FACT Review: Is Fouquet’s Dubai the most romantic restaurant in Dubai? 

We’re dangerously in love with the fine dining French restaurant.

Paris is the epitome of romance. If a ticket to the City of Love is too much, then here’s the next best thing: Fouquet’s Dubai. The fine dining French restaurant has opened in Downtown Dubai, and it’s the perfect place to eat, eat, love.  

In 1899, Louis Fouquet launched the first Fouquet’s in Paris. The restaurant can now be found across the world in Cannes, Courchevel, New York and Saint-Barth. Since Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi is already a FACT Award-winner, we were excited to check out its debut in Dubai.

Fouquet’s Dubai oozes old school charm. The entrance is fit for a celebrity and includes a red carpet, velvet ropes and a gold logo above the door. The bronze plaques on the floor – à la its Paris venue – list the names of Fouquet’s fans, from Marion Cotillard and Penelope Cruz.

The lobby recreates the streets of Paris with cobbled floors and street lamps. The cabinet includes silver napkin holders, which are the stuff of #dininggoals. If you’re fortunate to eat out here enough, you’re gifted an engraved holder at your usual table. 

The restaurant includes different spaces for different moods: La Brasserie, Le Café, Le Toit, Salon Diane, Studio Harcourt, and indoor, outdoor as well as rooftop seats. The décor doesn’t shy away from pulling out all the stops. 

When we enter, seductive French music is playing, almost asking us to je’taime Fouquet’s Dubai. We are seated in La Brasserie, which has a timeless elegance. The white tablecloths, red carpets, chairs and glasses, and black and white photos of French celebrities set the scene. 

While the space has swoon-worthy views of the Burj Khalifa, we fall head over heels for the second dining room. The dramatic design includes high ceilings, shelves with first-edition books and sculptures of French buildings. Tip: dine in the room by the Burj, and finish in the room with the pianist.

When in a French restaurant, do as the French do. We start with the Burgundy Snails, which come in six pieces with garlic butter. Despite my dining partner being a snail virgin, they are impressed by the bold, buttery taste. While I’m not an artichoke fan, the Peppered Artichoke with Mixed Green Salad, wins me over with its fresh flavours.  

The Classic Beef Bourguignon is everything we want from a staple stew – it elevates comfort food. The broth is silky yet strong, and the meat and vegetables are oh-so soft. The Sea Bass Filet a la Plancha is served with caramelised endives, and has a smoky yet sweet finish.

It’s worth visiting Fouquet’s Dubai just for the desserts. The afternoon tea is already popular – especially with locals – and comes in an Insta-worthy glass case. The pretty pastries include a creative cake shaped like a coffee cup. Plus, classic French fancies, from Mille Feuille to Profiteroles. 

Fouquet’s Dubai’s cocktails are a thing of beauty. The drinks honour French monuments, not only with the names but also presentation. The Tour Eiffel comes in an Eiffel Tower shaped bottle, naturally. It’s all about the luxurious attention to detail, from the truffle peanuts to the coasters with the brand’s logo.  

Fouquet’s Dubai’s service is faultless. The staff are welcoming and knowledgeable about the menu. Even when our table is too small for our dishes, we are moved to a larger table. 

Visit Fouquet’s Dubai – you’ll leave with your stomachs full and hearts aflutter. 

GO: Visit www.hotelsbarriere.com for more information.