New spin on an old favourite

Established in 1988, Le Classique at Emirates Golf Club is one of the stalwarts of the ever-growing restaurant scene in Dubai.

But while many of the "oldies" died a death as the uber trendy joints opened, Le Classique has held strong and did as the French would — it kept its head held high and proved its worth.

A fine dining restaurant with views of the golf greens, Le Classique is regarded as one of the best restaurants in the region. And having just undergone a major face-lift inside and out, the food is somehow better than ever.

Before I begin a word of advice (the first, but not the last): book at least an hour before you plan to eat, as the menu will throw you into a state of utter confusion due to the number of mouth-watering options. Very rarely do I get past the obligatory steak dish, but this is one menu which makes you think. If you're prone to developing food envy when other people's plates arrive, then consider carefully.

Blanc de volaille á la sauce de sauternes et au gingembre moutardee... OK, so I tried the French thing, but it was just easier to stay Anglaise. North Atlantic lobster, prawns, sea bass and salmon with fresh linguine with herbs, roasted chicken breast served with a ginger and mustard sauce, venison fillet served rare, fillet of beef with duck liver rolled in filo pastry... It was an impossible choice.

I eventually went for the French duck breast cooked pink served with blackcurrant sauce and apple (as part of the set menu) and food envy wasn't in the equation. Cooked to perfection, the flavour was indescribable, literally. Hence, I'm not even going to try.

Elegance and style

The  filet de bar, coquilles St Jacques et beignet de crevette aux parfums Niçois — steamed sea bass, grilled scallops and prawn tempura with Mediterranean flavours — is so perfectly put together (flavour and presentation) it will leave you wanting more of this starter.

As you'd expect from any French restaurant worth its salt, elegance and style is synonymous. Famous for the flambe menu, anything from crepe to steak, it has to be tried to be believed. Experts cook by your table with precise accuracy and create dishes to die for. Shallots, cream and rare peppers are launched from station to pan before a dish is placed before you.

More advice (in capitals which means it's important): 1. LEAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT. 2. DON'T SHARE. You won't want to give away any of the crepe flambe. However, if you also want a taste of the chocolate bomb, you may have a difficult decision to make.

I'm not getting involved.

Le Classique Location: Emirates Golf ClubCall: 04-3802222

Must-have: Steamed sea bass

Decor: Elegant classics

Atmosphere: Warm and romantic

Options

The menu has two options — the set Menu Classique (Dh220 for two courses, Dh275 for three and Dh290 for four) or a la carte, which includes the more specialised flambe dishes (Dh175 steak flambe).

The verdict: 4 (Lose a button: This is just the kind of place your dietician warned your about)