Valentine's Day 2025: Bar des Prés has a special menu
This time, I decided to switch things up and surprise my husband with a pre-Valentine's dinner date—hoping, of course, that he might outdo me on the big day!
I chose Bar des Prés, a restaurant that had been popping up on my Instagram feed, thinking it would be the perfect setting for a special evening.
Located on the 51st floor of ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, Bar des Prés welcomes guests with a striking entrance—a long red corridor lined with plush velvet curtains, leading to a space bathed in warm lighting, high ceilings, and modern art.
A stunning kimono-inspired chandelier hangs above the live sushi station, setting the stage for an evening of elegance.
Our table overlooked the breathtaking Dubai skyline, with the vast sea stretching into the horizon. The ambiance was intimate yet vibrant, a perfect setting for an unforgettable meal.
A Fusion of Flavours
Curated by acclaimed Chef Cyril Lignac, the menu blends Franco-East Asian flavours effortlessly.
We opted for a mix of à la carte dishes and selections from the special Valentine's Day menu, expertly recommended by the restaurant manager Robert and our server—also named Robert!
We started with beef gyoza, perfectly crisp on the outside with tender minced beef inside, paired with a flavourful ginger and oyster soy sauce. Alongside, the Japanese wagyu tartare with wasabi and green shiso offered a delightful balance of crunch and spice.
From the Valentine's menu, the king crab tacos with curry rémoulade and Oscietra caviar delivered a satisfying contrast of textures—crunchy tacos, tender crab meat, and a hint of tang from the caviar.
The chutoro sashimi with crispy radishes and sakura flower vinaigrette was beautifully presented. While I'm not a fan of raw meat, it's a must-try for sushi lovers.
The Star of the Night
The highlight for me was the grilled and tartare langoustine with soy butter dashi. Freshly flown in from Norway, the langoustine was cooked to perfection, its buttery sauce enhancing every bite.
For my husband, we ordered the wagyu sando—a thick, well-done piece of wagyu nestled between toasted bread slices. For someone as picky as he is, the fact that he devoured it spoke volumes.
More Than Just a Meal
The restaurant's music set the perfect mood—not too loud, not too soft.
By 9pm, a resident DJ elevated the experience, making the atmosphere even more magical.
For poultry lovers, the options are limited, but even stopping by for sushi and a beverage is worth it, thanks to the panoramic views of Dubai's glittering skyline.
To end the evening, we indulged in the cœur fondant—a raspberry and almond milk lime biscuit with hazelnut praline. A dessert so beautiful, I almost felt guilty breaking into it. Almost.
Bar des Prés is serving up its exclusive Valentine's menu from February 10 to 16—so if you're looking to plan a special evening, this might just be the perfect place to start.
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This is a flavour-driven, chef-driven restaurant. Come as you are, dine, drink and leave wanting to do it all over again. Discover something new this Valentine's Manāo, Wasl Vita, Jumeirah, daily, 7pm to 11pm, closed on Mon, Tel: (0) 4 272 2389, @manao_dubai a normal day This new bistro sits inside Dar Wasl and looks unassuming at first glance, but that is the joy of casual dining – no nonsense, only good food. It's meant to feel cosy, peaceful, like a home, where you can savour daytime delights, sip a cup of freshly-brewed coffee, indulge in some thoughtful conversation. A lot of the food is good breakfast fare, comfort classics and simple, flavourful things. This is a new brand of restaurants taking over in Dubai, straying away from the frilly grandeur of things and keeping it simple but meaningful. Try the cacio e pepe – you won't be disappointed. a normal day, Dar Wasl, daily, 5.30pm to 12am, Tel: (0) 4 886 8380, @ CQ French Brasserie Looking for great French food without the frills? CQ French Brasserie is the answer to that question. This brasserie, merging Parisian old-world charm with contemporary sophistication, brings a fresh identity to the JLT space once home to Couqley. CQ French Brasserie provides an accessible yet refined dining experience for friends and family. The experience is wholly simplistic. Come as