Best French restaurants in Dubai
What’s On and The Black Hat Guide bring you the complete rundown of the best French restaurants in Dubai. Read snappy reviews, find out how book, and get a real insight with the help of our handy rating system. For a full explanation of how the Black Hat Guide works, click here.
Bistro Madeleine
Dhs400 for two
If you’re looking for hearty French brasserie classics, Bistro Madeleine, with its red and white checked tablecloths and chalkboard specials, is a good bet. A solid menu that won’t break the bank.
InterContinental Festival City, Dubai, daily noon to 4pm and 6pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 7011127. Taxi: InterContinental Festival City. ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental
The Cave
Dhs500 for two
The crab Benedict is among the highlights of the ‘Parisian soul food’ on offer at The Cave. Tucked away in a dimly lit corner of the Conrad, the venue has cosy booth seating and even day beds perfect for whiling away an hour or two.
Conrad Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sat to Tue noon to 1am, Wed to Fri noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 4447444. Metro: World Trade Centre. conraddubai.com
Kitchen 45
Dhs700 for two
Chef Maxime Le Van’s Provencal menu shows off the obvious skill of the kitchen team, and the restaurant’s location on the top floor of the Embassy club guarantees superb views and somewhere to enjoy a post-prandial cocktail.
Embassy Dubai, Grosvenor House, Tower Two, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Mon to Wed 7pm to midnight, Thur and Fri 7pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 3176000. Taxi: Dubai Marina. grosvenorhouse-dubai.com
La Serre
Dhs450 for two
One of the prettiest new arrivals on Dubai’s restaurant scene, this Parisian-inspired bistro has a sun-filled boulangerie on the ground floor. Expect freshly baked breads and pastries downstairs and classy Mediterranean fare upstairs.
What’s On Awards: 2013
Vida Downtown Hotel, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, daily noon to 3pm, 7pm to 11pm, boulangerie 7am to 10.30pm. Tel: (04) 4286969. Taxi: Vida Downtown Hotel. laserre.ae
Le Classique
Dhs550 for two
Formal French fine dining, with flair. Somewhat quiet, but don’t overlook Le Classique.
Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm and 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3801234. Taxi: Emriates Golf Club. dubaigolf.com
Le Rivage
Dhs290 for two
As the name suggests, Le Rivage is a French-style buffet restaurant, with a brasserie feel and high-quality dishes. Forget vats of tasteless slurry often found in all-day-dining outlets, here you’ll find rabbit with tarragon, carved roasted meats, outstanding freshly baked breads and sophisticated desserts.
Ocean View Hotel, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, daily 7am to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 8145599. Metro: Dubai Marina. jaresortshotels.com
Rostang
Dhs600 for two
Michelin-starred chef Michel Rostang’s Dubai outpost boasts its own patisserie and serves a menu of nicely prepared French brasserie classics. A touch of class at one of Dubai’s flashiest hotels.
Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, daily noon to 6pm. Tel: (04) 4262626. Taxi: Atlantis The Palm. atlantisthepalm.com
La Petite Maison
Dhs900 for two
One of the busiest and most pleasant restaurants in Dubai, the What’s On Awards’ Favourite French Restaurant and Restaurnt Of The Year in 2013 serves seasonal French food of the highest quality.
What’s On Awards: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
DIFC, Gate Village 8, Dubai, Sun to Fri noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4390505. Metro: Financial Centre. lpmdubai.ae
Reflets Par Pierre Gagnaire
Dhs1,250 for two
Inventive and, on occasions, challenging fine dining cuisine from a talented team trained by multi-Michelin-starred French chef Pierre Gagnaire.
InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 7011128. Taxi: InterContinental Festival City. ichotelsgroup.com
Stay By Yannick Alleno
Dhs850 for two
Stay is the signature restaurant, serving Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alleno’s take on classic French cooking.
One&Only The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Tues to Sun 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4401030. Taxi: One & Only The Palm. thepalm.oneandonlyresorts.com
Traiteur
Dhs750 for two
Dubai’s most reliable French brasserie has an open kitchen and an outdoor terrace. While some may consider its Deira location a drive, it is located in what is the city’s most attractive hotel.
What’s On Awards: 2011
Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, daily 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3172222. Taxi: Near Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. dubai.park.hyatt.com
