What’s it like?

Social by Heinz Beck is a beautifully sophisticated restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah that serves cotemporary Italian cuisine in a fine dining atmosphere.

Although not always heading up the kitchen, Social by Heinz Beck is led by the world-famed chef Heinz Beck who has three-Michelin stars under his belt for his Rome-based restaurant, La Pergola.

Offering both indoor and outdoor season, Social boasts breathtaking city views of Dubai’s skyline, from the elegant Waldorf Astoria property and is the perfect venue for a romantic evening with your other half, or an intimate dinner with a small group of family and friends.

Known across Europe and predominantly in Italy for his innovative work with Italian cuisine, chef Heinz Beck is known as one of today’s masters of modern gastronomy and is all about showcasing the raw, natural flavours of an ingredient in a dish through skillful cooking techniques that turn simple products into evocative, intriguing dishes.

What are the food highlights?

Doing things the Italian way, I’d recommend opting to enjoy a four-course meal at Social – portion sizes are relatively on the small side, so you’ll have no problems finishing everything that’s served.

To begin, don’t miss the citrus-marinated amberjack on avocado cream. The dish bursts with wonderful flavours and is served in bite-sized pieces that combine meaty slices of amberjack with micro-greens, meringue for texture and thick dashes of citrus marinade.

Next, chef’s take on traditional carbonara is divine. Unlike traditional carbonara that’s made with spaghetti laden with sauce and sprinkled with pancetta, the dish served at Social mixes things up – in an excellent way! The carbonara here is vegetarian-friendly and served using fagottelli pasta (a bit like small raviolis). To my surprise, the dish is served without any sauce on top, but with one bite of the fagottelli I soon learn that all the goodness is secretly tucked away inside the pasta pocket, and it’s an explosion of creamy deliciousness.

For main, the veal is served cooked-to-perfection with a crunchy pistachio crust on a light carrot puree and a light crisp to balance the dish.

And lastly, if you’re a fan of fruity flavours, the ‘Raspberries 1.1’ dessert is not to be missed. This dish playfully showcases raspberries 11 creative and innovative ways, such as in the form of cake, sorbet, jelly, candy, as a granite and ice cream, as meringue and snow, plus a few other ways that I’ve leave up to you to guess.

How was the service?

The front of house team at Social by Heinz Beck are well-versed on the menu and operate to fine dining standards. Service is with a friendly smile and executed very professionally.

Festive offers at Social by Heinz Beck:

If you’re looking for a place to dine over the festive period, Social by Heinz Beck is hosting a festive dinner every night from December 24 to 30, from 7pm – 11pm daily. Experience delightful cuisine with a festive six-course set menu priced at Dhs650 for food only and Dhs950 with pairings.

The restaurant will also host a spectacular New Year’s Eve dinner on December 31 from 7pm to 12am, where a lavish six-course set menu will be served alongside lively fireworks and entertainment by a talented resident pianist. Priced at Dhs950 for food only and Dhs1,900 with pairings.

Want to go? Priced at around Dhs450 for a 4-course meal, excluding beverages. For more information or to make a reservation, call +971 4 818 2222 or e-mail dxbpd.restaurants@waldorfastoria.com.