Carluccio's, Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, United Arab Emirates

Originally we had assumed our flights would leave on both occasions from Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, the A Gates and had planned to go to Carluccio’s and Jack’s. It didn’t work out that way. We left to Kuala Lumpur at the B Gates, but were lucky in this regard on the way to Dublin.

We thought the time was going to be a bit tight to go to Jack’s so we headed for Carluccio’s.

We were welcomed with a smile and brought to a table in front of the open kitchen.

The interior was contemporary.

Originally we wanted to order juices, but they were already finished, so we had two still Al Ain water, one Penne Arrabiata, a Pizza Salami and one Amarena cherry ice cream Sundae.

The staff was efficient and friendly.

Our meal arrived quickly and was hot and fresh. It was delicious and the arrabiata not too spicy. The Sundae wasn’t too sweet and very indulgent.

We paid 183 AED (ca. 45.15 Euro or ca. 49.85 USD).

We enjoyed our visit, so we would return again, when connecting or departing from Terminal 3, the A Gates.

©2015

Ibn Battuta Mall & Cinnabon Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Ibn Battuta Mall is one of our favorite malls. It is located near Jebel Ali and very easy to reach by Metro or of course car/taxi and even by bus.

It is appealing to us, because the whole building is dedicated to the travels of the 9th century explorer Ibn Battuta. Each section of the mall is designed after a country/empire or region Ibn Battuta visited.

There are also exhibits, describing how navigation, water clocks and other things functioned in the past, so the mall combines education, architecture and retail very well. It has a cinema, a Geant supermarket and a food court beside retailers like Bed, Bath & Beyond, Coton and Max.

At the moment an extension of 200 shops and restaurants is on-going.

A Carluccio's has newly opened.

We strolled a bit, but also did some shopping and had a snack at Cinnabon.

The staff was happy to have us and very friendly.

We had two Mochalata and two classic cinnamon rolls. At first the snack was great, but after a certain time both the drinks and rolls turned cloyingly sweet. Our tastes must have changed a bit over the years and next time we will share a large roll.

The cost was 65 AED (ca. 14.05 Euro or ca. 17.75 USD).

The Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel - operated by Moevenpick - is just across the road from the mall and a visit would be for us incomplete if not going there.

Next time in Dubai we will return to this mall via the Metro Dubai and explore the extension in the future, enjoy the atmosphere and shop a bit.

©2014