Live shows
The evening can include dancers, singers, saxophonists, violinists and acrobatic acts rather than just background music.
PLAY Restaurant & Lounge Bar
Trade Centre
PLAY Restaurant & Lounge Bar in Trade Centre is a Japanese and Mediterranean restaurant built around dinner and live entertainment. Reviews point to elaborate stage shows—dancers, singers, musicians and acrobatic acts—alongside dishes such as sushi rolls and mushroom risotto, making it more of a lively night out than a quiet meal.
Reputation Score
4.3
★★★★☆
1,642 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Risotto
Mushroom risotto is one of the clearest recurring dish recommendations in the reviews.
Truffle pasta
A reviewer especially enjoyed truffle pasta prepared in front of the table.
City views
Reviews mention views over Dubai from the venue, adding a visual element beyond the stage show.
Shisha service
Shisha is available for groups wanting to extend the evening beyond dinner and drinks.
Valet parking
A review notes that valet parking is available at the hotel, which can help when arriving by car.
Tips for a Better Visit
Check packages. Confirm every included dish before ordering a set menu; one group said some salads, rolls and dessert never arrived.
Avoid speakers. Ask for a table away from the speakers if you want to talk during dinner; one table was directly underneath them.
Use rear valet. If you drive, allow time to reach the valet entrance at the back of the hotel rather than the main gate.
Confirm conditions. Ask about the current minimum spend and permitted table time when booking; an older review reported a two-hour limit.
Expect nightlife. Choose PLAY for entertainment rather than a quiet meal: one reviewer described it as a nightclub serving food.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Office Tower One - The H Hotel - Floor 36 - Sheikh Zayed Rd
Trade Center First, Dubai
Common Concerns
Package portions
One group of four found the paid package portions too small and said several listed dishes and a dessert were not served.
High noise
The music and speakers can make conversation difficult, especially at tables directly beneath them.
Order errors
A reviewer reported missed dishes, duplicate items, a wrong drink and incorrect charges on the bill.
Above-average prices
Some reviewers considered the pricing high, particularly in relation to portion sizes.
Food inconsistency
Not every dish landed equally well: one review found the fries soggy and the miso black cod too salty.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
PLAY is a dinner-and-show venue in Trade Centre, aimed at people who want entertainment woven through the meal. Reviews describe dancers, singers, saxophonists, violinists, DJs and acrobatic performances, so the night can feel closer to a lively lounge or cabaret than a conventional restaurant. City views and stylish interiors add to the occasion.
Food is a significant part of the appeal, with reviewers highlighting mushroom risotto, sushi rolls, truffle pasta prepared at the table, kale salad and chocolate fondant. Shisha and cocktails are also mentioned. Some guests found the food excellent and portions generous, but others reported soggy fries, a salty miso black cod or a reduced menu, so expectations should be centred on the full entertainment experience rather than a purely culinary visit.
Noise is the main practical caution. Tables beneath speakers can be extremely loud, making conversation difficult, and service has sometimes been uneven, including missed dishes, long drink waits and billing errors. If you book a set menu, check every included item when it arrives.
Drivers should use the hotel’s rear valet entrance. An older review also reported a 400-per-person minimum spend and a two-hour limit, so confirm current booking terms before committing.