Bistro Des Arts — Restaurant in Dubai

It is disheartening how quickly a restaurant can fall from grace and screw up massively because of the lack of tact and manners of a manager by the name of Vincent. To be fair to the establishment, I will keep the majority of my review from my first visit, but will include my review of my disappointing second visit.

1st VISIT REVIEW: The service headed by our waiter Naresh was attentive and exemplary. We started off with the escargots, the homemade fois gras and the octopus. The escargots were delicious. The octopus was so tender and juicy (the best I have ever had in Dubai). The homemade fois gras was succulent and buttery. Our mains were meat and duck; the rossini filet was so tender you could cut it with a fork, and it melted in your mouth. The duck breast delivered an amazingly tasteful experience. Finally, we wanted pain perdu but could not find it on the dessert menu. However, Abdel, the restaurant manager, jumped in and made it happen as a special order. All in all, a fantastic meal. We can't wait to be back!

2nd VISIT REVIEW: So we could not wait to be back, but we sadly wished we hadn't, mostly due to the a rude and disrespectful manager by the name of Vincent. We reordered the octopus, but were a bit disappointed as it was a bit dry. We had the tuna tartar but that dish was truly amazing (best we had in Dubai). We ordered the onion tart which was good but an acquired taste. The manager then passed by to check if everything was ok and we nodded with a timid approval. Then came the mains. The duck confit was tender and juicy, no complaints there, however it could have benefitted from an orange glaze to take it to the next level. And then came the disaster dish, the rossini filet; it was almost rare, although we ordered it medium, and was neither tender nor did it melt in your mouth. We had it returned to be cooked a bit more and back came a disaster that reaked of the stench of old improperly stored meat. We had one bite only and could not continue eating. When the waiter removed out dishes, we were expecting him to ask how come we did not eat the filet or inform the manager. Up to this point, we decided to let it go and figured the chef was having a bad day. Then we ordered the profiterole for dessert but it was fairly flat and bland at best. Anyway, we ordered the check and saw that the rossini filet was priced over 250 dirhams. We decided to inform the waiter that we were not happy with the filet with the sole intention that they watch out for next time and inform the chef of the issue so as this does not happen again as expectations for such a pricey dish will be high and disappointment is not an option. We clearly said that we do not want a refund for the filet but just wanted to express our opinion because we like the place and hate for this to happen again. The waiter decided to call the genius of a manager named Vincent to our table so we can inform him of our disappointment so it can be avoided next tiime. However, after we told him exactly what we told the waiter, Mr. Zero Communication Skills and Zero Customer Service Sense proceeded to give us a lecture about how we should have complained before when he had passed by (although at that point we had finished the appetizers and had not yet been served the mains) and how other customers in the restaurant had no issue with their steaks like we did. At that point I wanted to lecture him that he needs to work on his manners and show some respect; but then I decided not to waste my energy on someone who is rude and has no manners, as he and his rotten filet were not worth it! Even our waiter looked shocked and apologized for the moronic behavior of his manager, confirming that the filet did have a rotten smell to it. I replied that his manager should not even manage the toilet and should learn a thing or two from Abdel, the manager from our first visit, about how to treat customers with respect and dignity. As we left, the manager bid us farewell with a "have a good evening" to which I had to bite my tongue to stop myself from rudely...

23rd May 2025:

Came here today and stayed for a very long time. I was initially going to give Bistro Des Arts a 3 star because their drinks are so expensive. Just over 7 quid for a 330ml bottle of 1664 (Come on guys.. How much mark up do you want to profit off people...?)

OVERPRICED (CANNOT SCORE 5 STARS) That is unacceptable. A pint is 13 quid. However I have to say there are alot of factors that make up for this. I was impressed by how they set it up. It was all air conditioned like most places but they had the fans just right. Some places either have no air con or have too much blowing at you with dust and everytbihg else. Spot on.

The view is wonderful and the service is very fast.

STAFF ABOVE AND BEYOND - KOJO I was particularly surprised I have to say by a particular staff member - Shouout to Kojo who served me for the 4/5 hours. Instead of constantly hassling me for more drink top ups like most places do, the second thing he ever said to me was "Are you ok? Always here if you want to chat" - It might not seem like anything to anyone reading this but I clearly looked out of sorts and someone in hospitality has come up to see if I'm OK. Going above and beyond and beyond the money of the business. That is amazing and shows a real class team you have.

AVOID THE HAPPY HOUR BEERS I was pleasantly surprised. I would however avoid the "happy hour" - That is a bit of a con. If you have to go for it go for a glass of wine or a shot. Avoid the beers. That's a joke.

APPETISER REVIEW (Recommended) Have not tried the whole food menu but looks good. Mondays is 200 aed for unlimited steak. The lambert sharing was absolutely phenomenal. Even the better served with the bread. It was unbelievable. Full marks. You can taste the oregano and other seasoned flavours. Brilliant.

I can't give the 5 stars purely because they are overpriced. That's it. I gey what they are trying to do with the French theme and the luxury side but they still attract average people. Regular people like me. It's a plsce for the norms. So make your prices a bit more normal. It's not right :)

Will be coming back. 1 pint max. More on...

I cant believe I am writing such a review about the restaurant I am always coming for the last 5 years... but I never seen such an aggressive approach from the staff in my entire life. I came today at 10pm to celebrate a Woman's day, the hostess was nice and seated me at the non smoking table for 2, one of my favorite supervisors was busy with the table next to me, but as usual greeted me with a smile, since I know the menu very well I knew what I wanted, the waiter - skinny French/Morrocan guy (apparently joined the restaurant recently) approached me and asked what I would like to have, I asked to have a tuna tartar take away - he said that they don't do take away, and better If I will eat here. For me was weird to hear that, because I did asked for it for a years!!! However I said no problem, but I wanted to ask the people I know, so I came to the supervisor, which was inside next to the kitchen, he told me the same, but the approach was nice and friendly, he apologies and said that now they are changing some things and don't do take away anymore. Fair enough. No issues. I literally did 10 steps away from the restaurant and the waiter, who was talking to me run after me, almost shouting on me!!!!And I am not exaggerate!!!! Asking why did I complain about him!!!! Which I DID NOT!!! I just was speechless listening the waiter questioning me!!!! After seeing this, one of my favorite waiters came to come this guy down and was apologizing for this guy and asking me please to come back again and the hostess was looking after this scene as well. How embarrassing!!! The waiter - name Alaa, from what he said questioning me, why I came to the supervisor to complain, which I know for a long time to ask why the take away is not available anymore! I never seen this in life.After all I just have nothing to say, I love the Restaurant, I love the food , the old staff, the French lovely GM , who was always welcoming me, hugging me!!!! But if you guys changing the thing, staff, menu and ect. , just make sure you don't loose your loyal guests! No more words. I would...