Boasting stunning views across Dubai Marina, Bushra by Buddha Bar is the perfect place to while away warm nights. Sample the best of Middle Eastern cuisine, exciting cocktails and the occasional live entertainment too, all in one chic restaurant. The interiors are glamorous, yet laid-back, featuring plush sofas, ornate lighting, traditional tiling and various pieces of art and potter dotted around. It’s a seriously cool spot for dates, family get-togethers or dinner with friends.
The signature cocktails are an absolute must at Bushra, each a unique blend of various global spirits and local spices. The Levante, for example, mixes house gin with Campari, raspberry puree and clove syrup, while the medina is a combo of gin, arak and hibiscus and cumin cordial.
There’s an extensive cold mezze selection to start things off, such as Beiruti silky hummus topped with spiced beef, pomegranate, pine nuts and feta. Elsewhere you’ll find summer tabbouleh, muhammara and smokey moutabel with cumin gouda and chilli brik wafers. The hot mezze kicks things up a notch, with entries like breaded chicken liver with fennel, lime, sumac crumbs and feta mayo or crispy baby squid with spicy green mayo.
The sharing mains are a star-studded cast of showstoppers. From the sea, try the wild seabass with sweet-spiced risotto, crispy onions, flaked almonds and pine nuts, or the jumbo Gulf prawns with a Moroccan spice mix and angel hair pasta. Meatier options, meanwhile, include the likes of a slow-cooked lamb shoulder with Baharat spices, stuffed kousa and saffron rice. There are also top-tier veggie options like roasted aubergine with chickpeas, plum tomatoes, akawi, ghost cheese and orzo pasta or vegetable couscous with caramelised onion, raisins and almonds.
To finish, try the Middle Eastern tiramisu, a playful take on the Italian dessert, featuring Turkish coffee, cardamom and orange blossom.