Al Dawaar

Dubai's only rotating restaurant puts us in a spin 4 Reviews

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Every table of this revolving restaurant offers a constantly changing view, and over the course of a two hour meal, you’ll get a couple of chances to see the whole of Dubai.

We started looking out to sea, then moved round to Deira with Sharjah in the distance, followed by Garhoud, Rashidiya and finally Sheikh Zayed Road. Since Dubai was enveloped in its usual haze, we couldn’t see much beyond Burj Al Arab.

Although we visited Al Dawaar recently to check out its refurbishment, we had to revisit to focus our attention on the view this time. We’re glad we did, it is one of Dubai’s best.

It’s worth noting that it is only the floor of the restaurant that revolves, while the walls, windows and ceiling stay still. This causes a couple of problems: first, you find yourself intermittently warmed and chilled as you pass under air-conditioning vents.

Secondly, you can easily see your keys and mobile phone disappearing towards your neighbouring diners if you mistakenly leave them on a window ledge.

Fridays, we discovered, is a busy day at Al Dawaar. As we have noted in previous reviews, you have to go for the buffet. The presentation is attractive, with mostly small quantities of food on a frequently replenished display. This keeps it looking good and tasting fresh.

Our first courses of sushi followed by salad and cold Arabic mezze were both good choices but the mini carvery had not survived so well. We tried some very dry ouzie (Arabic style whole baked baby lamb) and roast duck, which was cold. There were some insipid potato wedges, which were also cold, and were not crispy. A substantial choice of hot Asian and oriental dishes were also on offer.

The dessert display was incredibly tempting; a utopia of Arabic and European desserts and pastries. We paced ourselves very carefully for the first few courses so as not to spoil our appetites for pudding.

Other patrons were tucking into every course with great gusto and still finding room for mountains of calorie-laden treats.

Friday lunch is definitely a family affair; serious eating combined with boisterous and vocal kiddies. Dining in the evenings is a much more elegant and sophisticated experience.

The service was a little indifferent but, that said, it can’t be easy for the waiting staff when their tables keep moving.

• Previous reviews
  • 17 August,2009- reviewed by Daisy Carrington
  • 01 November,2001- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff

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