Dubai is abundant with off-the-beaten track restaurants, casual eats and experimental culinary trends, but sometimes, you just can't beat a Michelin-starred experience curated by a world-renowned chef. Enter: STAY by Yannick Alléno. The opulent restaurant is the epitome of fine dining and ticks every haute cuisine box and then some.
Situated at One&Only The Palm, STAY by Yannick Alléno is a breathtaking, classically upscale venue with a hint of gothic glamour (think: black chandeliers, pops of mustard yellow and sultry furnishings). Every facet of the dining experience is exquisite, luxurious and undeniably deserving of its two-star accolade, from the personable yet professional service to the brilliantly curated menu of contemporary French cuisine.
The menu is broken into digestible sections of entrees and mains, though MOJEH suggests opting for the seasonal, six-course 'experience menu' to sample the showstoppers. There is also a grape pairing on offer, guided by head sommelier Danijela Tesic. The meal begins with king crab topped with farmhouse cream, presented in a nori seaweed broth, and is fresh, moreish and a delightful opener for what is to come. Namely, portobello mushrooms cooked like abalone atop a romaine lettuce foam and gems of bread risotto that you can't scoop up fast enough.
Langoustines with vanilla and sea bass with watercress encased in paper-thin octopus are up next, before the marvellous Australian wagyu beef and mushrooms mille-feuille, which layers alternate slices of beef and mushrooms in a delicate, decadent dish that resembles the French pastry. A palette cleanser follows the mains - creamy, camel milk ice cream topped with crunchy honeycomb - and leads into the final course of chocolate mousse with a delightfully perplexing seaweed jam and zingy yuzu sorbet.
As temperatures cool, reserve a seat on the terrace with views over the palatial pool and glittering skyline. Post-indulgence, meander the impeccable grounds as you reflect on the menu and, no doubt, find yourself planning your return. Book now
