A trifecta of a meal at CÉ LA VI. This award winning restaurant deserves all the accolades. Set on the 54th floor of the Address Sky Views, CÉ LA VI overlooks the iconic Burj Khalifa. There are also views of Dubai’s downtown from the restaurant and over towards the sea from the restaurant’s express lift.
We arrive a little after 1:30pm for a work welcome lunch. It’s too hot to sit outside but our long table for 10 is set and ready. And, thankfully, it’s in the cool of the air conditioning. I’m lucky enough to have a seat facing the window. The view, past those of my team mates, is of a cross section of the iconic Burj Khalifa against the Dubai sky. There’s nothing else up this high. Although I can see the Address Sky Views from my office down below, from here on the 54th floor, it feels like our restaurant setting is designed to be enjoyed with the birds and clouds as company. There is no traffic noise, nor a car to be seen.
We settle in to some work lunch catch ups as well as menu discussions as the various options are debated. It’s a difficult choice as it really does all sound amazing. However, when pressed I settle on an entree of scallops, the pasta main and a chocolate tart for dessert.
Scallops
The roasted diver scallops arrive and taste as divine as they look. The cauliflower mousseline, beef ‘nduja beurre blanc with kochukaru oil combine with the plumpness of the scallops and together, and separately, it is simply delectable. The other dishes seem to be being enjoyed just as much. The burrata salad does look very good and kudos is given to the California Rolls. I admit to also eyeing off the roasted mushroom soup and the hamachi crude (strawberry gazpacho!) option, however, I couldn’t be happier with my end choice.
Burrata and Black Truffle Tagliatelle
As this is a business lunch the waiters clear the entree plates quickly and the next course does not take very long to arrive. Soon the mains are served and, in line with the excellent service, all meals are placed correctly in front of us without any fuss.
The smell of my truffle pasta hits my senses before I even spy the truffle and burrata heaped on top of the house made tagliatelle. It is divine. Not usually one to order pasta in a restaurant, I’m exceptionally glad that today I made the exception. This is excellent pasta, the equal of which I haven’t tasted outside of Italy (with the exception of my own homemade version, which hasn’t happened for a very long time). The combination of the creamy burrata and the distinct taste of the truffle really is excellent.
Once again the other dishes look equally good. The flank steak and salmon both look worth a try and my colleagues Sundus and Ammarah are both immensely enjoying their roast chicken dish. We vow to return even before our dessert is served.
I need to be back at work for a call and haven’t even finished my pasta yet. Nevertheless, nervous about the time (and yet with a fear of missing out) I request to take my dessert with me. However, before the waiter has a chance to respond, the dessert orders have already arrived.
Chocolate Salted Caramel Tart
Yes, the chocolate salted caramel tart also looks just as good as it tastes. Smooth and creamy chocolate filling with a layer of salted caramel gooyness right in the centre. The chocolate tart shell is perfectly proportioned (not too thick and not too thin). The dessert is all topped off with proper vanilla ice cream. I’m in heaven. Sundus catches me in a moment with my eyes closed but I really do wish that I had insisted on taking it away (minus the ice cream perhaps). It would have been nice to have a little longer to linger over this dessert. It really is worth breaking any diet for.
As it is, my time is up and I say my thank-yous and make a quick exit back to the office, all the time wondering when I might be able to steal away for another CÉ LA VI experience. The only dilemma will be what to order!
Good To Know
CÉ LA VI lives up to the hype and expectations. Ensure you leave enough time to visit the swing on the balcony for some iconic photos of the view (which I will have to get next time!).
Not satisfied? Try these other fine dining options in Dubai.
Would I Return?
Yes. I have already made the booking!
