The Exchange Grill

The Exchange’s design is a little frosty, and the refined atmosphere conducive to muttering rather than convivial chat but it should warm up a little once the word gets out about this seasonal treat 18 Reviews

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Oh the fickle nature of the Dubaian gourmet! When the Fairmont opened in a blaze of yellow and blue light in February 2002 , the restaurants and bars quickly filled with dedicated diners. A couple of years on, however, any foodies remaining in town for the summer are queuing up to try outlets at the new Shangri-La, while you can hear a pin drop in the Fairmont’s Exchange Grill.

Oh well, their loss – especially when it comes to the new summer degustation menu. Paired with half a bottle of Aussie sparkling wine per person, the light fare combines meat and fish in a five-course protein frenzy. The Exchange’s design is a little frosty, and the refined atmosphere conducive to muttering rather than convivial chat but it should warm up a little once the word gets out about this seasonal treat.

Dining begins with a duo of huge prawns accompanied by crunchy lettuce and sneezily-good freshly grated horseradish in crème fraiche. Impressive in size and flavour, this first course rather took the wind out of the sails of the fourth – Maine lobster with two top hat-style oxtail ravioli. In between times I slurped through a summer soup – a careful balance between a feather-light poached quail’s egg in a julienne of vegetables and a rich truffley, beefy bouillion – and munched a set of delicious sea bass fillets wrapped in strips of crispy air dried beef, lounging on a bed of flavourful ratatouille.

The pudding was a wild mix between great and grotty: a millefeuille, it combined succulent plump wild berries and creamy custard with tired, slightly chewy pastry. Far more successful was my fellow gastro-adventurer’s moreish crème brulée.

He’d opted for the early bird menu – a three-course steal at Dhs125 – beginning with a crunchy Caesar salad, which arrived in a crusty Parmesan lattice.

This levity was followed by the world’s largest steak – accompanied by an array of mustards and sauces – that, despite being a committed carnivore, left him struggling. (Luckily the ultra professional staff showed no sign of blanching when he asked for a doggy-bag.)

Despite a couple of gripes, the five-course menu is a well-priced summer indulgence: time to get out of the heat (and kitchen) and treat yourself to a spot of August degustation-eering.

By Rob Orchard

• Previous reviews
  • 21 March,2012- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 28 March,2011- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 23 March,2011- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 24 March,2010- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 11 January,2010- reviewed by Rebecca Milford
  • 30 March,2009- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 07 October,2008- reviewed by Daisy Carrington
  • 26 March,2008- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 25 February,2008- reviewed by James Brennan
  • 21 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 30 January,2006- reviewed by Matthew Lee
  • 01 September,2002- reviewed by Carolyn Robb
  • 01 April,2002- reviewed by Carolyn Robb

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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: Frédéric on 25 Feb ' 12 at 17:52

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

Edited by TimeOutDubai.com

First, I want to say that the booking process was very good and call for a kindness. The restaurant is located on the 2nd floor. It has fifty seats for large spaces between tables are available. The setting is cozy, classy with wide dark brown leather armchair. They even see the handbags shoulder strap of my bag of small tables next to us ..... After we have welcomed, the teacher takes us home to our table. Throughout the evening, the servers will be very caring, efficient but unobtrusive. The card gives way to the meat of different origins (Australia, United States, New Zealand) and various pieces (fillet, sirloin, "ribs", etc..). Fish, crustaceans or p.exemple chicken is also offered. Our choice fell on tonight: - 1 x Salad "Caesar" - 2 x 10oz filet mignon (bearnaise sauce for my guest, pepper and béarnaise for yours truly) - 1x Truffle and Parmesan Fries - 1x "backed potato ' - 2 red martinis - 2x flat waters - 1x sparkling water - 2x Coffee In the preamble, the waiter brings thick slices of fresh bread and warm cheese and onions with butter, excellent! As my guest chose a salad with it brings me as a "starter" a tomato cream served in a cup of coffee. A delight, and what nice touch. Then, to cleanse the palate, a lemon sorbet is offered, presented on a block of ice, as that beautiful. Finally, the main course, the 10oz Filet Mignon, one meat tender. A delight. The pepper sauce or béarnaise was perfect served on the side. With my "backed potato", melted butter was gently placed on a potato and sour cream sauce proposed separately. Grandiose. For my guest, excellent fries with truffle and parmesan. Perfect also. For dessert, wonderful surprise for my birthday cake stuffed with a candle and wrote Happy Birthday, accompanied by a mango sorbet. Finally, with coffee pastries and chocolates. In summary, a complete success without a false note

Posted by: Nic on 06 Sep ' 11 at 09:56

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

The service and food are AMAZING! Staff are very attentive. The 4 course beef tasting menu is to die for and good value! Looking forward to next visit.

