About Aelia Restaurant
Aelia is a luxe all-day Mediterranean restaurant perched on the 25th floor of One Za’abeel’s skybridge (The Link) in Dubai’s Za’abeel district . It blends French/Italian Riviera charm with Arabian skyline views: the name Aelia means “sun” in Latin, and the décor is light, elegant and sunlit . The space is divided into four distinct areas – The Restaurant, The Deli, The Bar & Lounge, and The Tea Lounge – all under soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows . These panoramic windows showcase sweeping vistas across Dubai’s cityscape (including the Burj Khalifa) . Aelia opened in late 2023 as part of the new One&Only One Za’abeel “vertical resort” complex (completed 2023) . Designed by hospitality giant One&Only (Kerzner International), this resort-house includes other Michelin-starred venues, making Aelia an integral piece of a landmark urban dining hub . Guests often describe Aelia as a “stunning and majestic” space – a chic French-Mediterranean spot high above the city . Its elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, Riviera-inspired cuisine and unmatched skyline views make it a standout addition to Dubai’s food and beverage scene.
Events and Programming
Aelia’s calendar centers on dining experiences rather than nightly clubs. It operates daily (7 am–10 pm) , offering breakfast, lunch and dinner with a Mediterranean-influenced menu . Special programs include a weekday Business Lunch (Mon–Fri) – typically a set multi-course meal (3 courses) from about AED 150 per person . On Friday through Sunday afternoons (4–7 pm), Aelia runs an elaborate Afternoon Tea service: over 21 loose-leaf tea blends are served alongside unlimited pastries, sandwiches and the Emirates’ longest dessert display . The Bar & Lounge offers hand-crafted cocktails (and mocktails) into the evening, often with live music on weekends . Dubai’s major holidays and events bring themed menus – for example, in Ramadan 2025 Aelia hosted an upscale “Iftar above the clouds” buffet (Mediterranean-inspired dishes and live manakish bread from a hot oven) at about AED 245 per person . Although there is no fixed nightclub schedule, booked private events (birthdays, corporate gatherings) are accommodated by request. In summary, guests can expect daily dining programs (breakfast through dinner), weekend tea/brunch specials, and occasional curated evening festivities (music nights or holiday banquets) .
Tickets and Booking
Table reservations at Aelia are highly recommended, especially for weekends or special events. Guests can book through the One&Only One Za’abeel website or by phone (the official announcement notes “it is now open for reservations” ). Unlike concerts, there are no advance tickets or cover charges – you simply reserve a table and pay for your meal. The pricing is a la carte: for example, the weekday business lunch package is from about AED 150 per person , and the signature afternoon tea is AED 245pp . Dinner entrées are more expensive (typical mains range from roughly AED 80–150 or more). Special events (like the Ramadan Iftar) are sold as fixed-price dining packages (e.g. ~AED 245 per head ). The restaurant accepts credit cards and one can arrange group or private dining by contacting the events team. In short, plan ahead: popular time slots will fill up, so secure your preferred date online or by calling well in advance.
Seating and Layout
Aelia’s dining room is bright and spacious. The layout is open-plan (with split levels and subtle floor-patterns defining each zone ), but the highlight is the long wall of windows on the south side. The best seats are almost always by these windows – for example, guests are advised to “book a window table” during breakfast or lunch to catch the sunshine and view . These tables offer head-on views down Sheikh Zayed Road toward Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa . There are also cozy lounge areas (with sofas and a small fireplace), bar stools at the counter, and more private booths under high ceilings. All seating has clear sightlines to the city, and warm-glow chandeliers (“pearl-inspired” lights) hang above for ambiance . The restaurant acoustics are kept soft – ambient music plays in the background (and live bands on special nights) – so even near the bar you won’t miss conversation. Generally, avoid back-row tables late at night (some prefer the quieter lounge corner); but otherwise most tables are excellent. In summary, for maximum impact reserve a table along the long windows. The interior design itself is elegant but understated, ensuring nothing competes with the view .
