About

A freelance travel and motoring writer and photographer since 2004, living in UAE since 1999 (Al Ain!) Paolo Rossetti has published over 200 articles in The National, Gulf News, and Khaleej Times, as well as Arab Wheels, Middle East Car, Top Performance, and Wheels magazines. This love for cars and travel has taken him on an amazing journey of discovery in the UAE and Oman - and in this blog, Paolo wants to share his knowledge of great places to visit with you, just like numerous good buddies have shared their stories with him. Paolo is sad to hear of UAE expats (and nationals!) who spend their weekends bored in malls, when he knows there are awesome adventures to be had if only people knew where to go. Check out the photos and you will be astounded - is this really in the UAE? You betcha! On this website Paolo provides a lively travel article on a monthly basis, with description, photos, route, GPS file, and even a Google Earth map for you to follow at your leisure. It's free of charge because Paolo is not motivated by profits but by his admiration of the UAE and by helping you make the most of your stay in the UAE, be it a few months or a lifetime. To adventures!

Weekend Dining at Parlour Boutique, Dubai

Always eager to discover fantastic restaurants in Dubai, the elegant Parlour Boutique captures the essence of an upmarket Parisian cafe, located in One Central, directly next to the World Trade Center metro station, along Sheikh Zayed Road.

weekenduae Parlour Boutique Dubai weekend UAE

A streetside cafe and restaurant, complimentary parking is provided courtesy of the nearby Ibis One Central hotel – or abundant underground spaces are available to you in the shopping / residential complex.

weekenduae Parlour Boutique Dubai weekend UAE

For a French-style breakfast, or a coffee and croissant, Parlour Boutique is a perfect destination!

weekenduae Parlour Boutique Dubai weekend UAE

The coffee was exceptional, thanks also to the professional machine and the barista’s expertise – a variety are available, as are also fresh juices and mocktails.

weekenduae Parlour Boutique Dubai weekend UAE
weekenduae Parlour Boutique Dubai weekend UAE

But beyond the hot drinks and baked items on display, Parlour Boutique also tickles the sweet tooth with highly sophisticated desserts and cakes!

weekenduae Parlour Boutique Dubai weekend UAE

Of impeccable refinement, and second to none in Dubai, the mille-feuille was delightful and evidently the work of someone trained by a master patissier!

Look closer at the perfection of execution – as for the taste, it was exceptional.

weekenduae Parlour Boutique Dubai weekend UAE

However, Parlour Boutique goes further, and a full menu is on offer.

weekenduae Parlour Boutique Dubai weekend UAE

A very rich and fragrant mushroom soup was followed by an interesting adaptation of a Japanese Katsu Curry!

weekenduae Parlour Boutique Dubai weekend UAE

Both dishes were elevated to fine-dining level, with the mushrooms delivering an earthy umami base, cut very smartly by the use of cream, and then garnished with crispy crunchy slivers of bread – excellent!

weekenduae Parlour Boutique Dubai weekend UAE

And the Chicken Katsu Curry was a pleasant surprise, though I would have prefered more sauce. The composition on the plate was delightful, and the breadcrumb coating of the chicken was ideally matched with a tamago egg with sesame seeds – a very clever addition!

weekenduae Parlour Boutique Dubai weekend UAE

Again, the execution was pristine and appetizing, with a lovely and petite garnish of roasted potato and sweet potato.

weekenduae Parlour Boutique Dubai weekend UAE

The ambiance made the most of the natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, and a pleasant outdoor seating area is available, too.

weekenduae Parlour Boutique Dubai weekend UAE

Overall, for a tip-top French-style brunch, lunch, or coffe and dessert, Parlour Boutique presents an enticing menu of both modern and traditional dishes, as well as exceptional coffee and bakery items in downtown Dubai.