M for magnifique

With the promise of great food and spectacular views, Team TMN couldn’t wait to head to Pier 7 to experience the newest arrival on Dubai’s nightlife scene…

What: Atelier M

Where: Pier 7, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina, Dubai

When: Open daily, 6pm – 2am

The promise: “From dinner to the old world luxury of the prohibition-esque bar, through to the ambient rooftop ultra-lounge which emerges from the venue’s impressive mirrored centrepiece, Atelier M caters to all aspects of your evening on the town in Dubai.”

Did it deliver? The restaurant’s décor was quintessentially French in style, elegant in its simplicity and oozing sophistication; equally ideal for an intimate meal or night out with friends. Our table had a perfect view of the open plan kitchen – the centrepiece of the restaurant – allowing us a taste of the action as the chefs cooked up a storm.

The menu boasted contemporary French–Asian fusion cuisine, and we opted to try out the sharing concept of courses encouraged by the restaurant, an interesting novelty. We started with the Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese with Baby Beetroot, and Grilled Asparagus with Gruyere and Truffles. While simple choices, both were beautifully cooked, strong in flavour and perfectly portioned.

The main courses were nothing like the small portions that we’ve come to expect from typical French cuisine, and took away any doubts we might have had over the plate-sharing concept. The ample size didn’t detract from the quality of the Wagyu Rib Eye with Chimichurri, Garlic Puree, Shiitake Mushroom and Yazu Pickled Shallots, which was entirely succulent with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the Pan Seared Halibut with Buttered Leeks and Romesco Sauce, while a generous sized fish, was so delicious that it was reluctantly shared. The side of Soy and Honey Glazed Sweet Potato was definitely more of an acquired taste, though certainly worth a try.

Although dinner wouldn’t be complete without dessert, we were just too full to try. Instead we feasted our eyes over the menu that included Blueberry Cheesecake, Shortbread and Lychee, as well as a Roasted Spice Pineapple, Hazelnut and Coconut Crumble with Yogurt Sorbet.

To let dinner settle, we made our way up the spiral staircase to settle in the second floor lounge, where the distinct prohibition style and vintage feel of the bar wouldn’t be out of place on the set of Great Gatsby – complete with an art-deco centrepiece of mirrored glass which appeared to have exploded from the bar. A small lift at the rear of the lounge took us up to the rooftop bar, where we ended the evening taking in the panoramic skyline of Dubai Marina with a Devil’s Horn cocktail in hand, of course.

The verdict: Now that Pier 7 holds a license, Atelier M is a strong contender to become one of the hottest nights out in Dubai. Between the restaurant, lounge and rooftop bar, each level could easily be a success in its own right, and Team TMN will definitely be heading back soon – at the very least to indulge in dessert!