Review: The Luncheon at Studio Frantzén

Now this is a worthwhile reason to leave your bed on a Saturday…
Studio Frantzén landed in Dubai last year with all the hooha-hoopla of a celebrity chef-backed brand, laden with shiny Michelin stars and endless praise in tow. The brains and the brawn behind this operation, Chef Björn Frantzén, is a man of many accolades, helming a pair of three-Michelin-starred restaurants and most recently, making a standout debut in Dubai's culinary honeycomb. The people have spoken, and they have loved what the spot has to offer.
Having had a couple of months to warm up the grills and dust off the cushions, the restaurant has now forayed into the world of the set menu. The Luncheon is the bear's take on the lunchtime deal, a somewhat commercial proposition that does well to attract a certain demographic of diners. Usually, we have the corporate world convening to close deals over steaming hot plates, but The Luncheon is a weekend affair, which means no suits and boots – only hungry holidayers.
The deal…
Two courses for Dhs195, with a starter, a main and a side. Curated beverage package featuring wine, cocktails, champagne, and mocktail options for an additional Dhs225. What's On the menu?
We dine on a quiet Saturday, seated in a small, cosy booth with a direct view of the open kitchen. Upon first glance at the menu, one can tell it has been designed to be a crowd pleaser, with classical choices and lunchtime favourites, like the seabass ceviche, four different variations of oysters, roasted cauliflower, striploin, salmon and a hearty beef burger, to name a few of the options. It's a bit of a global amalgamation, staying true to the Modern European bistro label, but it's good and safe, and everyone is sure to be fed.
We go for the hamachi crudo and the grilled tiger prawn to start. The crudo, served with radishes, ume kosho and fermented strawberry, is a fitting entrant, almost a palate cleanser, with a bright tang and a chilled, bodied bite, while still staying light. The tiger prawn comes with a fermented red curry dressing and a ginger aoli, and is the clear winner between the two – the curry packs a punch and the aoli only adds, but none of them are overpowering. It's a simmering, savoury delight.
For the mains, we opt for Angus beef striploin and the Wagyu beef burger. The meat in both the dishes is cooked to perfection, but that's hardly a surprise. The striploin comes with a fermented kampot pepper cream sauce, salty, with a subtle kick, which cuts the fat of the meat beautifully. The burger, almost oversized and topped high with condiments like crispy onion, pickled shiitake, Japanese mustard emulsion and cheddar cheese, is a weekend lunch meal through and through. It's big, it's messy, with so much texture and flavour – a nutty umami from the mushroom, crispy sweetness from the onion and a herby kick from the mustard. This is what you have when you've got nothing to be responsible for after.
By now, our warm, watchful server has brought us some sweet treats from the Candy Room, Easter-themed cookies and sour candy – a fitting end to a menu like The Luncheon. It's easy, it's fun and it delivers on the expectation of the quality you attach to big-name restaurants, without any of the fuss, frills and gold leaf. Just plain, good food.
What's On Verdict: Highly inoffensive and delicious – we recommend.
Studio Frantzén, Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Sat and Sun, 12pm to 4pm, Dhs195, Tel: (0) 54 584 3105, @studiofrantzendubai
Images: Supplied

