inquiry, sink into the soft seats. The stunning ceiling aquarium sets a great scene that can temporarily cause to zone out of the troubles of this world. It is worth a shot.

Travel Mocha