If the opening of Atlantis the Palm made global headlines in 2008, this weekend’s grand opening preview of sister property Atlantis The Royal looks set to generate new levels of excitement, with a host of A-listers making their way to the city for a weekend of events.
But while the pre-event press attention might be focussed on the presence of Beyoncé for an invite-only live performance, it’s the celebrity chefs who are turning the heads of Dubai’s most dedicated gourmands.
From Nobu Matsuhisa to Heston Blumenthal and Gaston Acurio to Costas Spiliadis, these are the big name kitchens to book now ahead of their opening on February 10…
Nobu and Nobu by the Beach
Inarguably one of the world’s most famed chefs, Nobu Matsuhisa is to open two new venues, expanding his presence to span the entire Atlantis estate.
The brand’s debut pool and beach club, Nobu By The Beach, will offer a concise menu of bites, sharing plates and select signature dishes across both its poolside cabanas and beachside restaurant at Atlantis The Royal, where guests will also find a robotayaki grill for live cooking.
Meanwhile, having now closed the doors of the Atlantis The Palm original eatery, Nobu’s flagship restaurant has moved upstairs to what was the hotel’s Royal Bridge Suite, with the new space offering spectacular views across the Palm and the Arabian Gulf from its selection of dining and bar spaces. While the brand’s signature dishes, including that oft-copied black cod, remain, the new menu will also feature seasonal specialties and a range of new plates.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
Globally renowned for his scientific but playful approach to British food, and drawing inspiration from the country’s culinary culture as far back as the 1300s, Dinner marks Heston Blumenthal’s first foray into the Middle East’s food and beverage scene. While the full menu is yet to be revealed, it is believed to feature a host of his iconic updates on historic recipes, including ‘meat fruit’ and ‘tipsy cake’, as well as a host of new and inventive dishes.
Elsewhere in the resort, the chef’s second venue, Resonance by Heston Blumenthal, promises to apply a similar molecular approach to the cocktail bar format, offering up unexpected liquid flavour combinations in the shadow of an enormous jellyfish aquarium.
Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis
One of Greece’s best known chefs, Costas Spiliadis made his name in north America before expanding into Europe and, most recently, returning to his roots for his first opening on home soil.
Describing his mission as “to enhance the perception of Greek cuisine internationally”, Spiliadis’ food focuses on the finest ingredients, simply cooked with Aegean rock salt or a drizzle of the finest Greek olive and served in an unpretentious, family style. With a significant focus on seafood, diners can expect freshly caught fish and Greek wild oysters, as well as crudos, salads and tzatziki, all prepared and presented to the make the most of freshness of the produce.
La Mar by Gaston Acurio
Boasting 48 restaurants in 12 different countries, Gaston Acurio is one of Peru’s most successful chefs, using his global recognition to bolster recognition and understanding of his homeland’s culinary traditions.
In keeping with that ethos, his cuisine explores Peru’s ‘Sabores Autenticos’ with his first Dubai outpost, opening on February 10, set to serve up classic ceviches, tiraditos, potato causas and freshly grilled anticucho as well as celebrated south American cocktails such as pisco sours.
Ling Ling by Hakkasan
Building upon the popularity of Atlantis The Palm’s acclaimed Hakkasan comes Ling Ling, a day-to-night bar and restaurant concept by the same brand.
Situated on Atlantis The Royal’s 23rd floor and boasting 180 degree views across the Palm, Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline, the impressive venue describes itself as a ‘destination lounge’ for eating, drinking and dancing alike. Expect a stellar soundtrack and party vibes along with sharing plates which riff on the original restaurant’s mastery of modern Chinese flavours.
Jaleo by José Andrés
Chef José Andrés excels at exploring the regional flavours of Spain, with a focus on tapas-style sharing plates.
At Atlantis The Royal, his menu will aim to recreate his favourite childhood Spanish dishes in a modern way, with a selection of signature tapas, gazpachos, paellas and speciality cheeses served in a laidback environment and accompanied by summery sangrias and a selection of Spain’s most celebrated sherries.
Ariana’s Persian Kitchen
Award-winning TV chef and cookbook author Ariana Bundy’s much-awaited debut restaurant will focus on the very best of traditional Persian food and flavours, presented with a modern twist.
With a focus on meats, grains, spices and vegetables as well as regional fruit, nut and floral flavours, Bundy’s take on Middle Eastern cuisine is inspired by cherished recipes handed down through her family for generations, served in a relaxed and homely environment designed to represent the best of regional hospitality.