Josette is the UAE’s answer to Parisian chic. With its elegant 1920s-inspired design and impeccable French cuisine, this inviting destination is the place to be seen in the vibrant city of Dubai. With a boudoir-style design that’s as cute as it is glamorous, Josette combines the finest in hospitality with fabulous interiors.
Josette is the brainchild of the renowned artist Luke Edward Hall. His playful style is evident across various design elements, including his 30 colourful hand-painted illustrations decorating the pastel pink-coloured walls and a carefully curated range of ceramics. The spectacular green marble entrance with the wooden revolving door and a retro look leads the guests into a special place with a strong eccentric female character. Full of charm, the interior design transports guests to the alluring vintage bistros of France. Marble floors, gorgeous chairs, and velvet green banquettes add to the restaurant’s whimsical character, while the mirrored columns complete the overall extravagance.
The restaurant also sets the stage for world-class entertainment acts, performing weekly. Under the direction of artistic director Sebastien Agius, a group of international artists from some of the best theatres and shows in Paris present an entertainment program that crosses different eras, dance styles, aesthetics, and overall repertoire. “We’ll have some opera vibes, some burlesque, and some cabaret. I want the evening to feel like travelling through time, from the 1920s and the Années Folles to today”, said Sebastian, who was also the winner of the inaugural season of the French X Factor series in 2009. Every night, the ambience is taken up a notch with unique live shows, art and entertainment that ignite mischief and temptation.
A unique offering of beloved French classics on the menu, all given a special Josette twist. Highlight dishes include, the indulgent plateau de Josette, l’artichaut, soupe a l’oignon, escargot and foie gras. In addition to the daring menu, Dubai diners will be wowed with some culinary theatrics as the chefs prepare and serve a signature crêpe Josette in a special trolley. Josette brings rôtisserie back to its French roots with a special poulet roti prepared daily in a rôtisserie oven. The restaurant is helmed by the fabulous chef Burcu Cracknell, who brings years of experience cooking at a handful of acclaimed French restaurants in Dubai and around the world.
The restaurant recently launched its afternoon tea experience, a decadent affair served in the Le Moulin Rose room. Named “Sparkling Afternoons” the tea takes place four days a week and features freshly baked scones and a selection of sweet treats, including Macarons, Cheesecake Josette with blueberry caviar, Madeleine Au Chocolat and many more, crafted by talented pastry chef Jibu K. Mohan. Savoury snacks include Sandwich a L’ouef, Croque Josette, Saumon fume, Coronation Chicken, and Concombre, all served on a stylish multi-tiered platter, accompanied by my custom-blended Josette herbal tea and coffee selection.
Another highlight of this French destination is the daily breakfast, available from 9am until 11am. The specially curated menu caters to all cravings from Omelette au Crabe (king crab leg omelette with Hollandaise sauce) to Ouef Royale (poached eggs with smoked salmon and Oscietra caviar). When it comes to sweet indulgences, my guests are spoilt for choice with a viennoiserie selection, vegan overnight chia, Pain Perdu and the infamous table-side flambé Crêpes. To complement the delightful breakfast, fresh juices and healthy booster shots are served, as well as the extremely indulgent Chocolat Chaud (hot chocolate).
Whether you’re heading down for a glam dinner and show or a quick cocktail with friends, Josette is THE place to be seen.