Posted by: Mamta Tahilramani on 28 May ' 11 at 16:32

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FoodAmbienceValue

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

Excallent in all ways possible. From the decor to food to staff. This is the best steak restaurant in Dubai, by far.

Posted by: Tony on 25 Apr ' 11 at 18:54

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

I started eating at the Exchange Grill when the Fairmont first opened and always enjoyed great steaks and top-notch service whether I had taken family or friends. My other favourite steak venue was La Parilla.
Having been in Dubai so long, I don't eat-out as much any more so, it had been a couple of years since I last took my family to the Exchange Grill. Thankfully, they have not let their standards slip one bit.

Having tried many of the 5-star steak venues (including most of the Time Out rated ones), I still think this is still one of the best in Dubai. On this occasion, I tried the Beef Progression set-menu. The wagyu steak tartare was superb. I was not quite as taken with the beef cheek (an acquired taste and texture). The main course combination of tenderloin and striploin was perfectly prepared though I think rib-eye would have been tastier in combination with the fillet. Desert was beautifully prepared and excellent in its palette of flavours. My family tried more conventional meals such as the Tomahawk Steak and Fillet Mignon, all cooked to perfection. I was not so taken by their specialty fries but, they were better than some of highly-lauded "best in the world" nonsense that I had served at another expensive steak restaurant. The free smoked-salmon, tomato soup and lemon sorbet tasters that my family received whilst I went through my courses, were all delicious and a wonderful touch.

All-in-all, the Exchange Grill is a credit to the best steak dining in Dubai. It may be on the pricier side but, you have to pay for the best.

Posted by: John on 20 Feb ' 11 at 12:48

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

This place does the best steaks in the country - and I've pretty much eaten at them all.

And the truffle and Parmesan chips are probably the best chips in the UAE.

For once I agree with with the Time Out eating out awards - this is the best steakhouse, and by quite some distance.

Posted by: Dr. Raji Mathew on 09 Feb ' 11 at 07:00

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

Dined last on August 18th. The Exchange Grill has quite a reputation among the Dubai steakhouses so it is with much anticipation that I ventured there. Well spaced out interiors, nothing extravagant.

Ordered for a crab bisque. Thick, soft slices of bread made of onion, cheese and olives were served with butter. The crab bisque was thick, tasted wonderful and was served in a powl -I just coined that term. It's a plate in which the centre portion forms a bowl and it just bowled me over. Raspberry sorbet resting on a block of cylindrical ice was served. Again, the presentation was top-notch. Since many fine dining restaurants offer sorbet as a palate cleanser, I presume there must be some scientific or culinary sense to it. It misses me completely,though. Wonderful though this all was, the reason I came was what the restaurant is famous for - the steaks. Opted for the 18oz. angus T-bone steak. That's when all the charm of the place just vanished. Agreed, it may not be as exquisite as the wagyu, which was almost double the price but this meat was lacking in flavour, was the sturdiest chunk of meat and chewy. Could have been frozen and not fresh considering that it was the middle of the week and that too during Ramadan with not many patrons. Even bison meat at the Meat Company had tasted better as also angus meat at other steakhouses I've lately been visiting. Neither the horseraddish nor the mustard sauce as also salt and pepper could do much. Some potato fries in different forms were served separately. Had a Corona to go with the steak. Petit feurs were served at the end as dessert which was very nice too. It seems everything except the steak was good.

Paid around Dhs.330 and came away feeling disappointed as I had expected it to be truly one of the best steakhouse in Dubai. JW's Steakhouse, fortunately, was much better which is where I had headed.

Posted by: Ben on 23 Jan ' 11 at 13:30

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Went in for a lunch meeting. Service was horrible, at the entrance it said 'please wait to be assisted' and we waited... and waited... after 15 minutes I just walked right in and found no staff around the restaurant either. So I had to make my way into their kitchen, where I found someone and asked if we could be seated.

After placing the order, the food took about an hour to arrive. After trying 4 of their salt shakers, one of them finally worked.

The steaks were amazing!! the presentation of the food was good too.

IF I go back, it would be for the food - nothing else.

Posted by: Josephine S. on 18 Dec ' 10 at 13:49

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

This restaurant came highly recommended by one of my friends that is a long time resident of Dubai, having just moved here I was not familiar with the Fairmont and I was pleasantly surprised!

From the moment that you enter the Hotel the friendly doorman greeted us and showed us the way to the restaurant. As we proceeded to the elevators there was a charming lady in pink waiting for us in the lobby escorting us up to the second floor, even though it was only a quick trip she impressed us by knowing our reservation and acknowledging that we were celebrating a birthday. (Turns out that every Thursday there is a special ladies night in the adjunct wine bar where they serve 20 DHS cocktails!!!) When we arrived on the second floor we were immediately ushered to the table where it became clear that these people know what they were doing. The service was so smooth and well executed that you were never left unattended but you did not feel uncomfortable by all the attention. It was great to experience a restaurant where you can truly relax and enjoy the diner with my partner. They did not try to sell me the most expensive items, but knew to offer food and wine pairings that were reasonable and a perfect combination. Halfway through the meal the manager came over to check is everything was ok and there was absolutely nothing that we could comment on, it was exquisite.

