PAUL Bakery & Restaurant — Restaurant in Dubai

Visited for lunch with my colleagues on 2nd of October. Upon arrival, the dining room looked quite busy so I was pleasantly surprised when the host led us to straight to a table.

No printed menu, which is a personal bug bear for me. Simply because I don't like squinting at a menu on my phone screen. However, I know a lot of people prefer this, so I understand why it exists.

The waiter came to take our order around 11:55. I was intending on ordering the Bacon Eggs Benedict. When he saw I had this meal on my phone screen, he quickly told me it wasn't available. My colleague ordered the Salmon Croll. Which seemed to be essentially a Salmon Benedict in all but name, but the Bacon Eggs Benny was unavailable?

Seemed useless pressing the issue, so I went for a Croque Madame. Orders placed, the waiter brought over a small bread basket which he dumped on the table without a word. With the exception of the baguette, the bread seemed like it was from the previous day. Very difficult to eat.

When the food arrived and I saw my colleague's Salmon Croll, I was moved to ask again why the Bacon Benedict was unavailable. The waiter told me the restaurant doesn't serve it after midday (Even though we ordered before midday). He then went on to tell me the chef and the manager had just had an argument regarding the availability of the Benedict. I'm not sure why he was compelled to tell me that.

My Croque Madame wasn't great. The flavour was there but, like the bread basket, the bread was difficult to cut and eat around the crusts. Parts of it were nicely toasted and other parts soggy and unappealing.

Presently, I asked somebody for the cheque. Our waiter had disappeared, perhaps on his break. The waiter I asked told me if I was paying with a card, to scan the QR code on the table. When I said I'd rather pay him than do that, I got the impression it was an inconvenience. However, he came back to the table promptly, I paid and we left.

The cafe/bistro space in Dubai is a crowded one and there are many other brands with a superior offer and a similar price base. The hospitality in this Dubai Mall location was well below even the basics one would expect visiting a brand like this. We didn't feel welcome, there was absolutely no reason why they couldn't serve the Eggs Benedict I originally chose other than the fact that the chef (I assume) simply didn't want to.

Why this brand is so apparently popular in Dubai is a mystery to me. Perhaps it's due to their international profile. I certainly won't be visiting this branch again. And if this, what I would assume to be, flagship location is an indication of brand standards, I'll be avoiding Paul altogether...

I recently dined at Paul's in Dubai Mall, and while the experience was overall quite good, I couldn't help but notice that it leans towards the expensive side. However, I must highlight the delicious grilled fish I had during my visit.

The ambiance at Paul's is charming and inviting, offering a cozy atmosphere that's perfect for a leisurely meal. The service was attentive, and the staff was friendly and accommodating.

Now, let's talk about the grilled fish. It was cooked to perfection, with a beautiful char on the outside and tender, flavorful flesh inside. The seasoning and accompaniments complemented the dish wonderfully, showcasing the culinary expertise of the kitchen.

The reason I'm giving Paul's a 4-star rating instead of 5 is the pricing. While the quality of food and service is commendable, it does come at a premium. For those looking for an occasional treat, it's certainly worth it. However, if you're on a tighter budget, it might be a splurge.

In conclusion, Paul's in Dubai Mall is a great choice for a quality meal, especially if you're a fan of grilled fish. Just be prepared for a slightly higher bill when you're done enjoying your...

My recent visit to PAUL Bakery & Restaurant at Dubai Mall was absolutely delightful and exceeded all my expectations. The moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and exceptional hospitality that set the tone for a fantastic dining experience.

The service was impeccable, and I must give special praise to our waiter, Manuel V. He went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and taken care of, constantly checking in without being intrusive. His professionalism and genuine kindness truly elevated our visit.

As for the food, I was pleasantly surprised to find the quality even better than the original PAUL Bakery & Restaurant in Paris. Every dish we ordered was perfectly prepared, from the fresh, buttery croissants to the flavorful mains and desserts. The attention to detail in both presentation and taste was remarkable.

PAUL Bakery & Restaurant at Dubai Mall is a gem that combines world-class service with extraordinary cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in Dubai. Thank you, Manuel V., for making our experience...