OUTSTANDING LUNCH WITH A VIEW AT CĖ LA VI DUBAI

C’est la vie. This is life. 
In French. The expression at least.

What I am referring with Cė La Vi is an Asian-inspired restaurant and sky bar that can be found in Dubai, Singapore, Tokyo, Taipei and Shanghai. In all the global venues Cė La Vi primes in the top locations, overlooking the top tourist spots. Tokyo branch is close to Shibuya crossing a Hachiko statue. Taipei and Shanghai venues offer the view of famous man-built landmarks, Taipei 101 and Shanghai Tower. In Dubai and Singapore, the location of Cė La Vi is even more magnificent.

In those two cities, the Cė La Vi skybar is located at the top of the two hotel towers, connected with a bridge with an infinity pool. In Dubai you will find it at the 54th floor of Adress Sky View hotel and in Singapore (where Cė La Vi originates from), on 57th floor, at the top of Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

Read along to find out about my experience with Cė La Vi Lunch menu and reasons why you visit it too. Besides stunning views and delicious food, this place has also made it to the list on one of the top instagrammable places in Dubai.

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own. This was not a sponsored visit. I paid for a full-price lunch menu and the hotel staff was not aware that I will write a review about the experience.

Disclosure (being transparent and honest should be fun): You know the way I run this blog. I only recommend experiences, hotels, etc. that I personally tried and products I actually own and use. On my site, you will see pretty colorful links which are known as ”affiliate links”. If you click on this link and buy something you like, I’ll earn some money. I’m talking huge bucks here, like a new Tesla, yacht, and 7-bedroom mansion. Ok, honestly, most of the time it will be enough to help me buy treats for my dog and parrot, eco-friendly travel products or to help me build a time machine, and travel back in time to see the dinosaurs, do an interview of stone crafters on Easter island and have a serious chat with masterminds who ‘invented’ Maths. Thank you for your support!

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Cė La Vi at Address Sky View, Dubai

While there was not enough time for me to visit the Singapore venue, when being there as a tour guide with my group, I just couldn’t pass the opportunity when visiting Dubai as a solo female traveler. Plus, I really wanted to see the famous swing and majestic Burj from afar – but still close enough to see how monumental this construction really is. You can’t really see its greatness when you are inside Burj Khalifa.

When I searched for options I found out that the infinity pool at the top of Address Sky View hotel is reserved for hotel guests only. So, if I wanted to see the view I had to visit the restaurant. Doing sightseeing during the day and coming here for dinner, I wasn’t really sure I want to spend AED 500 just for ‘the view’. What changed my mind was seeing their Lunch Deal. It was Wednesday, Lunch timing matched perfectly with my evening flight out of Dubai and the price was very reasonable.

So, I said to myself, why not?

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FLIGHTS: I use Google Flights or Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. The destination everywhere feature is perfect to find some cheap deals!

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How to get to Cė La Vi

I was coming from Rove Downtown hotel. To get to Address Sky View, where Cė La Vi is located, I could take a taxi. Instead, I decided to walk. It is very close, less than 1,5km (1 mile), which is around 15 minutes of walk. And no, I didn’t walk outside.

Like many times before, I walked from Rove hotel, to Dubai Mall. This part is outside but not so far that you would not be able to make it. Even if it is in the middle of August. The two are just a short walk away.

Now, you might not stay at Rove Downtown, the way to get to Cė La Vi will be the same once inside Dubal Mall. When inside, you won’t feel the heat anymore. All inside places in Dubai (hotels, malls, restaurants, taxis, even bus stations) are fully temperature controlled.

Once in Dubai Mall I just followed the signs for Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro station. The Dubai Mall and same-named metro station are within a walkable distance and connected with a glass tunnel travelator. While walking you can thus enjoy in the spectacular views of Downtown Dubai.

When you reach the metro station go down the escalators. The Address Sky View Tower 2 is on the right side just across the street.

ALSO READ: REASONS TO STAY AT ROVE DOWNTOWN HOTEL IN DUBAI

directions to ce la vi

After coming to the hotel there is a trick. Nothing hard, you just have to switch the elevator twice.

So, when getting from the metro station, first elevator ride will take you to the main floor. Ask the staff at the reception what to press (and don’t get overwhelmed when seeing all of those buttons inside the elevator).

When stepping out (in the main/ground floor) go left and follow the hallway. The hallway was quite narrow but it has the softest carpet. All the decor, flowers, lamps, and smell are just divine. When you will get into some sort of bar/common room, find the exit to your left. (It looks like the main entrance to the hotel).

When outside of the main exit, you have to turn right and look for an entrance OUTSIDE the building. Step inside the revolving door and follow the red carpet into the second elevator. Press 54.

While inside the glass elevator, enjoy in the breathtaking views watching the surroundings while going up 220m in the air.

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Cė La Vi Restaurant

I didn’t really know what to expect coming to the top. As soon as I stepped out of the elevator I got a very warm welcome. The hostess was waiting for me and escorted me to the table. The entrance to the restaurant is spectacular on its own. There is a red carpet leading you to the restaurant and you see a big sign Ce la vi just before stepping inside the restaurant. This is life, indeed.

The restaurant is modern and stylish. The center of it is a stunning bar area, surrounded by panoramic views that take your breath away. Ambiance is perfect and music subtle. It offers inside and outside dining with their famous red umbrellas. There are lounges, tables, and bar tables available.

I was taken to – in my opinion – the table with the best view in the house. I visited in august so it was too hot to sit outside. The table was next to the window, Overlooking the famous red frame with Burj Khalifa in the background. Dining with the view in all its glory.

