With its instantly recognisable facade, Atlantis The Palm needs no introduction. While the property is known for its exciting attractions, including a massive aquarium with over 65,000 marine species and Aquaventure, one of the world’s largest adventure water parks, we’re here to spotlight the diverse culinary experiences that draw you back for more. When in Dubai, be sure to make your dinner reservations here.
Ossiano
Sip on delectable cocktails and bite into the snacks of the sea as sharks and stingrays glide right past your table and divers in full gear wave at you. Don’t worry, they’re just guests on an aqua trek, an adventure activity recommended for water babies while you dine at the underwater seafood restaurant. Such is the immersive experience at Ossiano. Helmed by Michelin-star chef Gregoire Berge, the restaurant offers a multi-sensory experience with its 11-course set menu, accompanied by carefully selected beverage pairings. Look out for the caviar and gold flake-topped nori tartlet and the mystical dish. Where the Mist Meets the Sea, featuring cauliflower cream, smoked trout, pickled cauliflower and a salty seawater foam. It’s so pretty that it hurts to drive your cutlery right through it.
Must-haves: Ossiano Martini and Pearl Diver, both cocktails
Ayamna
Chef Ali El Bourji gives you a peak into his childhood through traditional flavours with a modern twist at Ayamna. Lebanese food served in a setup featuring marble archways and mosaic patterns assures an authentic dining experience. Dig into the highly recommended signatures such as the cold mezze, shrimp kunafa and baked puff pastry, and end your meal on a sweet note with the indulgent sticky date pudding.
Must-haves: Burghul Bel Banadoura and Mixed Grill
Hakkasan
When a bright red cocktail named Mistress of Deception made its way to our table, I wondered what could be so deceiving about it. Then came the mixologist who blew a bubble over the glass with a smoke gun. And then it was showtime–I squeezed an orange peel over it and let the bubble burst into smoke. That’s what set the mood at Hakkasan Dubai. Once we were done sipping on this Instagrammable cocktail, we moved on to the food menu featuring fine Cantonsese cuisine. We started with the multi-coloured dim sum platter and black charcoal tofu in lotus leaf before getting to the pièce de résistance— the wok-fried Boston lobster, which I devoured in a heartbeat.
Must-haves: Chilean Seabass and Crispy Duck Salad
Saffron
With over 220 dishes and 20 live cooking stations, the massive international buffet spread at the Saffron Brunch 2.0 made me feel like a child in a candy-land—I didn’t know where to begin! Cocktail enthusiasts can choose from Aperol Spritz to G&Ts or go hard with tequila shots. But wait until you get to the dessert section where chocolate fountains and pretty pastries await you. The highlight at Saffron? The food served for brunch never gets repeated, which makes you want to go back for more. But the real fun begins when the servers put on thematic costumes and break into a dance by your table. And trust me—you can’t help but get up and groove with them, even if you have two left feet ‘cause it’s a full-on brunch party!
Must-haves: The Sushi counter
Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza And Bread Street Kitchen & Bar
These two restaurants by the celebrity chef had me covered for lunch and dinner. As a Ramsay fan, I had to try the bottomless pizza and truffle fries at Street Pizza. But I ensured I left enough space for the silky smooth soft serves. The next day I popped over to Bread Street Kitchen & Bar for a taste of modern British cuisine. Chef Gordon’s words may be blunt on Masterchef USA but his kitchen’s knife work on the signature Beef Wellington here, is most certainly sharp. Pro tip: For an elevated experience, opt for a medium rare cook on the meat.
Must-haves: Wood Oven Baked Prawns, Baby Chicken with Chimichurri, Locally Produced Burrata and Caesar Salad
All Photographs Courtesy: Atlantis The Palm, Dubai.
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