When we arrived we took advantage of the valet parking; so a good start. But, and it's a good but, the front door and entrance to The Maine Land Brasserie belies the restaurant inside, you enter by a very bland and almost office like entrance, a plain glass door, leading into a wooden clad reception that opens into a New York style restaurant, with wood panelling, booths and parallel seating.
We were met at reception & shown to our booth, a good sized table, with plenty of space for the 4 of us.
Our waiter was excellent, throughout our evening. He was attentive, polite and very pleasant, smartly dressed in his white dinner jacket, whilst the receptionists' were dressed in long gold dresses.
We ordered a bottle of red & a bottle of white, South African Wild House; both excellent wines, complimenting our meals very well.
In our party we had the 600g of ribeye steak for two, accompanied by broccoli stems, triple-cooked fries & my personal favourite, charred sprouts, which were excellent; a mix of chargrilled and cream with lemon, honey & parmesan cheese. Excellent. If I was being critical I'd say that the broccoli stems were quite bland, certainly compared to the sprouts. The steak, cooked medium rare, was lovely and a real deep red, a little fatty, but not overly so, with excellent flavour.
Another had the lamb chops, again very good, plus another had the pasta with shrimps; really lovely.
The atmosphere, with dimly lit lights, was improved when the latin-style singer & band started, around 8.30pm. Our waiter asked if we were happy with the music level, making sure that it wasn't too loud & comfortable; nice touch. A little observation that I'd make is that the air conditioning vents above our table dripped water, only a drip or two every five minutes or so, but noticeable. We should have pointed it out, but didn't, though it is worth noting.
So yes, a good mix of food and service, which to be fair you'd expect when the bill, including service, came to close on £400. But a very good evening, which we enjoyed and found to be very relaxing.
As for that all important social media or lasting family photo memory, they've got that covered too, our waiter offered to take our photo for us, simply removed the top of the light from our table light, turning it upside down, converting in one swift movement into a bright social media light, perfect for our photo; again another nice touch.
As for the toilets, best ask, unless you want to do an impression of Spiderman along the wood panelling of the reception area, funny unless you're rushing for that all important comfort break. The toilets are hidden behind the wood panelling; again, a really nice touch.
We would definitely eat at The Maine Land Brasserie again.
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My reviews aren't sponsored, they're based on mine, and often my wife's experience at an establishment whether that be a shop, restaurant, service or activity, with the aim of highlighting great service plus areas for improvement, if necessary. And boy sometimes it is necessary.
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Read moreElegant Dining and Exceptional Flavors at The MAINE Land Brasserie – A Top Choice in Business Bay!
The MAINE Land Brasserie in Business Bay offers an elevated dining experience that combines refined ambiance with outstanding flavors, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable meal in Dubai. As a Performance & Longevity Coach for High Achievers (Instagram: @tobi_bodycoach), I appreciate restaurants that deliver high-quality food in a stylish setting, and The MAINE truly excels in both.
Refined Menu with a Modern Twist on Brasserie Classics: The menu at The MAINE Land Brasserie is a delightful blend of brasserie classics and modern flavors, featuring a range of dishes prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The seafood platters are a highlight, offering an impressive selection of oysters, lobster, and prawns that are beautifully presented and full of flavor. Their signature steak dishes are tender, perfectly cooked, and expertly seasoned, ideal for any meat lover.
Sophisticated and Inviting Atmosphere: Located in the heart of Business Bay, The MAINE Land Brasserie boasts a chic, upscale interior with classic brasserie decor and stylish touches that create a warm yet elegant vibe. The lighting, furnishings, and layout are thoughtfully designed to provide both comfort and sophistication, making it an ideal spot for both business dinners and special evenings out. The terrace seating adds another layer to the experience, allowing guests to enjoy Dubai’s cityscape in a relaxed environment.
Impeccable Service and Attention to Detail: The staff at The MAINE go above and beyond to make every visit exceptional. They are knowledgeable, attentive, and passionate about the menu, eager to offer recommendations and make sure each guest’s preferences are met. This level of attention to detail and professionalism adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the dining experience.
For anyone looking to experience top-quality brasserie dining in a beautiful setting, The MAINE Land Brasserie in Business Bay is a standout choice. From the exceptional flavors to the sophisticated ambiance and impeccable service, it’s a place that promises to impress. Highly recommended for locals and visitors seeking the best of Dubai’s...
Read moreI have long considered The Maine one of my favorite restaurants in Dubai — a place known for its atmosphere, oysters, and its excellent Dover Sole. Sadly, my most recent experience at the Business Bay branch left me disheartened, and it follows two previous visits that were also below par.
I booked this dinner for my wife’s birthday, expecting the standard of excellence that made Maine famous. To my surprise, the Dover Sole is no longer on the menu. This is the second time I’ve faced the same issue: at the Marina branch in June, the dish was listed but unavailable. I even raised this with the manager at the time, hoping it was just a one-off. Clearly, it wasn’t.
When I asked to speak to the manager this time, I was instead approached by the sommelier, Oliver, who explained that “they” had decided to remove it. His wording only emphasized a lack of ownership or pride in the establishment — not what one expects from a brand of Maine’s stature.
Unfortunately, service did not recover from there. Starters were served to the wrong guest, a drink order was forgotten entirely until I reminded staff (by then, my wife was already into her main course). My wife enjoyed her pasta, but my truffle chicken was dry, poorly seasoned, and lacked the promised truffle flavor. When I explained this, both waiter and chef insisted on remaking it, which I politely declined. Watching from the open kitchen, I could see the effort, but it came far too late.
The duty manager eventually appeared with profuse apologies and offered to waive the bill entirely. Again, I declined. By then, too much had gone wrong: missed basics, poor coordination, and a sense that staff only reacted once it was already too late.
I write this not out of spite but because I truly valued Maine in the past. I expect details to matter in a restaurant of this caliber, and on my last three visits, details have consistently been neglected. It is disappointing to see a once-great dining experience fall short of its...
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