Author: Monica Bonalto

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Monica Bonalto arrived in Dubai in 2017 with a background in hospitality journalism and quickly became one of the most trusted voices in the UAE's dining and nightlife space. Over seven years on the ground, she has reviewed more than 400 venues across all seven emirates — from the sun-baked beach clubs of JBR and the rooftop terraces of DIFC, to the understated local gems that rarely make it onto tourist lists.Before joining What's Hot in UAE as Nightlife & Dining Editor, Monica contributed to Time Out Dubai, Abu Dhabi Food Festival coverage, and several regional hospitality publications. She has attended every major restaurant opening in Dubai since 2019 and maintains direct relationships with PRs and venue operators across the city — which means the information you read in her guides is always verified, never recycled from a press release.Her specialities are happy hours (she has personally verified every deal on our lists), Friday brunches, and the Northern Emirates' emerging food scene. She is based in DIFC and eats out five times a week. When she says a place is worth your money, it is.Follow Monica's work on Muck Rack, Substack, Vocal, and Medium.

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Keinemusik Is Coming to Dubai for Pacha Icons at Bab Al Shams Arena

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Keinemusik is coming to Dubai as part of the iconic Pacha Icons series — and if you know what either of those names means, you already know this is one of the more significant bookings on the UAE’s electronic music calendar. The event takes place at Bab Al Shams Arena in Dubai, with tickets starting from Dhs375. Here’s everything you need to know, including who exactly Keinemusik are, what the Pacha Icons concept is, and what to expect on the night. Who Are Keinemusik? Keinemusik is a Berlin-based music collective, DJ crew, and record label that has become one of…

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Lucky 2000: Abu Dhabi’s Italian-Inspired Doughnut Shop Has Opened at Souq Al Mina

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Abu Dhabi has a quietly impressive dessert scene, and it just got a notable new addition. Lucky 2000 Abu Dhabi, the latest project from the team behind Marmellata Bakery and Barbassi, has opened at Souq Al Mina in Mina Zayed — and from its first weekend, it’s been pulling in queues. The concept is focused and confident: filled doughnuts, made fresh, assembled to order, served at a waterfront location that’s already one of Abu Dhabi’s most atmospheric food destinations. Here’s everything you need to know before you go. The Concept: A Love Letter to the Zeppole Lucky 2000’s founding inspiration…

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Best Chinese Restaurants in Dubai: From Michelin Stars to DIFC Dim Sum

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Dubai’s Chinese dining scene has quietly become one of the most varied in the Middle East. You can pull up a stool at a JLT noodle counter for AED 40, or sit down to Michelin-recognised Peking duck and black pepper crab in the Opera District for AED 500 a head. Both experiences are worth having — just not on the same occasion. This guide covers the best Chinese restaurants in Dubai across every budget and neighbourhood, with opening hours and price benchmarks for each. Best Chinese Restaurants in Dubai at a Glance Restaurant Area Cuisine Style Price pp Standout Dish…

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Novikov Abu Dhabi Review: One Year On, Still One of the Capital’s Best

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A year is a meaningful milestone in Abu Dhabi’s dining scene, where high-profile openings can fade almost as quickly as they arrive. Novikov Abu Dhabi, settled into The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, has not only survived its first year — it’s consolidated its position as one of the capital’s most consistently impressive Italian-Mediterranean restaurants. It has also earned a MICHELIN Selected distinction in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide — placing it among the select tier of Abu Dhabi restaurants to receive this recognition. We revisited to mark the anniversary, and what follows is an honest account of everything the restaurant…

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Indira Paganotto at Hive, Soho Garden Meydan

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If you follow Dubai’s underground electronic music scene, Indira Paganotto at Hive needs no introduction. The Spanish DJ and producer has become a fixture at Soho Garden Meydan’s underground room, and her sets consistently rank among the best electronic music experiences the city offers. Tickets start from Dhs150 — one of the better value propositions in Dubai’s techno calendar. Here’s a complete guide to the event: who Indira Paganotto is, what Hive at Soho Garden is actually like, and everything you need to know before you go. Who Is Indira Paganotto? Indira Paganotto is a Barcelona-born DJ and producer who…

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Vanitas at Palazzo Versace Dubai: Italian Fine Dining on the Creek With a Set Menu from Dhs200

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If you’re looking for a fine dining experience in Dubai that feels genuinely special without the usual chaos of a Friday brunch, Vanitas at Palazzo Versace Dubai is worth knowing about. The signature Italian restaurant at the iconic Versace hotel on Dubai Creek is currently running a 3-course set menu from Dhs200, available daily for both lunch and dinner. It runs until 8 August 2026, making it a strong option for a summer night out or a long lunch with creek views. Here’s everything you need to know before you book. About Vanitas Restaurant Vanitas is the signature Italian restaurant…

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BADBOX at The Penthouse FIVE Palm Jumeirah

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This 4 July, The Penthouse at FIVE Palm Jumeirah — DJ Mag’s number one club in the Middle East — has something worth planning your Saturday around. BADBOX, the London-based DJ and producer with Cypriot roots and a sound rooted in afro house and afro tech, headlines Skyline Saturdays for what should be one of the more credibly underground nights the Palm has seen this summer. Tickets from Dhs200, bar entry free until midnight. Here is everything you need to know. Who Is BADBOX? BADBOX is a London-based DJ and producer who came up through underground radio — the kind…

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