Here’s everything you need to know about Jason Atherton’s new concept

The celebrity chef and restaurateur is set to debut three dining venues in Dubai Marina next month.

When it comes to the dining landscape, few luxury properties can claim to have the Midas touch quite like Grosvenor House – the five-star hotel houses everything from Buddha-Bar and Toro Toro to Indego by Vineet and Rhodes W1. And in under two weeks, it will also boast a new three-venue dining concept by celebrity chef Jason Atherton, who recently left Marina Social after seven successful years.

One of the most eagerly awaited openings of 2023, the new venture will include City Social, 7 Tales, and a yet-to-be-revealed venue, collectively spanning the top three levels of Grosvenor House’s Tower 2. We’re told that two of the three will debut on Friday, 3 February. City Social will pair modern European cuisine with panoramic views of Dubai’s ever-changing skyline. And in keeping with the dining style of City Social’s sister property in London, City Social Dubai has quite simply been created to give diners an environment, a venue and a menu to be enjoyed any way they wish – the choice is yours.

Atherton and his culinary team have worked their gastronomic magic to create a menu where the ingredients do the talking. You can expect some of the dishes that the restaurateur is most famous for, complemented by some exciting new additions such as Scottish Salmon with King Crab, Cucumber, Dill and Trout Eggs, as well as Ravioli of Shellfish with Seaweed, Mushroom Jam and Sweetcorn Velouté. Meanwhile, firm favourites at City Social include Roasted Sea Bass with Shellfish Ragout and Pistachio Soufflé with Dark Chocolate Ice Cream.

Incidentally, City Social is built around the vibrance of its iconic cocktail bar, set against a floor-to-ceiling wine cellar. The seven-metre marble bar takes centre stage, offering a spot for both conversations and relaxation while City Social’s DJs add to the vibrant atmosphere. You can take a seat at the bar and chat with the resident mixologists or be guided to your dining table for the night – where an evening of elevated dishes awaits. Come for a starter and a glass of grape at the bar or opt for a four-course dinner – the creative yet uncomplicated menu has been designed to suit every mood.

The buzzing bar area also features its own terrace overlooking Dubai Marina, Dubai Harbour, Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and beyond. Here, you can sit back and enjoy a glass of grape post-work, a pre-dinner cocktail, or even a nightcap as City Social will be open until 2am on weekdays, and 3am on weekends.

One level up from City Social, courtesy of a truly striking staircase, is 7 Tales. Taking inspiration from Japan circa the early 1960s, this Izakaya-styled speakeasy bar is the latest space to accent the nightlife scene, boasting spectacular views of Dubai Marina, Dubai Harbour and beyond. It amalgamates the hustle and bustle of Tokyo after dark, along with the funky vibrations of Japanese hip-hop tunes played by resident DJs.

Visitors can fuel themselves with Japanese gin, whisky, sake and handcrafted cocktails as well as an array of Asian-inspired bar bites from the kitchen. Elsewhere, trendy design elements include a bespoke graffiti wall and ceiling by the talented graffiti artist, Gary Yong. This lofty speakeasy bar also boasts a special negroni table with a hip game element, transporting you to the vivacious streets of Tokyo. 7 Tales will be open from 7pm until 3am, Monday through Saturday. As for details about the third venue? Watch this space.

GO: Visit www.citysocialdubai.com and www.7talesdubai.com for reservations and more information.