Gastronomy — Restaurant in Dubai

I was really looking forward to celebrating my birthday at Gastronomy, Atlantis The Royal, but unfortunately, the experience left me disappointed.

During the booking process, my husband noted that it was a special occasion—my birthday—but also specifically requested discretion: no singing, no public attention. Imagine my shock when, just as we were preparing to leave after settling the bill, a group of staff suddenly started singing "Happy Birthday" behind me. A waiter stood next to me, trying to light a candle on a small cake, continuing with the singing.

I was completely embarrassed. My reaction must have said it all—I am not a five-year-old celebrating at a fast-food restaurant. It was the opposite of the discreet celebration we had requested and completely ruined my evening. We returned to our room at Atlantis The Palm, but the mood was already spoiled.

Frustrated, my husband called the hotel to speak to a manager. The first staff member he spoke to claimed there was no note about discretion. However, about 10 minutes later, a woman named Anna called back, acknowledging that they had, in fact, received the note. She explained that their usual approach is to bring a cake discreetly without singing but that the waiter had taken it upon himself to do otherwise. She apologized and offered to waive the bill as a goodwill gesture.

The next morning, during checkout, we noticed the bill was still there. The receptionist had to call Anna, but she didn’t answer. He then told us they were still “investigating” the situation and that for now, we didn’t have to pay the bill—but he would let us know if anything changed. While I appreciated his handling of the situation, it left me questioning the overall service standards.

Aside from the birthday mishap, there were other service issues. We had two waiters attending to our table. When I asked for hand sanitizer, the first one brought me a refreshing towelette, insisting it was the same thing. It’s not. The second waiter—the one who led the birthday singing—apologized, saying they only had mosquito repellent and that I would have to go to the bathroom to find sanitizer.

In a buffet restaurant where hundreds of people touch the same serving utensils, I found it shocking that they didn’t offer hand sanitizer. Was I expected to go to the bathroom every time I refilled my plate just to avoid picking up germs from thousands of other guests?

Given the reputation of Atlantis The Royal, I expected much better service and attention to detail. This experience certainly did not meet the standard I...

If I had to sum up my experience at Gastronomy, the flagship restaurant at the exquisite Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, in one word, it would be: "wow." This place is nothing short of a culinary wonderland, where the creative vision and masterful execution of the chefs transport you to a realm of gastronomic bliss.

From the moment you step into the restaurant, you're enveloped by an atmosphere of pure elegance and sophistication. The stunning floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the palm, creating a truly awe-inspiring ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

But the real stars of the show are the culinary offerings. Gastronomy boasts an absolutely mind-blowing selection of dishes, with live cooking stations that allow you to witness the art of gastronomy unfold right before your eyes. Whether you're craving sushi, grilled meats, or decadent desserts, the variety and quality on display are simply unparalleled.

I was particularly captivated by the seafood stations, where the chefs skillfully prepared the freshest catch with the utmost care and precision. The lobster, in particular, was an absolute revelation - the flavors were so perfectly balanced and the texture so tender, it was like a symphony for the senses.

And the desserts? Oh, the desserts! Gastronomy has truly raised the bar when it comes to sweet indulgence. From the intricate pastries to the creamy gelatos, every bite was a revelation in and of itself. I found myself constantly amazed by the creativity and attention to detail that went into each and every dessert.

What really sets Gastronomy apart, however, is the impeccable service. The staff, from the welcoming hosts to the attentive waiters, are consummate professionals who anticipate your every need. They're knowledgeable, gracious, and always eager to make your experience as memorable as possible.

The only slight criticism I have, and it's a minor one, is that the staff at the welcome desk could perhaps do with a touch more humility. While their impeccable style and sophistication are admirable, they sometimes come across as a bit aloof, which can occasionally feel at odds with the warm and inviting atmosphere of the restaurant.

But this is a mere quibble in the grand scheme of things. Gastronomy at Atlantis The Royal is an absolute masterpiece, a culinary destination that transcends the bounds of traditional dining and transports you to a realm of pure gastronomic bliss. If you're in Dubai, it's an experience you simply...

I recently had a dining experience at Gastronomy Atlantis The Royal, and I must say that it fell short of my expectations. Despite having a confirmed reservation for a group of nine people, the restaurant staff couldn't find our reservation upon arrival, resulting in a considerable delay before we were seated. This initial inconvenience left a negative impression from the start.

One aspect that particularly disappointed me was the attitude of the attending waiter. Throughout the evening, he appeared rushed and unapproachable, making it difficult for us to receive the attention we needed. It was disheartening to feel as though he neglected our requests, especially because we felt that other guests were receiving better treatment. My friend even suggested that this differential treatment could be attributed to our Filipino background, which raised concerns of potential racism.

Furthermore, there was a considerable miscommunication regarding the inclusion of drinks in the package. Initially, I asked the waiter if the drinks were included, and he confidently stated that they were. However, when my friend inquired about where to order, another staff member contradicted the previous information, stating that the drinks were not part of the package. This inconsistency led to confusion and disappointment.

On a positive note, the food at Gastronomy Atlantis the Royal had its highlights. The lobster and pizzas were exceptional, showcasing the culinary skills of the kitchen. However, the quality of the meat from the meat section, specifically the lamb and steak, was disappointing. Both dishes were tough and difficult to chew, detracting from an otherwise enjoyable dining experience.

Overall, my friends from Canada and I left feeling unwelcome and disheartened by the subpar service we received at Gastronomy Atlantis the Royal. It is disheartening to compare this experience to our previous visit to Atlantis Bahamas, where the service was notably superior. One would expect a higher level of hospitality in a city like Dubai. I sincerely hope that the restaurant takes these feedback into consideration and makes improvements to their customer service.And I hope that the restaurant addresses these shortcomings and improves its customer service to provide a better experience for...