Bagatelle
Hued in Mediterranean blues and whites (as picture above & below), with whimsical pop art featuring a leaping Hulk and a coy Pepé Le Pew adorning the walls, the atmosphere, diners brimming with joie de vivre – not to mention the food – will make you feel like you’ve been transplanted from Dubai to the Côte d’Azur. Less fine-French dining and more bijoux; the dishes are meant to be shared and many contain a hint of spice, à la bistro.
Must try: Le Tipsy Cake, a decadent, fluffy brioche laced with cognac and paired with a trio of delectable dips that include a salted caramel bowl
Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road
+971 4 354 5035
www.bagatelledubai.com
Frioul Bistro de Luxe
With white studded-leather banquettes and interiors as chic as its crowd, the waterside views from the terrace only add to the Med-vibe, while traditional French-bistro menu items like bouillabaisse and quiche du jour are given a modern twist. Warning: gorging on the divine house-made bread is unavoidable. Must try: Dessert is a highlight; go for the choquettes drizzled in chocolate sauce, or Manjari chocolate fondant accompanied by roasted-flour ice cream
Souq Madinat Jumeirah
+971 4 366 8888
www.frioulbistrodeluxe.com
La Petite Maison
It may have been dropped from the prestigious World’s Best Restaurants list last year, but gourmands will be anything but disappointed; the classic sophistication, ballet-like elegance of the staff and superlative cuisine served at the Dubai offshoot of the legendary fine-dining restaurant that hatched in Nice make La Petite Maison the crème de la crème of French restaurants in the city.Must try: Canard á l’orange, slow-cooked duck legs with an orange glaze
Gate Village 08, DIFC
+971 4 439 0505
www.lpmlondon.co.uk/dubai
Reflets Par Pierre Gagnaire
Pierre Gagnaire’s classical French haute gastronomy has netted the chef three Michelin stars, and the superbly executed menu and decidedly unstuffy service at his Dubai restaurant meet his exacting standards. From the amuse-bouche and light-as-air soufflé to Homard blue lobster, the romantic interiors (think dusky-pink damask chairs and Murano chandeliers) make it a winner for dining à deux.Must try: Braised ox cheek served with pan-fried oysters, leek and smoked mash potato.
Intercontinental Dubai-Festival City Hotel
+971 4 701 1111
www.diningdfc.com
Traiteur
Ambitious, bistronomic cuisine and a show kitchen adding to the culinary drama, Traiteur’s consistently subliminal dining experience and legendary Friday brunch – with a new cheese room dubbed the “Temple of Cheese” – has gourmands clamouring for reservations. A special mention must go to the 4,200-strong wine cellar, surely one of the best in the city.Must try: The whole-roasted chateaubriand with provencal herb crust, béarnaise sauce and spring vegetables.
Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira
+971 4 317 2221
www.hyattrestaurants.com
