Orthodox Christmas in UAE 2025: Where to celebrate

From Italian fare to Russian favourites, here's what's on the menu in the UAE

CT Desk

Published: Sun 5 Jan 2025, 8:09 PM

Last updated: Wed 8 Jan 2025, 1:31 AM

This year, Orthodox Christmas falls on Tuesday (January 7). Haven’t figured out your plans with the fam yet? Don’t worry, here’s a round-up of spots doing specials. It’s still festive season.

Arrogante

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Give your Orthodox Christmas an Italian twist when you dine at Arrogante. The restaurant’s three-course festive menu highlights include Norwegian King Salmon carpaccio, veal cotoletta gratinated with pomodoro and mozzarella fior di latte, and indulgent desserts like semifreddo al caffé. Ciao.

Dh175 (kids under 12); Dh350 (adult). Jan 7, 7pm onwards. Arrogante, Opera District, Downtown Dubai. Call 045703653.

Salvaje

Salvaje

For an elegant evening, get the family together at Salvaje Dubai. The five-course dining experience, crafted by chef Michel De Barros, features dishes such as like soft shell crab with tobanjan sauce, premium Australian wagyu inside skirt steak, and desserts such as coconut tres leches.

Dh225 (up to 12 years); Dh450 (adult). Jan 7, 7pm onwards. Opera District - Address Residences, Downtown Dubai. Call 045703653.

Kaspia Dubai

Kaspia Dubai

French dining meets Russian inspiration at Kaspia Dubai where you can tuck into a feast with Kaspia’s Potato, topped with luxurious caviar, to the indulgent beef stroganoff and a selection of delicately smoked fish.

à la carte menu. Jan 7. DIFC, Gate Village Building 2. 04 243 5633.

Aelia

Celebrating the occasion with the whole fam? Check out Aelia, which will be plating up carabineros crudo with passion fruit dressing as a starter, spinach and ricotta cannelloni as a highlight of the mains and pryaniki as dessert.

Dh149 (kid); Dh349 (adult). Jan 7. One&Only One Za'abeel. 04 6661617.

Terra Mare Restaurant

Unwind and introduce the kiddos to Santa when you stopover for the Orthodox Christmas Day brunch at Terra Mare Restaurant. There’s an array of traditional and festive dishes on the menu, a DJ and a violinist on the restaurant terrace, if you are in a musical mood. And Big Red will be visiting to give out presents to little guests.

From Dh240 (soft beverages). Dh150 (kids aged 6-12). Jan 7, 12.30pm to 4pm, Al Marina - Abu Dhabi. 971 (2) 498 0000.

Ossiano

For a special Christmas treat, sample Chef Grégoire Berger’s menu at this Michelin star restaurant. The Ossiano Orthodox Christmas dinner will take guests on a sensorial journey with its 11-wave menu, paired with a carefully curated beverage selection. There’s also caviar on this occasion.

Dh1,250 per person (excluding beverages). Caviar starts from Dh550. Until Mon 8, 6pm-1am. Atlantis, The Palm. 04 426 0770.

Fi’lia

Celebrate Orthodox Christmas on January 7 with an exquisite Italian dining experience at Fi’lia, SLS Dubai, Business Bay. Enjoy a festive set menu featuring Insalata di Fi’lia, Pizza alla Burrata e Pistacchio, oven-baked Tacchinella Ripiena with walnut gremolata, and the signature Panettone dessert. Priced at Dh295 per person, this culinary offering captures the essence of the season in a warm and inviting atmosphere. For reservations, call 04 607 0770.

Armani/Mediterraneo

Celebrate Orthodox Christmas at Armani/Mediterraneo, located in Armani Hotel inside the iconic Burj Khalifa, with a luxurious Mediterranean-inspired brunch on January 7, from 1pm to 4pm. Indulge in a curated menu featuring Levantine classics, French gastronomy, and Italian, Greek, and Spanish specialties, including an Oyster Display, Olivier Salad, Foie Gras Terrine, and Seafood on Ice, all crafted to honour festive traditions. Priced at Dh399 per person, this exquisite dining experience promises to create cherished holiday memories.

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