February 26, 2026 By Waqar Abdullah
The Quick Overview
In the world of ‘The Elite Food Restaurants, ‘The Estrellas Rooftop Lounge is the one of the world’s most amazing experiences in terms of dining, luxury, ambiance and the food.
Estrellas Rooftop Lounge combines modern skyline views with authentic international and Indian fusion flavors. Located in the heart of Bur Dubai at The Canvas Hotel, it’s a must-visit for social groups and sunset seekers looking for a vibrant nightlife scene.
- Price Point: Medium (AED 370–400 for two)
- Must-Order Dish: Butter Chicken Pizza or Tandoori Jhinga
- Best For: Weekend Brunch, Ladies’ Night, or Sunset Cocktails
- Address: The Canvas Hotel Dubai — MGallery, 23 Kuwait Street, Al Raffa, Bur Dubai, UAE
The Concept & First Impressions
Immerse Yourself in the Elevated Elegance and Sophisticated Energy
The Arrival: Stepping into a World of High-Octane Luxury
Your adventure starts at the magnificent entrance of The Canvas Hotel in the historic Al Raffa district. You enter the elegant lobby and proceed to the elevator to reach the seventh floor. As soon as the doors open, the warm Dubai wind welcomes you immediately. The location appears spacious and trendy with its glass features and open design. You immediately notice the breathtaking glass-bottomed pool. It shines with soft blue lighting against the dark background of the night sky. This sudden shift from the crowded city streets to the glamorous rooftop bar feels downright enchanting.
The Reputation: A Homegrown Success Story That Conquered the World
This is a proud local Dubai brand in the MGallery group of hotels. It first made its name as “Estrellas Skyline” several years ago. Since then, it has retained a strong reputation for its consistency and style. It is often recommended by local residents as a “hidden gem” in the older part of the city. Unlike many other temporary locations in Dubai, this lounge has managed to survive the test of time. It combines traditional Middle Eastern hospitality with an international lounge culture.
The Hook: The Dual-Terrace Perspective of a Shimmering Metropolis
The actual “hook” of Estrellas is its stunning 360-degree view of the contrasting Dubai skylines. You can view the glinting towers of Downtown Dubai on one side and the quaint heritage of Port Rashid on the other. There are very few locations in Bur Dubai where you can get such a clear and elevated view of the Burj Khalifa. This contrast of views makes it a very special place for photographers and couples alike. It is because of this location that you get to experience the best of both “Old” and “New” Dubai in one single sitting.
The Setting: Interior Design & View
The Decor: A Masterclass In Modern Glamour and Metallic Accents
The design of Estrellas Rooftop Lounge combines modern industrial chic with luxurious coastal touches. You will see glass walls, a stone floor, and blue LED lighting throughout. The fact that the lounge has a central infinity-edge pool means that the water creates a soothing, reflective environment. The lighting changes from soft golden amber to deep electric violet as the evening wears on. This is an effective way to transition from a relaxed sundowner spot to a high-energy social environment. As a result, the dark metals and bright lights combine to create a very sophisticated, “urban oasis” atmosphere.
The Dubai Factor: A 360-Degree Visual Feast of the City
The “Dubai Factor” in this case is definitely the unobstructed 360-degree view of the city’s contrasting landscapes. From your table, you can appreciate the majestic Burj Khalifa and the sparkling Downtown Dubai skyline in the distance. On the other side, the view stretches towards the historic Port Rashid and the Arabian Gulf. This particular view allows you to appreciate the coming together of Dubai’s rich history and its futuristic plans. Moreover, the glass-bottomed part of the floor gives you a heart-pounding view of the hotel entrance below.
The Seating: Seamlessly Blending Indoor Comfort with Al Fresco Luxury
Guests have the option to dine in either of the two different sections, depending on the season and their choice. The indoor lounge is an air-conditioned section with velvet armchairs and circular tables. This section is preferred during the hot summer season as it provides floor-to-ceiling windows for sightseeing. The outdoor terrace, on the other hand, becomes the main attraction during Dubai’s “winter” season, which is from October to April. This section is designed with poolside sofas and high-top bar stools for those who prefer to be near the DJ. Regardless of the section, the seating arrangement is designed in such a way that all guests get a great view of the horizon.
The Culinary Journey: A Deep Dive
Embark on a Refined Gastronomic Odyssey Above the Clouds
The Philosophy: French Precision Meets Asian Finesse
The culinary philosophy at Estrellas Rooftop Lounge revolves around international fusion cuisine with an Indian heart. Chef de Cuisine heads a team that is passionate about creating dishes with strong spice profiles through the use of modern European plating styles. Contrary to traditional cuisine, the kitchen at Estrellas celebrates the “melting pot” culture that Dubai itself represents. You will notice that the kitchen celebrates the flavors of street food but with a twist that is suitable for a luxury rooftop restaurant. Since the chef is passionate about creating sensory experiences, every dish is designed to create a balance between artistic presentation and nostalgic aromas.
