Dubai is a city of extravaganza. A city of wonders, indeed, and Ossiano is no exception. Acclaimed as one of the best fine-dining restaurants in the city, Ossiano is a must for every foodie visiting Dubai. In a remarkable underwater setting, located inside one of the most impressive hotels of the world, guests enjoy an avant-garde cuisine with flavours from around the world.

Concept & Interior

Ossiano restaurant is located inside the famous resort ‘Atlantis The Palm’ in Dubai. Atlantis The Palm is considered as a true city of hospitality, with world-class dining, luxurious rooms and hotel grounds, direct beach-access, the most amazing activity offer for kids as well as adults, and a size and architecture that made it a landmark in its own right. A hotel of this calibre does indeed need a world-class fine dining restaurant as well. Welcome to Ossiano.

The first asset of Ossiano Restaurant is its breath-taking setting and interior. Located against a backdrop of one of the world’s biggest and most impressive aquariums, Ossiano is considered as one of Dubai’s most romantic underwater restaurants. During the meal, sharks, stingrays and hundreds of the more ‘friendly’ fish casually swim right next to your table. The huge dining rooms boasts floor-to-ceiling glass walls, which offers frontal views on the water and ensure a magical dining experience. Divers can be ‘rent’ to spread underwater love messages, and marriage proposals do occur regularly. The restaurant seats up to 84 guests. The concept and atmosphere of Ossiano Restaurant change over time, and in the difficult year 2020, a more casual, contemporary concept was implemented. Tablecloths were removed from the tables and a DJ now provides mesmerising deep house beats during the meal. The stunning views are of course still there, accentuated by subtle, luxurious lighting and lots of space.

Gastronomy

At Ossiano, diners enjoy a fine-dining experience where the very best products are at the core of the dishes. The cuisine is modern and visually impressive, but flavours always come first. Multicourse tasting menus offer a culinary rollercoaster ride. The base of the cooking is often traditional, but the execution is modern. Iranian caviar is served next to truffles from France and langoustines from the North Sea. As long as it is top quality, it can and will be served. However, local suppliers are important here, and the relations with the best of Dubai’s suppliers result in a high-quality ingredient input. Sustainability is another aspect that characterizes the kitchen. Every part of a food item is used, and if it is not eaten, it’s turned into stock or an amuse bouche. This has resulted in Ossiano’s wastage levels being the lowest of any restaurant in Atlantis. Only sustainable species of fish coming from trustworthy suppliers are used. Seafood is indeed an important theme at Ossiano and the restaurant has been awarded as “best seafood restaurant” multiple times. Today, however, the kitchen can best be characterized as an international fine dining cuisine, where stories behind the dish and tableside experiences elevate the meal.

Our meal started with a series of technically very well executed, delicious appetisers, such as a liquid bonbon of gazpacho which looked exactly like a small tomato. Another bite combined Mojama tuna with jalapeno, hidden inside a sweet and crispy merengue taco, covered with delicately sour Oxalys leaves. Oyster was served hidden under a sea foam and topped with dried and fresh caviar. Caviar is indeed one of the most popular ingredients at Ossiano, and more than 100 kilograms of the black gold are sold each year. The most expensive dish on the menu is the Iranian caviar, which costs around a thousand euros for fifty grams.

The second act of our menu was an excellent example of experiential cooking. As a memory of his childhood, the chef served a signature Croque Monsieur, with truffle and pecorino, paired with a broth of dashi, wagyu flakes, shimeji, and buckwheat. The broth was served as a letter, in a teabag containing the dried ingredients, hidden inside an envelope.

The third act of the menu were the main courses. More filling than the previous dishes, a delicious Bacalao Negro paella was served, as well as scallop beignets with lime and coriander. Wagyu followed, accompanied by delicious crispy potatoes. Desserts were equally delicious, with the warm dark chocolate mousse and the Ossiano lemon tart being the highlights of the sweet act.

Why Go?

Ossiano restaurant is one of the best fine dining restaurants in Dubai. More than just a restaurant, it is an immersive dining experience, where a magical underwater setting is combined with some of the world’s best food. International, contemporary, luxurious, creative and above all delicious: Ossiano combines them all, and more.