About

A freelance travel and motoring writer and photographer since 2004, living in UAE since 1999 (Al Ain!) Paolo Rossetti has published over 200 articles in The National, Gulf News, and Khaleej Times, as well as Arab Wheels, Middle East Car, Top Performance, and Wheels magazines. This love for cars and travel has taken him on an amazing journey of discovery in the UAE and Oman - and in this blog, Paolo wants to share his knowledge of great places to visit with you, just like numerous good buddies have shared their stories with him. Paolo is sad to hear of UAE expats (and nationals!) who spend their weekends bored in malls, when he knows there are awesome adventures to be had if only people knew where to go. Check out the photos and you will be astounded - is this really in the UAE? You betcha! On this website Paolo provides a lively travel article on a monthly basis, with description, photos, route, GPS file, and even a Google Earth map for you to follow at your leisure. It's free of charge because Paolo is not motivated by profits but by his admiration of the UAE and by helping you make the most of your stay in the UAE, be it a few months or a lifetime. To adventures!

Weekend Dining at THE GRILLL SHACK in Dubai Mall

Of all the amazing places to dine in Dubai Mall, none represent the excitement at the heart of this great city than THE GRILLL SHACK – and it may seem a little far-fetched, but consider that shopping – and I mean SHOPPING! – is the foundation of Dubai.

And there is no shopping like at Dubai Mall!

And it follows that dining at THE GRILLL SHACK – directly overlooking the main shopping concourse, on all levels, and the immensity of the open space above the mall’s ice rink, gives an experience that is exclusively “Dubai style”!

weekenduae Grilll Shack Dubai Mall weekend UAE

In fact, above is the view directly from your table!

And, from the other side, you can see exactly the fortunate location you’ll be sitting…

weekenduae Grilll Shack Dubai Mall weekend UAE

Technically, it’s the Dubai Mall food court – but, THE GRILLL SHACK is nothing like a food court stall, and you can expect a fully swinging restaurant specializing in grilled meats, but also surprising with a variety of fresh offerings.

See for yourself:

weekenduae Grilll Shack Dubai Mall weekend UAE

The Surf-N-Turf pairs 300 grams of tender beef with giant Gulf prawns!

And the Sticky Date & Toffee Pudding is insanely yummy!

weekenduae Grilll Shack Dubai Mall weekend UAE

But I’m getting ahead of myself…

The ambiance is electrifying, thanks to that prime location overlooking the ice rink – it truly must be experienced to understand.

weekenduae Grilll Shack Dubai Mall weekend UAE

THE GRILLL SHACK sports an open kitchen at the entrance – closed in by clever glass, so the flames at the grills impress and entertain as you walk in, but it contains the actual cling-clanging and smokey aromas of a kitchen in full swing.

And then you reach the balcony, and I’m sure everyone just gasps in surprise!

However, amazing view that it is, the main theme of THE GRILLL SHACK is really its dedication to freshness – and that is just as impressive.

weekenduae Grilll Shack Dubai Mall weekend UAE

The ice tea is home-made, sweet and tangy, and already the garnish gives away this dedication to freshness.

The salads carry forward this focus…

weekenduae Grilll Shack Dubai Mall weekend UAE

And so the setting becomes clear, and THE GRILLL SHACK may be famously dedicated to juicy grills, but the underlying foundation is an entire approach, which sets the scene no matter what your preference is in terms of ordering.

weekenduae Grilll Shack Dubai Mall weekend UAE

However, the shiny crown jewels on THE GRILLL SHACK menu are indeed the grilled items!

A mastery of perfection of the live flames leads to exceptionally delicious steaks, burgers, fish, chicken, and all sorts – in fact, the menu reads like a condensed encyclopedia of fire-grilling.

weekenduae Grilll Shack Dubai Mall weekend UAE

The burgers are magnificent – above The Fat Boy smiles his charm, topped with Jack cheddar melted cheese, balanced upon crispy onion rings and jalapenos, and hugged by tasty beef bacon, all enveloping a massive Angus beef patty… a burger that you’ll remember!

Starters and sides and sauces are plentiful and varied.

weekenduae Grilll Shack Dubai Mall weekend UAE

And the steaks are truly second to none, in terms of both quality cuts and the expert preparation.

weekenduae Grilll Shack Dubai Mall weekend UAE

Look closer

weekenduae Grilll Shack Dubai Mall weekend UAE

Actually, if it can be grilled, you can be sure THE GRILLL SHACK pitmasters know how to bring out its best flavors!

weekenduae Grilll Shack Dubai Mall weekend UAE

And so, whether you are a visitor to Dubai, or a long-term resident or citizen, for an iconic dining experience that represents the electrifying excitement of Dubai Mall, but also impresses with exceptionally fresh ingredients, specializing in live-fire grilling, THE GRILLL SHACK should be on your list of must-tries, and you’ll probably find you become a regular!