What’s in a name? Well, quite a lot, it would seem, as luxury establishment Billionaire Dubai returns with a hot summer lineup.
Billionaire Dubai comes to us from F1 impresario Flavio Briatore. The man behind the Billionaire Life brand and its slew of lavish venues that traverse the globe from Monte Carlo to Kenya. Billed as a venue where everyone is treated like a VIP, Billionaire has become one of the hottest places to party in Dubai.
Billionaire comprises three distinct spaces that flow seamlessly into one another. Although the bar and nightclub are currently closed due to the pandemic, the entranceway is dramatic thanks to heavy theatrical curtains that guide the way into the chic dining room.
The interiors exude a rich sense of affluence. There’s a central stage complete with high-tech audiovisuals from which tables topped with white table clothes fan outwards to the edges of the restaurant. With spectacular downtown views visible through the window panes, it’s decadent, it’s opulent, and it’s oh so Billionaire!
With the stage is set for a memorable meal, dining at Billionaire Dubai is accompanied by shows that run approximately every half an hour. Each show is short and snappy, meaning that your food won’t go cold. Acts include singers, dancers and acrobatics that don’t just occur on the stage but all around you. The summer season will see the Billionaire debut of Ivan Peres, a prominent artist whose gravity-defying hand-balancing act has seen him perform at the Moulin Rouge in Paris and with Cirque du Soleil.
Food is ordered from a combined menu of Italian and New Asian cuisines and it’s excellent. As expected from an establishment of this stature, the price point equates to quality in terms of both food and service. From the salmon carpaccio (AED 85) with its slithers of raw fish sauced immediately with jalapeño before serving, to the flavoursome gyoza Wagyu beef (AED 100), each morsel is divine. The sushi and maki rolls, however, are the menu highlights and we’d suggest ordering the Billionaire (AED 130), which contains Wagyu beef, asparagus and mushrooms with creamy truffle sauce, and the spicy tuna (AED 120) with tuna, spicy mayo and wasabi,
Main courses kick things up a notch, with the sweet chilli Wagyu fillet (AED 340) from the Josper grill representing a dish of remarkable flavour and texture. The Italian side of the menu features pasta, risotto and pizza should that be your persuasion.
As Flavio Briatore recently told us when we caught up with him at the venue. “There are no VIPs. From the moment you walk into Billionaire, everyone is treated the same. Billionaire is more of a lifestyle than a brand and our business is entertaining and connecting people.” We’re inclined to agree.
Having attracted a celebrity clientele that includes Will Smith, Naomi Campbell and Robert DeNiro since opening, the reality of the Billionaire experience was not as we expected. The food is delicious and the venue isn’t overly pretentious while offering a unique concept likely to pique the interest of Dubai’s socialites. With front row seats to marvel at the thrilling performances, Billionaire is the place to be once the sun goes down.
The name says it all. It’s opulent and emblematic of Dubai, but did we feel like billionaires? Well, perhaps just for one night…
GO: Visit https://billionairesociety.com/dubai/ or call (0)4 510 3100 for reservations and more information.
