E-Paper
Sign In
Sat, Nov 08, 2025 | Jumada al-Awwal 17, 1447 | Fajr 05:11 | DXB 
24.3°C
iPhone | iPad
Android
Tall order
It's about time Dubai became home to the world's highest restaurant as well - Burj Khalifa's At.mosphere achieves just that
THE PHONE'S BEEN ringing off the hook and new names are continuously being added to a quickly expanding waiting list – the reservation desk at the world's highest restaurant is certainly a busy place to be.
At this point at least some of you must be wondering to yourself, what stems such blatant interest in a mere dinning experience? The view? Well, yes, there's definitely a lot to be said for the 360-degree look at Dubai that level 122 of the Burj Khalifa has to offer. But it's not just that. The food's pretty good too.
Recommended For You
Although, as At.mosphere's express elevator rushes to the top (read: expect your ears to pop a few times), it's not so much the Maine Lobster or the Oscietra Caviar you're waiting to taste, but the scene from the top you're waiting to see. And of course, you want to be able to tell your family and friends that having a drink at the top of 'the Burj' felt pretty damn good.
“But we don't want our guests coming up here just for the view. That's a one-off visit,” noted Emaar Hospitality Group's CEO Marc Dardenne when City Times caught up with him at the restaurant's lounge area. “At.mosphere also places a great deal of emphasis on keeping its food quality and service standards high.”
Besides the lounge (conveniently split to accommodate a smokers section), where nibbles and beverages seem the norm, the display kitchen-bearing grill is where full-fledged meals are served. And if privacy is what you're after, then Dardenne recommends you head to the chef's table, a closed-off section in the grill area.
“We've got a lot to offer. In addition to all I've mentioned the warm ambience and decor is great too. We're hoping that's what will keep people coming back here,” he said.
'I live for challenges,' says designer Adam Tilhany
“When you get up here you get lost in the interiors because they really hold you. It was an interesting opportunity because the message that you want to give is that it's a unique experience. It was a complicated space to work with because it is small and I also had to keep in mind that the view during the day and night would be different. Lighting is everything. But I live for challenges such as these.”
Facts and figures
· Situated at a height of – 442 metres (1,350 feet, just short of half a kilometre up in the air)
· Total seating capacity – 210 (inclusive of lounge, smoker's lounge, grill and private dinning area)
· Minimum spend for private dining area – Dhs650 per head
· Staff working in the kitchen - 20
· Staff working at At.mosphere – 91
Most expensive items on the menu
Starter: Angus and Wagyu Beef Tartare with Oscietra Caviar – Dhs360
From the kitchen: Roasted Brittany Wild Sea Brass – Dhs270
From the grill: Maine Lobster – Dhs590
In the lounge: 30grams of Spanish-perse caviar – Dhs1,080
(But a cappuccino still costs an affordable Dhs35. And that's all it takes to avail an afternoon package at At.mosphere)
Executive Chef Dwayne Cheer talks food
“It's the only kitchen in Dubai, or actually, in the entire Middle East to have such a great view. We're very lucky,” comments Cheer, indicating the length of the kitchen in At.mosphere, which shares the restaurant's affinity for a peripheral glass atrium.
“It helps with the mood while cooking. You wouldn't feel this great if you were cooking in a basement. We're definitely more inspired to experiment with flavours and spices. The first three-quarters of the menu will change every three months. I'm hoping to add some new meats from different countries.”
davina@khaleejtimes.com
Don’t just scroll. Know it all. Sign up for your daily UAE news fix.
Get the top stories of the day right in your inbox.
