I had high expectations for this restaurant, especially after enjoying incredible experiences at their Geneva location. However, this visit was an absolute disaster, leaving me extremely disappointed.
The restaurant’s website and Instagram page state the opening hours as 12 PM to 1 AM. Based on this information, I arrived at 5:30 PM, only to be told the restaurant wouldn’t open until 6 PM. At 6 PM, we were informed that the manager was in a meeting and the opening was delayed further to 6:30 PM.
During this time, a long queue started to form outside, including parents with children. The lack of clear communication or effort to accommodate customers was appalling. Staff displayed rude and dismissive attitudes, offering no apologies or explanations. It felt like the delays and the resulting queue were intentional—a cheap marketing ploy to attract attention to the restaurant. For a place with such a rich history, this approach is embarrassing and entirely beneath its reputation.
To make matters worse, when I pointed out the misinformation online, a staff member smugly stated, “It’s like this every day,” with apparent pride. The refusal to correct the hours listed on their platforms shows a blatant disregard for customers and further supports the idea that this is all deliberate.
After waiting 45 minutes in this chaotic, disrespectful environment, I left. This was not the elegant and professional service I associate with this brand. Whoever runs this location is doing a massive disservice to the name and ruining what should be a consistent and high-standard experience.
I came here hoping to relive the excellence of their Geneva location. Instead, I wasted time standing outside, only to be dismissed in the most inelegant and disorganized manner. This was a total disappointment and a glaring example of how not to run...
Read moreA Slice of Paris in Dubai!
I recently dined at Le Relais de L'Entrecôte Dubai, and it was truly a memorable experience. From the moment I walked in, I felt transported to a charming Parisian bistro. The ambiance is elegant yet relaxed, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The concept is simple but brilliant—there’s only one main dish on the menu, and they do it to perfection. The meal started with a crisp walnut salad, fresh and lightly dressed, which set the stage beautifully for the highlight of the evening—their famous steak with the legendary secret sauce. The steak was cooked exactly to my preference (medium-rare), tender and flavorful, with that rich, velvety sauce enhancing every bite. The accompanying fries were perfectly golden and crisp, making it impossible to resist asking for a second serving.
The service was impeccable. Our server, Reena was incredibly attentive and friendly, ensuring that our experience was top-notch. Despite the restaurant’s no-reservations policy, we were seated fairly quickly, and the efficiency of the staff kept things moving smoothly.
For AED 155, the quality and portion size felt reasonable, especially considering the restaurant’s reputation and the Dubai dining scene. While some may find the concept repetitive, I believe it’s precisely what makes Le Relais de L'Entrecôte so special—they focus on one dish and master it.
I’d definitely recommend arriving early to avoid long waits, but if you’re craving a classic French steak-frites experience, this place is a must-visit in...
Read moreHaving dined at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte in France and London, we were excited to try the Dubai branch, but unfortunately, it fell short of our expectations. While we knew the menu revolved around their signature steak-frites, the overall experience left much to be desired.
The first issue was the wait. Despite arriving with a party of 8 as soon as they opened at 6:30 PM, we waited 1.5 hours for a table. Although they take your number, they don’t call you, so you’re forced to check in every 15 minutes. For large groups, this setup is especially inconvenient, as indoor seating is your only real option.
Once seated, the food was underwhelming. The steak, the highlight of the menu, was disappointing. I ordered mine rare, and the rest of my group went for medium, but all of us found it chewy and lacking the tenderness we’d anticipated. The famed sauce was decent but lacked the depth and flavor I’d experienced at other branches. The fries were crisp and enjoyable, but the salad was overly sour for my taste.
Even the logistics were frustrating. While they offer valet parking validation, you still have to pay AED 19, which felt unnecessary given the restaurant’s premium positioning.
The saving grace of the evening was our waitress, Niki. She was cheerful, knowledgeable about the dishes and desserts, and made the dining experience more pleasant with her attentive service.
Overall, I’m glad we gave it a try, but I wouldn’t return. For the price and reputation, the food and service experience simply didn’t live up...
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