The 5 Best French Restaurants in Dubai
Dubai has diverse culinary scenes and gastronomical delights. That’s why it’s an excellent place to try and savor various dishes from all over the world.
If you’re craving French cuisine, you’re in for a treat. For today’s listicle, we’re reviewing the best French restaurants in Dubai.
The Best French Restaurant in Dubai
We picked each restaurant on this listicle using the following key factors:
1. Couqley French Bistro & Bar
| MENU | ★★★★★ |
| PRICE POINT | ★★★★☆ |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★★ |
| LOCATION | ★★★★★ |
| AMBIANCE | ★★★★★ |
| CUSTOMER FEEDBACK | ★★★★★ |
| CUSTOMER RATING | ★★★★★ |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★★ |
Couqley French & Bistro Bar is a casual restaurant in Jumeirah Lakes Tower. It was originally founded in Beirut in 2002.
The best-seller in this bistro is its Steak Frites, a steak and fries dish with signature Couqley Sauce. Other must-tries you can look into are Couqley’s Tuna Tartare, Truffle-Mushroom Pasta, and Escargots de Bourgogne.
Even if you accidentally butcher the dishes’ names, you’ll do just fine because this is a friendly and casual bistro that’s used to receiving tourists every day.
Aside from the restaurant’s long list of main dishes, customers can also indulge in their dessert menu, especially the most-loved dessert, Pain Perdu.
Alternatively, just ask for the Green Menu to look into vegetarian and vegan options if you’re a vegetarian.
Another thing that we like about this bistro is that it has a bar area, dining room, private dining room, and indoor terrace. In addition to that, Couqley is also a family-friendly restaurant.
You can browse through the Kids Menu to find the dish that suits your child’s palate.
If you’d like to bring someone for a romantic dinner date, you can book a reservation any day of the week. Just note that the latest booking time they offer is 10:30 PM.
All in all, if you’re looking for a classic and cozy French bistro with averagely-priced set menus and dishes, we recommend Couqley French & Bistro Bar.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of dishes and set menus
- Provides delivery and pickup services
- Has a Kids’ Menu
- Features a separate menu for vegetarians
- Open daily
Cons
- Reservations required
- Latest booking time is 10:30 PM
Customer Reviews
We received great service, we will definitely be back!
“We had dinner here, it is a special place with an happy atmosphere.. While reading the menu we noticed that there is a special evening for women (only on Thursday evenings), they offer good deal for main courses and non-stop wine only for women! I would recommend to order the dish with the Brie pastry – delicious!!! We received great service, we will definitely be back!” – Omri Ashkenazi
The service is always great
“We love the place. Great delicious food, generous portions and very fairly priced. The service is always great. Benga is specific is lovely and always goes out of his way to make sure we’re having a lovely time. They also have a lovely vibe and great music. Great for date night, taking the parents out, girls night, and group outings.” Iara Traboulsi
2. LPM Restaurant & Bar
| MENU | ★★★★★ |
| PRICE POINT | ★★★★☆ |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★★ |
| LOCATION | ★★★★★ |
| AMBIANCE | ★★★★★ |
| CUSTOMER FEEDBACK | ★★★★★ |
| CUSTOMER RATING | ★★★★★ |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★☆ |
Want to try French and Italian cuisine in an elegant setting? Consider visiting LPM Restaurant & Bar.
It was established in 2010 and has become one of Dubai’s most easily recognized French restaurants.
This restaurant is a popular destination for people exploring the high-end part of the financial district of Gate Village. It’s because the restaurant is surrounded by shopping centers, art galleries, and five-star hotels.
With high ceilings, big windows, and expansive space and terrace, you can have a luxurious dining experience in this restaurant. However, given its location and high-end set menus, LPM Restaurant & Bar’s price point is a bit exorbitant.
If you want to try dining in this restaurant without spending too much, we suggest that you check out their A La Carte Menu available for lunch and dinner reservations.
On the flip side, if you wish to savor authentic French cuisines, the restaurant also has classic French-Mediterranean offerings for customers.
Moreover, LPM Restaurant & Bar offers light and healthy dishes that feature a new take on French cuisines. These dishes are for those not a fan of heavy and excessive flavors.
Bear in mind that the dress code for this restaurant is smart casual, and they’re pretty strict about it. Wearing a local dress is allowed, but beachwear, sportswear, flip-flops, and caps are not accepted.
All told, we’d also like to note, though, that there are several complaints about delays in reservations. For this reason, if you’ll be having an important business meeting, this might not be the best restaurant to book.
