Can the restaurant live up to its London and Paris counterparts?
Bar des Prés by Cyril Lignac knows how to make an entrance. Located in ICD Brookfield Place, when people enter, they all do the same thing: they look up at the sky-high ceiling, and ahead at the showstopping view. While the restaurant has venues in London and Paris, there is no mistaking – thanks to that view – that you are in the heart of Dubai.
On paper, Bar des Prés by Cyril Lignac shouldn’t work. The concept fuses together East Asian and French cuisine. In reality, however, it’s a superb success. In 2016, the first restaurant opened in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris. In 2021, it opened in Mayfair, London, and on our visit to the UK capital, it was packed with people on a weekday lunchtime.
During our weekend visit to the newly inaugurated Dubai location, it didn’t (yet) have the crowds or an alcohol license. Lázaro Rosa-Violán’s design studio is behind the venue, which draws inspiration from the streets of Paris. Elements from the flagship restaurant have made their way to Dubai, from mustard-coloured marble tables to peacock-embroidered fabrics. And, at the heart of the venue is a long counter, where you can watch the chefs at work.
Bar des Prés by Cyril Lignac’s staff were warm and welcoming, and knowledgeable about the local as well as international iterations of the menu. The menu spans maki rolls; sashimi; raw and marinated; leaves, crispy and hot; land and sea; sides; and desserts. And, the signature dishes have made their way to Dubai.
The menu is great for groups, although the dishes are on the smaller side. Be warned: dishes can be amended for vegetarians, but our vegetarian guest had to make do with sides to make up for a main.
Starters included a vegetarian take on the California rolls, which came in eight pieces. The Beef Gyoza soaked up the oyster soy sauce and had heat. The surprising success was the Miso Caramelised Green Asparagus. While we would never usually order the dish, it was finished fast due to its subtle sesame sauce.
Mains range from fish to meat. The Black Cod was fresh and flaky, and served baby spinach. The Langoustine Ravioli was a creamy concoction, which blended together flavours from the East and West. And, the bisque had a hint of green Sichuan peppers.
Desserts showcase French flair. The Guanaja Chocolate Biscuit is an elevated take on a chocolate chip cookie. It combines comfort with class, and oozed a wonderfully warm gooey goodness. The Vanilla Millefeuille was airy and light, and came with pecan nuts and praline.
So far, Bar des Prés by Cyril Lignac’s drinks menu includes non-alcoholic drinks. Each one showed off the mixologist’s skills. Highlights included the Gari Negroni and Umeku Fashioned.
Bar des Prés by Cyril Lignac might not yet have the vibes of its London and Paris counterparts, but it certainly has the dishes. And, unlike its culinary cousins, it boasts a jaw-dropping view.
GO: Visit www.bardespres.com for more information.
