QE2 Dubai opens Pavilion alfresco restaurant on former pool deck

A Mediterranean-inspired outdoor restaurant has opened aboard QE2 Dubai just in time for the cooler winter months.

Over a year since the legendary QE2 debuted as Dubai’s first floating hotel, the former ocean liner and Cunard flagship has transformed what used to be the pool deck into an outdoor dining space.

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It’s called the Pavilion because it is located next to what used to be the ship’s Pavilion bar, serving sunbathers and swimmers on the pool deck during trans-Atlantic crossings and World Cruises.

Inspired by the varied cuisines of the Mediterranean, the menu reads like one from a restaurant perched on the coast of the Aegean sea.

An al dente pasta selections features Rigatoni Al Buffalo, spaghetti al putinesca and seafood linguine, while for mains guests can feast on giant garlic prawns and pan-fried red snapper.

An array of signature cocktails and mocktails are also available, including a QE2 sangria.

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The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from 12 noon to 11pm in the tradition of all specialty restaurants on cruise ships, and offers beautiful views of the Mina Rashid Yacht Club and Dubai skyline.

On Fridays, the Pavilion deck will be transformed into an extension of the popular QE2 Brunch, which takes place inside at Lido restaurant.

With cuisines from around the world, the QE2 Brunch features live cooking stations of fresh pasta, seafood and BBQ options, as well as boasting a Mediterranean-style buffet.

It’s available on Fridays from 1pm to 4pm, priced at Dhs225 for the soft package and Dhs395 including house beverages.

Pavilion adds to the existing QE2 Dubai restaurant line-up that includes all-day dining restaurant Lido, the Yacht Club bar, The Golden Lion pub, fine dining restaurant The Queen’s Grill and The Grand Lounge, which regularly hosts live shows.