IT seemed a curious juxtaposition at first…creating a venue based around a famous Greek island on the 46th floor of an Indian-branded hotel.
Yet, Paros has always managed to evoke Aegean vibes and flavours to great effect.
Yet, Paros has always managed to evoke Aegean vibes and flavours to great effect.
And with the Dubai favourite having undergone a recent makeover, a revisit seemed in order.
WHEN most of us think of Paros, it tends to drum up images of a Greek island of white-washed cottages and idling fishing boats.
But then there’s the modern meets traditional outlook of 2026, showcasing vibrant, trendy nightlife beside tavernas filled with comfort food and convivial chatter.
On the rooftop of Taj Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai’s Paros captures a bit of all that, and delivers it with impressive cityscape views.
But then there’s the modern meets traditional outlook of 2026, showcasing vibrant, trendy nightlife beside tavernas filled with comfort food and convivial chatter.
On the rooftop of Taj Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai’s Paros captures a bit of all that, and delivers it with impressive cityscape views.
MODERN MED: The main indoor bar and restaurant area gives a stylish alternative to the outdoor terrace
That has made it one of Dubai’s favourite high-rise hangouts, while a recent refurbishment has successfully maintained its knack for Mediterranean-inspired chic.
Forget the panorama across Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Marina and out towards the sea for a moment...pass through the glass doors into Paros and you could be entering one of the island’s trendy resorts, or maybe a Mykonos pool club.
A right turn takes you indoors to the main restaurant and bar area with its mix of mellow materials, relaxed lighting and partial hanging plant ceiling.
Go left and you pass the hotel swimming pool and onto the rooftop terrace for which Paros arguably gains its reputation.
Forget the panorama across Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Marina and out towards the sea for a moment...pass through the glass doors into Paros and you could be entering one of the island’s trendy resorts, or maybe a Mykonos pool club.
A right turn takes you indoors to the main restaurant and bar area with its mix of mellow materials, relaxed lighting and partial hanging plant ceiling.
Go left and you pass the hotel swimming pool and onto the rooftop terrace for which Paros arguably gains its reputation.
TUNE WITH A VIEW: A DJ providing the Paros evening soundtrack against panoramic Dubai scenes
The revamp has made better use of the available footage without diminishing any of the venue’s charm. And a mix of high and regular tables allow for drinks and dining, all indulging those city views beyond glass walls.
The central DJ booth now faces a remodelled bar area with plenty of space for group gatherings, while pockets of seating work well for casual dining, as a couple or with friends.
The overall effect is of a more spacious venue, but still with a sense of intimacy and a subtle Grecian theme.
Of course, the superpower of any Greek-leaning venue is usually its food. And this is where Paros has - and still - channels its namesake to great effect.
The central DJ booth now faces a remodelled bar area with plenty of space for group gatherings, while pockets of seating work well for casual dining, as a couple or with friends.
The overall effect is of a more spacious venue, but still with a sense of intimacy and a subtle Grecian theme.
Of course, the superpower of any Greek-leaning venue is usually its food. And this is where Paros has - and still - channels its namesake to great effect.
BETTER WITH FETA: Spanakopita is a tasty and satisfying opening treat and looks great too
A varied ‘small eats’ selection includes the Greek coastal gem, prawn saganaki, backed up by vegetable fritters, four cheese croquettes, chicken skewers, lamb kofta, calamari, a Paros baked feta, and scallops.
We opted for that islands classic, spanakopita (AED60); four beautifully crispy filo pastry triangles are filled with feta and spinach, laced with herbs, and enlivened with a spicy tomato dip.
You can also begin your meal with items from the mezzedes menu, including salads of the Greek, Paros or burrata variety, the skyline ceviche or island crudo, and traditional dips such as tzatziki, feta and bell pepper-based tyrokafteri, and melitzanosalata powered by smoky aubergine.
We can vouch for a silky taramosalata (AED50) while the Paros mezzedes platter (at AED120) covers a few of the above bases.
We opted for that islands classic, spanakopita (AED60); four beautifully crispy filo pastry triangles are filled with feta and spinach, laced with herbs, and enlivened with a spicy tomato dip.
You can also begin your meal with items from the mezzedes menu, including salads of the Greek, Paros or burrata variety, the skyline ceviche or island crudo, and traditional dips such as tzatziki, feta and bell pepper-based tyrokafteri, and melitzanosalata powered by smoky aubergine.
We can vouch for a silky taramosalata (AED50) while the Paros mezzedes platter (at AED120) covers a few of the above bases.
GO WITH THE ROE : Popular Greek starter taramosalata is a taken up a notch with presentation and creamy texture
The sliders, wraps and flat breads section includes a classic chicken souvlaki pita pocket while main courses embrace land, sea and fields.
