Nightlife Review: TWENTY THREE Rooftop Bar

The penthouse in any city centre hotel is considered the prime location, the pinnacle, and TWENTY THREE Rooftop Bar boasts the restaurant equivalent of said penthouse suite.

TWENTY THREE Rooftop Bar at Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City features a rooftop terrace area which genuinely took our breath away. This wasn’t because it had views to die for or luxurious furnishings, but because the intricate styling made us feel like we had arrived at the most fantastic soiree. Vast seating surrounded by huge glazed doors open up to make the transition from inside to outside completely seamless. The same signature design is evident in the decadent bar area and throughout the internal dining spaces. 

It’s no surprise that we found ourselves at TWENTY THREE Rooftop Bar, and it’s easy to see why it steals the show as Media City’s number-one hotspot overlooking the city’s iconic skyline; combining panoramic urban views with light bites and classic muddled drinks. 

The theme of “23” is tangible throughout – 23 different twisted cocktails, 23 tastes, 23 brews and 23 grapes, in line with the venue’s aim to turn convention on its head. Outdoor terrace seating proved ideal for sundowners, with a light breeze encompassing the area. The unrelenting glamour of the place invites you into its prowess as opposed to other pretentious counterparts across Dubai, which is a skill and indeed a creative balance. 

We found that the menu and the fusion of global tastes and ingredients were perfectly executed. Their esteemed Italian Executive Chef Marco Amarone draws on his Mediterranean roots with an evident Asian influence being drawn from his career in Singapore, Japan and Thailand. 

The Crusty Halloumi from the “SOMETHING BITES” section beautifully illustrated this with cheese saganaki and harissa dip, ensuring the Mediterranean flavours were wholeheartedly represented. Each dish was presented with the same vivacity as the décor. Delicate slivers of colour and splinters of contrasting textures presented in a sculptural way. 

Moving on to their “SOMETHING TAPAS” section allowed us to enjoy Vietnamese style Sugarcane Prawns with sriracha mayo and finger lime, providing a piquancy that perfectly complemented one another. The Chicken Satay with peanut dip and chilli vinaigrette was presented as more art than cuisine. The flavours, seasonings and drizzles were delicate and genuinely delicious. 

The presentation of the Wood Plank Grilled Salmon with lemon sea urchin butter and roasted vine tomatoes was a definite showstopper. The lemon intensified the freshness and flavourings of the flesh as each mouthful tantalised the palate. Carnivores will not be disappointed with offering their Angus Beef Burger and Butter-aged Angus Ribeye. We decided on the steam and the fact that it was seared on a cast iron pan allowed the quality of the prime meat to shine through. The white asparagus and French mustard provided the perfect accompaniment. The risotto was as authentic as any produced by the finest Italian chefs, the hint of truffle oil adding luxuriance to the dish. 

Just when we thought we would combust over the generous portions, we found ourselves ordering dessert… albeit we decided to share! We were met with an injection of green matcha into some ice cream that provided a beautiful ending to our gastronomic journey whilst also showcasing a final testament to the myriad of cultural influences throughout the menu. 

TWENTY THREE Rooftop Bar is undoubtedly a dining experience crowning the most exciting, voguish residence to open in Media City. It provides the perfect backdrop for business negotiations, catch-ups amongst close friends or intimate family gatherings. Just as the menu is a fusion of the best the world offers, the restaurant is indeed the ultimate venue for the fusion of all manner of clientele. 

GO: Call (0)54 793 1425 for reservations and more information.