With eight brand-new celebrity chef restaurants residing under the one (rather glitzy) roof of Atlantis The Royal, it’s certainly not a bad pick for a glamorous post-work rendezvous. Helmed by Heston Blumenthal, Dinner is possibly the coolest of them all with its brooding, gothic allure and a menu that’s as much about storytelling as it is the food.
The medieval design is evident, featuring Tudor rose symbols on the ceiling, leather accents, spacious rosewood tables and subdued lighting that adds drama to the open kitchen laboratory. A standout element is the central mechanical pineapple clock that opens every half-hour, synchronising with the roasting pineapples in the kitchen. (For anyone not already accustomed to Blumenthal’s signatures: spit-roasted pineapple is central to his famous Tipsy Cake — a must try).
The concept behind the cuisine is distinctly British recipes that date as far back as the 1300s (unadventurous diners, stay at home). Many of Blumenthal’s iconic dishes are firmly placed on the Dubai menu including the Meat Fruit and Roast Halibut & Green Sauce (borrowed from the 1500s and 1300s respectively), along with a mandarin and chicken liver parfait and the triple-cooked chips. More elegant options come by way of the Powdered Duck Breast and Chicken Cooked with Lettuces. Whether starts, mains or dessert, each dish comes replete with an animated history lesson on its origins and inspiration. The London counterpart has so far won two Michelin stars, and we’re expecting Dinner in Dubai to quickly follow suit. Book now