Choices on the brief meat and poultry main page include grilled baby chicken, a 10oz Wagyu beef rib eye, and an 8oz prime beef fillet.
The herb-roasted lamb chops arguably best fit the Greek vibe. Although not asked for our cooking preference, what arrived was beautifully booked, served with herb salad and a subtle jus; it proved to be a winning choice.
On the seafood mains side, arroz ahi amarillo - a Peruvian risotto-style yellow chili-sauced dish given a Med spin with calamari, prawns, and mussels - stood out among options featuring a ubiquitous grilled sea bass and pan-seared salmon, plus tiger prawns.
Choices on the brief meat and poultry main page include grilled baby chicken, a 10oz Wagyu beef rib eye, and an 8oz prime beef fillet.
The herb-roasted lamb chops arguably best fit the Greek vibe. Although not asked for our cooking preference, what arrived was beautifully booked, served with herb salad and a subtle jus; it proved to be a winning choice.
On the seafood mains side, arroz ahi amarillo - a Peruvian risotto-style yellow chili-sauced dish given a Med spin with calamari, prawns, and mussels - stood out among options featuring a ubiquitous grilled sea bass and pan-seared salmon, plus tiger prawns.
THRILL OF THE GRILL: These herb-roasted lamb chops proved to be a winning menu choice
But a perfectly grilled octopus (AED165) rightly earned the oceanic vote, tasting as good as it looked with fava purée and slithers of sourdough.
For the indecisive, there are sharing options at AED395, in the form of a mixed grill seafood platter, or Chef's signature mixed grill.
And for vegetarians, four dedicated choices include tagine and moussaka.
If your appetite is up to it, Paros has a mercifully brief range of desserts to joust with your calorie count.
It includes Jivara passion fruit pastry with chocolate Jivara mousse and passion fruit crémeux, baked cheesecake with Greek yoghurt ice cream, cheese kunafa, a mango manouri dome - manouri being a Greek cheese with a salty profile - and Dubai chocolate choux with vanilla bean ice cream, all at AED65.
For the indecisive, there are sharing options at AED395, in the form of a mixed grill seafood platter, or Chef's signature mixed grill.
And for vegetarians, four dedicated choices include tagine and moussaka.
If your appetite is up to it, Paros has a mercifully brief range of desserts to joust with your calorie count.
It includes Jivara passion fruit pastry with chocolate Jivara mousse and passion fruit crémeux, baked cheesecake with Greek yoghurt ice cream, cheese kunafa, a mango manouri dome - manouri being a Greek cheese with a salty profile - and Dubai chocolate choux with vanilla bean ice cream, all at AED65.
TAKE ME TO THE GREEK: A modern skyline setting is given Med vibes, right down to the bougainvillea
Elena Schwartz, General Manager of Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, is glad to have her ‘island in the sky’ back in action.
“Paros has always been that place where you feel instantly at ease, where great music, sunsets, and good company just flow together,” she said following the November re-opening.
“We’re so excited to welcome everyone back with a fresh vibe, new flavours, and that same easy going spirit people have always loved.”
“Paros has always been that place where you feel instantly at ease, where great music, sunsets, and good company just flow together,” she said following the November re-opening.
“We’re so excited to welcome everyone back with a fresh vibe, new flavours, and that same easy going spirit people have always loved.”
SIGN OF THE GOOD TIMES: Indulge your Greek appetite as perfect weather curates Dubai nights
So, that’s Paros for you.
If you find Greece on your mind in the coming months - but would rather stay closer to home a tad longer - give this cloud-tickling venue serious consideration.
And with mains currently on The Entertainer, you’ll find your ‘air fare’ stretches even further.
DETAILS:
HAPPY Hour is daily, 4pm-8pm.
PAROS serves a business lunch, Monday to Friday, 12pm-4pm, featuring a two-course menu for AED99, or three courses at AED125.
LADIES’ Night happens on Thursday evenings, 8pm-1am, while Saturdays in the Sky is the newly-launched high-altitude night brunch happening 8pm-11pm on Saturdays, priced AED295 per person
FOR Paros enquiries, call or WhatsApp + 971 58 178 2468 or email [email protected]
If you find Greece on your mind in the coming months - but would rather stay closer to home a tad longer - give this cloud-tickling venue serious consideration.
And with mains currently on The Entertainer, you’ll find your ‘air fare’ stretches even further.
DETAILS:
HAPPY Hour is daily, 4pm-8pm.
PAROS serves a business lunch, Monday to Friday, 12pm-4pm, featuring a two-course menu for AED99, or three courses at AED125.
LADIES’ Night happens on Thursday evenings, 8pm-1am, while Saturdays in the Sky is the newly-launched high-altitude night brunch happening 8pm-11pm on Saturdays, priced AED295 per person
FOR Paros enquiries, call or WhatsApp + 971 58 178 2468 or email [email protected]
