Dining at Dubai Marina you can easily be spoilt by the
variety of choices, on top of the art of flavours to inspire from its
international cuisines, some restaurants offer the dramatic marina view
encircled by Jumeriah Beach Residence (JBR) high rise in the neighbourhood. mylifestylenews
writes.
Located on the top floor of the eponymous Pier 7 with
fabulous views over the marina, Atelier M is a well-known gem in the heart of
Dubai Marina in the JBR locale. Adjacent to Dubai Marina Mall, it offers easy
access via the connecting bridge from the mall or the main entrance via the
waterfront of its own building. With an atmosphere of bliss and love, the interior has a
nod to art deco in some details and neutral in others. But, al-fresco dining
with a curved outdoor terrace overlooking the quay is one of the highlights to
dine in Pier 7, especially in Dubai’s mild winter. Weather permitting and Dubai
always seems to have great weather for such a beautiful evening filled with
light crisp air to embrace, the outdoor 180 degree dining terrace which affords
the best seats in the house and the uninterrupted view to mesmerize is simply
irresistible.
It is easy to be overawed by jaw dropping skyscrapers in Dubai and much of the restaurant dining scene takes place inside many of these monoliths. Being one of the most sought after dining precincts in Dubai, the vertical dining concept of Pier 7 offers multiple levels of international restaurants from exotic Arabic and Asian to European inspired dining to tantalize your taste buds. This dining establishment in Pier 7 goes for a more
upmarket clientele and Atelier M requires a smart casual dress code. Fair
enough, for an evening to remember or to some by celebrating special occasions,
feels-good-looks-good accompanied by specially crafted atelier menu that
inspires. Yet, it is not the formal fine dining atmosphere that defines your
upright sitting position with elbows off that dining table setting ambience, it
is rather a relaxed surrounding adorned by white linen clothed tables with an overweight
brass style table lamp, that go along with comfortable white rattan outdoor
cushion chairs.
While the interior setting is heightened by hanging
chandeliers and small glass pillars, the spacious main dining has a
well-equipped bar. There is barely any diner who would choose a seat in door
despite the open kitchen possibly driving part of your attention. By walking up the wooden spiral staircase, it will lead
you to the next level where the art deco inspired cigar lounge and pool tables
are available for interaction. The round bar takes centre stage while trendy
house music is played. To explore further, take the “private lift” to the
rooftop level to discover the sassy secret open air roof top bar that is ideal
for pre- or post-dinner drinks.
While location is
really important to some and with its chic and stylish ambience, design and
décor to impress, but the basics have to work – service and food. The letter M
in the restaurant name came from the CEO & chef founder Mohammed Islam and L’inspiration du chef is aimed to
deliver different styles of cooking to be creative and inspired. Atelier M’s menu is quite extensive yet straight forward
and precise for what-you-see-is-what-you-get concept dining. Italian/French
with an Asian twist, so a menu to suit a variety of tastes. Even so, that
doesn’t lower our expectations for what lies ahead. While there were the usual
suspects, we decided to mix things up a bit and target some items to see what
was really special and started with four appetizers.
<A5 White Asparagus>
This is definitely a WOW dish! The description sounds simple, but this dish is anything but simple, due largely in part to the quality of the ingredients and the perfect execution in the cooking and assemblage. Japanese grade 9 (the higher the grade, the more precious and rare) white asparagus is used, which is younger, softer, juicier and more crispy. Served with seasonal Japanese river snow white mushroom (a fungi sort) accompanied by a runny temperature controlled organic poached egg and truffle mousse, topped with Gold Osetra caviar and a touch of a trio puree - green bean, mango and beetroot. Beautifully presented and this dish could not be faulted with such fresh flavours that danced on the tongue. An utter delight!
