Dubai’s culinary revolution has captured the attention of both locals and global travellers, according to a recent report by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
The emirate’s fine dining scene especially has seen a remarkable growth in recent years, with Gault&Millau-vetted chefs, innovative concepts, and luxurious settings setting the stage for gastronomic adventures like no other.
However, the question arises among many: is fine dining truly worth the hype and the price tag?
We take a look inside the world of fine dining to uncover how these lavish dining experiences are redefining the art of indulgence in the UAE.
But first, a short history lesson
Fine dining, characterised by its attention to detail, impeccable service, and luxurious ambiance, has a history that spans centuries.
From its aristocratic origins to its modern-day interpretations, fine dining found its roots in 17th and 18th century France, where the emergence of ‘dedicated restaurants’ provided refined dining experiences beyond traditional taverns, according to a blog post by Food Fire + Knives.
This shift was brought to popularity during the French Revolution, which displaced chefs from aristocratic households and led them to cater to paying customers.
Antoine Beauvilliers, who opened La Grande Taverne de Londres in 1782, is credited with establishing the first fine dining restaurant, focusing on elegant settings, skilled wait staff, diverse menus, and exceptional wine cellars.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, fine dining underwent refinement and expansion.
Visionary chefs like Georges Auguste Escoffier played a major role in codifying French cuisine, by focusing on intricate presentations, elaborate sauces, and service rituals.
This era also saw the emergence of luxury hotels with in-house fine dining, thanks to the collaboration between Swiss hotelier César Ritz and Escoffier at the Grand Hotel of Monte Carlo.
The trend of fine dining then extended beyond Europe, reaching the United States with establishments like Delmonico’s in New York City, founded in 1827.
After this, the mid-20th century ushered in significant changes in the world of fine dining.
Gault&Millau, founded in 1965, challenged the already-existent Michelin Guide by introducing anonymous reviews and focusing on value for money. This competition brought about a democratisation of fine dining criticism, prompting both guides to adapt.
As time progressed, fine dining continued to evolve, with trends such as Nouvelle Cuisine emphasising lighter dishes and global influences.
Today, the introduction of concepts such as molecular gastronomy as well as a growing emphasis on sustainability have shaped the modern face of fine dining. Moreover, some establishments have aimed to make fine dining more accessible by offering a more casual dining experience while retaining an aura of exclusivity.
Dubai’s flourishing tourism sector has played a key role in propelling the emirate’s fine dining scene to new heights. Over time, Dubai has become a popular destination for food enthusiasts, attracting some of the world’s most prestigious and celebrated fine dining establishments.
However, is fine dining in Dubai really worth it?
“Fine dining is such a great way to spend your time. The attention to detail in both the food and the service is amazing. The flavours are so rich and the presentation is just stunning. It’s a whole experience, not just a meal. Plus, it’s a great way to celebrate special occasions and create wonderful memories,” Dylan Mukhtar, a food reviewer says.
Some diners have also expressed reservations, indicating that they do not believe the whole experience justifies the expense.
But, what do Dubai restaurants think about this?
When it comes to fine dining “the extra cost is justified by the elevated experience, exclusive ingredients, and the craftsmanship that goes into each dish. Fine dining is not just a meal; it’s an indulgence in the extraordinary,” Sahil Mathur, Marketing Manager at Passion F&B, renowned for its exceptional fine dining establishments Tresind and Carnival by Tresind, said.
“Sourcing premium ingredients, employing skilled culinary artisans, and creating an extraordinary dining environment justifies the pricing. We believe in offering not just a meal but an immersive experience that transcends traditional dining,” Mathur added.
Echoing the sentiment, Alessandro Longhi, General Manager at Amo at Via Toledo further explained that personal preferences will always vary when it comes to dining experiences.
“This variety exists to ensure that everyone can discover their ideal dining environment, where they feel most at ease and satisfied,” he said, adding that portions to the meals are “meticulously calculated to allow guests to relish each and every bite from start to finish without feeling overly full. While they won’t leave hungry, guests will depart feeling content and delighted with their dining experience.”
Another expert, Oktay Unlu, the General Manager of MediterrAsian fine dining restaurant Zenon, said that the concept of fine dining is a “form of storytelling.”
“Each dish is thoughtfully portioned to highlight the flavours and textures without overwhelming the palate, allowing guests to savour each bite and appreciate the culinary artistry behind it,” he said, adding that the use of premium ingredients, skilled labour, meticulous attention to detail, personalised service, luxurious ambiance, and overhead expenses associated with maintaining a high-quality dining establishment are some of the factors that contribute to the higher cost of a meal at a fine dining restaurant.
Speaking of ambiance, Unlu added: “[the ambiance of] fine dining restaurants play a crucial role in enhancing the dining experience. From elegant décor and lighting to soothing music and impeccable table settings, every detail is carefully curated to create a sophisticated and memorable dining environment.”
Passion F&B Group’s Mathur also added that for a fine dining establishment to be successful, attention to detail is “paramount.”
“From the selection of ingredients to the precision of plating, each element is meticulously crafted to ensure a harmonious symphony of flavours. Quality is non-negotiable, and every dish must reflect a dedication to culinary excellence,” Mathur said.
As for evolving customer preferences, Longhi said that there has been a “surge in interest” in fine dining. “People are seeking out not only great meals but also rounded experiences encompassing attentive service, friendly guest relations, and quality dining.”
However to stay in a competitive market, innovation is key. Establishments under Passion F&B Group, as well as restaurants like Amo at Via Toledo, and Zenon are committed to combating stagnation by engaging in continuous study, research, and experimentation.
These efforts are aimed at discovering new preparation techniques and creating extraordinary dining experiences that leave a lasting impression on guests.
Since its success is heavily reliant on innovation, these upscale dining restaurants are aiming to push the boundaries of culinary creativity, experimenting with novel flavours and techniques, and staying ahead of the curve, to maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
This commitment to innovation is evident through their use of cutting-edge cooking technology, collaborations with local artisans, and the reimagining of traditional dishes with a modern twist.
