Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai had always been on our bucket list. I never quite managed to score a reservation at Fat Duck in Bray, Heston’s three-Michelin-starred haven known for its theatrical dishes like “Sound of the Sea” (complete with ocean sounds!). But when his Dubai restaurant opened, I knew my luck finally shifted. Booking here is a breeze—just a week’s notice and you’re in.
When our Christmas plans went belly up, we ditched the usual overpriced brunches and opted for the Christmas tasting menu at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. At Dhs980 per person (food only), it wasn’t exactly pocket change, but hey—if there’s ever a time to splurge, it’s Christmas, right? Without a doubt, our expectations were high.
Who Is Heston Blumenthal and Why the Fuss?
For the uninitiated, Heston Blumenthal is basically the Einstein of British cooking. A self-taught chef with a flair for mixing science and history, he’s known for reinventing traditional dishes with creativity and a pinch of madness.
At Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, the focus is on historic recipes with a modern twist—think Tudor banquets meeting Michelin finesse. It’s food that makes you feel like a time traveler with a very sophisticated palate.
The Grand Entrance
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is tucked away on the first floor of Atlantis The Royal. To get there, you ride a waterfall elevator—yes, a glass tube surrounded by cascading water. It’s like entering a James Bond villain’s lair, but instead of evil plans, you get epic food.
Finding the actual entrance was a puzzle. The door blends seamlessly into the wall, but once you spot the logo, it magically swings open. Cue a dramatic “abracadabra!”
Inside, the brasserie vibe is chic but relaxed, the kind of place you’d happily enjoy a Sunday roast. While a bit dim for daytime dining, I imagine it’s stunning at night under ambient lighting.
Christmas Crackers, and Confetti!
We kicked things off with some Christmas crackers, but instead of the usual snap and cheesy joke, these things went full confetti explosion. Our table looked like a glitter bomb had gone off—absolute chaos. So, get ready to play the game of spot the confetti in my food photos below. Spoiler: It’s in everything!
Thankfully, the edible crackers were far more enjoyable. A trio of mushroom, beetroot, and cauliflower creations—like gourmet prawn crackers—had us hooked from the first bite. We couldn’t stop munching.
Festive Cocktails
You know us we cannot say no to a cocktail. So we were pleased there were a couple of festive cocktails to complement the meal. One was a cider-based concoction, and the other was a cold version of mulled wine. The cold mulled wine was an absolute standout—unexpectedly refreshing and a fantastic twist on the classic winter warmer. It was a real treat to sip festive flavours in a chilled form, especially in Dubai’s not-so-wintry climate.
Meat Fruit Madness
We were handed a menu outlining the upcoming meal, which, by the way, we were invited to take home as a lovely keepsake. Each dish is inspired by the flavours of Britain, with some recipes tracing their origins all the way back to the 15th century.
The first dishes set the stage for what was to come. The venison tartare with horseradish and smoked chestnuts was rich and earthy, but the real star was the famous Meat Fruit.
Normally shaped like a mandarin, this festive version looked like a plum. Inside, the smoothest chicken liver parfait you can imagine. It was so delicious, I almost asked for a second!
The Mains: Roast Chicken, Really?
When the main course arrived, we were a little surprised—roast chicken at a Michelin-starred restaurant? It felt almost too simple. But one bite in, and we had to admit: it was flawless. The chicken was juicy, bursting with flavour, and seasoned to perfection. The real showstoppers, however, were the sides. There was cranberry sauce, silky gravy, stuffing, mock pigs in blankets, and roast potatoes so perfect they could have stolen the spotlight. The caramelised roast parsnips? Incredible—easily the best I’ve ever had. The Yorkshire pudding was crisp and fluffy, and even the Brussels sprouts, while missing the bitter punch I secretly love, were delightful—perfect for anyone wary of their usual sharpness.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal – Dessert
The dessert featured a smoked walnut mousse, paired with gingerbread ice cream and mulled wine-poached pear. While the walnut mousse was a bit strong for my liking, the pear and ice cream were perfect—rich, yet refreshing. And, as you’d expect, the dish was plated beautifully, almost too good to eat.
Dessert is not over!
Before receiving the check, we were treated to a delightful surprise—jammy dodgers and cherry Bakewell tarts, all with Heston’s signature twist. These bite-sized desserts were a charming end to the meal and such a thoughtful touch, leaving us grinning like kids in a sweet shop.
Heston Blumenthal Dinner is it worth it?
Was it worth the hype? Absolutely. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal offers a unique blend of history, theatre, and Michelin-quality flavours.
Would I return? Without question. I’ve heard their Sunday roast beef is legendary, and I’m already planning my next visit.
If you’re in Dubai and looking for an unforgettable dining experience, make your way to Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. You can make a reservation on the website here.
Disclaimer: As always, I’m in no way affiliated with the restaurant and paid for my own meal. All opinions shared are entirely my own.
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