1. Bentley Bistro & Bar, The Galleria Mall, Abu Dhabi
When it comes to luxury brands, you’ll be hard pushed to find a mall that does it better than The Galleria on Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island. From Dior to Dolce, the mall has it all. But quality here is not solely limited to its retail offering. Nestled behind Cartier and Louis Vuitton sits a hidden gourmet gem – Bentley Bistro & Bar. This neat, minimalist restaurant serves up a host of delicious French inspired dishes, each cooked to perfection, with friendly service and a wine list to match. A must-visit for weary shoppers and food lovers alike.
Must Try: Beef fillet with truffle butter and the bistro’s signature Paris mash.
Sweet tooth? Rich chocolate crumble tart with lime caramel sauce and pistachio ice cream.
www.thegalleria.ae
2. Ladurée, Harrods, London
Although not a mall in the conventional sense, Harrods has been tempting the world’s elite shoppers with its wide variety of luxury products since the early 19th century. In a similar way, patisserie brand Ladurée has been doing the exact same thing. So what happens when the two meet? Housed in a chic, Parisian-styled tearoom, Ladurée at Harrods brings the beautiful decadence of French pastry making to London’s Knightsbridge, offering discerning guests everything from delicate savoury starters to signature afternoon tea.
Must Try: Roasted French veal rib with creamy amaranth, veal jus and pink praline.
Sweet tooth? Enjoy a selection of world-famous Ladurée macarons, available in every flavour imaginable.
Image courtesy of Cecil Lee/Flickr
Image courtesy of insecurity/Flickr
3. Emporio Armani Café, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
For the fashion savvy diner, the Emporio Armani Café in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates offers the perfect opportunity to showcase designer flair while enjoying a gourmet bite to eat. Attracting the city’s burgeoning elite, the minimalist, ultra-stylish café combines a chilled out club-like atmosphere with upscale Italian-American dishes, all in a bid to live up to its high-fashion namesake.
Must Try: Seafood spaghetti with fresh mussels, prawns and lobster.
Sweet Tooth? Sample the café’s rich chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream cup.
4. The Parlour Restaurant, Fortnum & Mason, London
Known for its luxury hampers and quality foodstuffs, Fortnum & Mason is a British institution with a heritage established from over three centuries of trading. Today, the Piccadilly-based retailer offers cuisine lovers a wide variety of culinary delights and top-flight in-store restaurants. For those with a sweet tooth, The Parlour Restaurant on the flagship store’s first floor is a must. Although labelled as an ice cream specialist, the diner boasts a broad menu serving up everything from soup of the day to authentic Austrian strudel.
Must Try: Parlour Fish Pie, with chunky smoked haddock, prawns and salmon.
Sweet Tooth? Chocolossus sundae (Amedei chocolate, vanilla bean and chocolate macadamia nut ice creams, with whipped cream and warm pouring chocolate)
www.fortnumandmason.com
Image courtesy of Le Yeti/Flickr
Image courtesy of Robert Paul Young/Flickr
5. Vogue Café, Printemps Haussman, Paris
Since launching in Dubai Mall last year, Vogue Café has established itself as a go-to gourmet eatery, attracting affluent Emiratis and fashion conscious expats in their droves. Following this Middle Eastern success, the magazine’s ultra-chic establishment is popping up in Paris’ iconic Printemps Haussman shopping mall for a liited time only. The café will team with gourmet culinary duo Hugo & Victor, serving a wide selection of delicate pastries, creative cakes and fresh juices to the fashionable masses.
Must Try: Pumpkin and cheese tart served with baby spinach salad and maple syrup vinaigrette.
Sweet Tooth? Milk chocolate sphere with liquid caramel fudge, salted caramel cream and caramelised macadamia nuts.
www.departmentstoreparis.printemps.com
6. Stella 34 Trattoria, Macy’s, New York
As one of the most iconic shopping outlets in the world, Macy’s enormous Herald Square store has been a recognisable Manhattan landmark since the late 19th century. However, despite its incredible global success as a retailer, it has never been known for its in-store culinary options. That is, until now. Located on the sixth floor, with views overlooking New York’s Empire State building, Stella 34 Trattoria has quickly forged a reputation as an authentic Italian diner at the heart of the retail giant, serving up fresh Neapolitan pizzas (from wood-burning ovens) and house-made pastas in abundance.
Must Try: Branzino al Forno (wood-oven roasted sea bass, spicy puttanesca, caper, castelvetrano olive and Yukon potato)
Sweet Tooth? Panzerotti (ricotta and chocolate filled fritters, corbezzolo honey and huckleberry gastrique) with a generous scoop of the restaurant’s pistachio gelati.
Image courtesy Evan Sung
Image courtesy Daniel Krieger