Table was ready and waiting for me. And the menu is available by scanning a QR code.

FAQ/Information: Booking is desired and expected. Dress code is smart casual. No shorts, tank tops, beachwear, flip flops, sportswear or open shoes. It is open every day from 12 PM to 3 AM and you have to be over 21 years of age to enter.

Set lunch menu - Ce La Vi, Dubai

Cė La Vi Lunch Menu

Their Lunch Set Menu really grabbed my attention before coming here. It is available every weekday (excluding public holidays), from 12 PM to 3 PM. For a steal of a price AED 140, you get a three-course set menu, including coffee, tea, and water. The latest reservation they are able to make for lunch is 2:30 PM.

There are two menus to choose from, the regular version with meat and fish and a vegetarian. They both offer a variety of delicious and mouthwatering starters, main courses, and desserts.

You get bottled water on the table.
Alongside of the set menu, I also treated myself with Pink Grapefruit Gin and tonic. It wasn’t the best B&T I ever had but good enough. Alcoholic drinks are a bit pricey but worth sampling. I also ordered latte at the end of my lunch. As a former barista, I didn’t see or taste any flaw in the coffee taste not in presentation.

For my first course, I ordered fried calamari. They were crunchy and moist with just the right amount of chili heat. None of the flavors were overpowering and the combination of lime and scallion was just right. The portion size was perfect.

The main course included a fantastic duck confit with mafaldine pasta and Thai basil pesto. There was smoked cheese on the top. It was delicious but too much pesto for my taste. A portion of the second course was also very generous.

As I was already full, I doubted that I will be able to eat much from my third course. This may or may not surprise you but I am not a fan of desserts. I don’t even like chocolate and cakes. The best dessert for me is a cheese platter. Or a fruit plate. For a dessert here I chose a trio of sorbets. They were fruity, refreshing, not too sweet and simply too good to leave.

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Service at Cė La Vi

Sky high location pairs well with a high level of service offered here. The girl who was serving me was professional and friendly. She was well trained with a beautiful approach to serve you. She knew her craft and answered all the questions about the menu. Table setting on my arrival and between courses was top-notch.

If you decide to have lunch here, just a friendly reminder. Take your time! Because you won’t be finished in 30 minutes. Which is a good thing! There was a good amount of time between each course. I did not feel rushed and I did not feel that I have to wait for anything that I ordered. Service had a nice flow.

In between every course, she was checking if everything is as expected. Between the main course and dessert, the hostess was super nice and offered herself to take my photos with the surroundings.

ALSO READ: HOW TO GET A STRANGER TO TAKE YOUR STUNNING TRAVEL PHOTO

You know … just in case if you forget … pin this!

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The View at Cė La Vi

The outside area of Cė La Vi Dubai will award you with amazing views of Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and Downtown Dubai. What most people come for is the famous Instagram-worthy photo with the golden-red swing frame. Note; it does look cool. Sitting on that swing, overlooking the tallest man-made building really is an unforgettable photo moment.

She informed me that I am lucky because there was no one around. In the evenings there is a line with all the people who want to have the famous shot. I admit it did feel good to have ‘the frame’ just for me.

Attached to the restaurant, there is another photo famous spot. Breathtaking infinity pool. Another top Instagrammable destination and one of the top infinity pools in Dubai. This pool is reserved for hotel guests only, so if you were hoping to spend pool day here, I will sadly have to disappoint you. Access is allowed to guests above 21 years.

However, the hostess was extremely kind and she also allowed me access to the pool. I was able to imagine what it would be like to swim in the clouds. The poll area was spotless and white sun lounges portrayed luxury and elegance.

ALSO READ: LUXURY POOL AND BEACH DAY | DAYCATION AT ONE&ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE

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All of the above in a nutshell

Visiting Cė La Vi Dubai for lunch was the perfect ending of my trip to the biggest city in the United Arab Emirates. Their lunch menu is the best way to experience the glitz and glamour of Dubai at the affordable price. This fine dining lunch experience will award you with not only flavorful food, but also with mesmerizing view and serene ambiance.

I can admit that I came for of the view, but would now return for the food. If it is not yet this should definitely be on your list of restaurants to visit in Dubai. Everything here exceeded my expectations and I look forward to visiting them again.

Have you visited Cė La Vi Dubai?
What did you get?

I would love to know what you think about Cė La Vi.

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own. This was not a sponsored visit. I paid for a full-price lunch menu and the hotel staff was not aware that I will write a review about the experience.


Skipped to the good part? Here is the gist

Having a lunch set menu at Cė La Vi Dubai restaurant was one of the best decisions I made on my solo trip to Dubai. Dining at this Asian-inspired restaurant at the top of Address Sky View is an amazing opportunity to experience the luxury of Dubai. It combines fine dining, a luxurious atmosphere, and impeccable service combined with stunning views. This was definitely a superb experience that I would suggest to everyone.

I hope this article will encourage you to experience a lunch set menu at Cė La Vi Dubai.

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Have you been to Cė La Vi Dubai?
Did you see the famous red Cė La Vi frame photos?

Let me know in the comments.

About the author: Anja

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Anja is the founder of Anja On Adventure travel blog. I'm passionate about world cultures, travel, maps, and puzzles. I've spent years traveling the globe, as a solo traveler, and as a tour guide, so I focus on providing helpful travel guides and personalized itinerary ideas to travelers that I've gathered from first-hand experience.

6 thoughts on “OUTSTANDING LUNCH WITH A VIEW AT CĖ LA VI DUBAI”

    • It really is worth going – at least for the lunch deal. Depending on your budget dinner might be a bit more expensive but for sure it will be more crowded!

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