Billionaire Dubai Near+Far rating: 9/10
Why book Billionaire Dubai
In the past few years, dinner and a show concepts have boomed across the city, popping up at rapid speed. But, as visitors to an unassuming corner of Taj Dubai will know, none truly compare to Billionaire Dubai. The embodiment of cheeky Billionaire founder Flavio Briatore – F1 legend-turned-hospitality mogul – Billionaire represents extravagance, naughtiness, decadence, and all together, a fantastic time. The original concept opened its doors in Porto Cervo, Sardinia in 1998, and 25 years later, is still delighting guests across the world in Riyadh, Doha, Monte Carlo, and Dubai. When it comes to celebrating and enjoying the exuberance of life, there’s nowhere better to head in the city, boasting a world-class show, fantastic Italian and Pan-Asian menu and some of the best service in the city. Billionaire Dubai promises a truly spectacular night out – this is hedonism at its best.
The vibe: 10/10
The journey begins before you take a seat at your table and before you even step into the theatrical dining room. Guests enter the space via an elevator, which feels like it’s descending into a subterranean den of hedonism (when, in fact, it’s actually elevating you, given away by the twinkling city views outside the draped windows). The journey continues with Billionaire’s signature deep red walkway – a tunnel into another world of frivolity and opulence – and into the high-octane dining room-cum-theatre itself. The vibe is impeccable, and all guests are guaranteed a good time. While the restaurant opens at 9pm, the show doesn’t start until around 10pm – as this is when the vibe truly begins. Billionaire has managed to make guests want more from each show and to capture their imagination. Intervals with high-octane party music create an insatiable vibe, and dinner is a mix between feasting and dancing at your seats, with regular for the classic napkin-waving interludes – typical of Briatore’s pulsating party venues. As the show finishes at midnight, diners are encouraged to get up and dance right at their seats, creating a heady atmosphere that can be continued in the adjacent nightclub.
The show: 10/10
Billionaire’s show is a truly jaw-dropping spectacle with some of the world’s most talented performers from global talent shows, leading cabarets and Cirque du Soleil. Shows take place in interludes, where the volume soars and the energy with it, and diners are treated to world-class performances like contortionists, dancers, singers and a rotating roster of acts from famous stage shows and international television talent competitions. Some acts will have you on the edge of your seat, squealing alongside as performers defy all odds; others will have you singing along and clapping – the excitement carries on even after the curtain falls at midnight.
The interiors: 9/10
Billionaire’s interiors are sumptuous and seductive, designed to resemble a cavernous den of hedonism and extravagance. A deep red corridor lined with thick theatrical curtains transports you into the dining room, where a sea of terraced tables with crisp white tableclothes await. The space itself is opulent, with draped curtains and chandeliers, and all diners are focused around a grand central stage. This is a true taste of theatrical magic in Dubai and so much more than a dinner and a show.
The food: 8/10
What makes Billionaire Dubai such an exceptional night out is its commitment to and passion for its food offerings – sometimes an afterthought at dinner and entertainment venues. Billionaire’s menu encompasses the best of Italian and Pan-Asian cuisine, offering something for all diners. The menu is split into two, with the first half, Mediterranean, featuring all the classics, like creamy burrata (AED140), crispy calamari (AED150), Wagyu beef carpaccio with truffle (AED275), crispy Roman-style pizza and homemade pasta, along with Josper grill meats and fresh seafood. The Asian menu features delights like steamed edamame (AED60), Steamed buns (AED190), a raw bar, salads and stand-out Miso-marinated Alaskan black cod (AED280). A huge variety of sushi is also available and it’s not a complete night unless you opt for the signature Billionaire dessert selection (AED250/500). – a tiered Wonka-style wonderland of tiramisú, chocolate fondat, crème brûlèe, apple crumble, vanilla & pistachio ice cream and Japanese mochi. Prices are a little higher, but with no entry or cover fee for the show itself, it couldn’t more more worth it.
The verdict
Billionaire is unmatched when it comes to dinner and a show in Dubai. The food is exceptional and worth a visit, even if there was no show. But there is, and what a show it is. There’s nowhere quite like it for a true celebration – combining world-class dining with some of the world’s most talented performers, plus impeccable celebratory vibes and all the music you want to hear when enjoying a night of frivolity. This, combined with show-stopping decor and impeccable service – with staff who are not afraid to have a laugh, get involved, and make you smile – yet still be available at the drop of a hat to take an order or top up your drink. Billionaire Dubai is a superlative in a city of superlatives, and visitors will not be disappointed.
Taj Dubai, Downtown Dubai; billionairesociety.com, @billionairedubaiofficial
