Stay by Yannick Alleno

Dining at STAY was a standout experience from start to finish. Chef Ilya is not only an exceptional chef, but also a warm host. He took the time to personally introduce each dish, adding depth and meaning to every course—and made us feel genuinely cared for throughout the evening. The lobster with young fir tree needle was unlike anything we’ve tasted before—subtle, surprising, and delicious. The spring lamb was equally impressive: perfectly cooked and full of flavor. If we had one suggestion, it would be the music—while the quiet electronic tracks didn’t distract, a touch of jazz or something warmer could elevate the ambiance even further. That said, everything else was truly memorable. Elegant, thoughtful, and full of heart. We’ll be back.

We visited this two Michelin-star restaurant for dinner on December 25th (Christmas Day), and unfortunately, the experience was deeply disappointing. The restaurant itself is undeniably beautiful, located within the hotel, with a lovely terrace and stunning views. However, the food and overall experience were nowhere near the standard one would expect from a two Michelin-star establishment — in our opinion, it does not even deserve one star, let alone two. Living in London, we regularly dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and this experience fell significantly below international Michelin standards. The dishes were very simple and unremarkable, yet extremely overpriced for what was offered. Portions were very small, and while there was one small complimentary snack, this felt insufficient compared to the multiple amuse-bouches and refined snack courses typically served in Michelin restaurants around the world. The service also left a lot to be desired. It was polite but lacked finesse, attention to detail, and the elevated level of hospitality that is expected in a Michelin-starred restaurant — especially one awarded two stars. Overall, despite the beautiful setting, this restaurant does not justify its pricing or its Michelin status. Personally, we would not recommend it.

An Unforgettable Culinary Journey – Impeccable Service, World-Class Cuisine, and a Personal Touch That Sets STAY Apart Dining at STAY by Yannick Alléno was, without question, one of the most memorable experiences of our entire trip to Dubai — and easily one of the finest meals we’ve ever had. If you’re considering whether to book: do it. Immediately. This is a restaurant that doesn’t just meet Michelin-star standards — it transcends them. From the moment we arrived, we were treated with warmth, elegance, and absolute professionalism. A heartfelt thank you to Noel and the entire team, who made our evening not only seamless but deeply personal and special. We were celebrating our babymoon, and the care and thoughtfulness shown throughout the night was extraordinary. My wife is currently pregnant, and the staff went above and beyond to ensure that everything on the menu was safe for her — even adapting elements of their carefully curated tasting menu without hesitation. The attention to detail was flawless. We never felt like a burden for requesting changes — instead, we felt genuinely cared for. The food? Sublime. Each course was a masterclass in technique, flavour, and presentation — rich with creativity yet balanced with restraint. The flavours were layered and thoughtful, the pacing perfect, and the wine pairings (for me) spot-on. And then came a beautiful surprise: a specially created dessert to celebrate our babymoon — both stunning and sentimental, a moment we’ll always remember. The ambiance is refined but welcoming, intimate without being stiff — a setting that lets the food and service shine. And in our opinion, the pricing is more than fair for the level of cuisine, service, and detail you’d expect from a 2 Michelin-starred experience. In fact, it felt like remarkable value compared to many other high-end dining options in Dubai. STAY doesn’t just serve dinner — it delivers an evening you’ll carry with you long after the final bite. It’s a celebration of hospitality, craftsmanship, and care. We can’t wait to return — and to anyone wondering whether it’s worth it: this is not just a meal, it’s a memory in the making. Book it.

The entire course was spectacular. The John Dory fish was outstanding. The marveilleux dessert left me speechless I have never tasted anything like it in my life. It was incredibly innovative, with exceptionally rich and layered textures.

Beautiful setting, excellent wine pairing – but the food didn’t match the 2-star hype. We recently dined at STAY by Yannick Alléno and had high expectations given its 2 Michelin stars. The wine pairing was truly excellent, perfectly chosen and well-explained. The service was flawless – attentive, friendly, and always present without being intrusive. However, the menu itself fell short. We were expecting bold creativity, refined plating, and flavor combinations that would surprise and impress – but instead, the dishes were fairly conventional and lacked the “wow” factor you would expect at this level. Our taste buds were not exactly dazzled, and the storytelling and emotion on the plate were missing. Also, the amuse-bouches and smaller in-between bites, which are often highlights in fine dining, were either missing or underwhelming – and certainly not “little bites of happiness.” Like many things in Dubai, it felt like a lot of show, a big price tag, but not the substance behind it. A nice experience overall, but sadly, not memorable enough to return or recommend at this price point.

