The décor is enticing, if a little anonymous - off white walls pay neutral homage to abstract street art, some by known names and others anonymous. Low spotlights punctuate the ceiling, while the marble tiled floor exudes space. A focal point is the bar, adorned with oversized bottles of champagne, serving an inventive mix of esoteric cocktails and regular drinks. The French Martini, for instance, is a particularly interesting twist on an old staple.
Food at La Petite Maison is meant to be a communal affair, and is designed for sharing. All dishes are brought to the centre of the table, even if they’re designed to feed but one. La Petite Maison deals in cuisine as well as bonhomie; the idea is to sample not just your fare but also that of your companions.
The ingredients are fresh to the point of obsession. La Petite Maison doesn’t believe in storage and reuse: all that is designated for a day must be consumed within of it. Old produce is considered bête noire, and treated accordingly by being unceremoniously consigned to the dustbin. La Petite Maison has only recently opened in Dubai, but attendance could not be faulted. Even on a weeknight, most tables are occupied by gregarious gaggles - the eatery’s reputation clearly precedes it. With the original restaurant in Nice and its subsequent spin-off in London already well known by jet setters, La Petite Maison’s Dubai branch had an established, well-heeled international clientele anxiously waiting for it to commence operations.
The food is exceptional, and the service is attentive. The staff members exude genuine enthusiasm without being overtly fawning, and are mostly knowledgeable in their craft. The sole question is whether they will manage to sustain their joie de vivre once months have passed. Nevertheless, and ignoring the fact that you’ll have to be patient for your food, La Petite Maison has most things right. It’s a must visit for those looking for a sophisticated interpretation of Mediterranean and French cuisines.
WHAT La Petite Maison restaurant, Dubai
WHERE Gate Village in the Dubai International Finance Centre
WHEN Opened October, 2010
WHY Try the perfect buffalo milk burrata, the succulent chicken stuffed with foie gras or the creamy scrambled eggs with black truffles and you won’t be asking that question.
Tel +9714 439 0505
