Crowned with a Michelin star, the restaurant Dinner by Heston Blumenthal offers a unique culinary experience in Dubai, blending the history of British cuisine with avant-garde modernity. By immersing diners in the medieval era, renowned chef Heston Blumenthal highlights the richness of ancient flavors while adapting them for the contemporary palate. This exceptional venue, nestled in the heart of one of Dubai's most luxurious hotels, promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure, where tradition and innovation meet for unprecedented culinary exploration.
Heston Blumenthal Chooses Excellence at Atlantis The Royal
The restaurant Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is ideally located within the sumptuous Atlantis The Royal, a must-visit address in Dubai. Nestled on the famous Palm Jumeirah island, the ultra-luxurious complex opened its doors in January 2023 and stands out for its ultra-modern architecture and breathtaking grandeur. Atlantis The Royal is full of luxury facilities, including 795 rooms and suites, 17 restaurants and bars, and offers stunning views of the Persian Gulf and the Dubai skyline. The restaurant Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, with its location in this extravagant establishment, promises a memorable culinary experience complemented by the idyllic setting and exceptional service of the hotel.
A Sumptuous and Theatrical Setting
The restaurant Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is a true ode to elegance. Upon arrival, guests are transported from the dazzling lobby of Atlantis The Royal via a glass elevator to a discreet entrance. A spacious and dimly lit dining room reveals a captivating, almost theatrical atmosphere. The design is inspired by the Tudor style, with ceilings adorned with Tudor rose patterns and rosewood tables that add a touch of nobility to the space. Subtle lighting enhances the sensual and intimate ambiance of the place.
The most spectacular element of the decor is undoubtedly the impressive mechanical pineapple-shaped clock located in the center of the room, which comes to life every half-hour to rotate the roasted pineapples cooking on the spit in the kitchen. This feature gives the restaurant an atmosphere of decadence and eccentricity that is uniquely Heston Blumenthal.
The clientele of the restaurant is an eclectic mix of families, tourists, and business groups, drawn by its unique atmosphere and sumptuous setting. The restaurant also offers a private dining room that can accommodate up to 12 guests, providing a more intimate experience, ideal for special occasions.
Heston Blumenthal: A Master of Gastronomy Settles in Dubai
Gastronomy enthusiasts in Dubai can now rejoice at the presence of Heston Blumenthal, the British chef renowned for his spectacular and imaginative cuisine. He introduced his famous London concept to Dubai with the restaurant Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, which quickly earned a Michelin star in 2023.
Originally from London, Heston Blumenthal made a name for himself with his first restaurant, The Fat Duck, which has three Michelin stars. Known for his visual and ambitious approach to cooking, he is an iconic figure in global gastronomy, famous for his bold culinary creations. His interest in historical recipes not only led to the publication of a book but also to the creation of his dedicated restaurant, thus enriching his already impressive culinary portfolio.
Tom Allen: A Culinary Journey from London to Dubai
Tom Allen is the talented head chef at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Originally from England, Tom has accumulated more than 16 years of experience, notably at the renowned The Fat Duck. He joined the team at Dinner in London in 2009, working closely with Heston Blumenthal to develop dishes that reinterpret British culinary history. After being promoted to chef in 2019, he moved to Dubai in 2021 to lead the kitchen at the new restaurant.
The team is renowned for its warm interaction and enthusiastic service, illustrating their deep knowledge and passion for cuisine. The staff, always ready to share the story behind each dish, contributes to a rich and educational culinary experience. Guests also appreciate the option to choose, thanks to a menu placed on the table, the amount of information they wish to receive about the dishes, a delicate attention that allows everyone to adjust the experience according to their preferences.
Historical Flavors Revisited for an Unforgettable Experience
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is a true culinary odyssey, brilliantly combining British historical tradition with the contemporary sparkle of Dubai. Comfortably seated at a table with a breathtaking view of the fountains, we chose the tasting menu. Our culinary adventure began with a bold white chocolate and caviar pearl, a tasty tribute to the history of the Emirates, which skillfully married the sweetness of chocolate with the salinity of caviar. This delicate appetizer set the stage for a memorable evening.
The sherry scallops, a classic revisited from 1965, followed, presented in tartare and roasted versions, accompanied by smoked cauliflower or puree and shiitakes, each bite bursting with character. The highlight was undoubtedly the Meat Fruit, a visual and gustatory delight dating from 1500, where the playful shape of a mandarin concealed a parfait of poultry liver, rich and creamy. Perfectly Instagrammable, it delights both the eyes and the palate!
The roasted halibut, served with a vegetable sauce, was a harmony of flavors from a recipe dating from 1440. The braised chicory and the parsley and eucalyptus sauce that delicately enveloped the fish, highlighted its finesse.
As for the Royal Beef Fillet, inspired by the coronation of George IV in 1821, it offered a complex taste experience. The scent of anchovies blended with the richness of the beef, each bite enhanced by the flavorful accompaniment of carrot, onion, and beef tongue. This dish, both robust and elegant, embodied the successful fusion of historical tradition and modern execution.
The dessert is marked by the famous Tipsy Cake, dating from 1858. This tribute to the pineapple, once a symbol of opulence, is served warm and caramelized, accompanied by a brioche gently infused with vanilla. The acidity of the roasted fruit counterbalances the comforting sweetness of the brioche, creating a decadent finale to this historical feast.
To conclude the meal in style, the nitrogen ice cream cart is a real attraction. Inspired by a culinary tradition from 1901, this gourmet step transforms a rich Madagascar vanilla custard into creamy ice cream before our eyes. We then choose from a variety of toppings to customize each serving.
The restaurant's wine list is simply impressive. The head sommelier, Arturo Scamardella, excels in guiding guests through his personalized selection. For our part, after starting our evening with a delicious mocktail, we chose to continue our meal without alcohol. To our great satisfaction, we discovered that the restaurant could offer non-alcoholic food and beverage pairings, a rare option elsewhere.
My Review
My dinner at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal was an absolutely breathtaking culinary revelation. It’s not just a destination for connoisseurs, but a true sanctuary for those seeking an extraordinary culinary experience. The majestic setting and impeccably perfect service won me over from the first moments, but it was the overflowing creativity of the dishes that captured my full attention. Each dish served as a window into the rich culinary history of Britain, presented with a bold touch of modernity. A must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in an unmatched gastronomic experience in Dubai.
Practical Information
A big thank you to Dinner by Heston Blumenthal for the invitation to explore their establishment. Naturally, I remain free in my commentary in this article!
About Florence Consul
Editor of Experiences Luxe since 2015, I love discovering new exclusive and authentic experiences all over the world. I left my home country (France) 6 years ago to become a global citizen, traveling 365 days out of the year. I am a foodie person and I make a point of tasting local specialities.