you are, indulge and then go back again. Perfect for all your spontaneous date night plans and group dinners as well. CQ French Brasserie, JLT Cluster A, Dubai, daily midday to 1am, A new mint from the Culinary Class of 2024, Khadak is the brainchild of Chef Naved Nasir, the captain of the ship that was the Dishoom brand for 15 years as it grew into a chain of beloved restaurants across the UK, introducing Indian food to curious diners. It's a wonderfully laidback and easy dining experience, made memorable by incredible food, welcoming hospitality and a come-as-you-are policy. Spontaneous dates begin here. Khadak, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Mon to Fri, 12pm to 12am, Sat and Sun 12pm to 1am, Tel: (0)4 558 3787. @khadak_ae Itadaku This is a family-run affair – Itadaku feels incredibly traditional and rooted, and the space in Wasl Vita Mall is small, laid back and welcoming. Great for nights out, the spot serves authentic, ingredient driven fare that speaks for itself. While not shorts-and-flip-flops level of casual (if someone shows up to your date like that, run the other way), it strikes a pretty great balance between fancy and simple, and is also spontaneity friendly so your weeknights are also sorted. Itadaku, Wasl Vita Mall, Jumeirah, daily, 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm, Tel: (0) 4 223 6122, @itadaku_dubai Odeon Inspired by the joys of Parisian life, Odeon serves up delightful authentic food and a mind-boggling selection of gourmet French products, from different kids of chocolate, candy, crisps, spreads and condiments to fresh seafood, freshly-baked bread, cured meat cuts, cheeses, dairy products and more. You want it, they have it. It has that sort of homely feel of a neighbourhood establishment. Odeon, Jumeirah, daily, 8am to 10pm, Tel: ( 0) 4 340 2272, @odeondubai Iranish If you're looking for the most authentic Iranian food you can find in Dubai, Iranish is the place to be. It's a place filled with stories and each dish they serve has a legacy, a sweet tale of nostalgia behind it. The flavours are uniquely Iranian, meaning you won't find Iranian food of this kind elsewhere in Dubai. Decked out in traditional accents and furnishings, it feels like a rich, homely living room, which is exactly why you can come as you are and feast on comfort food. Simply bring a curious appetite and you'll leave fed, happy and wanting to come back for more. Iranish, Wasl 51, Jumeirah, Mon to Thurs, 12pm to 11.30pm, Fri to Sun, 12pm to 1am, Tel: (0) 52 149 5857, @iranishdxb Girl & the Goose Girl & the Goose comes with a long history, a supper club legacy that has enthralled and delighted the taste buds of many a discerning diner, 5000 to be exact. Now, they're expanding their home into a more open space, with a stunning new location in the heart of Dubai that feels like home already the moment you walk in. Inside, you'll have a bite of ravishing Central American fare, reimagined by Chef's Gabi's travels around the world. Read our review here. Girl & the Goose – Restaurante Centroamericano , Anantara Downtown, daily, 12pm to 1am, Tel: (0) 52 772 9888, @ Kiyoshi Located in Dubai Creek Harbour, this spot has all the makings of your next favourite casual Japanese retaurant. At first glance, Kiyoshi looks unassuming but inside, offers a menu of delicious Japanese classics and modern fusions, all with the stunning view of the Creek right outside. It's nice enough for a date night and casual enough to make it spontaneous, and if you're in and around the community, this is where you need to go next. Kiyoshi, Dubai Creek Harbour, daily, 12pm to 1am, Tel: (0) 4 572 6578, @kiyoshidubai bkry You can't have missed the fame of this Alserkal Avenue spot – bkry is a baking and non-alcoholic cocktail lover's dream. From gorgeous croissants to a fully-fledged menu – with incredible mixed drinks to enjoy, bkry is your new home for watching bakers work away at their craft while you enjoy the minimalist vibes. Everything is sourced locally, and the flour is even made in the bakery itself, so you know you're getting it good and fresh. bkry, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, open 8am to 10pm daily, @ Kumo The foundation of the concept is the first step done right. Housed in a refurbished Jumeirah villa from the 80s, it oozes all this retro charm and