Restaurants with Burj view in great demand

Most restaurants around the Burj Dubai are fully booked ahead of tonight's opening ceremony.

A number of outlets have been at capacity this evening for more than a week as the public vies to get the best view of events including fireworks and a film projected on to the world's tallest tower.

Bice Mare has proved so popular, restaurant manager Kafka Pucciarelli says he could have booked the tables twice over and he has been forced to pare down its menu due to this high volume.

"We have reduced the à la carte menu to ensure quality but will be serving our signature and best-selling dishes," he said. "We are very lucky because every table faces the tower so we'll be opening the windows to allow everyone a view of the events. It's going to be a good night."

Other restaurants in Souk Al Bahar also have the same story to tell, with some even expanding outdoor capacity to accommodate the rush. Baker and Spice will put more tables on its terrace and has imposed a minimum spend of Dh150 per diner yet this has not deterred people.

"No one has been put off by the minimum spend requirement and the regular Baker and Spice menu will be offered to diners. The practice is no different from what restaurants in the UK and Europe would offer on such special occasions," said a restaurant spokesperson.

When Emirates Business called Mango Tree last week all they could offer was a seat at the bar. "The terrace is pretty full. Most of our guests are regular customers so we don't want to penalise them by imposing any minimum spend. Other restaurants are trying to do it but everything here is the same as every other night," said Manager David Juillet.

Those yet to firm up plans would do well to look at outlets in The Dubai Mall, all of which expect a busy night with many reporting keen interest from punters.

Olivier Heuchenne, General Manager at The Address Dubai Mall, said its Cabana outdoor lounge, which offers stunning views of the tower, is already almost full. But "every minute we are receiving calls and reservation requests," he said. "We still have a few seats, where guests can enjoy a menu of baked specialties and beverages while soaking up the view. We believe it will be fully booked as the hotel runs a high occupancy this week."

And Italian café Carluccio's has confirmed it has taken bookings from a number of people on its outdoor terrace. "We are expecting a few large groups but at the moment there is still some space left," said one member of staff.

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