Budget bubbles: Champagne by the glass in Dubai for under AED100
[UPDATED 8TH OCTOBER 2019]. In a world of cash-conserving Cava and perkily priced Prosecco, there are still times when only the official drink of celebration, Champagne, will do. However, the cost of that glass often sparks a long hard look at the direction your life has taken, whilst you try not to cry into the menu, especially with the addition of VAT. Yet, believe it or not, there are still bargains to be had, even in Dubai, a city that’s no stranger to ambitious pricing. The Tasting Class spills the beans on where to go for a great value drop of the real French deal – Champagne.
To get you started, here are 11 restaurants, bars and hotels in Dubai where you can find that elusive and affordable glass of Champagne, listed from reasonably priced to absolute bargain – all under AED100 including all taxes. Note; the many AED99 deals below are listed giving preference to all-day offers, and then alphabetically.
11. The Meat Co., Souk Al Bahar & Souk Madinat Jumeirah: The Meat Co. may be of South African origin, but with five of their seven branches located in the GCC, it’s a regional staple. You can enjoy Moët & Chandon Impérial for AED99 between 7-9pm in the Souk Al Bahar branch, and as of November 1st, you’ll be able to get it in the refurbished Souk Madinat Jumeirah location, too.
10. Jones The Grocer, Emirates Golf Club: Successfully straddling the line between modern-but-relaxed café and gourmet deli counter, it makes perfect sense that you can get a well-priced glass of bubbles to accompany a late lunch or a premium quality cheese platter. Here you’ll find Moët & Chandon Impérial for AED99 from 4pm until close.
9. The Loft, Dubai Opera: At Dubai Opera, you can enjoy an elevated cultural experience from live musical performances to the latest films. Before or after the show pop up to The Loft for more decadence with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut for AED99.
8. Tasca by Jose Avillez, Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah: Pioneering up-market Portuguese cuisine, Tasca offers the largest selection of Portuguese wines in Dubai and is one of the few places that offers Taittinger Brut Réserve by the glass. And for only AED99. With plenty of lux seating options indoor or on the terrace overlooking the Arabian Gulf it is a great spot to indulge no matter the season.
7. Mina Brasserie, DIFC: This elegant European brasserie located in the heart of the DIFC’s Gate Village captures its fair share of the after-work crowd with ample seating options in the restaurant, or on the foliage-rich terrace. The fact that they offer Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut for AED99 per glass is just one more reason to check it out.
6. JA Lake View Hotel, Jebel Ali: A newly opened hotel next to longstanding sibling Jebel Ali Resort boasts a number of restaurants, all offering Laurent Perrier Brut by the glass for AED99. Check out Republik, a gastro pub; Kinara, chef Vikas Khanna’s modern Indian restaurant; or Bibe, a rooftop bar with glorious views across the golf course.
5. Folly by Nick & Scott, Souk Madinat Jumeirah: There are three main reasons to visit Folly. 1) To enjoy the thoughtful, seasonal and well-crafted menu prepared by two of Dubai’s favourite chefs. 2) To park-up on the abundant, yet cosy terraced rooftop seating with views of the Burj al Arab. And 3) Sundowners while enjoying Lanson Champagne at AED99 per glass.
4. Azure Beach, Rixos JBR: Azure beach club has a distinctly airy, Mediterranean vibe, and if there is ever a time to put ice in your Champagne, it’s at a beach club with your toes in the sand or kicking back poolside. Azure offers a selection of Moët & Chandon Impérial or Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial (the latter of which is ideal served over ice) for AED99.
3. Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes: This long-time local watering hole for residents of The Lakes, The Greens, The Springs and Emirates Hills rewards loyal clientele with plenty of markets and family-friendly activities on their spacious grounds. Moët & Chandon Impérial served at AED85 per glass does its part to keep the neighbourhood stopping by.
2. Boca, DIFC: Nestled in the heart of Dubai’s financial centre, this snug Mediterranean bar, restaurant and patio has become a local institution thanks in part to its house drink specials, tasty Sangria and great value bubbles. A glass of the organic Duval-Leroy Rosé Prestige Premier Cru will set you back a mere AED85 here.
1. BB Social Dining, DIFC: This multi-storey townhouse venue feels a little like a cosy speakeasy, serving a menu of Pan-Asian single plate bao buns, bites, bowls and barbeque dishes, with a nod to Middle Eastern ingredients. Its extensive wine list offers great value for money, with an adorable coupe glass of the little-known Marques de Jonchery Joseph Perrier Champagne for just AED74.
Any other bargain glasses of Champagne we may have missed?
Lindsay Trivers – The Tasting Class.
The Tasting Class is on a mission to improve wine culture in the Middle East. Host a tasting at home with one of their private sommeliers, enrol in their certified Wine & Spirit Education Trust courses, come along to one of their public tastings, or meet the team on one of FooDiva’s #ThreeChefsDinner experiences.
The most useful article I have read in ages!!!! I am thinking of moving back to downtown given the call of bubbles and 5AED oysters … yummy!