Foodie Corner: Helios and Al Dawaar at Hyatt Regency Dubai

Sponsored: Chic Greek eats and the first and only revolving restaurant in Dubai make for a memorable evening in the heart of Deira.

It’s no secret that Dubai’s dining scene is bursting with Greek restaurants and it takes a unique place to really make its mark with Dubai’s savvy diners. Enter Helios at Hyatt Regency Dubai.

Located on the 30th floor of the five-star Hyatt Regency Dubai, Helios boasts one of the most mesmerising spots in the city for sundowners. With views of the Arabian Gulf and nearby Deira Islands, we take our seats and absorb all that this rooftop bar and lounge has to offer. We need a minute to take in the stunning sunset, Instagrammable props and mellow tracks upon entering Helios. The décor encapsulates the essence of a Greek island with a symphony of blue and white across the spacious restaurant and bar areas. At Helios, they have indeed stuck to the theme and we are fully prepared to lose ourselves in an evening of island vibes.

Open daily from 10am until 1am, Helios can be enjoyed at any time of the day. With numerous seating options, guests can opt to dine poolside or seated in the chic restaurant. Thanks to the newly air-conditioned enclosed venue, Helios is the perfect oasis for friends and family to gather outdoors and stay cool this summer. From our table, it’s possible to admire the picturesque sunset views from the highest rooftop in Deira. Combine the view with either lunch or dinner and you have the perfect spot for a relaxed Greek dining experience. 

An impressive beverage menu features a wide selection of inspired cocktails. We sip on our freshly made Mykonos Vibe and Greek Bellini, which were confident recommendations from our bubbly waiter. We smell our appetisers before we see them, Shrimp Saganaki in tomato sauce and served with feta (AED 76) and the Fried Calamari in lemon olive oil sauce (AED 47). The calamari is packed with flavour and offers plenty of crunch, and our juicy shrimps are bathed in a mouthwatering tomato sauce. Helios is warm, accommodating and filled with great recommendations. 

This aesthetically appealing spot is best enjoyed with a group of friends, sat outside enjoying eating authentic Greek food and sipping on some impressive cocktails. It’s guaranteed to create a lasting impression. 

Not that we need an excuse to return to Helios, but the restaurant has partnered with Etihad Airways, running a promotion until the end of July. Prizes include round-trip tickets to any Etihad Airways destination and all you need to do is spend AED 500 per couple to qualify for the raffle draw. 

As night falls, we take a few ‘gram-worthy photos before moving on to our dinner destination for the night. On the 25th floor of Hyatt Regency Dubai we find the first and only revolving restaurant in Dubai complete with an interactive kitchen, Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant. The sky-high restaurant mixes culinary excellence with panoramic 360-degree views of the city’s skyline, including Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek and the Arabian Gulf. As expected, we’re spoilt for choice with a buffet filled with cuisines from all over the globe. For AED 229 per person, the dining experience is full of unique flavours, textures that combine with an immersive dining experience. The menu offers something for everyone and it’s tough to choose from the plethora of options, but we eventually opt for the US Prime Rib and colourful Mediterranean salads. You can also enjoy the catch of the day, French oysters and a selection of Asian dishes. 

We opt to pair our meal with a refreshing mocktail. The Passionfruit Lemonade comes recommended (orange juice, lemon juice, passion-fruit syrup and 7UP). With an indulgent selection of sweet treats to end the night, Al Dawaar promises to impress from the moment you arrive on the food front. 

Open 6:30pm to 11:30pm daily, those who wish to sip the night away while devouring the buffet should also note that Al Dawaar is serious when it comes to the art of mixology. With specifically designed cocktails and mocktails curated with a modern taste, the options will leave you wanting more and the friendly bartenders are ready to serve their finest concoctions. 

Our waitress works as our guide, helping us navigate the menu whilst ensuring we get the best experience. Expect to feel welcomed and relaxed as soon as you enter Al Dawaar. With views for miles, the restaurants sleek, luxurious upholstery and extremely comfortable seating set the mood for a memorable night. 

GO: Visit www.hyatt.com or call (0)4 209 1234 for reservations and more information.