For a taste of 1920s Belgium without leaving Dubai, head to Belgian Beer Cafe. Boasting two outdoor terraces overlooking the Burj Al Arab, Atlantis and the Madinat Jumeirah, this all-day restaurant has some of the best views in the city. Inside, meanwhile, you’ll find a cosy pub-style vibe, with a mezzanine above the main dining room for more private meals. Wood-panelled interiors and a buzzy atmosphere make this a great place to unwind after a hard day’s work.
As the name might suggest, beer is the focus here. For a lighter sip, there are options like Erdinger (by the litre) or Leffe Blond, although the selection extends to serious dark beers like Leffe Brune too. There’s a short, global wine selection for anyone who prefers grape to grain, as well as classic cocktails like margaritas, cosmopolitans and mojitos. Soft drinks, energy drinks and fresh juices are also available for those who don’t drink alcohol.
Dining at Belgian Beer Cafe follows a sharing format. As such, there are various platters well-suited to groups, including charcuterie boards, seafood towers, dips and crisps, Belgian cheese selections and a spicy fried mix of cheese croquettes, chicken wings, mussels and fries. If you prefer a three-course dinner format, that is also well-catered to here. Start off with oysters, onion soup, burrata or other European entrees, before moving on to the main event.
Burger-lovers should try the full-blood wagyu burger, topped with compte cheese, pepper sauce, lettuce and relish. Other meaty options include a rack of BBQ pork ribs, steak frites, veal schnitzel and grilled lamb chops. Those who prefer seafood can opt for the Canadian rock lobster topped with plenty of garlic butter, classic fish and chips or crispy salmon with caper butter. Finish off the hearty meal with a decadent dessert like profiteroles, tiramisu or baked Lotus Biscoff cheesecake.