New Year's Eve 2020: The Dubai restaurants with views of the Burj Khalifa fireworks - and their prices

With celebrations fast approaching, here’s a look at some venues taking reservations – and the packages that are on offer

Rooftop venue LookUp will be serving canapes and Burj Khalifa views. Courtesy of LookUp

There are a number of firework shows taking place across the UAE this New Year's Eve.

However, for those who want to ring in 2021 in truly spectacular style, the Burj Khalifa has confirmed that its extravagant show will be back this year – and a number of restaurants are offering front row seats to the world's tallest building's famous pyrotechnics.

Here’s a look at some restaurants with the best views of the Burj Khalifa fireworks, with the dinner packages they have on offer for the evening.

Armani Hotel

Located within the Burj Khalifa itself, the hotel’s restaurants offer some of the best views of the landmark year-round.

For New Year’s Eve, guests can savour an Italian culinary experience at Armani / Ristorante, try Indian flavours at Armani / Amal or tuck into a contemporary Japanese menu at Armani / Hashi, with all three restaurants offering six-course meals, with prices starting at Dh1,299 per person.

The restaurants will not offer outdoor seating for New Year’s Eve, but the  sparkling views can still be seen from their windows.

Thursday, December 31; from Dh1,299; Armani Hotel, Downtown Dubai; 04 888 3666, [e-mail]

Asado

Burj Khalifa views from Argentinian restaurant Asado. Courtesy of Asado

The steakhouse in Palace Downtown has a terrace that offers some of the best views of the Burj Khalifa. For New Year’s Eve, guests can enjoy the sights while tucking into a five-course sharing menu from the Argentinian restaurant, best known for its prime cuts.

Thursday, December 31; 7pm-1am; prices start at Dh2,300 per person indoors, Dh3,775 per person outdoors; Palace Downtown, Downtown Dubai; 04 428 7961, [e-mail]

Bice Mare

This fine-dining Italian seafood restaurant is located in Souk Al Bahar, and features a terrace that’s located in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa. For New Year’s Eve, Bice Mare is offering a six-course set menu, with dishes such as lobster carpaccio salad, pumpkin ravioli and grilled Wagyu beef tenderloin.

Thursday, December 31; Dh3,000 for outdoor seating, Dh2,000 for indoor seating; Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai; bicemare.com

Black Tap

Black Tap in The Dubai Mall has a set menu for those sitting outdoors. Courtesy Black Tap

The popular burger chain opened an outlet at The Dubai Mall's lower ground level this year – which means you can enjoy your Crazyshakes with a side of firework views. A set menu is available for outdoor seating, which includes unlimited sharing wings and appetisers such as guacamole and chips, atomic shrimp and fried mozzarella; the choice of one main course from four options; and a CrazyShake per person, with options between The New Yorker and Brooklyn Blackout. Diners will also get two mocktails and unlimited soft drinks. For indoor seating, there's an a la carte menu available, with a minimum spend of Dh200.

Thursday, December 31; noon to midnight; prices start at Dh900 for outdoor seating; The Dubai Mall, Lower Ground Floor; 04 330 5103, blacktapme.com

Ce La Vi

The infinity pool at Ce La Vi. Courtesy Ce La Vi

Located on the 54th floor of the Address Sky View hotel, this fine-dining Singaporean restaurant stuns with its Burj Khalifa backdrop, visible from every angle. For New Year’s Eve, guests can order executive chef Howard Ko’s signature dishes, and listen to the soulful sounds of a resident DJ as they watch the Burj Khalifa light up at midnight.

Thursday, December 31; 8pm-3am; a la carte menu with Dh2,500 minimum spend per person; Address Sky View Hotel, Downtown Dubai; 04 582 6111, celavi.com

Gia

The outdoor seating area in Gia. Courtesy of Gia

The modern Italian restaurant in The Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue boasts a vast terrace with impressive views of the Burj Khalifa. The restaurant is known for its range of pastas and, for New Year’s Eve, it has put together a three-course set menu so diners can feast on dishes including burrata, pan-seared salmon and mushroom risotto.

Thursday, December 31; 8pm-3am; Dh1,200; Fashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai; 04 234 9986

Hotel Cartagena

Burj Khalifa views from Hotel Cartagena. Supplied

If you’re looking to start your year on a high note (quite literally), this spot on the JW Marriott Marquis' 72nd floor will deliver. The panoramic venue offers 360-degree views of the city, as well as a glimpse of the Burj Khalifa, albeit from a distance. Guests can tuck into everything from lobster to truffle-filled empanadas, and groove to the beats of resident Kio DJ as they usher in the new year at this Latin-American hot spot.

Thursday, December 31; 9pm-1am; Dh799; JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Downtown Dubai; 04 560 1799, hotelcartagena.ae

LookUp

This rooftop venue is located in the heart of City Walk, offering guests uninterrupted views of the Burj Khalifa, without the hassle of the Downtown Dubai traffic. For New Year’s Eve, guests can expect canapes (think tuna tartare cones, salmon and nori roulade, and truffle pizzeta) and live entertainment as they count down to 2021.

Thursday, December 31; 8pm-1am; Dh800; La Ville Hotel & Suites, Downtown Dubai; 04 403 3111, livelaville.com

Neos

This chic lounge is perched on the 63rd floor of the nearby Address Downtown hotel. The outdoor seating has sprawling views of the Burj Khalifa, while the indoors feature windows all the way up to the ceiling. For New Year's Eve, the venue is throwing a Great Gatsby party with dishes and drinks "concocted in an era of flamboyancy".

Thursday, December 31; 7pm to 3am; Dh1,750 for the upper deck, Dh2,000 in the lower deck, Dh2,250 for window seats; Address Downtown; 04 436 8888, addresshotels.com

Thiptara

Thiptara's terrace is located along Burj Lake. Courtesy of Thiptara

The fine-dining Thai restaurant is located right alongside Burj Lake, with a terrace that lets you get up close to the Burj Khalifa. For New Year’s Eve, guests can take in some of the best views of the fireworks while indulging in an evening brunch brimming with Thai delicacies.

Thursday, December 31; 7pm to 1am; indoor seating from Dh2,300 per person, outdoor seating from Dh3,775 per person; 04 428 7961, [e-mail]

Zeta

Located on the Address Downtown’s expanded pool terrace, this Asian-inspired restaurant is definitely one of the best places to be when the clock strikes 12. For New Year’s Eve, guests are encouraged to “celebrate in '80s style”. There will be a massive spread and a chance to win a one-night stay at the hotel.

Thursday, December 31; 7pm to 3am; prices start at Dh4,000; Address Downtown Dubai; 04 436 8888, [e-mail]