Vu’s

One of Dubai's newest Friday feasts offers high-end dining 16 Reviews

1

© ITP Images

View slideshow

• 
• Picture 1 of 2
• 

As soon as we heard about Dubai’s latest Friday brunch, it made sense: Emirates Towers is the perfect venue for the most iconic of our city’s culinary institutions.

Yet the Vu’s Friday feast is not like your average booze-fuelled buffet. In fact, a buffet doesn’t even come into the equation; the Vu’s deal is à la carte. Further separating it from more raucous affairs, the atmosphere is best described as sophisticated – there’s a welcome serenity to the venue.

This may have been to do with the relatively low number of customers present when my date and I visited (we were there on the inaugural weekend), though even if the venue were full, the elevated vantage point would still evoke a feeling of escape from the culinary chaos ensuing elsewhere in town. The views at Vu’s are, obviously, the main aesthetic attraction and so the interior is kept simple, with whites and pastels dominating the colour scheme – Mad Men chic, if you will.

Food-wise, the action kicked off with a choice of two platters for starters. The first boasted a distinct seafood theme, with Gillardeau oysters, poached Maine lobster salad, scallop ceviche, marinated sweet prawns and langoustine ‘pot au feu’, while the second consisted of pan-fried foie gras terrine, blood orange jelly, hazelnut crumble and Canadian beef tartare. My date and I opted for the former. And happily so, for the oysters were some of the most generously sized I’ve had the pleasure of sampling in Dubai – almost too big to swallow whole. However, I was quite content to chew them, savouring their startingly fresh flavour.

A chilled watermelon and tomato gazpacho provided a light precursor to our mains, for which we had three choices: slow-roasted lamb loin, pan-fried fera fish, or aubergine mille-feuille. My date opted for the fish, while I chose the lamb: a rich, hearty and slightly heavy combination that left me reclining in my chair oncompletion, able only to emit a small, very satisfied sigh.

A choice of white chocolate and lime velouté, almond chocolate sacher or cheese platter awaited for dessert, though at this stage in the afternoon we were happy to just loosen our belts, sit back and drink in the view (along with the premium bubbly, of course). The new Vu’s deal offers a most enjoyable, and civilised brunch experience.

By Oliver Robinson
Time Out Dubai, 5 October 2011

• Previous reviews
  • 25 March,2012- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 24 March,2011- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 24 March,2010- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 17 March,2009- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 26 March,2008- reviewed by Jeremy Lawrence
  • 26 March,2008- reviewed by Jeremy Lawrence
  • 09 May,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 05 July,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai
  • 01 February,2004- reviewed by Rob Orchard
  • 01 September,2002- reviewed by Carolyn Robb
  • 01 April,2002- reviewed by Carolyn Robb
  • 01 October,2001- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff

• Share | |
• E-mail:
• 
• Print:
• 

Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.

User reviews:

Posted by: Anon on 15 Apr ' 12 at 19:30

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Just came back from a fantastic evening at Vu's.

The food was excellent and the service professional, friendly and attentive throughout the evening.

Would definitely recommend this restaurant to couples and special occasions.

6/7 for ambience, as the restaurant was a little quiet, possibly because it was a Sunday evening. But the background music and friendly staff made up for this.

Would recommend the 4 course tasting menu (only 180 per person) which was great value for money but not lacking in quality.

Well done Vu's.

Posted by: Elisabeth on 22 May ' 11 at 09:33

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Once of the nicest brunches I have been to in Dubai. A classy, laid back atmosphere, attentive staff, amazing food and an endless supply of Laurent Perrier.

Definately not one for rowdy groups, the ambience is more suited to couples, and as such totally avoids the excesses seen in "bubbly brunches" elsewhere.

Highly recommended.

Posted by: Elisabeth on 22 May ' 11 at 07:52

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Once of the nicest brunches I have been to in Dubai. A classy, laid back atmosphere, attentive staff, amazing food and an endless supply of Laurent Perrier.

Definately not one for rowdy groups, the ambience is more suited to couples, and as such totally avoids the excesses seen in "bubbly brunches" elsewhere.

Highly recommended.

Posted by: Elena on 10 Apr ' 11 at 15:07

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: jane on 26 Mar ' 11 at 08:45

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

went for diiner three years ago. it was fab but these reviews make me thik it has gone down hill big time!

Posted by: hotsauce on 08 Aug ' 10 at 22:39

OverallDecorService

AmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Lame.

