Inside the new restaurant replacing Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera

The Loft opened on January 20 and promises a 'glamorous dining experience'

The Loft is now open and replaces Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera. Instagram

Sixteen months after opening to rave reviews, chef Sean Connolly shocked diners by announcing the closure of his Dubai Opera restaurant. But just two weeks later, the prime, open-air location has been transformed into a new dining experience called The Loft.

The new restaurant opened its doors on Sunday (January 20), promising visitors plenty of experimental cooking and an all-round 'glamorous experience'.

The Loft’s signature dish is a ‘melt-in-your-mouth’ truffle wagyu carpaccio. The menu also includes an impressive range of fresh seafood, including oysters and king prawns.

According to The Loft’s newly established Instagram page, the venue will also be hosting live music on its outdoor terrace, which offers impressive views of the Burj Khalifa.

A spokesperson for Emaar Hospitality Group said the new opening “promised an experience elevating the iconic location” of Dubai Opera. Anyone visiting the new restaurant in its opening week will be offered free bubbly and canapes on arrival.

Sean Connolly spoke earlier this month about the closure of his Dubai restaurant. In an interview with Esquire Middle East, he said: "It's with great sadness that I leave my baby behind, but I do intend to keep coming back to Dubai."

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