L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Dubai embodies the essence of modern haute cuisine, merging culinary sophistication and remarkable ambiance in a unique setting. Located in the heart of the Dubai International Financial Centre, this restaurant perfectly illustrates the avant-garde vision of the legendary chef Joël Robuchon, whose legacy is perpetuated by talented chefs like Roberto Torre. Discover an exceptional culinary experience where classic French tradition and culinary innovation meet.
A Revolutionary Concept in Modern Gastronomy
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Dubai follows in the footsteps of the 23 Michelin stars awarded across 14 countries to the Joël Robuchon restaurant group and embodies the essence of contemporary gastronomy. The unique concept of 'L’Atelier' illustrates a new era of Joël Robuchon's cuisine, unfolding in major global metropolises such as Dubai, Hong Kong, and Paris, with new openings planned for 2024.
This sophisticated restaurant, true to the vision of its creator, offers an exceptional culinary experience, blending haute cuisine and a festive atmosphere, at the heart of the Dubai International Financial Centre. L’Atelier Robuchon not only serves delicious dishes but offers a total immersion in the refined and innovative universe of one of the most famous chefs of our time.
A Distinctive and Modernized Style
In 2023, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Dubai underwent a slight redesign, reaffirming its unique blend of conviviality and intimacy. The restaurant offers the warmth of a bar and the discretion of a private table, creating a refined and relaxed ambiance. Guests are immersed in the distinctive style of Joël Robuchon, dominated by the signature colors red and black, enhanced with modern touches of brass and metal.
The interior space is ingeniously divided into three areas: an elegant dining room, an interactive open kitchen, and a sophisticated bar/lounge area. The iconic counter seating facing the open kitchen completes this immersive gastronomic experience. The decor mixes dark woods and deep red accents, lending a particular elegance to the whole, while friendly service, provided by expert staff, ensures a welcoming atmosphere.
The lively vast terrace is an immersive space where one can dine and socialize from lunch until late at night. This unique setting is embellished with impressive artworks, including bronze vine sculptures created by French artist Philippe Pasqua, offering a striking silhouette against the Dubai skyline. The outdoor terrace is also adorned with an oversized chandelier designed by Gregory Gatserelia, adding a glamorous and contemporary touch.
The Spirit of Robuchon Shines in Dubai with Roberto Torre
Joël Robuchon, an iconic figure in the culinary world and the most decorated chef in the world with 32 Michelin stars, continues to leave an indelible mark on global gastronomy even after his death in 2018. Named 'Chef of the Century' by Gault&Millau, Robuchon trained a host of chefs who today perpetuate his culinary philosophy.
Among them, Roberto Torre, the Executive Chef at L’Atelier Joël Robuchon Dubai, stands out for his talent and dedication. Originally from Italy and a graduate of the Hotel School of Salerno, Torre began his career in prestigious hotels in Italy and the Maldives, before joining the Michelin-starred restaurant Chez JEAN in Paris in 2011 as sous-chef. Under his leadership, L’Atelier Joël Robuchon Dubai embodies Robuchon's legacy, marrying classic French tradition and bold culinary innovation. Thanks to Torre, Robuchon's spirit continues to shine, ensuring an exceptional gastronomic experience true to the master's vision.
Our Terrace Lunch
For this lunch in March, under a mild sky and moderate temperature, we chose to sit on the elegant terrace. Charmed by the meticulous decoration, we browsed a particularly enticing menu. Our drinks, two exquisite mocktails — a refreshing Basil Lemonade for me and an Espresso No Tini for my companion — perfectly kicked off this meal.
We started with a variety of cold starters: Le Poireau, prepared mimosa style with a touch of wasabi and shiitake mushrooms; Le Carpaccio, of wild sea bream seasoned with lime and Espelette pepper; and Le Tartare de Tomate, seasoned like a classic tartare and accompanied by fries and salad. The latter was surprising, brilliantly mimicking the texture of beef. These cold starters were refreshing and absolutely delicious!
The meal continued with hot starters: Les Crevettes, wrapped in crispy vermicelli and seasoned with sumac and lime; Le Soufflé au Fromage, served with green asparagus and a velouté; and a big favorite for La Langoustine, presented in truffle ravioli with a foie gras sauce and green cabbage, a comforting and indulgent signature dish. The presentation was ultra-neat and worthy of a high-flying establishment.
The main courses followed: perfectly cooked salmon accompanied by a delicious sauce, and beef cheek bourguignon, remarkably tender. Not to forget, the famous mashed potatoes of Joël Robuchon, which have largely contributed to his fame, was a real delight, incredibly smooth, hard to resist.
The lunch ended on a refreshing note with L'Exotique, a crystal sugar sphere filled with mango mousse, passion fruit puree, and a sorbet, offering a light and pleasant end to the meal.
My Review
My experience at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Dubai was simply exceptional. This restaurant perfectly embodies the essence of modern haute cuisine, combining French tradition and culinary innovation. The impeccable service, expertly prepared dishes, and refined atmosphere made this lunch memorable. Each dish was a true revelation, confirming the global reputation of the legendary chef Joël Robuchon. Under the talented direction of Roberto Torre, the spirit and legacy of Robuchon continue to shine in Dubai, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.
Practical Information
A big thank you to L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Dubai for the invitation to explore their establishment. Of course, I remain free to express my opinions 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.