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

What's On

15 hours ago

• What's On

School holidays are around the corner: time to plan the family fun

The school bell is ringing soon, and the countdown to fun is officially on. The heat is rising, so it's time to take the fun indoors. From icy adventures and imaginative role plays to neon obstacle courses and sky high trampolines, here's your go to list of family friendly indoor activities in Dubai this school holiday. Dubai Ice Rink Swap the desert heat for a cool blast of winter air at Dubai Ice Rink in The Dubai Mall. Open to all ages and skill levels, you can skate the day away with public sessions or even level up with a private lesson – because why not. Price: From Dhs90 Location: Dubai Mall Operating hours: daily, 10am to 12am Contact: 800 38224 6255, Fun City Endless play for the little ones. Need to keep the young ones busy and happy. Fun City is packed with soft play zones, ball pits, arcade games, and mini rides designed to keep children entertained for hours, because parents also need a little time to relax and recharge while the kids have a blast. Price: Package prices vary Location: Arabian Centre (multiple locations) Operating hours: Mon toThurs 10am to 10pm, Fri to Sun 10am to 12am Contact: (0)54 581 3428, Hello Park Interactive family fun. Located in Dubai Festival City Mall, Hello Park offers immersive, themed adventures like space travel with Rocky the Fox and dinosaur fossil digs. It's a mix of tech, play, and storytelling that's fun for all ages. Price: From Dhs89 Location: Dubai Festival City Mall Operating hours: Mon–Thurs 10am–11pm, Fri–Sun 10am–12am Contact: (0)4 218 9222, KidZania Learn while you play. At KidZania in Dubai Mall, kids (ages 4–16) can role-play real-world careers from doctors to pilots in a mini-city built just for them. It's fun and educational, perfect for curious minds this school holiday. Price: From Dhs195 Location: Dubai Mall Operating hours: Sun–Thurs 10am–10pm, Fri–Sat 10am–11pm Contact: 800 3822 46255, Play DXB Virtual reality with real thrills. Escape the heat and reality with Play DXB, an immersive VR theme park in Dubai Mall. Whether dune bashing, flying over Dubai, or braving haunted houses, there's a thrilling experience for every age. Price: From Dhs250 Location: Dubai Mall Operating hours: Daily from 10am Contact: (0)56 682 4804, Ski Dubai Snowy school break vibes. Skiing, snowboarding, penguin meet-and-greets—yes, it's all real and it's all indoors. Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates is a school holiday must-visit for chilly family fun. Price: Varies by activity Location: Mall of the Emirates Operating hours: Sat–Sun 9am–12am, Mon–Thurs 10am–11pm, Fri 10am–12am Contact: (0)4 409 4000 | skidubaipage Sky Zone Burn Off the Holiday Energy. Located in Ibn Battuta Mall, Sky Zone is 35,000 square feet of active fun—complete with trampolines, ninja warrior courses, climbing walls, and zip lines. Great for older kids and tweens who need to move! Price: From Dhs149 Location: Ibn Battuta Mall, Persian Court Operating hours: Mon–Thurs from 12pm, Fri–Sun from 10am Contact: 800 7599663, The Smash Room Break time, literally. Perfect for parents (or older teens), The Smash Room is exactly what it sounds like—a safe place to release stress by smashing TVs, furniture, or even your own old junk. Let off steam while the kids play elsewhere! Price: From Dhs69 Location: Al Quoz & Mirdif Operating hours: Al Quoz: Daily from 12pm, Mirdif: Daily from 10am Contact: (0)4 339 7810, Images: Archive and Unsplash

