Armani Lounge
Armani Hotel Dubai
1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
https://www.armanihotels.com/en/hotels/armani-hotel-dubai/
Visited during a recent cruise from Dubai, UAE, to Cape Town, South Africa
Exclusively occupying eleven floors of the Burj Khalifa, the striking centerpiece of Dubai’s spectacular downtown, the Armani Hotel is very much a world 
unto itself. A distinctive combination of creative Italian design and signature Arabian hospitality, it simply marches to the beat of a uniquely elegant and sophisticated drummer. Not only does it provide its own grand entrance to the world’s tallest structure, it also favors its guests with private & direct access to the Dubai Mall, the world’s largest and most visited shopping & entertainment destination.
As readers would undoubtedly surmise, the Armani Hotel Dubai provides its patrons with a number of 
gastronomic possibilities. The Armani Lounge, however, is particularly recommended. Located on the lobby floor of the hotel, this cozy enclave brings a casual yet decidedly cultivated air to all-day dining. The à la carte menu – international fare with Italian flair – is available from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and includes a classy selection of snacks, appetizers, soups, sandwiches, pizza, main courses, and desserts. Snacks, for example, present such diverse epicurean options as Brie Croquette kissed with balsamic dressing; Lobster Arrancini with lemon zest mayo; Tempura Shrimp; Satay, chicken skewers with a peanut dipping sauce; and Loaded Baked Potato with red capsicum, turkey bacon, and cheddar cheese.
Of special interest are the Hot & Cold Mezze Samplers, offering up a slew of local favorites. To start things off, my dining companion ordered the Cold Mezze (Hummus, Tabbouleh, Babaganoush, etc.), while I chose the Hot Items (Lamb Kebbeh, Shrimp Roll, Chicken Musakkan, etc.) so we could both enjoy a bit of each. We then shared a single entrée – Beef Lasagna with Aged Parmesan Fondue – as our main course. Excellent all around.
Armani Lounge is also well-known for its first-class afternoon tea, which is served from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. You begin by sampling such delicacies as 
Atlantic Royal Smoked Salmon with lime dill cream fraiche with whole wheat roulade and Venice caviar; Main Lobster Remoulade; Truffle Egg Sandwich on brioche; Mint Cucumber with cream cheese finger on tramezzini bread; and Caprese, mini mozzarella with cherry tomatoes & pesto on English muffin… And then moving on to the likes of Vanilla & Chocolate Marble Cake; Banana Walnut Cake; Traditional English Fruitcake; and a selection of Freshly Baked Scones served with homemade lemon curd, raspberry preserve, and clotted cream… Finally concluding with sweets such as Seasonal Fruit Tartlet with vanilla diplomate (pastry cream); Hazelnut Plaisir with milk chocolate Chantilly; and The Armani: white chocolate cheesecake.
Two additional notes… First of all, I should add that I would certainly be remiss if I failed to mention that liquid libations at Armani Lounge are particularly well-prepared. My companion’s Cosmo was positively up to the 
mark; and my Negroni was – absolutely, bar none, without exception – the finest rendition of this cocktail it has ever been my pleasure to ingest.
Secondly, the views of the Dubai Fountain and downtown Dubai are nothing short of spectacular… especially the nightly Dubai Fountain show (pictured), which is worth the price of admission.
Bon Appétit & Cheers!
TAD
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