If you’re looking to impress, there’s not many lunch venues as quirky, contemporary or romantic as DIFC’s Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire. The décor looks like something out of a children’s fantasy book – complete with shining chandeliers and pink/purple chair-backs and carpet – but perhaps this adds to its decadent demure.
The staff are trained within an inch of their life (no bad thing) and seem genuinely pleased with even the most basic of requests, including translating and explaining the French menu. Indeed, the moment you walk through the door of Chef Pierre Gagnaire’s Dubai eatery, you become aware that you’re in one of Dubai’s finest restaurants.
But no restaurant can excel in all things, and even the most high-profile property can make mistakes when it comes to the humble business lunch. Service must be second to speed, and the food must be good – but not so filling that an afternoon of slumber is required after eating it.
Reflets has one of the more expensive lunch menus in the financial district, so high expectations come with the territory. If dining in the evening is about savouring the experience, the business lunch menu is designed to give you a brief taste of the evening menu.
The three course menu changes often, is always made up of French staples, such as lamb base L’Agneaux du Quercy and Oyster Les Huitres. Food is delicious, and you can be in and out in just over an hour – including the obligatory espresso.
