We stepped into a slice of England founded by the late Gary Rhodes, and experienced the culinary fare that earned them a spot in the 2023 Michelin Guide.
Rhodes W1, an elegant and refined restaurant, was originally founded by the late Chef Gary Rhodes, a long-time resident of Dubai. Located within the Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Rhodes W1 has also earned a prestigious spot in the Michelin Guide 2023. Rhodes W1 focuses on the best of British cuisine in all its glory. Now helmed by his son Sam, Rhodes W1 is dedicated to showcasing the best of British and European cuisine, offering guests a remarkable dining experience with creative cocktails, stunning views of Dubai Marina and the super yachts that drift by.
The decor is bright and airy, accompanied by tall and lush indoor plants adding an English garden observatory feel to the venue. Inside, visitors will find a spacious, chic white dining area, filled with accents of yellow couches, seating and an attractive bar area. With a vast outdoor terrace stringed with lights and a view to kill and truly impeccable service, further enhancing the overall ambiance, makes it a must-visit destination for both occasional guests and regular patrons alike.
One of the highlights at Rhodes W1 is their evening brunch, aptly named “At The Table,” which emphasises the importance of togetherness with friends and family. This brunch offers a unique dining experience, featuring an array of sharing dishes, small plates, and main courses that showcase the culinary talents of the restaurant’s international team of chefs. It is a fitting tribute to the culinary traditions and legacy left behind by Gary Rhodes. Headed by Chef Alex and his skilled team, Rhodes W1 consistently delivers enticing European and British dishes, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
During my visit, I informed the restaurant that my guests were vegetarians, and I had an insatiable appetite for anything placed in front of me. Rhodes W1 was incredibly accommodating, and little did I know that the food would surpass all expectations from the very beginning. We started our dining experience with their enticing cocktails, including the refreshing “Who’s Collins?” made with London Dry Gin, Rosemary Shiso Infusion, pressed lime, and soda water. We also sampled the delightful “Sip 1 in,” a blend of vodka, Amaretto, pressed lemon, passion fruit, and lychee. Both cocktails were light, flavorful, and set the tone for the exquisite meal to come.
The “At The Table” starters showcased the culinary finesse of Rhodes W1. We indulged in a dainty cup of velvety Cauliflower Soup, accompanied by a freshly baked parmesan twist. The perfectly marinated and glistening tender bbq Salmon Kebabs were simply incredible. The Curry Potato Puffs and Crispy Fried Whitebait with lemon mayonnaise were light and not overly heavy. Additionally, the crisp Iceberg Wedge Lettuce with anchovies, parmesan, and Caesar dressing, topped with croutes, provided a refreshing burst of flavours.
Moving on to the mains, the Garlic Prawns in spiced paprika tomatoes were irresistible, and we couldn’t resist savoring every bite with slices of crispy baguette. The Tagliatelle Leek Carbonara, one of my personal favorite pastas, was cooked to perfection with its al dente texture and savory flavors. The Mini Chicken Kiev featured a deliciously encrusted chicken breast filled with roasted garlic and parsley butter, accompanied by seared chestnut mushrooms, spinach, and broad bean vinaigrette. However, the standout dish was the Peppered Beef sticks, marinated in sweet chili and pomegranate jam, which left us craving for more. It was beautifully complemented by a salad of Grilled Asparagus, slow-roasted cherry tomatoes, pink grapefruit, hazelnut, and sesame brittle, dressed with honey vierge dressing. And let’s not forget the indulgent Truffle Cheesy Chips with rich gravy, a truly heavenly combination.
Rhodes W1 offers a diverse selection of wines and rosés for a brunch, to accompany your meal, providing a departure from the usual choice of one red and one white. We opted for a deep Red Malbec from Argentina by Bodega Norton, which perfectly complemented our dining experience.
To conclude our feast, we were presented with a delightful array of desserts. The Dark Chocolate Mousse topped with an iced frothy coffee milkshake was a light and decadent treat. The dainty Mini Frosted Carrot Cake, paired with a dollop of mascarpone cream, delighted our taste buds with its moist texture and flavour. However, the star of the show was undoubtedly the warm, crumbly Apple and Pecan Crumble, served in an individual-sized copper pot. The aroma of cinnamon sweetness filled the air as we savoured every spoonful.
In summary, Rhodes W1 at the Grosvenor House Hotel is a culinary gem, offering a dining experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a vegetarian or an adventurous food lover, Rhodes W1 caters to all palates, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic journey that will keep you coming back for more.
For more information and reservations please visit www.rhodesw1-dubai.com or Instagram @rhodesw1