intimacy, where time slows down and a feeling of calm prevails. The food is delightfully traditional, with a touch of the modern, and the flavours are big and bold, not shying away colour, heat and tang. Kumo, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, Sun to Thurs, 1pm to 11pm, Fri to Sat, 1pm to 12am, Tel: ( 600) 555551, @ Hawkerboi Beginning life as an anonymous-chef-led secret supper club, it's secured a dedicated following, built almost entirely on word of mouth. It was such a success, they were encouraged to open a restaurant permanently, moving into new culinary hub, The Park, JLT, still retaining the trademark lively atmosphere and spicy South East Asian cuisine. Located on the first floor, the restaurant makes a fiery first impression with red neon lighting, an intriguing open kitchen, a buzzing outdoor terrace, and stunning views over the park area. Hawkerboi, The Park, JLT, Dubai. 6pm to 12am Sun to Thurs, 6pm to 1am, Fri and Sat. @ Daikan Izakaya The slightly more glamorous counterpart of Daikan Ramen, Daikan Izakaya in City Walk's C2 Licensed District, is a the perfect crossroads between fancy nightlife and laid back dinner. You can come here on a weeknight or a weekend, dressed up or down and enjoy simple, great food in a vibrant vibe. It feels noncommittal, endlessly fun and a great spot to stay late as well. You can dine, lounge at the bar afterwards and with a bustling atmosphere, it'll always feel upbeat and lively, which is what you want on date night. 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Tel:(0)4 582 2244. @brassmonkeysocial Kokoro Kokoro, Dubai's first hand roll bar, is the newest Japanese offering at Alserkal Avenue, a small, almost hole-in-the-wall spot free of frills and fuss and full of the casual, inviting warmth one usually finds at a space like this. And fresh fish, of course. Every variety of it. Everything about Kokoro says laidback but not lazy, spontaneous but not overwhelming, so very cool but not alienating. Like that hipster barista you know who makes you feel like they woke up today to brew coffee for you and you only (and the 12 other people in the line behind you). Kokoro, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Sun to Wed, 12pm to 10.30pm, Thurs to Sat, 12pm to 11.30pm, @ Hoe Lee Kow If you're looking for a casual eatery to catch up with friends or enjoy quality food with your closest ones, unconventional Korean BBQ, Hoe Lee Kow is well worth a trip. Venturing into a new cuisine, chef Reif Othman was inspired by his years of travel and love for Korean BBQ. 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VNYL HiFi, Bluewaters Island, Mon to Thurs, 1pm to 1am, Fri to Sun, 1pm to 4am, Tel: (0) 52 249 4004, @ Cucina Cucina feels like a family neighbourhood Italian, with the warmth and the carbs to show for it. This is a family-oriented restaurant and perfect for a cosy weeknight or weekend dinner date where you all want is a bowl of safe, delicious pasta and the company of a special person. They also have a gelato parlour, because you can't have dinner without dessert and classics on the menu that you know you'll love. Cucina, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, daily, 7am to 1am, Tel: (0) 4 666 1408, @cucinathepalm KATA As far as sushi in the mall goes, Kata really takes the cake. This Japanese restaurant not only has incredibly plated food that will look gorgeous for your socials as the Dubai Fountains go off in the background but Kata where the food looks good, it tastes even better – we promise. 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Isola Ristorante, Jumeirah Islands Clubhouse, Fri, Feb 14, 7pm, Tel: (0) 4 583 3124, @isolarestaurantdubai Lola Taberna This Valentine's at Lola Taberna, couples will be welcomed with roses and a refreshing welcome drink before sitting down to a dinner from the la carte menu. With a minimum spend of Dhs199 per person, guests can enjoy a romantic dining experience accompanied by live entertainment. The evening will feature retro Spanish hits by Keco Fontana, followed by DJ Javi to keep the night alive. Who doesn't love some delicious food and a spot of Spanish music? Lola Taberna, TRYP By Wyndham Dubai, Fri, Feb 14, 7pm, minimum spend Dhs199, Tel: (0) 4 247 6688, @lolataberna Images: Socials/Supplied


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