Bord Eau has been a stalwart on the dining scene for years – and is a previous holder of Time Out’s Best Restaurant of the Year. It’s with big, hungry bellies and even bigger grins that we head to the French fine-dining spot.
Set inside the opulent Shangri-La Hotel, the restaurant is a cosy spot. Multiple Time Out awards shine on the walls alongside a number of white-clothed tables.
It’s a pity, therefore, that Bord Eau has been bitten by the same empty bug many fantastic restaurants are suffering from.
However, our sharply dressed, sharply humoured waiter conjures up some evening entertainment with anecdotes about his life in the UAE, an encyclopaedic knowledge of the menu and ingredients and a warm, genuine level of attentiveness. You can choose from a special set menu or go à la carte – we choose the latter. Seafood and meat take centre stage – with a selection of French classics revisited. Think slow-braised beef, whole lobster, and chateaubriand to share.
The monkfish is a stunning plate of food, presented with true care and attention. The fish is meaty, complemented by the salty beef, plus the ravioli is a real highlight. And the steak could give some of the city’s best steakhouses a run for its money.
Grateful that we saved room for pudding, we dig into a soufflé and a chocolate sphere surprise.
The food at Bord Eau shows no signs of becoming flat, even if the atmosphere unfortunately has fallen so.
WHAT IS IT…
An award-winning, fine-dining French spot
WHY GO…
Terrific seafood and an even better pastry chef