Getting There and Parking
Aelia is located in One Za’abeel, an iconic twin-tower complex at the corner of Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Road in Dubai. The exact address is The Link, 25th Floor, One Za’abeel, Za’abeel 1 . By car or taxi, enter One Za’abeel from Sheikh Zayed Road. Valet parking is available at the hotel entrance (allow a tip), or you can self-park in the covered garages. Parking is on a ticketless system managed by Parkonic: you scan a QR code or pay via the Salik toll tag. Rates are approximately AED 25 for the first two hours and AED 10 for each additional hour . (Important: there are no cash machines at One Za’abeel, so pre-register the QR or have an active Salik account .) For public transit, the Red Line Dubai Metro has a station (The MAX, formerly Emirates Towers) about a 5–10 minute walk from One Za’abeel . RTA buses (routes 27, 29 and others) stop on Sheikh Zayed Road in front of the complex . Ride-share apps and taxis can drop guests directly at the building entrance; just pull into the valet drive and take the elevator to the restaurant. From Dubai International Airport it’s roughly a 15-minute drive via SZR. (Note: There is no dedicated free shuttle, but Dubai taxis and Ubers are plentiful 24/7. Car side drop-off and pick-up zones are signposted at the tower.)
Inside the Venue
Entering Aelia is a seamless experience. Guests arrive via high-speed elevator through The Link concourse. Security screening is minimal (you may be asked to open bags or pass through a metal detector as per hotel policy). Once inside, hosts will greet you at the threshold. The atmosphere is refined yet relaxed: smart casual attire is expected (see below) and the mood is upscale without being stiff. The interior décor uses natural light, warm woods and marble floors . The restaurant offers complimentary Wi-Fi (part of the hotel network), so you can browse or work while dining. Children and families are welcome – “children of all ages are welcome” on the policy sheet – and high chairs are available. There is no cloakroom; coats or valuables can be kept at your table or held briefly by staff if needed. Restrooms (including accessible toilets) are located just outside the entrance in The Link; they are well signposted and clean. Aelia does not sell merchandise, but it does have a small deli counter where you can buy fresh breads, pastries or cakes to take home. Late in the evening, the Bar & Lounge buzzes lightly while music plays (usually jazz or soft lounge tunes, except on advertised live-music Fridays and Saturdays). Overall, expect courteous and attentive service: many reviewers note that waitstaff remember names and preferences. There is no strict “house” cocktail or soup of the day (it’s a restaurant, not a club), but seasonal specials do appear on the menu and the wine list is extensive (the sommelier can guide pairings). Note that all beverages (tap water, drinks, tea/coffee) are paid items in line with UAE custom.
Nearby Amenities
Aelia sits at the heart of Dubai’s new hospitality hub. In the same building (The Link/One Za’abeel) you’ll find several destination venues: the Sphere rooftop bar (club nights), Tapasake poolside restaurant, and an array of famed dining concepts (e.g. La Dame de Pic, Sagetsu by Tetsuya Wakuda, QABU by Paco Morales, StreetXO by Dabiz Muñoz and Sagetsu ). These are all accessed via the same elevators – so after dining at Aelia you could easily continue the evening with cocktails upstairs or sushi downstairs. Just outside in the Za’abeel/DIFC area are dozens of other options: casual cafes and bars line Gate Village (e.g. Flam’s, Iris), and high-end lounges dot Sheikh Zayed Road (such as those in the Ritz-Carlton DIFC or W Dubai nearby). Shopping centers like The Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar are only a few minutes’ drive away if you want a quick tour of Downtown afterward. Several hotels are within walking distance: the Taj Dubai is adjacent across the road, the Westin and Hilton Gardens (Trade Centre) are a short stroll, and of course the rest of One&Only One Za’abeel (including its spa and pool deck) surrounds Aelia. Late-night transport is convenient: taxis queue at the valet, metro runs until midnight/1 am, and ride-share drivers will find you at the lobby drop-off. In sum, you won’t run out of places to visit – Aelia is already at the center of one of Dubai’s biggest new entertainment and lifestyle districts .