<Wagyu
Tartare>
Once
again, top Grade 5 Wagyu sirloin that has been perfectly marinated and seasoned
and is accompanied with mandarin compote, topped with an egg and Gold Osetra
caviar, garnished with a parmesan tuile. Once all the ingredients have been
mixed together, you end up with a beautifully seasoned dish that has the
perfect meld of flavours. The touch of mango puree really finished off the presentation
with a tropical hint on the palate. Despite the parmesan tuile was a little too
thick and hard (would have been better if thinner and more crumbly) yet, this
dish still scored beautifully.
<Grilled
Octopus>
Served
with charred cherry tomato, fingerling potatoes and lemon confit, the dish was
only lukewarm when it arrived at the table, but it had a nice smoky flavour,
however, it lacked the finesse of the other appetizers, as the octopus was
rubbery and a lack lustre presentation. It was a little led down after what we
just had from the previous two most delish appetizers.
<Wagyu
Gyoza>
The
quality of Wagyu striploin was excellent and well marinated with sautéed Kimchi
and served with spicy ponzu on the side, but the execution was a bit touristy
and soggy – the wrapping of the Gyoza could have been properly pan-fried on one
side with a rather lightly burnt effect and the other size soft and moist but
not soggy. Not entirely impressed!
<Black
Onyx Ribeye>
We
settled on three main courses to savour a range of cooking styles and looked
forward to more surprises from the kitchen. The Black Onyx Ribeye is another
triumph of a dish. Top quality Japanese marbled beef was served with glaze
roasted Kabocha with a dash of truffle sauce and well-diced mouth full of
roasty toasty potatoes. The meat was simply divine and the potatoes were the
fluffiest and lightest you could possibly have. A dish like this did not need
any additional sides, as you just want to savour every morsel of the beef and
the potatoes. A must order!
<Roasted
Lamb Shank>
Accompanied
with yummy crispy saffron risotto and lamb juice, the salted bush lamb was perfectly
cooked and falling apart easily. A heartwarming dish!
<Roasted
Baby Chicken>
Quite
a generous portion! This baby chicken is cooked with a miso glazed breast
roulard and legs – a French bird – and was tender, flavoursome, juicy and a standout
flavour (French chickens can have such a distinctive flavour), plus the tasty roasted
capsicum and mushroom was a perfect accompaniment.
<Lotus Milk Cake>
We are always quite replete by the time the dessert menu comes out, but we couldn’t resist trying two creations by choosing the Lotus Milk Cake as a start which delivered quite a delicious airy tres leches sponge cake as a base, onto which is added lotus Chantilly cream and pailette feuillantines. A harmony and delightful finish!
<White
Chocolate Opalys>
The
White Chocolate Opalys has a solid and tasty coconut parfait base, with jasmine
gelato and dolce powder. Perfectly executed in lightness and flavours and ended
a memorable meal without the heaviness of some desserts.
Overall, the evening was a success in terms of the
culinary journey, although there is some mixed messaging with the service, as
they seem to be aiming for fine dining, but miss some of the touches. Our table
service was generally very switched on, with only the occasional lapse. It was
also strange that the bread-and-butter knives were not preset and then due to
the design were difficult to set in just the right place on the plate when the
bread was served. Ronald looked after us for most of the evening and was quite
knowledgeable and attentive.
Our table on the terrace was one of the best in the house
and gave us another perspective of the sights of Dubai (and Dubai Marina) and
we stayed for much longer than we anticipated, due to all the elements coming
together. While there were a few items on the menu which did not hit the same
high mark as the others, there is some culinary magic to be had here, which is
a testament to sourcing the right ingredients and handling them carefully, but
simply, in the kitchen and letting the flavours speak for themselves of their
intrinsic qualities. Cooking with the passion for the perfect taste with
elements that inspire, chef Islam and his culinary team have added creativity
and marked it with their own style. To some dining at Pier 7 may sound touristy
but Atelier M is truly another destination dining that you must book a table
at!
Tried
& Tested:
Location: 5/5
Design
& Decor: 4/5
Food
& Beverage: 4.5/5
Service:
4/5
Value
For Money: 4/5
Experience:
4/5
ATELIER M
Floor 7/7M, Pier 7
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 04 450 7766
Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision
in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement
and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.