I had a wonderful dining experience at Stay. I was very pleased by the refined ambiance and impeccable service. The menu is a testament to the chef's mastery of French cuisine. While the dishes may appear deceptively simple, each bite is a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas. The ingredients are showcased with precision, and techniques and the portion sizes are perfect without being overwhelming. I was particularly impressed by the way the restaurant managed to balance innovation with tradition. The dishes were both familiar and surprising, with each element contributing to a harmonious and unforgettable dining experience. A special thanks to Noel, Chef Ilya, Shashith, the sommelier who provided impeccable wine recommendations, their expert knowledge and personalized service elevated the dining experience even further. I highly recommend Stay. The combination of exquisite food, impeccable service, and elegant atmosphere make it a truly unforgettable dining experience.

The dining experience at this two-Michelin-starred restaurant was truly memorable, with an atmosphere that exuded sophistication and a setting that was nothing short of stunning. The service was exceptional, and the sommelier demonstrated a deep understanding of pairings, enhancing the overall experience. While the food was very good, the standout dish was undoubtedly the wagyu steak – an absolute triumph – though the rest of the menu didn’t quite reach the level I’d expect from a two-star establishment. Here’s a dish-by-dish breakdown: Appetiser The whelk with amaranth and curry powder was a light, savoury introduction, offering a delightful umami hit with a subtle hint of seafood ozone. The curry powder elevated the dish beautifully, adding an unexpected warmth. Bread Course A classic French baguette arrived warm, paired with salted butter that was rich, balanced, and utterly delicious. The tiger bread, a sourdough, brought a lovely freshness, while the ‘baba’, although enjoyable, didn’t quite match the excellence of the others. The butter, however, remained the star throughout. Amuse-Bouche The butternut squash jelly was a delight, though perhaps a touch understated. Nutmeg accentuated the squash’s natural sweetness, while the cream provided a luscious mouthfeel. The addition of nuts added both texture and depth, and the lemon zest brought a final burst of freshness. Consommé This dish delivered a remarkable depth of beef flavour, reminiscent of a perfect roast. The caviar was a thoughtful addition, adding a touch of luxury without overshadowing the dish. Langoustine A beautifully balanced plate, with each element playing its part. The sauce, with its hint of ginger, brought an exotic familiarity that was simply outstanding. However, the caviar was somewhat lost amidst the other flavours, and the gold leaf, while opulent, felt purely ornamental. Sea Bass Perfectly cooked and accompanied by a sauce that truly shone, featuring mushrooms, caviar, and cream for a delightful finish. The caviar added a salty pop that enhanced the dish, and the earthy notes from the celery were proportioned just right. Beef The star of the evening! The wagyu steak was perfectly balanced, rich, and deeply flavoured. The truffle complemented it beautifully, and the foie gras was prepared with the expertise only French cuisine can deliver. This dish alone was worth the visit. Desserts The pear in almond crust was exceptional, with verjus bringing the pear to life and achieving a remarkable balance of flavour. The chocolate tart, paired with a red wine, was equally indulgent. Petit Fours Outstanding! The Guinness tart was a delightful surprise and a perfect conclusion to the meal. Overall, this was a dining experience to remember, with impeccable service and some standout moments, particularly the wagyu steak. While I wouldn’t rate all the dishes as two-star calibre, the overall evening was a joy and well worth experiencing.

The food was lovely, we chose the 6 course Emotion menu. But when we walked in and found ourselves the only ones there we were disappointed. We were informed people were dining outside, when we reached our outside table on the terrace there were only 3 other tables occupied. We thought it might get busier later on but it didn’t really. A shame as the food is good. But we expected more from the atmosphere and ambience. The garlic ice cream was so delectable, the lobster was beautiful but a lot of butter. Overall the menu curation was well put together as it felt light but plentiful. A nice visit for an experience of a 2 Michelin star restaurant but to return again we would expect much more from the atmosphere.