2020 has been on hell of a year! The year kicked off with a deadly pandemic, which has now drastically changed the way we live. From social distancing to facemasks, this year introduced a new normal to the world. And in the midst of it all, several business took a beating, and eventually had to shut shop. Unfortunately, Dubai lost some of the best eateries in town. Here’s a list of restaurants that never saw the light of the day.
1. Barbary Deli & Cocktail Club
A chic and sophisticated restaurant in Barsha, Barbary Deli & Cocktail Club was a favorite hangout in town. The place was inspired by speakeasy bars of 1930s Paris, and guests could enjoy game nights, tastefully-whipped cocktails, and a delectable menu consisting of premium cured meats, market salads, bread, dips and sandwiches. The space is now occupied by Lola Taberna Española- a stylish new Spanish restaurant.
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2. Ramusake, JBR
One of Dubai’s famous Japanese restaurant, Ramusake JBR also faced the brunt of the pandemic. The bar was specially famous for its Wednesday ladies’ night deals and the outdoor terrace space, perfect for drinks on a cozy winter evening. The restaurant offered some truly delicious eats like tuna sashimi pizza, fried truffle and cheese dumplings with truffle ponzu, and fried chicken kara-age sliders with kimchee mayo and pickles.
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3. Copper Dog, JBR
If you’re scouting for places in JBR to enjoy a roast dinner and a pint, you may have to think harder as popular Scottish pub Copper Dog has closed its doors. The internet was abuzz as the pub changed its Google & Facebook profiles to ‘permanently closed’. CT Dubai called to find out that it was true. The reason for the closure however remains unknown. The famous pub was a go-to spot for traditional pub grub, daily roast dinner, as well as a variety of other British dishes.
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4. Al Hambra, Madinat Jumeirah
The Spanish eatery docked on the ground floor of Al Qasr hotel in Madinat Jumeirah, offered the most uninhibited views of the Burj Al Arab. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in a bustling Valencian taverna – but one glance at the view of the palm-fringed canals from the terrace will remind you of your romantic Gulf location. The restaurant served delectable eats including the zingy gazpacho, chorizo frito, calamari rings, king prawns, chicken and rabbit paella. The restaurant closed earlier this year and never reopened.
5. Ruya, Dubai Marina
Ruya offered Anatolian cuisine in a lively, relaxed setting. Guests could indulge in a culinary journey, rooted in Turkey’s rich history and enthused with the vibrancy of modern day Turkey, from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. There was also an outdoor terrace overlooking Dubai’s stunning Marina, where you could enjoy signature beverages and tasty meze in Rüya’s vibrant lounge – a modern Meyhane in Dubai. Well, sadly all this is now a story of the past after the restaurant closed doors in May 2020.
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6. Kizmet, Downtown Dubai
This one was a perfect neighborhood restaurant! Kizmet which opened in December 2018, was known for its Instagrammable interiors and creative dishes. The restaurant had seasonal menus and dishes like Chickpea Fries, Beirut Yakitori and Kalbi Chicken Pizza. However, this place wasn’t all about food. 80 seats, intimate open kitchen, and uninterrupted Burj Khalifa views were some of the other things you could enjoy here.
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7. Morimoto, Business Bay
In August this year, a Japanese fusion restaurant Mami Umami replaced Morimoto. Mama Umami serves Japanese izakaya-style dining with a modern Latin American twist. The menu is carefully crafted by executive chef Carlos Rodriguez.