Dubai’s dining scene has never been one to shy away from bold, playful, and entirely unique concepts — and its latest entrant, CHAR x Around The Block, proves exactly that. Nestled within the quietly luxurious Nad Al Sheba neighbourhood, this grill bar has already started turning heads with its modern approach to classic grill dining, cosy industrial interiors, and a laid-back, effortlessly cool vibe.
For those who chase good food, great company, and unpretentious ambience, this is your next hangout.
A Fresh New Identity in Nad Al Sheba
CHAR x Around The Block isn’t your typical steakhouse or burger joint. It’s a thoughtful collaboration between two rising culinary forces in Dubai — CHAR, known for its open-flame grilling expertise, and Around The Block, a popular casual dining café concept that’s quietly built a loyal following with its eclectic menu and community-friendly atmosphere.
The result is a grill bar that feels both familiar and fresh. A place where you can dig into smoky, flame-licked cuts of meat alongside artisanal sides and playful desserts, all while soaking in a setting that balances urban grit with soft, welcoming touches.
Nad Al Sheba might be known more for its stables and affluent residential vibe, but with CHAR x Around The Block’s arrival, it’s adding a fresh dose of culinary character to the area.
Where Industrial Cool Meets Warm Hospitality
Walk through the doors and you’ll find an open, airy space with exposed brick walls, matte black furnishings, and warm timber finishes. The lighting is deliberately low, giving it a mellow, intimate feel even during daytime hours. At the heart of the restaurant is an open grill kitchen — the kind of stage that lets diners watch their food being cooked over live flames, adding drama and authenticity to every meal.
Despite its industrial-chic aesthetic, the place hums with warmth. The staff are genuinely welcoming, happily walking first-time guests through the menu and offering recommendations that feel personal rather than rehearsed. Whether you’re dropping in solo for a burger and a craft soda or bringing a crowd for a meat-heavy feast, the team makes it feel like you’ve stumbled upon a local secret worth keeping.
The Menu: Simple, Honest, and Flame-Focused
At its core, CHAR x Around The Block is all about honest, flame-grilled goodness. The menu is compact but clever, focusing on quality over quantity. Steaks are the star of the show, sourced from premium suppliers and expertly seasoned before being charred to perfection over an open flame.
Signature cuts like the ribeye and tenderloin come with house-made sauces — think chimichurri with a zesty kick or a smoked peppercorn sauce that adds depth without overpowering the meat. For those less carnivorously inclined, the menu doesn’t leave you behind. There’s a standout grilled halloumi salad with roasted cherry tomatoes, crisp greens, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette that’s worth ordering whether you’re a vegetarian or not.
Burgers here aren’t an afterthought either. The Wagyu Smash Burger, layered with gooey cheddar, caramelised onions, and house pickles, is unapologetically indulgent and dangerously addictive. Pair it with crispy, skin-on fries dusted with house seasoning, and you’ve got the kind of meal that lingers in your memory long after the last bite.
A Sweet Ending Worth Saving Room For
Dessert at grill bars can sometimes feel like an unnecessary afterthought, but here, it’s a proper event. The Burnt Basque Cheesecake is silky, rich, and slightly smoky from its caramelised top, while the Sticky Date Pudding arrives swimming in a butterscotch sauce so good you’ll want to lick the plate.
There’s also a cheeky take on s’mores — house-made marshmallows and dark chocolate sandwiched between crumbly graham crackers, then lightly torched tableside. It’s playful, nostalgic, and a brilliant way to finish off a meal.
Drinks That Match the Mood
While CHAR x Around The Block is unlicensed, its drinks menu still manages to impress. There’s a carefully curated list of mocktails, craft sodas, and specialty iced teas designed to complement the grill-forward menu.
The house-made hibiscus iced tea, with its tart-sweet balance, cuts beautifully through the richness of the steaks, while the smoky apple and cinnamon soda is a clever nod to the flavours coming off the grill. If you’re craving something citrusy and refreshing, the yuzu lemonade is sharp, bright, and endlessly sippable.
Who’s Behind the Concept?
What makes CHAR x Around The Block especially interesting is the story behind it. It’s the brainchild of two young Dubai-based entrepreneurs — both food obsessives with a shared love for open-flame cooking and casual, communal dining experiences.
They envisioned a space where people could come together over plates of beautifully grilled food without the stiff formality of a fine-dining steakhouse. A place that felt urban but not cold, trendy but not pretentious.
From the playlist of funk, soul, and indie rock classics to the easygoing service and perfectly charred steaks, every element of CHAR x Around The Block reflects that vision.
The Crowd It Attracts
Since its soft opening, the place has quietly attracted an interesting mix of diners. Local residents from Nad Al Sheba looking for a new weekend favourite, young professionals from nearby Business Bay, and food bloggers eager to discover the next big thing in Dubai’s dining scene.
There’s no dress code here. You’ll see groups in casual weekend wear sitting alongside date-night diners in something a little sleeker. That easy, come-as-you-are energy is part of the charm, making it a versatile spot for any occasion — whether it’s a quick solo lunch, a midweek catch-up with friends, or a celebratory dinner.
Why It’s Worth Visiting
In a city overflowing with extravagant, Instagram-driven restaurants, CHAR x Around The Block offers something refreshingly simple and real. It’s about expertly grilled food, a vibe that makes you want to linger, and a team that genuinely seems to enjoy what they do.
It also represents a quiet shift in Dubai’s dining culture — a move towards neighbourhood eateries that prioritise substance over spectacle, and places that feel personal rather than performative.
And if the early buzz is anything to go by, it’s a concept that’s already striking a chord with the city’s increasingly discerning diners.
What to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a visit, weekends tend to get busy from around 7 PM onwards, especially now as word spreads. There’s no booking fuss — walk-ins are welcome, and the turnover is steady, so even if there’s a short wait, it’s rarely longer than 15-20 minutes.
The restaurant is kid-friendly during the day but takes on a more grown-up vibe in the evening, making it a great option for both family lunches and low-key date nights.
Prices are fair, especially considering the quality of the ingredients and generous portion sizes. Expect to pay around AED 120-180 for a main and sides, with desserts hovering around AED 40-50.
Final Thoughts
CHAR x Around The Block might be Nad Al Sheba’s newest grill bar, but it already feels like an old friend. It’s the kind of place you discover once and immediately plan your next visit to. A dining experience built on good food, good people, and a setting that makes you want to stick around a little longer.
In a city where dining out often leans towards the dramatic, this spot reminds us that sometimes, all you really need is a perfectly grilled steak, great company, and a playlist that hits all the right notes.
And that, in itself, makes CHAR x Around The Block a standout addition to Dubai’s ever-growing food scene.Tools
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