Welcome to the world’s newest culinary hotspot.
Atlantis The Royal is not just a hotel. It is a destination for food lovers. It has 17 different dining venues. Eight of them are run by world-famous celebrity chefs.
As a Dubai travel expert, I can tell you this: nowhere else in the city do you find this much talent under one roof.
You can eat Japanese-Peruvian food on the beach. You can try 500-year-old British recipes. You can eat the best Greek seafood in Dubai.
But with so many choices, where do you even start? What should you wear? Do you need to book?
This is your complete guide.
The Celebrity Chef Lineup: The Must-Try Restaurants
These are the “Signature” restaurants. They are the ones you book before you even fly to Dubai.
- Dinner by Heston Blumenthal This is the star of the show. Heston Blumenthal is a food genius. This restaurant serves historic British food, reimagined.
- Must-Try Dish: The “Meat Fruit.” It looks exactly like a mandarin orange, but it’s actually a perfect chicken liver parfait.
- Vibe: Very special, formal, and historic.
- Nobu by the Beach This is Dubai’s first-ever Nobu beach club. It’s not just a restaurant. It’s a pool, a beach, and a lounge.
- Food: Chef Nobu’s famous Japanese-Peruvian dishes, like the Black Cod Miso.
- Vibe: Ultimate luxury. Relax by the pool with a cocktail and world-class sushi.
- Jaleo by José Andrés This is a celebration of Spain. Chef José Andrés is famous for his fun, delicious tapas.
- Food: Amazing paellas, Spanish cheeses, and cured meats.
- Vibe: Loud, fun, and perfect for sharing with a group.
- Milos by Costas Spiliadis This is one of the best Greek seafood restaurants in the world.
- Food: You pick your own fish from a fresh market display. They grill it perfectly with olive oil and lemon.
- Vibe: Bright, clean, and feels like you are in Greece.
Other Stars: You also have Ariana’s Persian Kitchen (modern Persian food) and La Mar by Gastón Acurio (stunning Peruvian dishes).
Dress Codes: What to Wear and When
This is very important. You cannot just walk in wearing beach clothes.
Atlantis The Royal has two main dress codes:
- Casual: This is for daytime dining, cafes, and the Gastronomy buffet. You can wear nice shorts, t-shirts, and sandals. Swimwear must be covered.
- Smart Elegant: This is the minimum for all celebrity chef restaurants (like Nobu, Heston, Milos) in the evening.
- For Men: Long trousers (no shorts), a collared shirt (polo or button-down), and closed shoes (no flip-flops or sandals).
- For Women: A dress, a skirt, or smart trousers. Stylish and elegant.
Insider Tip: They are strict about this. Do not show up in shorts for your Nobu reservation. You will be politely turned away.
More Than Just Fine Dining: The Casual Spots
You don’t have to eat at a celebrity restaurant every night.
- Gastronomy: This is the main buffet. It’s huge. It has 17 live cooking stations. You can get anything from fresh oysters to a full roast dinner. It’s perfect for breakfast.
- The Royal Tearoom: A beautiful lounge in the lobby. Perfect for afternoon tea or a coffee.
- Cloud 22: The famous skypool. It also serves amazing poolside food, like lobster rolls and flatbreads.
- House of Desserts: An entire shop dedicated to high-end ice cream, cakes, and pastries.
Insider Tips: Reservations and How to Pay
- You MUST Make Reservations Do not wait until you arrive. The signature restaurants (Heston, Nobu, Jaleo) are booked months in advance.
- Book your dinner reservations the same day you book your hotel room.
- If you are a hotel guest, you get priority. Use the hotel concierge.
- If you are staying in a suite, your private butler can handle all your bookings. They can even arrange a luxury car rental for your entire stay.
- Understanding the Cost (Half-Board Packages) Eating here is expensive. A cocktail at Nobu can be $30. Dinner for two at Heston can easily be $500+.
This is why understanding the right hotel package is so important.
- Many guests book a “Half-Board” package. This includes your breakfast and dinner every day.
- How it works: You can eat at the buffet (Gastronomy) for free.
- If you eat at a celebrity restaurant (like Milos or Jaleo), your package gives you a “credit” towards the bill. You just pay the difference.
This is the smartest way to experience the food without a huge surprise bill at the end. It’s a strategy many savvy travelers use, similar to those who explore investment opportunities in Dubai.
understanding the right hotel package
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many celebrity chefs have restaurants at Atlantis The Royal?
A1: Atlantis The Royal features 8 world-famous celebrity chefs, including Nobu Matsuhisa, Heston Blumenthal, José Andrés, and Costas Spiliadis.
Q2: What is the dress code for Dinner by Heston Blumenthal?
A2: The dress code is “Smart Elegant.” This means long trousers and a collared shirt for men, and elegant attire for women. Shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops are not allowed.
Q3: Can you eat at Atlantis The Royal restaurants if you are not a guest?
A3: Yes, all the restaurants are open to the public (non-guests). However, you must have a reservation. Hotel guests get priority booking and access to pool-side venues like Cloud 22.
