Dubai’s culinary scene receives a star-studded boost with the arrival of TATEL, a restaurant co-owned by sports legends Rafael Nadal, Pau Gasol, and Cristiano Ronaldo. TATEL delivers a world-class fine dining experience that transports diners to Spain. Located in the Hotel Boulevard, TATEL Dubai exudes 1920s speakeasy charm. Warm candlelight, mirrored ceilings, and plush blue and maroon seating create a glamorous setting. The cobbled floor and antique touches further enhance the ambience.

Moreover, the multi-sensory experience at TATEL includes live music on weekends and resident and guest DJs throughout the week. Guests can choose from various areas depending on their mood. For instance, the stylish lounge features a Prohibition-era bar. Alternatively, guests might enjoy open kitchen views in the dining area or opt for private dining spaces with panoramic vistas.

The highlights

Stepping into TATEL Dubai, we felt transported back to an era of speakeasies and lavish glamour. As we settled into the plush seating, with warm candlelight casting a golden glow, we anticipated an evening of culinary delights and a few surprises.

We began our adventure with La Burrata. This creamy cheese, luxuriously rich, was balanced by the sweet crunch of candied pine nuts. Additionally, a hint of lavender honey in the vinaigrette added a touch of floral intrigue, making it a well-composed starter that set the tone for the evening.

Next came the Berenjenas crujientes, which showcased the aubergine in a new light. The golden, crisp exterior revealed a soft, yielding interior. Meanwhile, the warm honey sabayon provided a touch of sweetness that complemented the aubergine perfectly. However, the undisputed star of the starters was the Gambas al ajillo. These succulent shrimp were bursting with garlicky goodness, while the subtle heat of red chillies added a welcome kick.

For the main course, we opted for Arroz TATEL con costilla de vacuno – slow-cooked beef ribs served with TATEL rice. The portion size was perfect for sharing, and the ribs were melt-in-your-mouth tender. Furthermore, the rice, infused with the braising liquid, offered a comforting depth of flavour. We also decided to share a side of Patatas TATEL. These crispy potatoes were as decadent as they were delicious, with black truffle adding a touch of luxury and Manchego cheese providing a salty richness.

Finally, for dessert, we indulged in a trio of treats. Nuestra famosa tarta de queso, their famous cheesecake, was rich and creamy, living up to its name. Additionally, the Tarta de chocolate was a classic chocolate cake, dense and fudgy, perfect for chocolate lovers. Lastly, the Milhojas de avellana, a mille-feuille with hazelnut cream, offered a delightful contrast in textures. The light and crispy pastry encased a smooth hazelnut filling, making it a perfect end to our meal. By the end, we were ready to roll out the door, satisfied and perhaps a few pounds heavier.

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