When it comes to Burj Al Arab restaurants, we have a new favourite! Who knew a hidden gem could stay hidden when it’s perched on the terrace of one Dubai’s most iconic hotels?! Scape Burj Al Arab knows exactly how to switch to chill mode and is one of the most inviting outdoor restaurants Dubai has to offer. Expect chic sundowners, Californian-fusion cuisine and sunset views that are up there with the best in the city!
The views at Scape
If you ever wanted to get up-close and personal with Burj Al Arab without worrying about your bank balance, then this is your chance. From 4pm on Friday and Saturdays, you can do just as we did… rock up at the gate, bypass the snap-happy tourists outside and make your way to the terrace (all while pretending you’re absolutely, fabulously a resident at the hotel for the night… we can dream, can’t we?!).
Surprise live performances
This casually chic restaurant and lounge knew exactly how to impress us. Sipping sunset sundowners set to the backdrop of a saxophonist playing jazzy beats is just how we like to spend our Saturdays – or at least it will be from now on! DJ Naz is also in the house spinning out tunes throughout the evening, so you can expect as much life and soul as we experienced.
Sundowners at Scape Burj Al Arab
Mocktails, cocktails, top-shelf spirits… what’s your tipple? We love a creative cocktail (or two) and the bar staff at the Lounge on the terrace certainly know how to shake up a Sand Storm… or a Dragonfly… or whatever eclectic fusion you care to try next. This is a perfect pre-dinner or post-dinner hangout, so we soaked up the ambience before and after dining at the restaurant. While you may associate Burj Al Arab with a luxury price tag, this Weekend Escape is surprisingly affordable; you can make the most of sundowners and dinner for approximately AED 500 for two.
Seafood Towers and more
When it came to the food, we had no difficulty picking from the menu. The Californian-fusion essentially means that there’s a little bit of everything and while it’s more of a casual dinner vibe, you can expect a touch of class from the head chef and his team. Whether you want a creative gourmet take on an oven-baked pizza or crudos or you’re going all out with the Seafood Tower (the House Special), this is a kitchen that caters to all levels of foodie. We had a little bit of everything – of course!
A sunset to remember
An unobstructed sea view with a sunset that makes the infinity pool glisten with golden hues… Oh, Scape, you really are impressive! This was one day-to-night experience that we had to capture. While you can venture down to Scape for food, drinks and the unique vibe set by their ‘Weekend Escape’ anytime from 4pm to 9pm, we suggest you make the most of every second, just like we did. If you don’t experience that I’m-on-holiday feeling, let us know because we felt as though we’d flown out of the city for the evening.
Shisha with a view
Chilling under the bright lights of the Burj has to be one of the best ways we’ve enjoyed our fruity shisha flavours. While we’d expect to find funky background beats and laid back vibes from a number of hangouts along the Dubai shoreline, we would never have expected it at one of the city’s most luxurious hotels… and that’s what made it even better. Kickback, get comfy on the all-white cushioned sofas and make the most of it.
Fun Fact: The entire sea level terrace was built in 8 segments, shipped in from Finland and put together (probably over night!), so there was minimal disruption to the hotel and its guests.
Did you know? There are 32 air-conditioned cabanas lining the edges of the salt-water pool at the terrace and they can be rented out for the day if you’re looking for a glimpse of the full hotel experience, which includes access to the pools and leisure facilities on the terrace. Starting from AED 1,800, they come equipped with plasma TVs, mini bars and more. We haven’t tried them yet, but hopefully one day…