What's On

3 days ago

• What's On

5 of the best restaurants in Dubai this weekend: June 20 to 22

If your weekend plans are all about good food and trying something a little different, we've got you. Maybe a new, soulful Palestinian kitchen, a Japanese solo brunch, or a one-night-only Korean-European chef's table – whatever your vibe, these five of the best restaurants in Dubai are worth checking out this weekend. HANU HANU on Palm Jumeirah is hosting a unique one-night event with chef Robin Höfer, known for his precision and nature-inspired style from Michelin-star kitchens. The result? A 12-course menu blending Korean ingredients and modern European technique. Think golden egg with sago pearls, kimbab with salmon roe, and Kobe striploin with galbi glaze. The intimate chef's table seats only 10 guests per session, with two sittings on June 21. Offer: A 12-Course Dining Collaboration, priced at Dhs750 Location: St. Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah Times: June 21, 6pm & 9pm Contact: (0)4 278 4844. @hanu_dubai Haya's Kitchen Hidden inside Alserkal's Warehouse 20, the newly opened Haya's Kitchen is a soulful celebration of Palestinian heritage and home-style cooking. A collaboration between Haya Bishouty and Rania Kana'an, it's an intimate, slow-living kind of vibe that honours grandmothers, ancestral knowledge, and traditions that taste like comfort. Offer: From warm bowls of Khweya (aka Palestinian Cereal) to Msakhan served the traditional way – on Taboon bread – this one's all about food as storytelling. Location: KAVE, Warehouse 20, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai Times: Weekdays from 10am to 7pm, weekends from 11am to 8pm. Closed on Mondays. Contact: @hkmeetsk, @ haya sktchn, @kavepeople. Cutfish Cutfish at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is shaking up Dubai's typical brunch scene with Hitori Brunch – a solo dining experience for those who want to enjoy their meal quietly, at the open kitchen counter. Limited to eight seats each Saturday, this is about the craft and energy of the kitchen while enjoying a carefully curated menu inspired by Japan's Solo Katsu philosophy. Expect sushi, sashimi, mini wagyu burgers, and mochi to finish, paired with beverage packages ranging from mocktails to champagne. Offer: Soft Dhs350, Premium Dhs550, Champagne Dhs750. Location: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Jumeira St, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai Times: Saturdays, 1pm–4pm Contact: (0)4 271 3882. @cutfishdubai Mott 32 Mott 32 has launched a new early evening set menu that feels more refined than your typical pre-dinner deal. Available daily from 6pm to 8pm, A Taste of Mott is a curated three-course. The vibe? Intimate, slow-paced, and perfect for easing into the night without committing to a full tasting menu. Expect signatures like the 42-day Peking duck salad with crispy taro and citrus truffle, delicate king prawn har gow, wok-fried Angus beef, and sweet & sour chicken with a twist – served with dragon fruit and aged black vinegar. It ends on a strong note: a refined Oolong tea almond and chocolate xiao long bao. Drinks aren't included, but that just means you get to choose your own rhythm. Offer: Dhs250 per person for a three-course menu (min. 2 guests). Location: Address Beach Resort, JBR Times: Daily from 6pm to 8pm Contact: (0)4 278 4832. @mott32dubai Riviera by Jean Imbert Riviera at The Lana brings a taste of the South of France to Dubai's Marasi Bay Marina. Their new Dinner Set Menu offers simple, refined dishes perfect for warm summer evenings. Start with Veal Tonnato or Burrata with confit capsicums. Mains include Tomato Risotto, Grilled Octopus with spinach pesto, or Flank Steak with potato purée. Finish with a 100% Chocolate Bowl, Vanilla Crème Brûlée, or a vegan Red Fruits & Pistachio Verrine. Offer: Dinner Set Menu Dhs155 per person. Location: Riviera by Jean Imbert, The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Marasi Bay Marina Times: Available daily Contact: (0)4 541 7755 @ rivierabyjeanimbert Images: Supplied/Instagram

Arabian Post

3 days ago

• Arabian Post

ONESIAM Global Grand Giveaway Season 2 Heats Up the Summer with Double Rewards for Bangkok-Bound Visitors

