The MAINE Land Brasserie brings a clubby, old-world feel to Business Bay, the newest Dubai outpost of Joey Ghazal's New England brasserie group. It's pitched squarely at the downtown crowd, and the room delivers on that promise: high ceilings, striking chandeliers, cosy panelling, and the slightly timeworn elegance of a place that feels as though it's been quietly running for a century.
There's a steakhouse sensibility here too, with a touch of sensuality running underneath the polish. For private events, the venue works hard across a range of sizes and occasions, from birthdays and wedding receptions to fashion showcases and networking evenings.
The main restaurant seats up to 105 guests, while the terrace holds up to 60, giving you both an indoor and an outdoor option depending on the season and the style of event. If you're after something more contained, semi-private areas are available indoors for up to 26 or 36 guests, and the terrace offers a semi-private space for up to 36. It's worth noting there isn't a fully enclosed private dining room as such, so this suits hosts who want a defined, sectioned-off area within the buzz of the restaurant rather than a sealed-off space.
The venue is available seven days a week at both lunch and dinner. An AV system and a vinyl DJ can be arranged on request, and as a live music venue, The MAINE also has access to a roster of jazz musicians and cabaret acts, which you can book with enough notice. Bookings may be subject to a minimum spend, agreed ahead of your event. Group dining is built around three bespoke set menus, each tailored to your group. The first runs through brasserie staples like tuna tartare, kale Caesar, sliced rib eye and sticky toffee pudding. The second steps up with the likes of beef carpaccio tonnato, whole grilled sea bass, coquilles St-Jacques and key lime pie. The top tier is served family style and brings in a raw bar, with a classic seafood platter, angry lobster pasta, chargrilled octopus and sliced T-bone among the highlights.
There's also a choice of beverage packages to match, from open wine and beer through to a premium open bar. A few practical points worth flagging for guests. The dress code is Smart Elegant, with no shorts, flip flops, sportswear or swimwear. Children are welcome during the day but not in the evening. A 50% deposit secures the booking, refundable up to three days before the event, and final guest numbers need to be confirmed 24 hours in advance.