Pros
- Offers classic French cuisine
- Features elegant interiors
- Has an extensive wine bar
- Offers delivery services
Cons
- Expensive starting price
- Has a strict dress code
- Complaints about delays in the reservations
Customer Reviews
Everyone was very engaged and I felt cared for
“From the moment we walked in, everyone was very engaged and I felt cared for. I knew people were watching for my needs and coming over when my body language told them I needed something. It was really impressive. We ended up sitting at the bar for lunch, which was a delight to watch. I always love seeing people in a state of flow, and everyone on the LPM team is so obviously in their element. The bartender we had was SO SO SO good. Chatting us up just the right amount.” – Adam Broniewski
Definitely going back
“One of the best lunch experiences in Dubai. The service was consistently exquisite. We were served by Cyril, very friendly, professional and caring. The entire staff was amazing. The food was tasty, colour, flavours, texture, aroma. The ambience was perfect. The cleanliness exceeded expectations. I highly recommend this establishment. Definitely going back.” – Muki Khoza
3. The MAINE Land Brasserie
| MENU | ★★★★★ |
| PRICE POINT | ★★★★☆ |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★★ |
| LOCATION | ★★★★★ |
| AMBIANCE | ★★★★★ |
| CUSTOMER FEEDBACK | ★★★★★ |
| CUSTOMER RATING | ★★★★★ |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★★ |
Another popular French restaurant on this list is The MAINE Land Brasserie.
One of the notable features of this restaurant is its location. You see, The MAINE land Brasserie is situated in between the main buildings of the iconic Opus by Omniyat.
Its lavish interior will welcome you as you enter the restaurant. With soaring ceilings, cathedral-like windows, and a 100-seater dining room, this restaurant can be an excellent venue for business and social gatherings.
Aside from that, they also have semi-circular leather booths ideal for small groups, group gatherings, and family get-togethers.
We like that most of the dishes they serve are from locally-sourced ingredients. We think this is a good way to promote local products in the city, such as Dibba Bay oysters, beef tomatoes, and other herbs and vegetables sourced from Abu Dhabi.
In addition to that, we also commend the inclusive menu options they offer. For example, if you don’t feel like eating seafood or steak, you can ask for their plant-based menu.
We’d like to warn you, though, that most of this restaurant’s main dishes are above 100 AED. It can be heavy on the wallet, especially if you’re just craving a simple dinner.
Besides that, it’s always packed, so it’s hard to book a reservation. By the way, the dress code for this restaurant is smart and elegant, which means that a guest should wear semi-formal attire appropriate for the occasion.
Nonetheless, if you want to try this restaurant, booking a table a week or two before would be better. After all, reservations are still an absolute must due to the pandemic.
Pros
- Excellent location and lavish interiors
- Features a wide scope of French dishes
- Has a various selection of wines and other spirits
- Offers inclusive menus
- Uses locally sourced ingredients
Cons
- Expensive dishes
- Strict dress code
- Occasionally hard to book a reservation
Customer Reviews
It’s one of my favorite places to go in Dubai
“What should I say about this place… I have been to The Maine few times now and it’s one of my favorite places to go in Dubai. Top Notch place with friendly team and the most delicious food in town. It’s Must visit place if you are a Foodie or you love your cocktails. Best place for a Date night with your loved ones. Thank you for looking after us and we will be back soon.” – Keyur Dharkar
Best money value business lunch set in town
“I come here to try their business lunch and I have to say it’s the best money value business lunch set in town. You spend 130 and get one starter, one main course and one dessert, what’s more , the water and coffee or tea are also included. The staff service, food taste , and the deco are all so nice. Recommended!!” – Sharvina Lee
4. Bistro Des Arts
| MENU | ★★★★★ |
| PRICE POINT | ★★★★★ |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★★ |
| LOCATION | ★★★★★ |
| AMBIANCE | ★★★★★ |
| CUSTOMER FEEDBACK | ★★★★☆ |
| CUSTOMER RATING | ★★★★☆ |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★☆ |
Bistro Des Arts may not be as fancy as other restaurants on this list. However, if you want to experience a more relaxed street-side Parisian bistro, this place is worth checking out.
Aside from the cozy indoor seating, the restaurant offers al fresco seating. Customers can enjoy their lunch or dinner while taking in the views of Dubai Marina and its skyline.
Although the restaurant opens at noon, it still offers a breakfast menu. It also serves late-night supper but remember that the last booking time they offer is 10 PM.
Bistro Des Arts is also an excellent place to visit if you wish to try classic and home-cooked-style French dishes. Besides that, the restaurant also features daily specials.
If you wish to savor a seafood platter with oysters, salmon ceviche, prawns, tuna tartare, and mussels, you shouldn’t miss the Les Fruits De Mer served every Friday.
