Tasca by José Avillez *
- Kira Jabri
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Dubai, UAE
December 25th, 2025
Tasca by José Avillez serves Portuguese flavors with a contemporary twist, Tasca remains one of those restaurants where the setting and the cuisine are in constant conversation. On our first visit, we couldn’t stop noticing the tables seemingly floating atop the infinity pool; this time, we made sure to request one. That said, there truly isn’t a bad table here. With spectacular views of Dubai’s glittering skyline on one side and the Arabian Gulf on the other, the restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining on a terrace that feels effortlessly transportive, perched above the water at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira.
In full transparency, service started off very rocky. Once we placed our order, we had a different server and he salvaged the night. Being Portuguese, he was able to add meaningful context to the dishes and their regional roots. One of our favorite bites remained beautifully simple: the smoked butter paired with rustic bread. Having gone à la carte on our first visit (and admittedly overdone it), we opted for the tasting menu this time, which proved to be the perfect way to experience the breadth of the kitchen. The ultimate standout dish was the seabass. Bright and full of textures we definitely all tipped our bowls to finish every last drop.
The wine pairing is not to be missed. Moe, our sommelier for the evening, was knowledgeable, warm, and deeply engaged; the wine list boasts the largest selection of Portuguese wines in Dubai, many of which are reserved exclusively for pairings and not offered by the glass. Once Moe learned of our love for Krug, he graciously invited us to tour Tasca’s collection culminating in the rare opportunity to enjoy a bottle of Krug 2000.
April 22nd, 2025
Located within the sleek Mandarin Oriental Jumeira in Dubai, Tasca by José Avillez effortlessly blends Portuguese flavors with a contemporary twist. Led by Michelin-starred chef José Avillez, Tasca delivers bold flavors, coastal elegance, and an atmosphere that is as unforgettable as the cuisine.
The setting is nothing short of spectacular.
The open-air terrace is framed by panoramic views of the Gulf, and the restaurant’s design creates a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor dining. One of the most enchanting features is the handful of tables that are positioned directly over water, with glass bottoms. (Next time, we’re booking one of those tables!)
Tasca’s menu is vibrant and confident, a celebration of fresh seafood, premium meats, and Portuguese staples elevated with creative flair. Every plate is a reminder that tradition and innovation can absolutely coexist.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to chase the memories of your last visit, Tasca is the kind of place that draws you back. With its sunny soul, inspired menu, and views that stretch forever, it's a must-stop on any Dubai dining itinerary.
Comments