Alaya Dubai — Restaurant in Dubai

We had booked a table for seven people to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Within the first 20 minutes, during the welcome glass of wine, the waiters broke two or three glasses. Shortly after, a staff member showed us to our table and repeatedly insisted on sharing food and bills, completely disregarding our clear request for separate orders and individual bills. I had to repeat myself multiple times, explaining: “We are not a family group. It’s à la carte—everyone pays for what they order.”

The evening took an even worse turn when a member of your staff attempted to saber a bottle of wine near our table and broke it in half. Glass shards flew onto my guests, the table, and even shattered my wine glass. Shards ended up on the tablecloth, our clothes, and the chairs. Despite the severity of the incident—which could have caused serious injuries or even permanent damage to someone’s eyesight—the staff failed to act promptly. Only later did they replace the entire table. This careless handling of such a dangerous situation was completely unacceptable.

To make matters worse, the payment process descended into chaos. Some guests had spent more than the amount included in the reservation package, but your staff asked everyone to cover these extra costs, creating unnecessary discomfort and confusion. From the very beginning, we had explicitly clarified—on three separate occasions—that each guest would receive their own individual bill.

Even after we paid for the extra bottles of wine and left a generous $100 tip, the manager followed my guests outside, demanding additional payments that did not match anyone’s orders. This entire situation could have been easily avoided if the waiter had been properly trained to ensure each guest paid only for what they consumed, as we had clearly requested from the start.

The behavior of the manager was shocking and unacceptable. With arrogance, he failed to understand or address the situation properly and even went as far as to threaten to call the police. His actions ruined what was meant to be a joyful celebration, wasting over an hour of our evening arguing about something that should have been resolved seamlessly.

What should have been a festive and memorable New Year’s Eve celebration turned into a nightmare due to the incompetence and unprofessionalism of both the staff and management. Is this truly the level of service your establishment prides itself...

A Disappointing End to What Could Have Been a Perfect Eid Celebration We chose ALAYA in DIFC for a special Eid dinner with family, expecting a memorable evening—and it certainly was, but for all the wrong reasons. Let me start with the most jarring part of our experience: a staff member named Yoldez single-handedly ruined our evening. After a flawless start to the night, she approached our table with an attitude so shockingly rude and dismissive, it left us speechless. She rushed us to leave the restaurant, insisting we had no dessert order, despite the fact that we had pre-ordered two special desserts for a private celebration well in advance. Her tone was aggressive, her demeanor unprofessional, and her behavior completely out of line for any hospitality setting—let alone a high-end restaurant in Dubai. I’ve dined across the city for years, and never have I encountered such vulgar, disrespectful service. Now, to be fair, the evening didn’t start this way. The ambiance was elegant, the staff (initially) warm and welcoming. We ordered nearly everything on the menu—from the crisp and flavorful fattoush, to the rich and creamy baba ghanoush, the decadent truffle shish borek, and a variety of grilled meats including chicken, beef, and kofta platters. Every dish was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. The kitchen deserves full credit for their culinary excellence. But no matter how good the food is, service is what defines the experience, and unfortunately, Yoldez’s behavior left a bitter taste that no dessert could fix. Thankfully, Manager Badr stepped in and handled the situation with grace and professionalism. He was understanding, supportive, and did his best to salvage the evening. I truly hope he addressed the issue internally, because no guest should ever be treated the way we were. In summary: Food: 10/10 Ambiance: 9/10 Service (excluding Yoldez): 8/10 Yoldez’s behavior: -100/10 Would I return? Absolutely not. There are too many exceptional restaurants in Dubai that offer both great food and respectful service. ALAYA, unfortunately, failed where it...

Alaya Dubai, located in the heart of DIFC, offers an exquisite dining experience that blends Mediterranean influences with a contemporary Middle Eastern flair. My recent visit was nothing short of exceptional, starting with the vibrant ambiance. The restaurant's sleek and stylish interior, combined with warm lighting, creates an inviting atmosphere that's perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.

The highlight of my evening was undoubtedly the ribeye steak. Cooked to perfection, the steak was tender, juicy, and full of flavor, showcasing the quality of the meat and the expertise of the kitchen staff. Every bite was a delightful mix of rich, smoky, and savory notes, making it a memorable dish. The presentation was equally impressive, with a beautiful balance of simplicity and elegance on the plate.

To complement the steak, I enjoyed two glasses of wine, which elevated the meal further. The wine list at Alaya is thoughtfully curated, offering a selection that caters to various tastes. The wine I chose paired exceptionally well with the ribeye, enhancing the depth of flavors and creating a harmonious dining experience.

The service at Alaya was also noteworthy. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, ensuring that all aspects of the meal were handled with care and professionalism. Whether it was recommendations on the wine or checking in to ensure the steak was cooked to my liking, the service added to the overall enjoyment of the evening.

Alaya Dubai in DIFC is a must-visit for anyone seeking a refined and satisfying dining experience. With its excellent food, impressive wine selection, and impeccable service, it stands out as a top-tier...