What’s it like to dine at one of Dubai’s MICHELIN-starred restaurants?
The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is easily one of the most recognisable hotels on the planet. The iconic “seven-star” hotel holds an unrivalled reputation for luxurious abodes and destination dining that includes the Southern Mediterranean cuisine at Sal and the seafood specialities from Ristorante L’ Olivo at Al Mahara. Yet the sky-high Al Muntaha on the 27th floor is the jewel in Burj Al Arab’s culinary crown.
A quick hop through the lobby across regal carpeting, past aquariums and dancing fountains brings us to the golden-gilded lift that takes us skywards into Al Muntaha’s alluring setting suspended 200 meters above the Arabian Gulf. We take a seat beside the floor-to-ceiling windows where the impressive views towards Dubai Marina’s glittering skyline are matched by the perfectly pressed table clothes and gleaming glassware.
Al Muntaha translates as “the ultimate” in Arabic, and it’s easy to see why. The restaurants undulating sculpted ceiling mirrors the gentle lapping of waves surrounding the iconic property, while padded emerald walls provide a sense of intimacy. A roaming Champagne trolley adds a luxurious touch that perfectly embodies Burj Al Arab’s luxury hospitality.
Having recently retained its MICHELIN star, we’re excited to delve into the six-course Degustation Menu from Head Chef Saverio Sbaragli. Priced at AED 1,100 per person, it offers an ideal introduction to Sbaragli’s sophisticated French and Italian cuisine. Elsewhere, the expanded à la carte menu features caviar and exclusive courses such as Black Truffle Risotto with smoked goat cheese.
We begin with Organic Vegetables Composition, a perfectly plated salad of green tomatoes, cucumbers and green leaves showcasing the culinary finesse upon which Al Muntaha has built its reputation. This is followed by the Salmon Trout served with yoghurt sauce, Escabèche, fresh basil oil and bread chips. The resulting dish is an elevated take on the traditional tuna tartar, where thin cubes of fish provide a delicate bite full of texture and subtle flavours.
The Langoustine Royale, adorned with micro greens and colourful petals, is an Insta-worthy dish that is a visual and flavoursome treat. The plump yet delicate langoustine has been pan-fried to keep it moist and juicy, while a rich onion consommé enhances without overpowering the shellfish.
Al Munatha’s Ravioli del “Plin” remains a long-standing fixture on the menu, and this deceptively simple signature is perhaps the restaurant’s best dish. Handmade ravioli is stuffed with Black Truffle and Guinea Fowl before being smothered in a light Parmesan Cream. The resulting dish is a robust competition of earthy, gamey flavours.
We finish the savoury selection with Australian Angus Beef Tenderloin, served perfectly pink alongside “Boulangère” Potatoes, Girolle Mushrooms, Sorrel and Pepper Sauce before proceeding to the Il Latte dessert, where biscuit, sheep yoghurt and goat cheese emulsion coverage in perfect harmony upon the plate. It’s an impressive finale to a memorable meal.
Al Muntaha is a bucket-list culinary destination that has successfully maintained its one MICHELIN Star, owing to the top-quality ingredients that are cooked with precision to create modern dishes with bold flavours and playful textures. Expect silver service, fantastic French cuisine and panoramic city views.
GO: Visit jumeirah.com/burj-al-arab-muntaha for reservations and more information.
