Billionaire Dubai continues to stand out as one of the city’s most consistent and recognisable dinner-and-show concepts, successfully reclaiming its place in Dubai’s nightlife scene after the disruption of the Covid-19 years. Originally launched at Taj Dubai in 2020, the venue’s revival speaks to a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to spectacle.
That vision belongs to Formula 1 team principal Flavio Briatore. Drawing on decades of refinement that began at the brand’s original home in Sardinia, Billionaire has never tried to be subtle. Instead, it embraces glamour, excess and theatricality with confidence. There is no irony here—just a deliberate celebration of music, performance and indulgence.
Its relocation to the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai, on the 61st floor, marks the most assured expression of the concept yet. With a new venue and a fresh production, Billionaire feels more focused and refined while remaining unmistakably itself.
First impressions and setting
The experience begins before guests even step inside. A dedicated entrance, complete with red carpet and attentive hosts, sets the tone. After reservations are confirmed, guests are escorted to the lift, heightening anticipation.
Inside, the message is clear. Heavy red theatre curtains conceal most of the floor-to-ceiling windows, signalling that this is not about skyline views. This is a theatre first and foremost. The atmosphere leans towards classic cabaret rather than a modern rooftop lounge.
A curtained walkway opens into the main dining hall. While familiar design elements from the Taj Dubai era remain, the proportions have changed. The space here is longer and slightly narrower, creating a sense of intimacy without feeling crowded.
Two stages dominate the room: a main stage and a centrally placed satellite stage. Tiered seating is arranged in a horseshoe formation, ensuring clear sightlines across the dining hall. Corner tables offer a semi-private feel, while seats near the DJ booth provide a more immersive, high-energy experience. Central tables deliver a full view of both stages and a prime spot for observing the crowd.
On a typical midweek evening, the audience reflects Dubai’s diversity—business leaders, couples, athletes and familiar faces from the city’s social scene, all sharing the space comfortably.
The show: polished and high-energy
The current production, Up in the Sky, unfolds over roughly two hours and features 12 acts performed across both stages. Each segment runs for about 10 minutes, with well-timed intervals that allow guests to dine without missing the action.
The show loosely explores themes of freedom and self-expression, but it remains unmistakably a Billionaire production. Music spans decades, from 1990s Euro-pop favourites such as Rhythm Is a Dancer to contemporary ballads associated with artists like Adele and Christina Aguilera.
What elevates the experience is the quality of the performers. Vocals are strong and assured, setting a professional tone that carries through the entire show. Beyond singing, the programme includes acrobatics, aerial ring performances, tango and pole routines.
Costume changes are frequent and dramatic, shifting from disco-inspired outfits to elegant gowns. Digital screens positioned around the stages display interactive visuals that blend seamlessly with the choreography, adding another layer to the spectacle.
Pacing is carefully controlled. Between acts, the energy in the room steadily builds. By the final performances, guests are already on their feet, dancing as the evening transitions naturally into a late-night party.
Service staff play a key supporting role. When not attending tables, they move through the room clapping, encouraging guests and occasionally dancing alongside them, helping to sustain momentum and keep the atmosphere buoyant.
The food: indulgence without distraction
The menu mirrors Briatore’s long-standing affection for Italian and Japanese cuisines. Rather than merging the two, they are presented side by side, unified by premium ingredients and shareable portions.
Italian offerings focus on comfort. The burrata di Andria is creamy and well balanced, while the Monte Carlo Salad delivers freshness with a simple mix of vegetables and shrimp. Pasta dishes are rich and satisfying, with highlights including orecchiette all’ossobuco, featuring tender braised veal, and spinach and ricotta ravioli for a lighter option.
The Japanese selection is equally confident. The Billionaire maki roll combines high-quality fish with black truffle for depth and richness, while the isobe tempura roll balances crisp texture, sweet crab and the sharp lift of ponzu sauce.
Portions are generous, and dishes arrive in rhythm with the performances, ensuring the flow of the evening remains uninterrupted. For first-time visitors, guidance from the service team is invaluable given the breadth of the menu.
Desserts are designed for sharing and indulgence. House-made vanilla ice cream is clean and comforting, while the Billionaire Selection platter brings together tiramisu, profiteroles, crème brûlée, hot chocolate cake and ice creams in one lavish finale.
The verdict
Billionaire Dubai remains true to its original promise. It is not simply a restaurant, nor just a show, but a carefully orchestrated night out that blends dining, performance and nightlife into a single experience. With its new home at Mandarin Oriental Downtown, the venue feels more confident than ever—proof that Dubai’s most famous dinner show is still very much bang on the money.
