A degustation menu where every course is on song…

Few places capture the magic of Dubai quite like Jumeirah Al Qasr. The grand hotel is a stunning property that’s nestled beside Souk Madinat Jumeirah, glorious waterways and the ocean. There really is something lovely to look at everywhere you turn.

One of its loveliest is French Riviera, a fairly new restaurant (it opened in June 2020) that has intimate dining areas reached by candle-lit walkways. We headed in to try its intriguing new seven-course wine-paired degustation menu.

@whatsondubaiA beautiful seven-course tasting menu and wine pairing awaits you at French Riviera… ##whatsondubai ##instagrammableplaces ##wheretoeatUAE♬ SUNNY DAY – Matteo Rossanese

The French-Mediterranean dinner starts off with freshly-baked bread, warm from the oven, and a truffle ‘pizzetta’, which is delightfully thin and crispy, topped with arugula, crème-fraîche and fresh truffle.

Next up is the ‘trilogie’, comprising shredded blue crab, a duo of beetroot and apple accompanied by a herb and basil mustard sorbet, and an exquisite smokey octopus dish. As the courses continue, different wines are expertly chosen to complement the flavours of each dish.

Journeying on, the l’oignon façon tatin is, in English, caramelised onion paired with a parmesan ice cream, which is both full-bodied and pungent, and easily one of the best dishes of the night.

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The courses continue…

There’s a fregola pasta drizzled with an orange reduction and an interpretation of the traditional La Bouillabaisse, which are both extremely satisfying, and le filet de boeuf, with creamy mashed potatoes and a bourguignon sauce, which is cooked perfectly to our liking.

We round things off with pain perdu topped with smooth Madagascar vanilla ice cream, a decadent tarte au chocolate and a revisited millfeuille.

Take your time with this degustation menu and you won’t be overwhelmed by its many courses. If you pace it right, it’ll make for a wonderful evening – perfect for a date night or fancy dinner with friends. It’s the epitome of a luxurious Dubai night out.

French Riviera, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Dubai, from 6.30pm, degustation menu Dhs550 (non-vegetarian), Dhs460 (vegetarian), plus Dhs360 with wine pairing. Tel: (0)4 432 32 32. jumeirah.com

Images: Provided