Overall it was one of the best dining experiences that I have had and we will certainly go more often!

Posted by: Harry Smith on 23 Jun ' 10 at 10:38

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Amazing food and service!! Ashley ames must be sadly mistaken or not have a clue what great food and service are.
Staff was amazing and the food was top quality US beef.

We will return in the very near future

Posted by: MARIE De' Silva on 23 Jun ' 10 at 10:29

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

Definitely the person that wrote these negative comments about this steakhouse doesn't know about food.
I had dinner last night and it was one of the best experience that I ever had.
The entire evening was absolutely amazing.

Posted by: Joseph Jacques on 23 Jun ' 10 at 09:51

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FoodAmbienceValue

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

amazing food and service! For sure I will come back and will definitely recommend to all of my friends!

One of the best steaks in the world! Kepp it up!

Well deserved Best steakhouse in Dubai!

Posted by: dubaious on 16 Jun ' 10 at 05:24

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

This was possibly the worst steak I have ever had. Not only was the cuisson off (our steaks arrived medium/ well done instead of medium rare,) I would bet a sizeable sum that the steaks are frozen, defrosted then cooked. I can think of no other explanation for the pasty texture of the meat. Given that we ordered rib-eye, the meat was particularly tasteless. The appetizers were equally flavorless and common. The beverage list was limited and uncreative showing only over-priced options. An appalling experience. There is no excuse for bad cooking.

Posted by: Ashley James on 17 May ' 10 at 18:38

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

possibly the worst steakhouse in Dubai.....ever..... food is bland..starter was some smoked salmon on a plate and a piece of bread from a packet placed on a side plate....hardly the sign of a great steak house. staff were rude when we entered the restaurant and no one to greet us. the manager just walked up and said whats your name???? you get a better greeting at mc donalds for a big mac. service was unattentive and restaurant was empty all evening ...i wonder why??? definately stay away my favourite is MJ's Steakhouse - Al qsar far better

Posted by: Ahmed AL Haidan on 03 Mar ' 10 at 08:32

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FoodAmbienceValue

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

BEST Steakhouse in DUBAI.... best service..... best decor

im definitely taking my girlfriend :)

Posted by: B Jones on 03 Jul ' 09 at 15:06

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

I have read allot of reviews about this wonderfull restaurant and all have highly rated it. It wasn't untill i had a family friend recommend it to me that i wondered why i have not dined there yet.

Well now I have!!! WOW!

Yes there are no amazing views of the man made marvells but they sure make up for it. From the moment my wife and i entered we had the most amazing dining experience to date, we have dined all over the world, yet what sticks in my mind the most was not the amazing and unfaulted service but the food quality and standard.

We were amazed when the polite young Australian chef matthew visited our table and offered us some assistance in selecting some of the kitchens favourites. In the end he directed our attention to the chefs 4 course surprise menu. We were not dissapointed. He and his team prepared 4 of the most tasty and beautiful plates we have had in a long time.

It was a culinary experience we will have to return for very soon.

Posted by: Sam on 19 Apr ' 09 at 17:25

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

I am lucky I went the for a business dinner as the prices are a bit steep. I loved the Wagyu rib eye (700) and the seafood platter (300+). Extremely attentive service .

Posted by: Jeff H. on 20 Mar ' 09 at 10:27

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

It has been about 6 weeks since we were last there and it still comes up in conversation. We have eaten everywhere, but rarely do I remember every bite of food as I do from The Exchange Grill. The attention to detail in presentation and service, like most good restaurants in Dubai, is spot-on; but what sets it apart was just how damn good their steaks are aged and cooked. I was wavering on where to give marks for value, as The EG is never an economical night out. However, as it was a meal that went well beyond simply feeding us, I cannot put a value on it. It is worth every dirham. At the expense of neglecting newer establishments on the Dubai scene, we are eager to return and explore other cuts of meat instead. The EG is certainly in our top five restaurants of Dubai.

Posted by: Dave on 09 Feb ' 09 at 14:39

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Absolutely one of the best dining experiences you can have in Dubai. Compared to Meat Co. it might seem expensive but in reality for fine dining it is one of the best value restaurants I've had the pleasure of dining in. Much better than Ramsays Verre in both service and quality of food. I will be planning many return visits to this fantastic eatery. The comment about the decor is a bit unfair its not bad just not great either. It of course lacks any kind of view from the restaurant apart from a slight glimpse of sheikh zayed road. If this restaurant was placed in any of the sight seeing locations it would be other worldly...but then again they probably wouldn't have to work so hard on the food and service. 5 STARS all the way