Fifty-one floors above Dubai, where the city begins to feel abstract and noise gives way to geometry and light, Bar des Prés makes its presence known quietly. Rather than chasing scale or spectacle, chef Cyril Lignac’s Parisian export seduces plate by plate, view by view. Perched atop ICD Brookfield Place and deeply rooted in a Franco-Japanese spirit, Bar des Prés exists in the space between precision and pleasure — where Japanese technique refines French indulgence, and every detail feels intentional rather than ostentatious.
People come for the food, certainly, but much of the experience lies in the design. Floor-to-ceiling windows invite the city into the restaurant, offering sweeping views that stretch from the soft curves of Jumeirah Mosque to the iconic silhouette of the Emirates Towers. By day, sunlight floods the room with energy; by night, Dubai transforms into a constellation, elevating the ritual of dining. Designed by Lázaro Rosa-Violán, the interiors echo the original Paris location while fluently speaking Dubai’s own visual language. Mustard-yellow marble tables, peacock-embroidered fabrics, and curved lines evoke Left Bank elegance, while bamboo, rattan, and touches of copper introduce a restrained Asian sensibility. A signature shade of blue anchors the space — calm and composed — allowing the skyline to tell its own story.
At the centre of the room sits the Sushi Counter, a ten-seat bar offering a front-row view into the restaurant’s philosophy. Here, craftsmanship is part of the experience, though never performed theatrically. Knives move with intention, rice is treated with reverence, and every gesture serves a purpose. Beyond it, the main dining room presents a menu that favours balance over excess. Don’t expect unnecessary flourishes or extravagance for effect. Precision, restraint, and confidence in technique set the rhythm here.
The menu moves effortlessly between the lightness and finesse of nigiri and sashimi and French-inspired creations such as truffled wagyu tartare, delicately miso-glazed sea bass, and a playful interpretation of classic boeuf bourguignon infused with Japanese dashi. Starters like yuzu-infused ceviche and delicate uni tempura set the tone, while desserts — from matcha crème brûlée to pistachio macarons — end the meal with lingering softness. Whether for a sunlit business lunch, a golden-hour martini, or a late dinner above the city lights, Bar des Prés is a reminder that flavour, at its best, should unfold like a conversation.
