I ventured into Amaya to take a break from the bustle of Dubai Mall and enjoy what was promised to be an unforgettable Mediterranean meal. The first thing that hits you about Amaya is the décor. The iconic purple bear sculpture by Joseph Klibansky greets you as you enter. I found myself loitering around it a beat longer than necessary, just to soak in the whimsy before experiencing the food.
Amaya, which translates to “pleasant place,” leans perfectly into the idea. The space is wonderfully quirky and artsy with a multitude of seating options, each with its own scenic view. You can choose to sit indoors with a view of the Dubai Mall Waterfalls, sit outdoors on the terrace and look out onto the fountains and sweeping views of the Burj Khalifa or deeper inside among the art-inspired walls of the restaurant.
Fair warning, if you do decide to sit indoors, you’ll find your eyes wandering and taking in the art on the walls between courses. There’s no shortage of little discoveries between courses.
My favourite detail? a line drawing of Sleeping Beauty and Prince Philip, captioned “Fairy Tales do exist, Keep swiping. It got a genuine chuckle out of me and honestly sums up the mood of the place quite well.
What I Ate
I started with the mini tacos, a promising start with crispy shells giving way to a generous filling of cured salmon, avocado, lime, chives and tobiko. Crunch on the outside, lush, citrus-kissed richness inside. The salmon was clean and bright, the avocado creamy and the tobiko added a playful pop.
Amongst the mains, the truffle pizza easily stole the show. Made with truffle sauce, fresh shaved truffle, buffalo mozzarella, and parmesan, it had that rich, earthy depth you want from anything truffle-based. Extremely flavourful, it was perfectly indulgent while remaining incredibly light. I followed that with the wild mushroom risotto, with Carnaroli rice, wild mushrooms, fresh truffle, and parmesan. It was equal parts comforting and well-executed, hitting all those deep, savoury notes.
I’m usually the first to skip an ice cream cake, but the description of Amaya’s mango version was too tempting to ignore, with its tropical mango ice cream and fresh mango compote, crowned with crunchy chocolate pearls and a smooth white chocolate sauce. I’m so glad I branched out. They pour a warm white chocolate sauce over the top, which hardens instantly against the cold cake, creating this brilliant contrast of temperatures. Between the mango compote and the crunch of the chocolate pearls, it was a masterclass in textures. The contrast in temperatures and textures made every bite interesting and a little different.
Drinks
The La Vie En Rose was easily one of my favourite parts of the experience. I would honestly go back over and over again, just for that one drink. A rose-based sour with a citrus bubble perched atop. The drink is served with a theatrical flair. It arrives with a citrus bubble on top, delivered via a specialised scent gun that the server pops, releasing a delicate smoke that seasons the drink. The rose paired with the sour aftertaste makes for a brilliantly refreshing combination.
I was also treated to a lovely surprise drink by the staff called Bear With Us, a coconut pina colada, featuring a custom print on top featuring the Amaya bear and a nod to Zenith Magazine.
The Service
Speaking of the staff, a shout-out to my server, Tokyo, who was sweet, welcoming and exceptionally attentive throughout the entirety of my visit. The combination of strong starters, a standout truffle pizza, and the refreshing mango dessert made it a memorable evening, underscored by a service team that made me feel genuinely cared for.
Personal Reflections and Recommendations
If you’re choosing a seating option, I’d vote for indoors for lunch with the waterfalls view if you want a classic Dubai Mall photo moment and a serene backdrop; the terrace is perfect for an early breakfast or sunset dinner, especially if you want to pair your meal with a view of the fountains.
Do not skip the drinks. I’m definitely going to make a day of it and go back to sample more of the dinks menu.
If you’re celebrating something special, mention it to your server. The staff’s custom toppers and thoughtful touches can truly elevate the moment.
Bottom Line
Amaya offers a thoughtfully curated experience that blends artful interiors, playful touches, and a menu of delectable dishes. It’s a great pit stop in between a shopping spree, a great option for a celebration, or simply a casual outing with friends or family.
