If you like your cocktails with a view, and suave, sophisticated service to match, then At.mosphere Is certainly worth a visit. With panoramic views of the Dubai coast and food served at 1350 foot high, this is a vibrant hot spot for discerning holiday-makers.
IDEA
Contemporary European Cuisine and fusion cocktails are served in a sleek surrounding to accompany panoramic views at the top of the tallest building in the world. Suddenly vertigo doesn’t seem like such a problem.
LOCATION
Driving up to the Burj Khalifa, anticipation grows as you arrive at the tallest building in the world. With its bundled tube architecture growing more slender as it reaches skywards, it’s a site to behold. The building stands proud and tall among what appears as an otherwise flat sky line in the centre of Dubai – you can’t miss it.
THE WELCOME
Upon arrival polite, dapperly dressed hosts greet you and guide you to a special private elevator leading straight to the restaurant. We soon learn this is in fact the world’s fastest elevator, travelling at such high speeds that you are provided with sweets to ease the pressure changes during your ascent. Surprisingly, despite travelling 123 floors the thrilling ride is smooth and silent.
The doors open to a decadent hallway, shining modern architectural stairs a real focal point and centre piece, with a vast window offering breath-taking views of Dubai as the backdrop. On our visit, clear blue skies and brilliant sunshine filled the space. Through the sheer height of the restaurant, alone you are transported out of the bustle of the city below to near tranquility above, where traffic looks like toy cars on a map.
STYLE AND CHARACTER
Walking into the restaurant, smooth camel tones compliment the mahogany walls and thick pile carpet, whilst soft tempo music provides adds to the aura of relaxation which welcomes you to the handsome venue. The relaxed vibe integrates two of the most popular dining choices; a lounge and restaurant, whilst the sleek and stylish interior ensures a contemporary vibe.
Despite the well thought out ambience, the highlight of the setting is the panoramic views across Dubai’s sky line. 6pm seems the perfect time to enjoy a cocktail whilst the sun slowly descends , creating a romantic hue across the city. World Islands, a cluster of Islands built by man that are visible from space and quite frankly, a wonder of modern civil engineering, are visible.
The venue has been pieced together harmoniously, allowing for the seamless transition from calm ambience by day into the more energised vibe in the evening. The wide-appeal of the place seems obvious. As evening descends, an in-house DJ spins lounge-music, creating a trendy spot for those wishing to be seen.
The view from the toilets overlooks the famous dancing fountains. Set to music, they go off every half an hour and are a beautiful sight. We suggest you frequent the ladies room, if only to admire the fountains.They make the descent back down to earth more appealing.
FOOD
The menu is created by Jerome Lagarde, a French national with over 20 years’ experience across the globe. He has a rich history of working in Michelin starred restaurants, across three continents, including the landmark Sens & Bund in Shanghai. Since his arrival at AT.mosphere he has shaped the menu to celebrate seasonal trends, priding himself on innovation whilst only ever using freshly sourced, high quality ingredients.
The innovative influence was apparent during our visit – we noticed Japanese influences on a fillet of beef with a karbayaki sauce, and oysters on ice served on a picturesque platter with miniature condiments to match.
For dessert we ordered praline filled mini crepes, served with soft cheese and raspberry coulis. The dessert’s presentation was flawless; the scarlet sauce adding drama to the dish’s overall aesthetic. Appearances were a telling indication of taste – the rich chocolate was offset perfectly by the creamy soft cheese.
DRINK
The cocktail list is extensive and boasts a varied range where the classics are well represented, but a deviation to more experimental fusions isn’t shyed away from. A suitably opulent drink made using 24K gold seemed appropriate for the surrounds.
WHY GO
Although you can’t just walk in – booking is essential and there is a minimum spend – it’s worth the blowout. It’s not every day that you can say you dined and drank at the world’s tallest building. For these bragging rights alone, go to At.mosphere. You won’t regret it.
Address: At.mosphere Burj Khalifa, 1 Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
Website: www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com