In Review: The Cullinan at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

An editor from Cake The Mag was recently invited to dinner at The Cullinan located in Dubai’s Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. Here’s their take.

From the moment I walked into The Cullinan, the atmosphere was striking — refined without being pretentious, and elegant in a way that felt intentional rather than overdone. The setting alone is enough to leave an impression: tucked inside Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, with an uninterrupted view of the Burj Al Arab and the Gulf glimmering in the distance. The space offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and we chose a spot that gave us the best of both — comfort with a view.

As for the food, the experience was just as considered. I started with the Wagyu carpaccio, which was delicate, well-balanced, and set the tone for what was to come. The wood-fired prawns followed, and they arrived with just the right amount of smokiness — beautifully cooked, full of flavour. My main was the sirloin from Stockyard, and honestly, it was one of the best steaks I’ve had in a while. Perfectly seared, full of depth, and clearly the result of real skill in the kitchen. Alongside it, I had a trio of sides — grilled asparagus, brussels sprouts, and mashed potatoes — each done simply and exceptionally well.

What stood out most, beyond the dishes themselves, was the attention to detail. Everything felt thoughtfully executed — from the in-house bread service (yes, they bake their own bread) to the open kitchen that puts their culinary process front and centre. There’s something special about watching a team work in sync like that, with every movement deliberate, every plate made from scratch.

The Cullinan isn’t just another fine dining spot; it’s a showcase of what happens when a restaurant is built around craftsmanship, not just presentation. Whether you’re there for a quiet dinner or a celebratory night out, the space makes you feel like you’re part of something elevated — and I’ll absolutely be going back.