Fancy French dining with a view lands in JBR…

One things FIVE Hotels & Resorts is good at, is making a splashy entrance. From its lavish parties to its triple height lobbies at FIVE LUXE and FIVE Palm Jumeirah, the brand knows how to make an impact. And that instant wow-factor oozes from Tête à Tête, the fancy French restaurant that recently completed the foodie line-up at FIVE LUXE.

The restaurant is split between a gorgeous terrace, where Marie Antoinette-style chairs are arranged around tables adorned with crisp white tablecloths; and the indoor restaurant, where you’ll find a bar inside a jewellery box, multiple private dining spaces, and a ceiling covered with faux lavender. On cooler evenings, the windows fully open allowing one to lead into the other. The views from the terrace are breathtaking, the beach club of Playa Pacha glows a vibrant red, and beyond that Ain Dubai twinkles on the horizon, and we’d pick a seat here every time.

The menu is described as Southern French, but there’s wider Mediterranean influences to ensure that menu has wider appeal. We opt for the quintessentially French starter of escargot (Dhs86 for six), and each juicy morsel is served with an almost neon green foam that adds to the impressive presentation, but doesn’t do much for the flavour. Still, they’re served in a pleasant garlic and herb butter. For mains, the roasted duck (Dhs200) is delicious and tender, sweet and citrusy clementine a standout secondary flavour. The grilled lamb chops (Dhs261) are also excellent, with an aubergine caviar and goats cheese offering some power-flavours, and hints of mint finishing a well-rounded dish.

Despite feeling rather full, we order the crème brûlée (Dhs60) for dessert, and we’re glad we do. A candied orange zest offering a sweet, sugary essence to the rich and creamy dessert.

Where FIVE typically favours pumping party vibes in its restaurants, Tete a Tete feels more grown-up and refined, and thanks to those picture-perfect views, it serves as a great new date night spot.

Tête à Tête, FIVE LUXE, The Walk, JBR, 6pm to 1am Mon to Thurs, 6pm to 3am Fri to Sun. Tel: (0)4 455 9989. @teteatetedubai