What Makes This Venue Special
Aelia stands out for combining a breathtaking location with refined design and dining. It occupies The Link – the longest cantilevered skybridge in the world – giving it a dramatic setting unlike any ground-level restaurant . Architecturally, One Za’abeel is a new Dubai landmark (“projects a bold yet graceful silhouette” on the skyline ), and Aelia capitalizes on that prestige. Inside, the venue feels palatial and elegant: designers built it for celebrations and special moments . The gem-like chandeliers and marble floors are accented by panoramic city views, so every meal feels cinematic. Its all-day Mediterranean theme is unique in Dubai – a taste of the French/Italian Riviera in the sky . Signature experiences (like the luxury afternoon tea) feature the Emirates’ longest dessert spread , demonstrating Aelia’s flair for theatrical dining. Cuisine-wise, Chef Mickael Cornutrait brings southern France inspiration to the menu, so dishes often highlight local produce and Riviera classics (for example, seafood platters, fresh pasta and regional pastries) . Beyond food, Aelia has already hosted high-profile events: its launch weekend in 2024 featured celebs like Jennifer Lopez on the shared terrace . All these factors contribute to Aelia’s reputation: it quickly earned a 4.8/5 star rating on TripAdvisor and a Travellers’ Choice award . For diners and industry insiders alike, it’s now seen as one of Dubai’s most enchanting sky-high dining rooms.
Visitor Tips and Information
To make the most of Aelia, here are key tips: adhere to the casual-smart dress code (no swimwear or shorts) . Plan your visit carefully – if you want the view at its best, consider timing your meal for sunrise/sunset (“the light hits right” in the morning or late afternoon ). Weekend and holiday brunches book out quickly, so reserve those well in advance. If you arrive without a booking, you may face a wait or limited seating, as the restaurant tends to be busy through midday and early evening.
Accessibility: One Za’abeel is fully wheelchair-accessible, with elevators to all floors and ramped access; just mention any needs when booking and staff will assist. The venue is family-friendly (kids welcome) and has high chairs.
Don’t bring outside food or drink (there is no picnic policy). Neither are pets allowed inside (service animals only) or smoking (no indoor smoking by UAE law). Photography is casual-friendly – people love to snap the view – but remember to be courteous of other guests. The restaurant offers high-speed Wi-Fi; however, during live events or weekends connection may slow with many devices, so plan accordingly.
For payment, Dubai expects that you leave a tip (10–15% is normal) if service was good. Also note that, like most in the region, the listed hours are strict (breakfast ends promptly at 11:00 am, for example ). Lastly, during Ramadan or other holidays, check ahead: Aelia may switch to special hours (e.g. later opening after sunset). In general, arriving 10–15 minutes early, having a confirmed booking, and downloading the local UAE payments apps (for parking or tolls) will smooth your experience. Enjoy Aelia’s sunset views and don’t hesitate to let your server recommend the house specials – they pride themselves on personal touch and often share insider advice to enhance the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book a table at Aelia?
There is no general admission or ticket fee, but reservations are highly recommended. You can book via One&Only One Za’abeel’s website or by phone. Walk-ins are accepted when space permits, but popular times (weekends, holiday evenings) tend to sell out quickly.
What is the average cost of dining at Aelia?
Aelia is upscale dining, so expect prixes in line with luxury hotels. For example, the weekday business lunch package starts around AED 150, and afternoon tea is AED 245 per person. Evening à la carte mains are typically AED 80–150 each. Alcoholic drinks and specialty teas add to the bill. It’s wise to budget accordingly for a 3-course dinner plus drinks.
How do I get to Aelia by public transportation?
The closest Metro station is The MAX (Red Line), a roughly 5–10 minute walk from One Za’abeel. Exit there and walk along Sheikh Zayed Road towards Zabeel Towers. RTA buses also stop near One Za’abeel on Sheikh Zayed Road (routes 27 and 29, among others). Taxis and ride-shares can drop you at the valet drive of One Za’abeel – just ask the driver for “The Link, One Za’abeel”.
Is there parking available and what does it cost?
