Atlantis The Royal is more than a hotel. It is a culinary universe. It has gathered a galaxy of the world’s most famous chefs all under one roof. In total, there are 17 dining venues, with 8 led by culinary superstars.
As a Dubai travel expert, I’ve eaten at Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. But I’ve never seen a lineup this powerful. You can travel the globe with your fork, all without leaving the resort.
But who are these chefs? And what kind of food do they make?
Let’s meet the masters.
1. Heston Blumenthal (Restaurant: Dinner by Heston)
The Chef: He is a food scientist. Heston is famous for his TV shows and his 3-Michelin-star restaurant, The Fat Duck. He digs up historic British recipes (from the 1300s!) and remakes them using modern magic.
The Restaurant: Dinner by Heston is a journey through time.
- The Vibe: Formal, fascinating, and has a great view of the Skyblaze fountain.
- Must-Try Dish: The “Meat Fruit” (c. 1500). It looks exactly like a mandarin orange, but it’s a perfect, smooth chicken liver parfait. It’s one of the world’s most famous dishes.
2. Nobu Matsuhisa (Restaurant: Nobu by the Beach)
The Chef: He is a global icon. Nobu created the famous Japanese-Peruvian “Nikkei” cuisine. He has restaurants in every major city, all loved by celebrities.
The Restaurant: This is not a normal Nobu. This is the world’s first Nobu by the Beach.
- The Vibe: A luxury beach club by day, a stylish restaurant by night. You can eat his famous Black Cod Miso while sitting by the pool.
- Must-Try Dish: The Black Cod Miso and the Yellowtail Jalapeño.
3. José Andrés (Restaurant: Jaleo Dubai)
The Chef: He is a superstar in America. Chef Andrés is famous for his vibrant personality and for popularizing Spanish tapas (small plates). He is also a major humanitarian.
The Restaurant: Jaleo means “revelry” or “fun.”
- The Vibe: Loud, colorful, and perfect for groups. This is a party.
- Must-Try Dish: The “Paella” (cooked over a live fire) and the “Patatas Bravas” (crispy potatoes).
4. Costas Spiliadis (Restaurant: Milos)
The Chef: He is the king of Greek seafood. For over 40 years, Chef Spiliadis has run Milos in cities like New York and London. His philosophy is simple: find the best fish in the world and do almost nothing to it.
The Restaurant: Milos is like a trip to the Greek islands.
- The Vibe: Bright, open, and elegant. You walk to a fresh fish “market” to pick your dinner.
- Must-Try Dish: The “Milos Special” (paper-thin fried zucchini) and whatever fish was caught that morning, grilled to perfection.
5. Gastón Acurio (Restaurant: La Mar)
The Chef: He is the ambassador of Peruvian food to the world. Chef Acurio is a national hero in Peru. He made “ceviche” (cured fish) a global sensation.
The Restaurant: La Mar is a stunning indoor-outdoor restaurant.
- The Vibe: Chic, lively, and has a dedicated “Ceviche Bar.”
- Must-Try Dish: The “Ceviche Clásico” and the “Lomo Saltado” (stir-fried beef).
6. Ariana Bundy (Restaurant: Ariana’s Persian Kitchen)
The Chef: She is a star from the Food Network and author of award-winning cookbooks. Ariana Bundy is known for her fresh, modern take on her Persian heritage.
The Restaurant: Ariana’s Persian Kitchen is warm and welcoming.
- The Vibe: Feels like you are in a beautiful, modern Persian home.
- Must-Try Dish: The “Caspian Kebab” and her fragrant, jewel-like rice dishes.
7. Mich Turner (Restaurant: The Royal Tearoom)
The Chef: She is the “Queen of Cakes.” Mich Turner is the world’s most famous baker. She has made cakes for the Queen of England and other royalty.
The Restaurant: The Royal Tearoom is the grand lounge in the hotel lobby.
- The Vibe: This is where you go for a very sophisticated, high-end “Afternoon Tea.”
- Must-Try Dish: The full Afternoon Tea experience, featuring her perfect scones and pastries.
8. Björn Frantzén (Restaurant: Ling Ling)
(While not a “single chef” restaurant, it’s from a 3-Michelin-Star mastermind)
The Chef: Björn Frantzén is a legendary Swedish chef. His restaurant in Stockholm has 3 Michelin Stars. Ling Ling is his high-energy, modern Asian concept.
The Restaurant: This is the hotel’s party spot. It’s a restaurant, lounge, and club all in one, perched high on the 22nd floor.
- The Vibe: Dark, sexy, and vibrant. The music gets louder as the night goes on.
- Must-Try Dish: Modern Cantonese-style dishes, like the A5 Wagyu beef.
Insider Tip: To dine at any of these restaurants, you must book months in advance. They are destinations in their own right. If you are staying at the hotel, use the concierge or your butler. They can often get tables that visitors can’t.
Many guests who fly in for these meals also arrange luxury car rental or even look into investment opportunities while in Dubai. But the easiest way to ensure a good trip is to book your hotel package wisely.
book your hotel package wisely
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do you have to be a hotel guest to eat at the celebrity chef restaurants?
A1: No. All 17 restaurants at Atlantis The Royal are open to the public (non-guests). However, you absolutely must have a reservation, often made weeks or months in advance.
Q2: Which celebrity chef restaurant is best for a special celebration?
A2: For a formal, “wow” experience, book Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. For a vibrant, fun, and chic party, book Ling Ling or Jaleo by José Andrés.
Q3: Is there a dress code for these restaurants?
A3: Yes. All signature restaurants require a “Smart Elegant” dress code in the evening. This means long trousers and collared shirts for men (no shorts), and elegant attire for women.
