The XVA Café is hidden within the narrow streets of the historic Al Fahidi district. It is the wonderfully quirky with an abundance of art on display – hence its full name as XVA Gallery Art Hotel & Café.
We just happened upon this gem while wandering the alleyways – little did we know that Condé Nast Traveler had featured XVA as the no.1 place “not to miss in Dubai”! Neither did we know that this wonderfully restful space was the former home of the Seddiqi family (Dubai’s Rolex dealers) or that it was revamped a few years ago by the artistic and creative Mona Hauser and a few of her designer friends.
This inviting space is home to the XVA Gallery – specialising in contemporary art from the Middle Eastern region, a concept design store, the wonderful XVA Café restaurant and ten individually designed boutique rooms… no wonder it’s sometimes referred to as ‘the city’s sexiest retreat and best kept secret’.
After wondering around the very cool gallery spaces and delighting at the funky (sometimes a little weird) décor and art we decided on a light lunch.
Loved the fun menu (which offers Middle Eastern inspired vegetarian options), the simplicity and the sustainability… and of course the fab food – topped off with their refreshing ‘signature’ mint lemonade!
