French-Mediterranean cuisine at the Fact award-winning restaurant at Fairmont Dubai.
Walking into Bagatelle, guests have become accustomed to a certain ambience associated with the “Joie de Vivre” upon which the brand positions itself. Whether you’re in Miami, New York, London, Rio de Janeiro or one of the ten international outposts of the opulent French-Mediterranean restaurant, there is an expectation for a celebration like no other amidst lively music and an atmosphere to match.
The onset of Covid-19 and the adherence to current health and safety precautions in the city means that a trip to Bagatelle Dubai has become slightly different in recent months, but is no less worthy of your time. Entering into the chic dining room, we’re impressed by the feel of the restaurant, striking a balance somewhere between inviting and alluring. Colourful pop art featuring Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali’s visages are framed against a colour palette of brilliant whites. While leather booths and velvet upholstery offer an abundance of texture to a dining room reserved for society’s elite.
Since its inception, Bagatelle Dubai has become more than just a restaurant, with the concept embodying a particular way of life. One where good food combines with socialising, exciting beverages and a spirit of uplifting celebration. It’s therefore, easy to see why the restaurant picked up an award for ‘Favourite French Fine Dining’ restaurant at the Fact Dining Awards Dubai 2020. From the moment we enter to our belated departure, we’re treated with care and attention by Bagatelle Dubai’s amiable team, who ensure that despite the pandemic, we’re still able to enjoy life the Bagatelle way – if only for an evening.
With bar service currently suspended, the bar comes to us upon a small trolley. We select our beverages while watching the intricacies of the mixology first hand and it’s touchpoints like these that instil guests with a personal touch, making them feel like they are part of the Bagatelle family.
The menu prepared by Chef Ricardo Goncalves offers diners an exhilarating range of dishes that reflect classic Parisian elements with a modern flair for presentation. The menu has been designed for sharing, with generous portions found throughout. We begin with the simple Salade Bagatelle, a light combination of butter-leaf, Parmesan, fines herbs and a house vinaigrette, before devouring a plump and creamy portion of Burrata Truffée served amidst the autumnal flavours of roasted quince, apple and a decadent truffle dressing. Yet it’s the array of flavours and premium ingredients in the Crevettes Louie that captures our attention. The lightly poached prawns wrapped in slithers of cool avocado, are perfectly complemented by a zesty Bergamot Puree.
Classic French delicacies such as Tartare de Bœuf, Escargots Bourgogne and Foie Gras au Torchon sit proudly on the menu beside popular choices like the Pizza à la Truffe Noire, which judging by our fellow diners. appears to be one of the most in-demand dishes, The pizza with its thin and crisp base arrives topped with Fior Di’latte cheese and slathered generously with an aromatic black truffle purée. For those feeling particularly boujee, there is the option to add additional black truffle alongside a serving of caviar.
Our main course of Poulet Fermier presents free-range roasted baby chicken with truffle Savoy cabbage, smoked corn puree and a foie gras veloute. Simply plated, the presentation belies the authentic flavours of the dish, which are robust, flavoursome, comforting and altogether decadent. Our dining partner opts for the Risotto Burrata and Pesto, a vibrant dish in terms of both colour and flavour, offering a beautifully al dente basil pesto risotto imbued with an undeniable creaminess from the burrata.
Decadent desserts ensure a memorable finale with the choice of sweet treats including Bagatelle Mousse au Chocolat and the re-interpreted Banoffee, featuring banana ice cream, toffee, banana cream and biscuit.
Bagatelle feels more akin to dining in a luxury Parisian apartment than the confines of a five-star hotel. The elegant environs, complete with art nouveau details, classic bistro cuisine and comforting service make a trip to Bagatelle Dubai one to be savoured and relished.
GO: Email reservation@bistrotbagatelledubai.com or call (0)4 354 5035 for reservations and more information.
