Located on Bluewater Island, it is set in a secret garden.
When you arrive at Blue Door in Delano Dubai, you hear the crash of the waves, see the twinkling lights, and smell the aromas of Anatolian cuisine. It feels like you have stumbled upon a wedding reception, thanks to the all-white décor, fairy lights strung between towering trees, and the soft hum of laughter and clinking glasses.
Delano Dubai marks the first opening of the Delano brand in the Middle East. The Bluewaters Island location has had its fair share of challenges. Ain Dubai stopped spinning, Caesars Palace Dubai closed, and, during the day, it is a sleepy spot. Blue Door takes advantage of the calm and offers a sophisticated, serene dining experience, making it feel like a hidden gem.
Blue Door offers both indoor and outdoor seating, but nothing compares to the alluring al fresco setting, which feels like a setting for a romantic comedy. Harry and Sally could be at the neighbouring table, just without us having what she’s having. Stroll through the larger-than-life lamps into a secret garden, where tables are generously spaced out and offer plush privacy.
Blue Door’s menu prides itself on using high-quality ingredients from the land and sea. The menu spans oysters and caviar, mezze, salads, hot starters, kebabs and grills, large plates, sides and desserts. Start things off with style and order the Gilliardeau oysters, which are served with vinaigrette and diced shallots.
Ada Peyniri is superb in its simplicity. Pan-fried, battered goat feta cheese is drizzled with a nutty sesame and sweet honey sauce. The result is a beautifully balanced, crispy, and creamy dish. Ic Pazı Sarma draws on the traditional flavours of Turkey, with spiced minced meat enveloped in chard leaves. Dip them into the accompanying yoghurt and tomato sauces for a choice between contrast and tangy flavours. The Grilled Octopus tastes fantastically fresh, as if it were just caught from the nearby shores, and served with garlic and sun-dried tomato.
Blue Door’s main courses offer a variety of options, from pan-seared sea bass to a hearty vegetarian eggplant dish. For something more traditional, order the Manti – delicate dumplings stuffed with minced beef, served with walnuts, yoghurt and tomato sauce. The Iç Pilav makes a perfect accompaniment of fragrant rice infused with almonds and spices.
The dessert menu reads like Türkiye’s greatest hits. If you’re after comfort food, order the Urfa Baklava, which is made with thinly sliced carrots and served with ice cream. The Kabak Tatlisi is an unexpected creation with a soft pumpkin, creamy tahini and ice cream.
Blue Door’s drinks list covers cocktails, mocktails and wine. We started with a glass of Taittinger, Brut Réserve. The wines come from unexpected corners of the world, including Georgia, Lebanon and Türkiye. The cocktails include Compassion with bubble gum, Turkish raki and watermelon; Istanbul with gin, lavender, rosemary and vodka; and Safran with passion fruit, Pisco and vanilla.
Throughout our visit, the staff at Blue Door were warm and welcoming. While service leaned on the slower side, the team remained professional and courteous throughout. Their thoughtful recommendations for both drinks and dishes added a personal touch to the experience.
Romance and refinement – be charmed by Blue Door.
GO: Visit www.banyantree.com for more information.