If you weren’t lucky enough to be born into Arab royalty, you can at least have a good go at pretending in the palatial surrounds of Imperium, which is found at the five star Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotel.
A truly grand space, the dining room here is home to marble streaked floors, double-height ceilings, imposing columns which have been painted with gold leaf, and a row of glittering chandeliers that hang from the ceiling.
Open all day, Imperium’s breakfast offering takes in a range of cuisines from across the globe, while lunch and dinner see a French-inspired menu take the reins. If you’re visiting in the morning, you can expect to tuck into a global selection of classic breakfast fare which is served buffet-style at grand food stations which are coated in marble. Tuck into the likes of freshly-baked breads and pastries, alongside a selection of vibrant salads and platters that feature various kinds of fruit.
The most eye-catching element of Imperium’s lavish breakfast buffet though is the stunning ice sculpture that forms the centrepiece of one of the food stations. The sculpture has been carefully carved to depict fish jumping out of the ocean, so it should come as little shock that this particular food station is home to a selection of seafood, including plump prawns, crab legs and even whole lobsters.
Later in the day, you’ll find a menu which is inspired by the Gallic region and features dishes such as snails served alongside slices of garlic bread, salmon in a creamy white sauce that has been flecked with herbs, and a bowl of mussels.
Although Imperium is set within opulent surrounds, the restaurant is somewhat more casual than the majestic interiors suggest, and is not a pretentious space. Imperium operates a smart casual dress code which means the likes of tailored shorts are permitted, while families with young children are also welcomed with open arms.