In contrast to some of the more raucous brunches in the city, La Cantine is a laid-back affair. Taking place on Saturday, it’s nestled in Emirates Towers. It’s the sort of upmarket destination that you can bring your mum and wile away a special, laid-back afternoon. This laid-back ethos places the breakfast element of ‘brunch’ firmly at the forefront. Staff arrive attired in cotton PJs and tables are adorned with oversized alarm clocks and menus designed to replicate your weekend broadsheet.
Reveil is the French word for alarm clock and with a bed located inside the restaurant; the not so subtle message is that you’re not going to throwing shapes on a dancefloor. This is a firmly Frenchified take on kicking off your Saturday in comfort. While mum may indeed be pleased with your choice, it doesn’t mean that you’ll necessarily be sharing your Saturday with Jumeirah Janes and hordes of kids. Your girlfriend will be equally impressed with your choice. Dine alfresco in the pretty garden and you’ll be treated to a sanctuary of greenery and that all-important quintessential view of the Burj Khalifa for your Instagram account.
As for the food; it’s a sharing concept, with selections of eggs, breads, tapas-style dishes and pastries, served discreetly on an unlimited à la carte basis. Eggs benedict arrive with a crab and prawn twist and the marinated beef is served with mango and a splash of sesame dressing. Like the chic sorts that share the dining space, La Cantine’s food is a sophisticated and cosmopolitan proposition.
Instead of plates piled high from an oversized buffet, small plates of tuna ceviche are presented for sharing elegantly with your date. Even the coquillettes des enfants, a French take on mac on cheese, is splashed with a distinctly unchildish smattering of truffle oil. Service reflects the standards of the food. It’s friendly, attentive and faintly sophisticated, and like the menu, unhindered by any heavy-handed interference to the pleasantness of the experience.
We loved
The venue, the staff, their pyjamas and the thoughtful variety of the menu all get the thumbs up. We also loved the garden terrace with its impressive views. Your guest should be impressed.
We hated
The fact it’s on a Saturday may not correspond with some people’s idea of party brunching. If you’re looking to conga in beachwear, look elsewhere.
12pm-4pm, Dh265 soft drinks, Dh400 house drinks, Dh550 bubbly, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, 04 352 7105.
