If you’re looking for amazing East Mediterranean cuisine in the heart of DIFC, Alaya is the place to go. As you enter the venue, you are greeted with the pleasant interiors, which feature handcrafted ceramic tiles, traditional tapestry, rich colours, and exquisite designs. Each design aspect is carefully considered, and the magic of Sagrada’s well-known F&B design guru Richard Saunders is evident.

What we loved most about this venue was its eclectic atmosphere and stunning Art Deco design. The boucle-paved ceiling, emerald green velvet chairs, stingray skin-like panels, and geometric parquet flooring are truly admirable.

The beautiful ceiling of Alaya, as well as an Antonio Santin tapestry on the wall of the main dining room, are a visual feast for art aficionados. Take a look around and you’ll see the eye-catching art pieces, such as a traditional beaded tapestry and a contemporary abstract artwork, that highlight Alaya’s varied style.

When it comes to food, Alaya’s business lunches are fantastic, with options ranging from Mediterranean to Middle Eastern.

Start your meal with Grape Leaves Dolma, Spiced Carrot Salad, or Kale Tabbouleh, or choose from Shish Kofte, Cheese Borek, or Fried Calamari. When it comes to the main course, don’t miss the Wagyu Tenderloin, classic Shish Chicken, or Mediterranean Pasta. Finish with a delicious treat, such as the Apricot Tart or my personal fave, Mochikan Chocolate Cake.

They recently started the Golden Hour at Alaya. Every Monday through Friday from 5pm. to 7pm, Alaya will host an aperitivo time in which guests can enjoy a complimentary bar snack with every drink ordered. Aperitivo is a pre-meal drink, and the experience is a cultural ritual. The ritual, derived from the Latin aperire, means “to open” the stomach before meals.

You can try the ‘Lost Oasis’ with its tropical and floral flavours, or the ‘Gates of Petra’, which takes you on a zesty and umami-packed voyage. After that, try the Potato Harra or Fried Calamari, and let each taste transport you to the Mediterranean’s Oriental Coast.

Golden Hour at Alaya is the ideal way to relax after a hard day in a tranquil and elegant setting.