Register to win rewards from free business class tickets and luxury stays to Michelin-star meals BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 June 2025 – Get ready to turn your Bangkok getaway into a rewarding adventure—in every sense of the word! The, Siam Piwat's flagship tourism campaign, is making a grand comeback for its second year from June 20 to September 30, 2025, and is set to bring even more exclusive rewards, elevated experiences, and jaw-dropping prizes to global visitors exploring Bangkok this summer. Following the massive success of its debut—which drew enthusiastic travelers from 15 countries—ONESIAM Global Grand Giveaway Season 2 returns just in time for the global summer holiday season, as Bangkok comes alive from June to September. This year's campaign is part of the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2025, a nationwide initiative led by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), which aims to draw 39 million international tourists and generate 1.67 billion THB in revenue. As one of the star attractions of the campaign, the ONESIAM Global Grand Giveaway is set to be the largest promotional effort ever launched by Siam Piwat, the developer behind Thailand's most iconic and world-class retail and lifestyle destinations. ADVERTISEMENT The ONESIAM Global Grand Giveaway campaign is one of the highlights of the ONESIAM program, which is designed to elevate the experiences of global visitors across Siam Piwat's six iconic destinations: Siam Paragon, a destination that delights the whole family with luxury shopping, world-class attractions, and a wide range of dining options from street food to fine dining; Siam Center, a hub for vibrant trendsetters drawn to cutting-edge fashion and the latest global pop culture trends; Siam Discovery, a space for discerning tastemakers seeking bold, boundary-pushing fashion and design labels; ICONSIAM, a riverside experience that enchants culture lovers with regional Thai cuisine, artisan crafts, and trditional performances; Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, a haven for value voyagers with up to 70% off top global and lifestyle brands; and ICS Lifestyle Complex, a modern hub for wellness enthusiasts featuring a pioneering smart medical facility. Together, these experiential hubs welcome over 14 million international visitors annually and are renowned for offering immersive experiences that blend luxury shopping, exquisite dining, rich cultural experiences, and dynamic showcases of creativity in the heart of Bangkok. What makes this year's campaign truly extraordinary is the power of an unbeatable partnership. Siam Piwat has joined forces with 33 global ecosystem partners across hospitality, wellness, logistics, tourism, and more to deliver an unforgettable experience. Through this dynamic collaboration, visitors who register for the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card will enjoy not just rewards, but double rewards, including 'Exclusive Coupons' and a chance to win from a pool of spectacular 'World-Class Prizes.' From June 20 to September 30, 2025, visitors who sign up for the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card will be eligible for two amazing giveaways. First, cardholders can enjoy 'Exclusive Coupons' from premium shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations across Siam Piwat's iconic properties. Second, registering for the card grants a chance to win from over 16,000 extraordinary prizes worth more than 13 million THB in total, including international business class airfares, five-star hotel stays, Michelin-starred meals, and a selection of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. To top it all off, visitors who register and present their receipt are entitled to receive a Siam Gift Card worth up to 1,000 THB. The ONESIAM Global Visitor Card holders will also enjoy additional benefits, including up to 80% off at more than 200 premium brands, complimentary Wi-Fi and lounge access, 5% discounts at leading department stores and supermarkets such as Gourmet Market, Paragon Department Store, Siam Takashimaya, and Discovery Selection, plus VAT refunds of up to 6% and a special welcome gift upon registration. To join the campaign, simply sign up for the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card online at the campaign website. After completing registration, participants will receive a digital ONESIAM Global Visitor Card with barcode and a confirmation banner via e-mail. Once in Bangkok, visit either the Tourist Service Center on the G Floor of Siam Paragon or the ONESIAM Global Visitor Lounge on the 1st Floor of ICONSIAM. Present your confirmation banner and passport to verify your identity, and you're all set to enjoy exclusive coupons—including Buy 1 Get 1 offers, special discounts, and other great deals—as well as enter for a chance to win prizes. Each visitor is entitled to one set of privileges per passport and registration. The ONESIAM Global Grand Giveaway is just the beginning of the incredible experiences awaiting global visitors at Siam Piwat's six iconic destinations in Bangkok. From luxury shopping and delightful dining to cultural wonders and cutting-edge creative experiences, this summer is your ultimate chance to explore, indulge, and win big in the vibrant heart of the city. ADVERTISEMENT How to participate and enter the ONESIAM Global Grand Giveaway Campaign To learn more about the ONESIAM Global Grand Giveaway campaign and register, visit: Hashtag: #SiamPiwat #ONESIAM #ONESIAMGlobal #ONESIAMexperience #ONESIAMGlobalVisitorCard #ONESIAMGlobalGrandGiveaway #AmazingThailandGrandSale #TourismAuthorityofThailand #SiamParagon #SiamCenter #SiamDiscovery #ICONSIAM #SiamPremiumOutletsBangkok #ICS #ThailandSale #BangkokSale #AmazingThailand The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About ONESIAM ONESIAM is Siam Piwat's premier guest experience program, crafted to deliver extraordinary experiences, world-class services, and innovative platforms that elevate the journey across its six iconic destinations. ONESIAM Global, a specialized extension of this program, is tailored specifically for international visitors. The ONESIAM Global Visitor Card is the key to accessing extraordinary privileges, offers, and experiences, providing guests with more discounts than regular visitors. It offers exclusive benefits not only across the six malls but also from a network of partners beyond the 6 malls. Additionally, guests enjoy extra services to facilitate their journey and gain privileges worldwide through a global partner network.