A beloved French brasserie expands its Dubai footprint
One of Dubai’s most talked-about French dining destinations has officially arrived in a new neighbourhood. CQ French Brasserie has opened its doors in Barsha Heights, bringing classic Parisian flavours, timeless brasserie charm, and an effortlessly relaxed atmosphere to the area.
Already a favourite among diners in Jumeirah Lake Towers, the restaurant’s latest opening marks an exciting new chapter for the brand, promising the same culinary excellence with a slightly more refined touch.
A prime new home in Barsha Heights
The new CQ French Brasserie is located inside the Grand Millennium Hotel Barsha Heights, a central and well-connected destination known for its vibrant dining scene. The location makes it ideal for business lunches, after-work dinners, and leisurely weekend meals, attracting both residents and visitors from across Dubai.
Designed to echo the warmth and elegance of a traditional French brasserie, the space blends polished interiors with inviting details. Think classic bistro seating, soft lighting, and subtle Parisian cues that make you feel instantly at ease. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, conversations linger, and meals are meant to be enjoyed rather than rushed.
French classics, done the right way
At the heart of CQ French Brasserie is a deep respect for French culinary heritage. The menu champions iconic dishes that have stood the test of time, prepared with precision and high-quality ingredients. Guests can expect much-loved staples such as steak frites, poisson frites, and pain perdu, each executed with careful attention to flavour and technique.
One of the highlights is the croquette de short ribs et comté, a rich and comforting dish that perfectly showcases the restaurant’s approach: familiar flavours elevated through expert preparation. From the crisp exterior to the indulgent filling, it’s a dish that keeps diners coming back.
A menu that balances tradition and variety
While the focus remains firmly on French classics, the menu offers enough variety to suit different tastes and occasions. Alongside indulgent meat dishes, there is a thoughtfully curated selection of seafood and vegetarian options, ensuring that everyone at the table finds something to enjoy.
Traditional starters like escargots sit comfortably alongside lighter choices, while desserts such as crème brûlée deliver the perfect sweet ending. Each dish reflects the flavours of France while remaining accessible and comforting, making the experience appealing to both seasoned Francophiles and those discovering French cuisine for the first time.
A refined experience with a laid-back soul
What truly sets CQ French Brasserie apart is its ability to strike the right balance between refinement and approachability. The Barsha Heights location builds on the success of the JLT branch by offering a slightly more polished dining experience, without losing the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that regulars love.
Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a spontaneous glass of wine, the environment feels effortlessly comfortable. It’s a place where jeans feel just as appropriate as tailored outfits, and where the focus remains firmly on good food and good company.
Wine that complements the menu
No French brasserie would be complete without a strong wine offering, and CQ takes this seriously. The restaurant is introducing its own grape label, created to offer high-quality wines at accessible price points. Designed specifically to pair well with the menu, the selection enhances the overall dining experience without feeling intimidating or overly complex.
From robust reds that complement steak frites to crisp whites that pair beautifully with seafood, the wine list is curated to encourage exploration and enjoyment. It’s another detail that reflects CQ’s commitment to delivering an authentic yet approachable French dining experience.
Bringing the brasserie home
In a thoughtful touch that sets CQ apart, the restaurant also offers its signature French baguette and butter for sale. This allows guests to take a small piece of the brasserie experience home with them, extending the pleasure beyond the restaurant walls.
It’s a simple but charming idea that speaks to the brand’s attention to detail and its desire to create lasting connections with diners. For many, these small touches are what transform a good restaurant into a great one.
A welcome addition to the neighbourhood
Barsha Heights has steadily grown into a lively dining destination, and the arrival of CQ French Brasserie further strengthens its reputation. With its blend of classic French cuisine, inviting ambience, and accessible pricing, the restaurant fills a niche that feels both familiar and refreshing.
For those who loved the original JLT location, the new opening offers a convenient alternative without compromising on quality. For newcomers, it’s an excellent introduction to a brasserie that has already earned its place among Dubai’s French dining staples.
Why CQ French Brasserie stands out
In a city filled with dining options, CQ French Brasserie succeeds by focusing on the essentials: well-executed food, warm hospitality, and an atmosphere that encourages people to relax and enjoy themselves. The Barsha Heights opening reinforces the brand’s identity while adapting subtly to its new surroundings.
It’s not about reinventing French cuisine, but about celebrating it in a way that feels relevant and inviting. That approach is exactly what makes this new opening feel so special.
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