The Cullinan Serves Up Steakhouse Glamour at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

Steak, views, and quiet luxury: what more could you want?

Some would say the best part of living in Dubai is the sheer variety of dining options you encounter on a night out. The city’s got its fair share of award-winning menus, elevated fine dining spots, messy burger joints — and of course, a roster of steakhouses that take things up a notch.

Enter The Cullinan, Dubai’s newest fine dining jewel, which opened its doors on March 18. Named after the largest diamond ever discovered, it’s every bit as dazzling as its namesake. Tucked within the ultra-luxe Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, this steakhouse is an experience that oozes sophistication from the moment you arrive.

And that moment begins with the setting. Designed by the visionary Tristan du Plessis — a name synonymous with bold, boundary-pushing interiors — The Cullinan feels like stepping into a living work of art. Rich textures, sleek lines, and a moody palette come together in a space that’s both contemporary and timeless. Whether you’re beneath the cascading chandeliers of the dining room or lounging under the glow of low lighting, du Plessis’s signature balance of intimacy and grandeur is unmistakable.

But as striking as the interiors are, it’s the food that steals the spotlight. The Cullinan’s menu is a love letter to premium cuts and pristine seafood, each dish executed with exacting precision. Here, the idea of a ‘meat sommelier’ isn’t just a gimmick — it’s a masterstroke. This in-house expert doesn’t merely recommend a steak; they lead you through a curated selection of global cuts, aged and prepared to bring out each one’s distinct personality. Add to that a pour from the restaurant’s impeccable wine list — handpicked by its in-house sommelier — and your evening transforms from dinner into something closer to a sensorial journey.

In a city where showiness often comes standard, The Cullinan takes a more refined route. Service is intuitive but never overbearing. Flavours are bold, yes, but always balanced. Even its perch on the first floor of Dubai’s most talked-about new hotel feels deliberately understated — offering sweeping views of the Gulf without a trace of pretense.

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting the coastline in blush and amber tones, it’s clear The Cullinan isn’t just another addition to Dubai’s fine dining scene — it’s the new standard. Whether you’re celebrating something big or simply indulging in a world-class ribeye, this is modern luxury, not just achieved but exquisitely perfected.