To make waves in Dubai's competitive dining scene, a new restaurant must offer a truly exceptional experience.
And Bar des Prés has certainly done just that with its newly opened Dubai outpost.
According to the New York Times, as of 2024, Dubai now has more restaurants per capita than New York City. The second capital of the United Arab Emirates is home to more than 13,000 dining establishments, offer a diverse culinary landscape; from traditional Emirati cuisine to international flavours, the city's burgeoning dining scene has something for everyone, including a growing number of Michelin-starred restaurants.
About Bar des Prés & Chef Cyril Lignac
The brainchild of acclaimed chef Cyril Lignac, Bar des Prés already has locations in both London and Paris, and now in Dubai.
Bar des Prés is celebrated for its creative dishes that combine traditional French techniques with Asian flavours, and unique, playful twists on the classics (cue my first mention of the must-try vanilla mash). The extensive menu is designed for guests to order a selection and share the dishes as they are served family-style. Crafted with finest ingredients, Bar des Prés offers guests a range of delectable options from raw appetisers straight from the sushi bar, to an indulgent selection of main courses that will have you over ordering. Of course a meal is not complete without a touch of sweet to end the evening, a nod to chef Cyril Lignac's origins as a master pastry chef, the dessert menu is a celebration of the art and flavours of classic French patisserie.
The Mayfair location in London was awarded a Michelin Guide mention in 2021, and has been listed ever since. From my dining experience, and the fact that the establishment is already on the radar, I don't think it will be long before Bar des Prés will be noticed by Michelin Middle East.
Location & What to Expect
A leading global financial hub, Dubai's DIFC is a buzzing, modern destination in the heart of the metropolitan city's Downtown area. Beyond its financial prowess, DIFC has also emerged as a vibrant dining and lifestyle destination, offering a variety of top-rated and world renowned dining options, a selection of luxury retail stores, and even art galleries, making it a popular spot for both residents and visitors.
But, Bar des Prés' location is even more special.
Beyond a heavy velvet curtain and a quick elevator ride, Bar des Prés is perched on the 51st floor of DIFC's iconic ICD Brookfield. A location that no other restaurant has occupied. With an elevated French brasserie feel, the walls are clad in walnut, the floors are covered in a high-pile navy blue carpet that moves slightly beneath your feet, accents of gold, cream and black melt into the floor to ceiling windows reveal the entire city of Dubai in just one glimpse.
Vibey, modern music plays in the background during our lunch time sitting. The winter sun floods the dining room and bounces off the sword like sushi knives making single-movement smooth cuts through fresh fleshy fish at the sushi bar in the centre of the room. Although perfectly and luxuriously appointed, the interiors give way for the views of the city to do all the talking.
Before I even look at the menu, I know this is going to be good. Beyond good.
Our Order
Beginning with water and two house-made mocktails; one sweet and one sour, we perused through the extensive menu. Taking recommendations from our very lovely waiter, our first tranche of delicious delicacies were delivered to our table: sushi.
Starters
What lands on the table? An exciting selection of sushi and sashimi delights that we could see being arranged from our table. An 8-piece California roll with crusted, crispy prawns, sesame, tobiko and Thai mayonnaise. Slices of Yellowtail carpaccio wrapped around avocado, bathed in a yuzu passion fruit dressing, and topped with a sliver of green jalepeno - fresh and spicy, a bite of bliss. Of course, if crispy rice is on the menu, I will be ordering it. Neat rectangles of crispy rice are topped with a dash of chipotle mayo and then layered with a selection of sashimi slices of tuna, salmon and yellowtail, and finished with a dusting of citrus zest.
Accompanying the fresh sushi is Chef Cyril's signature crunchy crab and avocado galette. An ultra thin crispy, flaky galette is topped with fresh crab mixed with a light Madras curry mayo, and topped with slices of avocado that makes this dish a work of art - and very tasty.
Our Order
California - Crispy prawns, sesame, tobiko & Thai mayonnaise
Raw & Marinated - Marinated sea bass, yuzu, dry miso, rocoto
Leaves, Crispy & Hot - Crunchy crab & avocado galette, Madras curry
Leaves, Crispy & Hot - Crispy rice, tuna, salmon & yellowtail, citrus, chipotle
Mains
With our bellies already very happy, next up was the mains.
After choosing a large selection of dishes for starters, we ordered just one main dish to share; It should be noted that this decision was made as I just had to make sure I had room for dessert! Dining with a man (my ever-suffering husband), it was always going to be a meat dish, so we (he) chose the grilled Australian beef with a smoked Kerala pepper exterior, to be cooked medium rare. I had to order a side of the intriguing vanilla-infused mashed potato, and a serving of broccoli for some added colour.
This dish was sublime. The meat was melt-in-the mouth, a hint of smokiness accompanied by that moreish, umami flame grill flavour. A good size for sharing, if shared, this dish would be best for a light bite, but would be more than satisfying for one. For me, the vanilla mashed potato is a highlight, and a must-try side dish. Creamy and buttery mashed potato is whipped until silky smooth, the mashed potato is satisfying and familiar, and leaves a wholesome vanilla slick on the palate, that keeps you coming back for another scoop.
Our Order
Main: Grilled Australian beef with a smoked Kerala pepper
Sides: Vanilla mashed potato & Broccoli, onion with sesame vinaigrette
Desserts
After a brief intermission and some water as we take in the incredible views over Downtown Dubai, it was time to order dessert.
In my opinion desserts are for sharing, so we ordered two Bar des Prés twists on classic French desserts; the profiteroles and the vanilla mille-feuille. Both desserts, though reminiscent of the 1970s, have been masterfully modernised while paying homage to tradition of classic French patisserie.
In an Instagrammable moment, warm chocolate ganache sauce spills out of a small jug, and dribbles over the light puffs of choux pastry. Filled with a sweet, Chantilly cream the profiteroles are light and airy, and are perfectly balanced with a dollop of rich vanilla ice cream and the decadent chocolate sauce. The layered mille-feuille shatters slightly as a sharp, Laguiole knife slides through the fine pastry and the thick vanilla bean crème pâtissière sturdies the structure. The sweet and chunky praline only adds to the decadence of this dessert, quite filling but goes down nicely and is perfectly cut with a hot, black Americano coffee.
Our Order
Profiteroles, vanilla ice-cream, Chantilly, chocolate sauce
Vanilla mille-feuille, pecan nut praline
Top Tips
Must Order Dishes: Of course, with a live sushi bar right in the middle of the dining room, an order (or a selection) of sushi is a must-do when visiting. The crab-avocado galette is a Bar des Prés classic and is unmissable, and the side of vanilla mashed potato is a must-try for anyone who has the same level of curiosity as myself.
Special Requests: When making a booking, I'd recommend requesting a seat by the window - the views are sensational, whichever way you turn and whatever time of the day your reservation is for.
Best For: An ideal setting for special occasions or celebrations, Bar des Prés as a venue and restaurant is quite malleable as it would also be good for business meetings or an intimate evening date night.
Star Rating
This is one of the best meals I've eaten in Dubai this year - and thats coming from someone who eats out a lot.
4.8/5
Opens December 7,
51st floor of ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, Dubai
@bardespres.dubai
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