Author: Monica Bonalto

Monica Bonalto's avatar

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.

Balloons in blue, gold, and white decorate an indoor space with a bright "zuma" sign on a wall.
GOING OUT

Zuma Dubai DIFC — Full Guide 2026

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📍 AddressGate Village Building 3, DIFC, Dubai ⏰ HoursDaily 12pm – 2am 💰 PriceAED 350–700 per person (average spend) 🍶 CuisineContemporary Japanese / Izakaya / Robatayaki 📞 Phone+971 4 425 5660 👔 Dress CodeSmart elegant — no shorts, flip-flops, or sportswear 🔖 Reservationszumarestaurant.com ⭐ AwardsMichelin Guide Dubai listed Zuma is the sort of restaurant that does not need to shout. It has been in DIFC since 2008, it holds a place in the Michelin Guide Dubai, and on any given Friday evening its bar is one of the most genuinely energetic rooms in the city. It attracts finance professionals, visiting…

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A rooftop pool with a woman sitting in a stylish cabana, overlooking a city skyline dominated by the Burj Khalifa.
Living in the UAE

Address Hotel Dubai Mall: The Definitive Pre-Booking Guide for an Informed & Flawless Stay

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Dubai, a city a byword for ambition and unmatched luxury, beckons discerning travellers from across the globe. Amidst its glittering skyline and lively cultural tapestry, the Address Hotel Dubai Mall stands as a beacon of five-star hospitality, directly connected to one of the world’s most iconic shopping and entertainment destinations. Yet, with so many options and details to consider, securing the perfect luxury stay can feel like a complex endeavour. This isn’t just another hotel review. This is your definitive pre-booking guide, carefully crafted to provide unbiased insights, insider tips, and everything you absolutely must know for a flawless, informed…

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Tall, modern skyscraper with a golden facade surrounded by palm trees, flags, and a busy road at sunset.
Living in the UAE

Wynn Al Marjan Island: Your Definitive First-Look Guide to Opening, Booking, & Unrivalled Luxury

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✅ Updated 31 July 2026 — Wynn Al Marjan Island is under construction on Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island. The tower topped out in December 2025; Wynn has now confirmed the resort will open in September 2027, announced during its Q2 2026 earnings call on 5 August 2026. Bookings are not yet open. This guide is rebuilt from Wynn’s own investor filings, the GCGRA public register, and on-the-ground UAE reporting so it stays the most complete, most current version of this story. Ras Al Khaimah is about to get the UAE’s first legal casino, and it is not a…

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A stylish, dimly-lit bar interior with lush greenery, an arched wooden ceiling, and shelves of bottles behind the counter.
Restaurants

Sushisamba Dubai: Unlocking the Unforgettable

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SushiSamba sits on the 51st floor of the Palm Tower, and the pitch is right there in the address: Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian food and a 360-degree view over Palm Jumeirah, the Gulf and the skyline. This guide covers booking, the menu, prices, the room and the view.Related: explore our full Bluewaters Island area guide for Ain Dubai, beach clubs and things to do. Related: explore our full DIFC area guide for the best fine dining and bars, art galleries and things to do in Dubai’s financial district. Mastering Your Visit: Reservations, Location, and Essential Tips for Sushisamba Dubai How to Secure a…

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