La Cantine du Faubourg, a chic Parisian hideaway in the heart of Dubai’s financial district, is one of those hidden dining secrets that you have to try at least once (or more if the first visit impresses you). So, to help you make up your mind about experiencing this urban dining destination, we’ve put together, not the usual five, but 10 fine reasons why you should give it a try.

The food

Of course, the food has to take precedence! La Cantine du Faubourg offers a modern and fresh menu that showcases cuisine with international influences and a hearty portion of Paris’ cosmopolitan flair. Chef Gilles Bosquet—whose previous establishment ‘L’Auberge à la Bonne Idée’ won a Michelin Star—has revamped the menu since he joined a year ago, creating ‘must-try’ dishes such as the ‘Honey-glazed Wagyu short ribs’. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they are served with pomelos, spring onions, and coriander, and will keep you coming back for more. Then there is the delicious knife-cut ‘Yellowfin tuna ceviche’ seasoned with sesame, avocado, sweet onion vinaigrette, and the ‘Risotto with leeks and fresh truffle, pecorino, poached egg’, the ultimate comfort food dish.

The concept

La Cantine du Faubourg exceeds all usual expectations. Offering a holistic experience that stimulates all of the senses, its ethos blends food, music, and art to challenge conceptions of what a restaurant can be. The dining space doubles as a gallery, displaying works by some of Dubai’s most daring photographers, painters, sculptors and multimedia artists. Perfect for a romantic date, a business lunch, a Saturday brunch with friends, after-work drinks with colleagues, a dinner-party with friends…trust us, you’ll just be looking for excuses to come back!

The music

La Cantine du Faubourg is also renowned for its music, as its creative resident DJs play an eclectic mixture of chart hits and chic Parisian street beats. In fact, you’ll find it hard to resist it and end-up dancing the night away to open format music.

The La Cantine du Faubourg décor

Created by James Michael Lees of London studio Hopscotch, La Cantine du Faubourg’s dramatic cityscape backdrop sets the stage for a chic, daring and sensuous experience. At once modern and refined, its garden-terrace, bar, salon-restaurant and pergola are distinguished by their subtle palette and natural materials, such as marble and wood. This minimalist décor doesn’t detract from the art shown within the space; instead, its simplicity exudes sophistication and embodies the La Cantine spirit.

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Lounge menu

An amazing after-work idea, you and your girlfriends (or man-friends) can enjoy an array of items from the a la carte menu. These small plates are perfect for sharing, making them a favorite with diners seeking a lighter alternative dinner. The casually elegant and relaxed dining experience is available from Sunday to Wednesday from 6pm to 12midnight in the bar and lounge.

The business lunch

Entertaining clients has never been this chic, or simply taking some much-needed time out from the office with colleagues with this refined modern dining experience. Prepare to be wooed by a delicious, beautiful, sunny, quick and affordable experience. Available on weekdays for groups of up to 12 guests, this offer is priced at AED 105 and includes a starter and a main course.

Award-winning brunch

Every Saturday, the elegant venue is transformed into a dreamy boudoir, setting the table for a weekly fine food affair. Le ‘REVEIL’, meaning ‘awakening’ in French, is inspired by a Parisian bedroom. At the center of the room, a flamboyant bed, while staff wearing silk robes and designer pajamas offer service ‘a la table’. La Cantine offers an array of viennoiseries, egg dishes, its famed “spécialités” and deserts. And as the afternoon turns into evening, the greenery-decked pergola and the generous terrace offering sublime cityscape views facilitate lazy, languorous afternoons filled with conversation.

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Different experiences within the same venue

La Cantine du Faubourg has a place for everyone. Whether you prefer a ‘behind-the-curtain’ dinner at the ‘table d’hôtes’ like to relax in a private booth or favor to stay perched on tall bar stools. Always evolving, this dining experience is the dynamic destination of choice for decision-makers and trendsetters. Plus, it’s full of beautiful people!

The terrace

La Cantine’s terrace is perfect for an ‘apero’ after work with colleagues, or a chic rendezvous with friends. The elegant garden terrace overlooks DIFC’s top landmarks; where better to share a sundowner with friends than where the sunset meets the skyline? Every weekday, from 6pm to 8pm, you can enjoy the Apéritif 105 and choose from the sommeliers’ selection (at appealing after-work rates); and enjoy a wide array of complimentary ‘bouchées’.

The Chauffeur service

You will feel like royalty. La Cantine has adapted its Parisian DNA and avant-garde culture to the bright lights of Dubai. Taking exemplary service to new heights, this destination also offers a complimentary chauffeur service to its elite clientele.

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There’s more…

The staff, the guest relations manager, and the new super-friendly Lifestyle Director – Wadih Elnajjar, will all make you feel right at home at La Cantine du Faubourg.