16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Restaurant Review: A Riviera rendezvous in the heart of Dubai
It's not often that a restaurant's name mirrors your day job—but Tête-à-Tête, the French gem tucked inside FIVE Luxe at JBR, seems tailor-made for me, a journalist constantly engaged in one-on-one dialogues. Fittingly, my culinary tête-à-tête here was just as rich in conversation as it was in indulgence.
Billed as where 'French indulgence meets Dubai glamour', the restaurant delivers on that promise with an atmosphere straight out of a Parisian daydream. Picture a seductive, jewel-toned bar, plush interiors, and a sea-facing terrace offering picture-perfect views of Ain Dubai and the ocean. It's Riviera elegance, reimagined with Dubai's signature flair.
The menu, inspired by the sun-soaked cuisine of the South of France, reads like a love letter to Mediterranean flavours. I began with a decadent spread of starters that could have easily stood in as the main event. The Burrata, paired with smoked watermelon and mint, offered a cool, creamy contrast to the Dubai heat—a playful and refreshing bite. The Truffle Pizza, topped with ricotta and shaved black truffle, was a luxurious upgrade to a classic comfort dish. Earthy and rich, the Truffle & Parmesan Risotto was an umami bomb, made even more irresistible with aged parmesan and braised mushrooms. But the standout? The Beef Tartare, nestled atop crispy potato—textural perfection with bold, punchy seasoning.
If you've read about my past food outings, you'd know that I am big on steak. So for mains, the Beef Short Rib was a natural selection. It was melt-in-your-mouth tender, slow-cooked and elevated by Pommes Anna and a velvety Bordelaise sauce. We also tried the Roasted Chicken (I need my protein), resting on a bed of truffle mash and coated in a delicate lemon-thyme velouté, was beautifully balanced—light, fragrant, and deeply comforting.
We ended the meal with a classic Crème Brûlée—a golden, caramelised top that cracked like a dream to reveal silken custard below. A simple yet satisfying finale.
My final thoughts? Tête-à-Tête is an experience that's indulgent without being over the top, refined yet approachable in its offerings. If you're looking to romance your palate while soaking in some of Dubai's best views, this little slice of the French Riviera is your next reservation.