The service is godawful. For a place with as much staff as guests on a Thursday night, you'd think some attention would be paid to the guests, but the barstaff spent the whole night chatting loudly with the bouncer and the hotel security that came up for a few laughs. You will have to practically wave your arms around and yell when you want another drink.

The view is the least impressive in Dubai, facing mostly unnotable lowrise buildings.

The bartenders don't seem to know much about drinks. When I asked if they made their own sours, my bartender assured me he would use a fresh lime. They made competent drinks from their impressive menu, but it was all very cookie cutter. At this level, most cities on earth will provide a bartender who knows her trade and is inventive. The spirits aren't inventive either, just a regurgitation of the standard top shelf stuff, and a few very low-end beers thrown in seemingly for hipster irony.

The patrons of this place mostly sat alone, talking on or playing with their cellphones.

If you want a good drink, try your luck at one of Dubai's 200 other high-end places. If you want to impress your date, take her to the gold souk, where you will get great service without having to yell or wave your arms about, the place will be a bit interesting, and there will be plenty of opportunity to throw your money around.

Posted by: Kancho on 22 Jul ' 10 at 22:18

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

This may be on 'a different level' as their tag line claims, but it makes me wonder how high this 'level' is! The food portions and the menu variety are unbelievably limited! 'The higher you reach the lesser you get to eat' would have rather befitted this elite restaurant's motto, more aptly.

Posted by: me on 20 May ' 10 at 18:44

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

The food quality was really bad. We paid over 900 AED for two, and were totally disappointed. The portions are small, the quality is poor, and the price is way too high. I do NOT recommend it.

Posted by: Yvonne Peterson 09. on 12 Nov ' 09 at 10:48

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

9th November – Cocktail bar; sophisticated décor with subdued lighting, vast cocktail menu almost too extensive. Drinks well presented, tasted delicious!

A spiral staircase from the bar leads to the restaurant where you are immediately greeted and escorted to your table.

Restaurant – Stylish, spacious décor with wonderful views.
My starter: Sunchoke soup, was sublime followed by Lobster, which was good, although I wish I had chosen the same as my husband, Black Cod, which not only looked fantastic the taste was incredible.

The staff where outstanding throughout the evening and when informed it was our anniversary presented us with a beautiful chocolate cake, and YES it was delicious.

Would definitely recommend this restaurant.

Posted by: katie on 29 Mar ' 09 at 12:22

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Great for a night on the town with the husband.

Excellent Staff.

Food is to die for.

And the dessert is in a category on its own :)

A must go.

Posted by: Samuel Welch on 25 Mar ' 09 at 05:04

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Well, when it comes to real “Contemporary” European food,Vu’s still stand shoulder above some of his competitors!

Posted by: Kim Knight on 19 Mar ' 09 at 14:03

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Trully Wonderfull Experience!

Posted by: Alexandre Chadoin on 18 Mar ' 09 at 19:19

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I have been for lunch in Vu's last week and it was a fantastic experience. Food and service were perfect and the view amazing.
Best value formoney in town!

Posted by: Sebastian Frisk on 18 Mar ' 09 at 03:53

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

My all time favorite restuarant in Dubai!

Posted by: Julian on 17 Mar ' 09 at 19:28

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Visit Vu’s just a week ago, We headed for the Business Lunch Set Menu:
My Partner went for starter made of Rabit, foie gras and Cherries. I choose a green Gaspacho –made of cucumber and mint ,served with tender and delicious Octopus,(it was probably the best I ever taste )topped with smooth Avocado sorbet. The whole dish was light ,fresh and full of flavor !For main -We were recommended by the waiter the Roasted Fillet of Turbot, comes with Artichoke ,braised Oxtail and light Miso froth-it didn’t go wrong, the dish was nothing but excellent! Next came the desserts -Lemon cake with Yuzu Pana cotta –light and summary .And velvety Chocolate fondant with something odd like “candied olives” and salted caramel .And Yet again food score high !
There are not so many places in the town this days ,able to offer such Luxury experience in a prices of a Set Menu!

Posted by: Stig Pedersen on 16 Mar ' 09 at 13:40

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

I have been on VU's several times and i recently visited the place for the 4th time. WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT it was.
The food was indeed very bad, the quality of the cooking do not matches the level they once had.
We got Lamb and Duck, and the meat was so dry that you actually almost couldn't eat it.
Once VU's was a great experience, but not this time :o(