Alternatively, if you want to enjoy a hearty brunch with your friends, you can also try their Brunch Le Weekend on Saturdays. For 119 AED, you can enjoy an unlimited buffet, unlimited hot beverages, one main course, and one crepe.
Don’t forget to check out their website to know more about their daily offers.
In conclusion, Bistro Des Arts can be your top option if you want to try budget-friendly French cuisines in a cozy location.
However, if you want to save more, we suggest that you watch out for the wines and drinks because they can be a bit pricey.
Pros
- Cozy and more relaxed setting
- Dishes are more affordable
- Offers various menus
- Features a range of daily specials
- Has an alfresco seating
Cons
- Wines and drinks are a bit expensive
- Few complaints about customer service’s efficiency
Customer Reviews
Always recommend this place for my friends
“Living in Dubai more than 8 years and this place is one of my favorites. I love French food and it’s the best in the city. The service is always great (fast and friendly). Place is clean. I love all of their starters. And the steak tartare is super good. Always recommend this place for my friends. And location in really nice – in the middle of a life, but calm. And beautiful view. Atmosphere of the dinner is so lovely!” – Alexandra Dominik
Very nice place with a very French bistro atmosphere
“A very nice place with a very French bistro atmosphere. The food is good, the menu is regularly updated. You’ll find a good choice of French dishes (I recommend the steak Tartare for meat lovers) and drinks. Paul the restaurant manager is super friendly and the staff will make sure you are spending a great time. If you are looking for a typical Parisian restaurant in Dubai, Bistro des Art is definitely the place you shall consider for a romantic diner, or a festive hang out with friends.” – Eric Koulourath
5. Rue Royale Restaurant
| MENU | ★★★★☆ |
| PRICE POINT | ★★★★★ |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★★ |
| LOCATION | ★★★★★ |
| AMBIANCE | ★★★★★ |
| CUSTOMER FEEDBACK | ★★★★★ |
| CUSTOMER RATING | ★★★★★ |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★★ |
The story behind the restaurant’s establishment can be a good conversation starter. The restaurant owner, Dr. Abdulkareem Al Olama is an Emirati man who loves food and traveling around the world.
According to him, after tasting the food prepared by chef Viannay in La Mere Brazier, he found his perfect culinary match. That’s why Rue Royale is inspired by the French chef Mathieu Viannay’s two-Michelin starred restaurant in Lyon, France.
The restaurant’s interior looks like a French courtyard in the countryside, which we like because it can provide customers with a more relaxed and comfortable setting.
Due to Dr. Olama’s medical background, the restaurant focuses more on producing healthy meals. In addition to that, there is no alcohol served on the premises.
If you’d like to have a unique dining experience with your family or friends, we recommend that you book a reservation for the private chef’s table.
It can be a bit more costly than a regular reservation, but with this option, you’ll be able to see the culinary skills of chef Viannay through the open kitchen.
Just note that the maximum number of guests for this table is ten, and the reservation should be made 24 hours prior.
Above all, we also like that they offer various discounts for online orders. As of now, the restaurant offers 25% on the first three orders you’ll make. To sweeten the deal, you’ll also get a 15% discount on these orders.
Pros
- Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Has a Michelin-starred chef
- Features a private chef’s table
- Offers various discounts and deals
- Provides delivery services
Cons
- Alcoholic drinks are not available
Customer Reviews
Elegant and modern atmosphere
“Rue Royale by French Chef Mathieu Viannay from Lyon is the first halal fine dining restaurant in the region. Elegant and modern atmosphere. Beautiful location overlooking the water with an outdoor terrace. Professional service. Food is fine dining as you would expect. Elegant presentation, creative dishes without being pretentious and delicious food. A bit far from downtown but definitely worth a visit.” – Habib Al Mulla
The food and service surpassed our expectations!
“I went to Rue Royal with my family for dinner and both the food and service surpassed our expectations! Our waiter was Reggie and he was kind and very helpful, recommending the bruschetta which was some of the best bruschetta I’ve had. The margarita pizza had a nice thin crust and the arrabbiata pasta complemented it nicely. The atmosphere of the restaurant sitting outside was lovely and although the fountains were delayed because it was too windy it would’ve been the perfect spot to watch the show.” – Kayla Tewahade
FAQs About French Restaurants
If you have visited other great French restaurants in the city, share your thoughts and experience with us so we can explore their offers and services too.
In the meantime, if you’re searching for luxurious ways to explore the city, you can check out our reviews of the best yacht rentals and luxury car rentals in Dubai.