When searching for the perfect business lunch in DIFC, The Artisan, found in the Waldorf Astoria, stands as one of the district’s most enduring success stories. The restaurant’s ability to maintain its position as a stalwart of Dubai’s dining scene, particularly in one of the city’s most competitive culinary neighbourhoods, speaks volumes about its consistent quality and unwavering service standards.
Having weathered the ever-changing landscape of Dubai’s restaurant scene for many years, The Artisan has proven that its sophisticated approach to Italian cuisine and dedication to maintaining high standards continues to resonate with both regular patrons and newcomers alike.
A flexible approach to business dining
The plethora of options for business lunch in DIFC can be a crowded affair, but The Artisan’s offering stands out with its straightforward yet sophisticated approach. Priced at AED 135 per person, the menu presents welcome flexibility: diners can opt for either two starters and a main course or a starter, main, and dessert combination. For those seeking variety, the option to swap dessert for an additional starter proves particularly appealing for group dining.
Our lunch began with the restaurant’s signature focaccia, served with premium balsamic vinegar and olive oil. While this might seem a simple start to a business lunch, the quality of these foundational elements sets the tone for the meal ahead.
Setting the standard for business lunch in DIFC
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From the starter selection, the burrata arrives as a modest but sufficient portion, accompanied by an unconventional medley of vegetables. Rather than the typical pesto and tomato combination, the kitchen presents a fresh interpretation with dried tomatoes, zucchini, and roasted vegetables. The tuna carpaccio follows, adorned with crispy capers, orange segments, and delicate chili slices, all unified by a bright mandarin dressing.
For those seeking something different, the gnocco fritto offers an interesting deviation. This fried bread dough, served with cheese and Italian beef bresaola, provides a textural contrast to the lighter starters, though it may not be to everyone’s preference.
This is one of the most value-for-money business lunches in Dubai. It’s my go-to whenever I have guests in town, to show them that they don’t need to go to Italy to taste the flavours of the Med. – Elise, Editor
Contemporary Italian mains
The main course selection during our business lunch in DIFC presented two distinct paths. The cicatelli ai gamberi, featuring thin pasta with prawns in a bisque sauce, demonstrated technical competence in the cooking of the seafood, though the overall dish played it safe. However, the purple risotto emerged as the undeniable highlight. Created with red cabbage, this visually striking dish balances fragrant notes with textural elements, finished with aged balsamic vinegar and pecorino cream.
Setting itself apart from other business lunch in DIFC venues, The Artisan offers a curated drinks menu during lunch service. At AED 45 for cocktails, including options like Aperol spritz and bellini, it adds a sophisticated touch to the midday dining experience without overwhelming the purpose of a business meal.
Sweet conclusions
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The dessert, a bonet piemontese, delivers a delicate chocolate creation with amaretto notes and crushed biscuit, providing a fitting conclusion to the meal. The restaurant’s interior, adorned with carefully selected artworks, creates an atmosphere that balances professional dining with artistic flair.
While the business lunch in DIFC scene continues to evolve, The Artisan maintains its position through a combination of reliable service, quality ingredients, and thoughtful execution. Although the lunch menu doesn’t feature their renowned pizzas, it serves as an invitation to return and explore the broader menu.
The Artisan’s business lunch in DIFC offering demonstrates why the restaurant has maintained its position in Dubai’s demanding dining landscape. It delivers a refined experience that respects both the time constraints and expectations of business diners while maintaining the quality that has become synonymous with its name.
