Life
In a city where dining often prioritizes grandeur over genuine connection, there’s something quietly refreshing about stepping into Elaia – brought to you by the hospitality powerhouse Infini Concepts. Located at Pier 7 in Dubai Marina, this new Mediterranean bistro is where the warmth of a Greek island home meets Dubai’s vibrant energy.
A Space Designed for Comfort and Conversation
From the moment you enter Elaia, the interiors transport you. Hand-painted murals inspired by Greek mythology stretch across the walls, their soft, earthy tones evoking sun-bleached Aegean villages. The lighting is deliberately gentle—warm, golden, and inviting—casting a glow over rustic wooden tables, textured ceramics, and plush banquettes designed for long, leisurely meals. At the heart of the space, a bespoke pizza oven crackles with flames, its smoky aroma mingling with the scent of freshly baked bread. The layout flows seamlessly from an intimate bar to a lively dining room and an airy terrace overlooking the Marina, each zone encouraging a different kind of gathering—whether it’s cocktails with friends, a family feast, or a romantic evening under the stars.
A Menu That Celebrates the Mediterranean Way of Eating
At Elaia, the kitchen takes its cues from coastal tavernas, where ingredients shine and meals are meant to be shared. Start with dips like smoky eggplant melitzanosalata or roasted red pepper tirokafteri, paired with wood-fired bread still warm from the oven. Small plates—crispy zucchini with tzatziki, prawns saganaki, or hand-rolled keftedes—are designed to be passed around, while heartier mains like their salt-baked red snapper or grilled octopus with harissa romesco showcase the kitchen’s knack for balancing bold flavors with elegant simplicity.
Even the wood-fired pizzas, from truffle-laced to seafood-loaded, feel like a natural extension of Elaia’s ethos—unpretentious, generous, and deeply satisfying. Not to forget their delectable desserts that take you back to Greek tablescapes with each bite.
The Spirit of Steki—A Home Away From Home
What truly sets Elaia apart is its embrace of steki, the Greek concept of a beloved gathering spot where friends become family and meals stretch into the night. It’s in the way the bartenders remember your favourite order, the way servers guide you through the menu with genuine enthusiasm, and the way the space hums with laughter and clinking glasses.
Summer Offers to Transport You
For those spending the season in Dubai, Elaia’s curated offers are a welcome escape. Weekday lunches unfold over two-course meals for just Dhs 99, while sunset hours bring cocktails at Dhs 35 and wines from Dhs 29. Tuesdays are for lingering over shared starters and glasses of wine with She Said Wine, and Sundays promise half-off pizzas with Pizza Between Us—because nothing says weekend bliss like a perfectly charred crust and a chilled glass of rosé.
In a city that never stops moving, Elaia asks you to slow down, savor, and stay a while. Whether you’re in search of a new go-to spot or simply a taste of the Mediterranean without the travel, the answer is waiting at Elaia—with open doors and a table set just for you.
Open daily, noon-2am. Dubai Marina, elaiadubai.com (Reservations: 058 978 1000)
Images & Feature Image: Supplied
