Perched on the 122nd floor of the majestic Burj Khalifa, At.Mosphere is the world’s tallest restaurant, and, since opening, has been drawing Dubai tourists as well as glamorous locals looking for a superlative date spot. But it is not only the elevation that makes this gastronomic venue unique — the exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and stunning vista all contribute to a sublime sensory delight. Fresh from a 10-month renovation – completed earlier this year – we visited the beautiful new spot, and found a gilded new Art Deco world, with those same timeless views.
At.mosphere Near + Far Rating: 8/10
The Venue: 9/10
At.mosphere closed its doors in Augusut 2022, promising to be ‘back soon with a new dining experience that will take you to new heights’, and the result does not disappoint. Stepping into the eclectic eatery feels like entering another world: sleek, modern, and exuding elegance, the restaurant’s revamped interiors play a complementary second fiddle to the breathtaking views of Dubai sprawling below. The now Art Deco restaurant is embellished with rich colours and textures, from velvet to leather, and striking accent walls, with lighting that deliberately magnifies the space from sunset to sunrise. As daylight fades, the city lights create a mesmerizing backdrop, elevating the dining experience.
The Food: 8/10
Beyond its elevated location, At.Mosphere takes pride in a menu that rivals the finest in global haute cuisine. From enticing appetizers to indulgent desserts, each dish is a reflection of the chef’s artistry. The restaurant’s dedication to procuring high-quality ingredients is apparent in every bite. Operating throughout the day, guests can enjoy an impressive breakfast stand, three-course Afternoon Tea (one of its most popular seatings) indulge in their expansive a la carte dinner menu, or enjoy great cocktails.
The lounge area offers a refined dinner menu, divided into three sections: At.mosphere Caviar and Oysters, featuring an exclusive selection of caviar and a delectable Cold Seafood Tower to share (priced at AED 850); Sur La Tab, offering perfectly curated dishes for sharing, such as the exquisite Wagyu 9+ Tomahawk (AED 2,250), which is sous vide and grilled to perfection and finished with glace de viande (a rich meat sauce), and the Poullet Noir, a succulent black leg chicken marinated in aromatic cultured butter and glazed with truffle juice; and A’la Carte, where we savoured some of their renowned appetizers, such as the Blue Fin Tuna Tartare, dressed in ponzu and accompanied by an airy avocado cremeux, and the J.Stone Beef Tartare, dressed in a tangy Giribiche sauce and served with house-made toasted sourdough slices. The lovely staff kindly suggested we try their delightfully curated dishes of French Confit Duck and John Stone Beef Cheek with a smooth mash of Agria potato, both accompanied by a crunchy medley of vegetables such as broccolini and asparagus. Both dishes were the highlight of the night, with the perfect balance of savoury and refined flavours.
Do not let your appetite be sated before you sample their dessert offerings, such as their classic Tonka Creme Brulee, which has a delicate hint of mandarin and is crowned with Tonka frosting, and the ultimate indulgence, the At.mosphere Extravaganza, a celebration of all things cacao. The dessert comprises various elements, such as a silky chocolate gelato, hazelnut crumble and assorted berries, all enveloped in a tempered chocolate globe, which melts as the waiter pours a smooth and warm chocolate sauce over it, truly a symphony of chocolate flavours.
The Vibe: 8/10
At.mosphere is not only renowned for its lofty position as one of the highest restaurants in the world, but also for its elegant and refined vibe. Every detail, from its interior design to its table settings, is scrupulously planned to provide a deluxe dining experience. At.mosphere is frequently regarded as a prime spot for romantic dinners, thanks to its setting and ambience, so expect plenty of date nights in action. The staff at At.mosphere are adept at offering top-tier service. Their professional demeanour, coupled with their attention to detail, ensures that diners receive a first-class dining experience. Given its location in one of the world’s most iconic landmarks and its reputation, At.mosphere draws a global clientele, and diners include tourists, business professionals, and locals. In keeping with its refined vibe, At.mosphere has an elegant dress code ensuring all guests add to the overall polished atmosphere of the restaurant.
The Verdict
At.mosphere transcends the notion of a restaurant; it’s an adventure. From the moment you soar to the Burj Khalifa to the final morsel of dessert, everything is crafted to leave a lasting impression. It’s a voyage of culinary delight, against the backdrop of one of the world’s most vibrant cities. For those seeking a dining experience that’s truly sublime, At.mosphere should be the ultimate choice.
Floor 122, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai; @atmospheredubai, atmosphereburjkhalifa.com
