Food & Drink
Feast on these top chef's tasting menus in Dubai
Fri, July 28, 2023
Progressive, multi-course meals showcasing the kitchen's signature dishes; are you a true foodie who always signs up for the chef's choice offering?
Progressive, multi-course meals showcasing the kitchen's signature dishes; are you a true foodie who always signs up for the chef's choice offering?
Ossiano
Enjoy a uniquely Dubai fine dining experience at the iconic, Michelin-starred Ossiano at Atlantis, The Palm. A rite of passage for the culinary crowd, chef Gregoire Berger helms a kitchen that serves up an immersive, multi-course degustation offering in a grand gold and blue-hued setting, with floor-to-ceiling aquatic views. Specialising in seafood, the plates are as astounding as the surroundings. Perched under glistening chandeliers, watch more than 65,000 marine creatures swimming past your table. It is perfect for a romantic experience mixing fine European cuisine and an adventure into the sea.
Brix
Chocolatier and head pastry chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez has worked in innovative, experimental kitchens and brings that experience to Brix, the only fine dining dessert bar in the region. Backed by the team behind 3 Fils, the intimate venue situated in Jumeirah Fishing Village serves up a multi-course tasting menu with the spotlight on sweet treats complete with non-alcoholic drinks pairings. Cleverly balancing savoury with sweet, with each course being explained in detail, this is a stop that serious foodies should not miss. Her latest showcase is titled The Seasons, and is sure to spark nostalgia and evoke memories.
Orfali Bros Bistro
There's a reason why Orfali Bros Bistro has landed on lists like MENA's 50 Best, and that's because this family-owned passion project, helmed by chef Mohammad and his specialist pastry chef brothers Wassim and Omar, ticks all the boxes when it comes to great food. Middle Eastern influences permeate the internationally-inspired dishes, with cleverly configured small plates like the Corn Bomb leading up to spectacular not-to-be-missed desserts. It's not advertised, but 'ask the chef' and you shall receive the eatery's tasting menu, peppered with expert commentary from the servers.
Trésind Studio
Chef Himanshu Saini's Trésind Studio is regarded as one of the best restaurants not just in Dubai but in the world – a reputation that has been reiterated by its Michelin star. His curated tasting menus, featuring carefully-choreographed dishes and molecular gastronomy, take diners on a modern Indian-accented culinary journey that can't be forgotten. Saini's personal anecdotes are often weaved into the storytelling that accompanies every dish, with fine dining techniques and Instagram-friendly plating adding to the excitement of every reveal.
Taiko
Chef Schilo Van Coevorden's omakase dinner menu, served with prime views of the kitchen on the robatayaki grill station, showcases his specific take on Asian recipes. From snow crab and corn cappuccino to lobster toast with black curry, you'll have a multi-sensorial feast for just AED388 per person. There are continuous nods to the Amsterdam-native's host city, with his Dubai City of Gold caviar pani puri bite a decadent highlight. The restaurant, located at Sofitel The Obelisk, also draws with its atmospheric setting, dim lighting, dramatic bamboo-lined booths and pretty cherry blossom trees.
Il Ristorante Niko Romito
Moonrise
Set at the summit of luxurious apartment complex Eden House, eight-seater Moonrise appeals to the serious foodie who is happy to sit along a counter, interacting with the team as they theatrically finish plating. Serving a set multi-course degustation menu, with no exceptions or tweaks to the order of service, French-Syrian chef Soleman – heads up a young, dynamic team whose passion shows on the plate. Expect Japanese techniques, unexpected combinations, and moreish mocktails that complement in the set price of AED650 per person, which is paid in advance on booking.
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
This home-grown dining spot has won a slew of awards for chef Reif Othman's take on Asian street food, but true fans pre-book the chef's table, known as The Experience. Get a ring-side seat in a dedicated 12-seater area in the Dubai Hills branch as you're served a curated eight- (AED888 per person) or twelve-course (AED1,212 per person) omakase 'chef's choice' tasting menu – only available for a 6pm or 9.30pm seating, Wednesday to Saturday. Embark on this surprise-filled culinary journey which revolves around a special ingredient or theme that will only be revealed on the night.
Pierchic
Armani/Ristorante
Sweeping views of the Dubai Fountains offer a backdrop worthy of the dishes at Michelin-starred Armani/Ristorante, located in the iconic Burj Khalifa. Pace yourself during the six-course tasting menu, served from 6:30-11:30pm, that evolves according to seasons. For example, autumn sees a celebration of fungi, with porcini, trumpet, morels and more in the spotlight. An indication of the imaginative cooking at this modern Italian stalwart? An intriguing chocolate and mushroom-infused crème brûlée to finish. Try and book over the weekend when live music further enhances the evening.
Tàn Chá
Book Table 8 – that's the private chef's table – and leave yourself in the culinary clutches of modern Chinese master chef David Pang. Watch as he conjures up 18 of his signature dishes over an 11-course menu. Priced at AED888 per person for between 8-12 guests, seasonal ingredients like Japanese A5 wagyu, Hokkaido scallops, lobster and French foie gras, will elevate this experience that highlights the different Chinese provinces, and their varied preparations and cooking skills. Regulars at this lively Chinois spot will also be thrilled to hear that Beijing's Peking duck features during proceedings too.
French Riviera
Enjoy an expérience gastronomique at Jumeirah Al Qasr's picturesque French Riviera, with oceanfront views that echo the Côte d'Azur. For AED550 per person, you'll be treated to seven courses by chef Kim Joinié-Maurin, who'll spoil you with an amuse bouche truffle pizza before dazzling with dishes like a blue crab trilogy, signature caramelised onion with Parmesan ice cream, and his take on the traditional La Bouillabaisse. You won't have to fight over dessert as a selection will cap off your evening. Plus, there's a vegetarian option at AED460 too.
Punjab Grill
Elevated Indian dishes, like phulka tacos and paneer cheese roulade with butter spinach are just some of the highlights on chef Sandeep Ail's tasting menu at Punjab Grill. Fusing traditional recipes with global know-how infuses each of the six or seven dishes with new twists, and the feast can be adapt to suit both vegetarians and those looking for meat options. Starting from AED250 per person, you won't regret embarking on this culinary journey.
STAY by Yannick Alleno
Ristorante L'Olivo at Al Mahara
Babylon
Babylon has a signature tasting menu available only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Crafted by chef Carlos De Los Mozos, the five-course journey combines classicism, heritage and modernity. Guests will be treated to delicacies like sea bass usuzukuri and miso butter wagyu striploin. The dining experience unfolds amid Babylon's captivating ambience, promising a night of extraordinary entertainment in a dinner and a show format. The menu is priced at AED450 per person, including a welcome drink.