Yes, parking is available at One Za’abeel’s underground garage. It’s pay-by-license-plate (Parkonic/SALIK). Current rates are about AED 25 for the first hour, AED 25 for the second hour, then AED 10 per hour thereafter . You pay via QR codes or your Salik account at exit. There’s also a valet service by the hotel entrance (for an additional tip).
What are the best seats or areas in the restaurant?
The most coveted tables are along the floor-to-ceiling windows – especially for breakfast or late afternoon – because they offer sweeping views of the city skyline . Book a window-side table to catch the light and sightlines (a local tip is “book a window table for breakfast” ). Otherwise, the lounge corners with sofas are cozy for groups, and the bar stools are fun if you want to chat with the mixologist.
Do I need to follow a dress code at Aelia?
Aelia enforces a smart-casual dress code. While guests needn’t wear formal attire, avoid beachwear or athletic clothing. In practice, resort-chic daywear or evening casual (even jeans if neat) is acceptable. The restaurant’s guidelines specifically mention “no swimwear” and generally expect guests to be well-groomed .
Are children and families welcome at Aelia?
Yes – children of all ages are welcome . Aelia is child-friendly with high chairs and a relaxed dining environment. The afternoon tea in particular is popular for families (it even explicitly allows kids). Of course, parents should supervise their children, but there are no age restrictions on dining here.
Does Aelia serve alcoholic beverages?
Yes – in addition to its tea lounge, Aelia has a full bar. You can order a wide range of wines, champagnes, beers and cocktails. The bar is known for creative (including non-alcoholic) cocktails . Note that Dubai law requires patrons to be 21+ to be served alcohol, and you may be asked to show ID.
Are there facilities for guests with disabilities?
Yes. Aelia and One Za’abeel are fully wheelchair-accessible. The elevators reach the 25th floor and there are ramps where needed. Accessible restrooms are available near the entrance to The Link. If you have special accessibility needs, it’s best to mention this when booking so staff can assist.
Does Aelia offer an afternoon tea service?
Yes, Aelia is known for its luxurious afternoon tea. It runs Friday–Sunday from 4pm–7pm, serving 21 specialty teas with unlimited sweets and savories. The tea experience is acclaimed (it even features the longest dessert spread in the Emirates) . Advance booking is advised as spaces fill up on weekends.
What does the name “Aelia” mean or refer to?
“Aelia” comes from the Latin word for “sun”. The restaurant’s concept revolves around the sunlit Mediterranean Riviera – think bright spaces, coastal flavors and warm-climate cuisine. . The name reflects both its light-filled décor and Riviera-inspired menu.
Who is the head chef at Aelia?
Aelia’s kitchen is led by Chef de Cuisine Mickael Cornutrait, a French chef with Riviera pedigree . He oversees the menu of Mediterranean dishes – your server or the chef himself can explain special creations, which often highlight fresh regional ingredients.
What type of cuisine does Aelia serve?
Aelia promotes a sun-kissed Mediterranean menu. Expect a mix of Southern-French, Italian and regional coastal dishes – think seafood platters, homemade pasta, vegetable empanadas, and Riviera-style small plates . Pastries and breads (at the deli counter) are European-inspired, and the beverage list likewise spans varietals from Provence, Italy, etc. Many dishes have a healthy, fresh profile (e.g. granola bowls for breakfast, zucchini pasta, mezze) with a touch of French indulgence on the side.
Can I host a private event or party at Aelia?
Yes – Aelia accommodates private bookings. The restaurant’s site notes it is available for special occasions and offers dedicated events service. To arrange a celebration, you should contact the events team via the venue’s enquiry form or phone; they can reserve an area or even close off the restaurant if needed. Pricing and menus for private events are custom (typically requiring a minimum spend or set package).
What are the opening hours of Aelia?
Aelia is open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm . Breakfast is served 7–11 am, lunch 12:30–3 pm, and dinner 6–11 pm. The deli and bar tend to stay open all day (7 am–11 pm), and the afternoon tea service runs Fri–Sun (4–7 pm) . These hours are consistent year-round, though expect special timings during holidays like Ramadan.
