Two iconic Dubai Souq Al Bahar restaurants closing down

Two of Dubai’s classic bistros are closing down…

It seems a new fine-dining spot opens in Dubai on a weekly basis: in fact, we’ve seen Weslodge, R Trader, Katana, Sumosan and Ayama (among others) open in the last few weeks.

But maybe this is at the expense of some of our old favourites, as this week we’ve heard that Rivington Grill and Mango Tree, both in Souq Al Bahar, are closing their doors. In fact, Mango Tree has already shut down.

Rivington Grill

The British bistro will close its doors on June 5, so you’ve got almost exactly a month to get down there for a roast before it closes.

The restaurant has been open for eight years, and will shut up shop as its lease ends – its known for its refined food, relaxed environment and respect for good old fashioned produce. This news is making us particularly heart-sore considering the Madinat Jumeirah branch of Rivington closed around a year ago as well.

The Rivi’ roast was beloved for the fact the Yorkshire pudding was the size of one’s head.

Word is they’ll be doing loads of daily specials over the next month – bringing back all their best sellers for one last hurrah. They also have a lunch special, which means two courses for Dhs100 or three courses for Dhs120 from Sunday to Thursday, 12pm to 5pm.

For now, you’ll find Rivington Grill is located on the third level of Souq al Bahar, opposite Dubai Mall. It’s open daily from 12 noon, and last orders are at 10:45pm.

A classic chicken pie with gravy – British soul food is what the Rivi’ does best. 

Mango Tree

Sadly, the Rivi’ isn’t the only favourite shutting up shop – Mango Tree in Souq Al Bahar has already closed its doors.

Why? Word is, the rent was just too expensive. Remember, when these restaurants opened they were marooned by construction and were in an up-and-coming area of Dubai. They’re now smack bang in the ‘Centre of Now’ if you will. Add to that the fact that hundreds of other competitors have cropped up, and we’re sure it’s been a tough job balancing the costs and bringing in the takings.

Curry with a view.

We’re particularly sad about this one, considering we loved Mango Tree so much it was among our top 50 Dubai favourites in the What’s On 2015 Awards.

The excellent Thai food played second fiddle to the restaurant’s fountain view terrace (when the Dubai Fountain first started operating it was one of the only places in town with a view of the attraction).

We will definitely miss eating that delicious duck curry while listening to I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston – and we can’t even go to the Mirdif City Centre branch either, as that closed around a year ago too.

We feel genuinely upset that we’ll never be able to eat this duck curry ever again.

– What’s your favourite classic Dubai dining spot? 

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