The Starters: A Playful Dance of Texture and Temperatures
You should start your meal with the Tandoori Jhinga, which comes with jumbo prawns marinated in a special mixture of carom seeds and yogurt. The prawns come with a delightful char from the clay oven, which provides a nice contrast to the tender meat inside. Another dish that you should consider is the Vegetable Kurkure, which is a crispy appetizer that is sure to provide a nice crunch with every bite. While the prawns have a warm and spicy taste, the mint chutney that comes with it is a nice contrast with its cooling and herbaceous taste.
The Signature Main Course: The Legendary Miso-Marinated Black Cod
The undisputed star of the show on the menu is the Butter Chicken Pizza, which is a culinary legend in Bur Dubai. It comes to your table on a wooden platter, and the scent of fenugreek and charcoal wafts through the air the moment it touches your table. The chef spreads a layer of makhani gravy instead of the usual tomato sauce on a thin crust that has been hand-stretched. You will discover large pieces of tandoori chicken smothered under a thick layer of melted mozzarella cheese. The initial bite will reveal how well the sweetness of the cream has balanced the tomatoes and the green chilies. The crust is surprisingly crisp, holding up well to the heavy toppings without becoming soggy. This is the ultimate comfort food, which has managed to combine two world-class cuisines into one masterpiece.
The Elite Tip
To experience the dish to the fullest, you should ask for the Saffron-infused Basmati when you order any of the traditional curries. The kitchen uses the best quality Kashmiri Saffron, which gives the rice a unique floral scent and a golden color. Moreover, you can ask them to tone down the spices to “Dubai Medium” if you want a balanced flavor that doesn’t overpower the saffron.
The Sweet Ending: A Masterclass In Sculptural Patisserie
To round off your meal, you should not miss the Gulab Jamun Cheesecake. This dessert is not only skillfully crafted, but it is also a feast for the eyes. This fusion dessert consists of milk dumplings that are soft and soaked in syrup, which are embedded in a dense and creamy New York cream cheese. It has a pistachio and cardamom crust that gives it a nutty twist. Since the chef uses a rose water glaze, the dessert is not cloyingly sweet but rather light and refreshing. It is a great example of how Eastern desserts can be reinvented using Western pastry methods.
The Beverage Program: Sophisticated Mixology Beyond The Flavors
The drink menu at Estrellas is also very ambitious, particularly when it comes to their non-alcoholic mixology. You can order “mocktails” that feature complex house syrups rather than just fruit juices. The Spiced Berry Fizz is one of the most popular mocktails, featuring fresh blackberries mixed with a touch of cinnamon and star anise. These mocktails are a great option for people who do not want to drink alcohol but still want to enjoy a well-crafted drink. Each glass of the mocktail features fresh herbs or dehydrated fruits, making sure that the drink is as visually appealing as the skyline view.
Service & Hospitality
The Experience: A perfect Balance of Casual-Chic and Professionalism
In the cutthroat world of Dubai restaurants, the service at Estrellas Rooftop Lounge is more of a “casual-chic” friendly kind. You will not encounter the stiff and intimidating kind of service that you would find in a Michelin-starred restaurant. Instead, the staff greets you with a warm and genuine kind of hospitality that is reflective of the relaxed poolside atmosphere of the restaurant. Since the restaurant attracts a fair number of hotel guests as well as local residents, the ambiance is always lively and friendly. You can expect the service staff to be attentive without being too obtrusive, so that you can enjoy the view without any interruptions.
Knowledge: Expert Guidance and Impeccable Culinary Pacing
The staff members show a remarkable knowledge of the fusion menu. When you ask for recommendations, they are able to explain the spice level and the ingredients of the signature dish with ease. For example, our server was able to describe the contrast of flavors in the Butter Chicken Pizza before we ordered it. Moreover, the rhythm of the food delivery is remarkably consistent throughout the evening. Your appetizers will arrive while they are still hot, but the kitchen will give you enough time to breathe before the main course. Because the staff members are closely watching your table, the transition from appetizers to desserts is seamless.
Final Thoughts & Rating
Is Estrellas Rooftop Lounge Worth The Hype?
The Final Rating: 8.5/10
I give Estrellas Rooftop Lounge a solid 8.5/10 for its incredible views and unique fusion menu.
Who is it for?
This venue is perfect for those who value breathtaking aesthetics as much as bold, adventurous flavors. It suits anyone seeking a vibrant, “Old Dubai” sunset experience with a modern, sophisticated twist.
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Have you dined at Estrellas Rooftop Lounge yet? Drop a comment below with your favorite dish and let us know if the view took your breath away!
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