Tried and tested, these are the best roast dinners in Dubai right now.
Ever since I published a recent review of the spectacular Sunday Roast at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, my inbox has been brimming with queries, questions, and discussions about the “best” roast dinners in Dubai. As more and more culinary heavyweights weigh in, it is time to think about what makes a roast, and it is not just about the food.
Dubai has been inundated with ‘standard’ roasts for too long; a focus on cheap price, gluttonous quantity, and hops-inspired custom. With the entry of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and The Guild, a new uber-roast level has been created, to go alongside stalwarts such as Rhodes W1 and the much-missed Marina Social. The French have even joined the revolution – after many years of decrying British cuisine and “les rosbifs” – with a premium offering at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon. Older diners will recall the fabulous roast of the Dubai Yacht Club in the marina and some will have been lucky to sample Nick and Scott’s at The Black Lion.
As a young boy, a roast was special, enjoyed after wearing your Sunday Best. It meant something, and the experience was more than just the food. Sunday roasting was an occasion for families to come together and enjoy several hours picking over bounteous Yorkshire puddings, fluffy roasties, succulent meat, and more gravy than you could ever consume. It was usually finished with a homely dessert, such as sticky toffee or apple crumble.
So, here’s our list, ranked not by the food, the size of the plate, or the hops on offer but by the sense of occasion for you and your family. Obviously, all include the holy trinity of excellent roasties, yorkies, and meat.
Platinum Tier: for celebrating an extra special occasion
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal
A Michelin Sunday Roast says it all. You would usually pay heavily for Meat Fruit and Tipsy Cake by Chef Tom Allen but here you get them alongside the roast for just AED 495 per head for three courses. I don’t think I will ever have a better roast potato in my life. Bonus points for somehow making it OK to take your children to a Michelin-starred establishment. Definitely one for Mother’s or Father’s Day. Available on Sundays from 12pm to 3pm, AED 495 per person.
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for more information.
The Guild at ICD Brookfield Place
At The Guild, an ebullient atmosphere provides the backdrop for a dining room that is full of well-dressed groups of friends and families alike. Prime cuts of meat, and lavishly adorned vegetables fill the table, and your stomachs. Shades of Hawksmoor about this roast developed by Chef Paul Gajewski, a relative bargain at AED 250 per head for three courses. Available on Sundays from 12pm to 4pm, AED 250 per person.
GO: Visit www.theguilddubai.com for more information.
Bread Street Kitchen at The Atlantis, The Palm
Another platinum tier win for The Atlantis team and a genuine heavyweight of the Dubai dining scene. AED 195 (or AED 75 for your children) gets you one of the most consistent, enjoyable roast dinners and is always full of happy, chatty families. I invariably assume the vibrant atmosphere is down to each table raving about the cauliflower cheese. Available on Sundays from 12pm to 5pm. AED 170 per person.
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for more information.
Gold Tier: for celebrating a birthday or promotion
CARO Steakhouse at Fairmont Dubai
A relative newcomer to the scene but makes the list on the back of the classical style of Chef Carson Hill and his dedication to flavour. Expect opulence in the food, a cool steakhouse setting, and plenty of entertainment from the live house band. With reasonable pricing, it makes the traffic and parking palatable. Available on Sundays from 12pm to 4pm, AED 200 (two-course menu) and AED 250 (three-course menu).
GO: Visit https://carodxb.com for more information.
Rhodes W1 at Grosvenor House Dubai
Rhodes W1 is still one of Dubai’s prettiest restaurants with shades of Wimbledon and Paris in the interior décor. I guarantee your mum will be impressed if you bring her here for a special Sunday celebration. The Rhoast starts at AED 175 but has two for the price of one to sweeten your wallet. If the foie gras éclair was on the menu, it would be god-tier. Available on Sundays from 1pm to 8pm. From AED 175 per person (buy one get one free on main course options).
GO: Call 04 317 6000 for reservations and more information.
Silver Tier: for a quality roast with friends or family
Coterie Social at Ibn Battuta Mall
Definitely one to enjoy the jovial atmosphere with friends; the roast starts at AED 145 per person and is one of the most difficult roasts to save room for the British puddings on offer. Generous portions prevail, and the apple and blackberry crumble is the perfect finish to your fun, sometimes boozy, afternoon. Available on Sundays from 12pm. AED 145.
GO: Visit https://coteriegroup.com for reservations and more information.
The Nine at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk
The original menu, developed by previous Chef Michael O’Shea, is a properly cheffy roast. The cauliflower cheese croquettes are magical. The crack on the crackling is worth the price alone and is a great spot to enjoy some sports with your friends over a roast. Priced from AED 110 to AED 155, you cannot fail to leave satisfied and raving about the little touches. Prices from AED 95 per person, depending on meat choice.
GO: Visit www.sofitel-dubai-theobelisk.com for reservations and more information.
Le Petit Belge at Motor City
The love and care that went into the development of this roast goes unseen by most but is presented on the plate for just AED 109 per person. With unlimited Yorkies and gravy, I am yet to achieve my dream of cascading gravy down a Yorkshire pudding tower. A great spot for a Sunday hangover roast with friends. Available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm. AED 109 per person.
GO: Visit https://lepetitbelge.com for reservations and more information.
Reform Social and Grill at The Lakes
Ideal for families, young and old, the large roast satisfies anyone but I prefer the daintier Giant Yorkshire with the roast inside. You can enjoy one of the best, varied grape lists while your kids are entertained. Prices start from AED 125 and the interior takes you back to your favourite British gastropubs when you were growing up. Available on Sundays from 12pm to 12am, AED 280 per person.
GO: Visit www.reformsocialgrill.ae for more information.
What else makes the list, and which tier should it belong to? Where else would you go for Mothering Sunday or a family celebration? Let us know.
