Rising 220 metres above sea level, CÉ LA VI Dubai located at the Address Sky View offers one of the highest rooftops in Dubai. David Tapley visits for an evening of contemporary Asian cuisine and inspiring city views.
When it comes to the notion of dinner with a view, we are completely spoilt for choice in Dubai. Rooftops, beachfronts, dining aboard boats, or hanging from a suspended table in the sky, are all options offered at various locations throughout the city. Yet, nothing can quite compare us for the view at CÉ LA VI Duba.
Situated on the 54th floor of the Address Sky View hotel in the heart of Downtown Dubai, CÉ LA VI Dubai combines a contemporary Asian Restaurant, SkyBar, Lounge and Pool Deck into one multi-faceted dining experience that makes quite the impression. Greeted warmly by a hostess dressed in vibrant red couture we’re led into a dim dining room that exudes a sense of elegance and privacy. Circular light fittings cast pockets of light throughout the otherwise atmospheric dining space but it’s the views of the world’s tallest building that have us enraptured. We immediately make a mental note to return on another occasion for sundowners, as the vantage point that bridges the hotel’s two towers is truly exceptional. As the Dubai Fountains dance seamlessly below, we find ourselves gazing out over the city and feel the same sense of awe we experienced when seeing the Burj Khalifa for the first time.
Whether visiting for drinks, dinner or a dip in the Sky Pool, it’s essential to make a reservation, as CÉ LA VI Dubai gets exceptionally busy. Even during our early evening dinner on a weeknight, the restaurant is buzzing and it would seem that this is currently one of the hottest spots in town.
No matter where you choose to sit, the views remain and we find immediate comfort in not only the plush couch-style seating but the front-of-house team who emanate a warmth, friendliness and genuine interest in guests.
The menu excites with its playful interpretation of contemporary Asian cuisine masterminded by Executive Chef Howard Ko and is divided into eight succinct sections that include ‘to start with’, ‘raw’, ‘market’ and ‘large format.’ Each dish has been designed to embody “elegant creations with a theatrical flair that satisfy all the senses” and we cannot wait to dig in! From the breads and spreads section, we begin with miso chickpea hummus with Korean chilli oil and a fresh yuzu labneh with pistachio verde. We gleefully mop up both dips with Chef Ko’s oven-hot and remarkably fluffy seaweed parker rolls.
For more adventurous diners, CÉ LA VI Dubai offers several exciting menu choices. These include lacquered bone marrow with teriyaki and smoked vinegar, sweet and savoury shiitake mushroom doughnuts and braised lamb neck. Our selections, however, are far more subdued, though no less refined. The pan-seared salmon with black garlic potato terrine, maitake mushrooms and warm wasabi buttermilk is an elevated interpretation of a dish that is available at countless restaurants throughout the city. It’s the unique CÉ LA VI twist from the wasabi buttermilk that transforms the delicate salmon into something adventurous and memorable.
Similarly, the Westholme Wagyu beef is a generous portion of quality meat, served alongside roasted broccolini, pearl onions, confit potatoes, bone marrow and sauce Japonaise. A dish that works to truly engage the senses and leave a lasting impression thanks to the meat’s crisp exterior that gives way to the tender pink interior of our preferred medium-rare cooking temperature. Desserts again excite with the likes of the CÉ LA VI foie gras “Snickers” candy bar and dark chocolate fondant with beetroot ice cream both making for appetising choices. It’s the mango cheesecake however, that steals our hearts with its exotic caramel, cool mango sorbet and a sprinkling of Speculoos.
With global locations including Singapore, Tokyo, Taipei and now Dubai. CÉ LA VI Dubai appears to have made its mark here in the United Arab Emirates thanks to a winning combination of food, beverage, ambience and that ‘oh-so-memorable’ view!
GO: Email reservation-dxb@celavi.com for bookings and more information.
