Bā - Boldly Asian — Restaurant in Dubai

Fifty Shades of Food: Restaurant Review: BA at Fairmont The Palm, Dubai a delightful food journey A Q Sher May 25, 2025 Overview:

BA at Fairmont The Palm is an elegant dining destination that marries luxury and contemporary culinary techniques. With a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients and a menu that showcases a fusion of flavors, it's a sought-after spot for both locals and tourists looking to indulge in a fine dining experience.

Ambiance: ★★★★☆

The restaurant boasts a chic ambiance with a stylish decor that includes warm lighting and contemporary furnishings. The large windows provide stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, creating a serene atmosphere whether you're dining during the day or at night. The inviting ambiance sets the stage for an enjoyable meal, allowing for intimate conversations or celebratory gatherings.

Service: ★★★★★

The service at BA is, without a doubt, one of its standout features. From the moment you enter, the staff exudes warmth and professionalism. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and provided excellent recommendations without being intrusive. The timing of the courses was well-coordinated, making for a seamless dining experience howeverm given that staff want you not to feel rushed, the time to get the first course to the table seemed a bit long.

Food: ★★★★☆

The menu features a wide range of dishes that blend international flavors with local influences. The selections are truly bold, as the name BA (Boldly Asian) suggests. There was a balance of vegetarian options, the best being the Nuso rolls.

Pros:

Appetisers: The Seafood Platter is a must-try, showcasing an array of fresh seafood that sets the tone for the meal. The Vegetable Tempura, the chicken wings and the Nuso rolls were spot on.

Main Courses: I had the beef for the main course, which was outstanding. It was cooked to perfection. Others in our entourage were overwhelmed with the food, from the Mushroom and rice, (good veggie main) to the pork ribs, and the fact that everyone ate in silence is a good sign that the food was the centre of attention.

Cons:

Price: While the quality of the food is high, the prices are on the steeper side, which might not appeal to all diners, especially if you're seeking a more budget-friendly meal.

Menu Size: Some guests might find the menu slightly limited, especially if they are looking for a broader Asian experience. The menu seemed to concentrate more on South East Asia.

Pros:

There wasn’t a dish that didn’t stand out. Restaurants usually excel at a couple of their signature dishes. BA indeed boldly sets a stage of fine food that is truly exceptional.

Beverage Selection: ★★★★☆

BA offers a well-curated wine list that complements the food menu, featuring both classic and innovative pairings. The cocktail selection is inventive, with options that reflect both international flavours and local influences. For me, the mocktails were brilliantly contrived, and my virgin piña colada was perhaps the best I have had.

Pros:

A variety of high-quality wines and unique cocktails that enhance the dining experience.

Cons:

Like the food, drinks can be pricey, which might deter those looking for a more casual drink.

Conclusion: ★★★★☆

BA at Fairmont The Palm is a memorable dining experience characterised by its luxurious setting, attentive service, and well-executed dishes. While it may be on the pricier side and could benefit from a broader menu selection, the overall experience is undeniably impressive. Ideal for special occasions or a lavish night out, BA delivers a taste of elegance that is sure to leave guests wanting more. Whether you're a resident or visiting Dubai, this restaurant is well worth a visit—just be ready...

It was one of the worst dining experience I’ve had in Dubai. I was utterly shocked to discover that this establishment is part of the Fairmont Hotel. While I understand the allure of fusion cuisine, this place felt like a tragic misstep—tacky decor that screamed cheap club rather than a sophisticated dining venue.

The food? A profound disappointment. It was bland and uninspired, far worse than any Asian fusion takeout I’ve ever had from a dismal food court. Each bite felt like a culinary betrayal. The staff seemed overwhelmed and slow, struggling to deliver meals and drinks as if they were navigating a chaotic battlefield.

As for the drinks, I was appalled. I was certain that my drink was of a cheap kind. And the mocktails? They should have the decency to serve real fruit puree instead of drowning them in cloying syrup. It was simply pathetic.

The music was an assault on the senses—loud and utterly distasteful, completely out of sync with the ambiance one would expect. I felt as if I had stumbled into a cheap club in Asia, not an Asian fusion “restaurant.”

In the end, I had hoped to enjoy a lovely evening with my best friends, catching up and sharing laughter. Instead, we found ourselves shouting over the blaring noise, struggling to hear one another. One of us even had to approach the staff twice about the unbearable volume, but they appeared indifferent, as if our concerns fell on deaf ears.

One thing is for certain: I will never return. This experience was a tragic farce, and I wouldn’t wish it...

Amazing food, brilliant music (love the DJ), love the venue, please Boldly Asian sort out your service.

There are never have enough bartenders (1 for the venue on brunch night is ridiculous) and you don’t have enough waiters. A deposit is taken now to confirm the booking so you know the numbers confirmed and yet you don’t have enough staff and therefore your service is always terrible.

We go to Boldly Asian often, most times in a large group as it’s always our suggestion to go but every time the service is terrible simply as you are under staffed.

Last night was my husbands birthday and honestly he was stressed for the first hour, drinks took to long, food took too long to come out and then when it did it come to our table it was not adequate for 10 people and we had to point this out. There was a lot of waiting, waiting for food, waiting for drinks. This is not what makes and enjoyable evening.

He did speak to the manager and they were more attentive after but only within their capacity to do so because the poor staff were so overwhelmed because there wasn’t enough of them.

Love the place but please bring in some temporary staff on brunch evenings there’s so many agencies who provide temporary bar staff and waiters who you can bring in on brunch nights so customers have a great time and leave you only...