The Observatory opens at The Harbour Hotel & Residence

Adding another dimension to the local dining scene, The Observatory is set to become one of Dubai's most sought-after venues offering high quality food at affordable prices in a relaxed and stylish environment.

Commanding stunning views of The Palm and Dubai Marina, The Observatory sits on the 52nd floor of The Harbour. Guests can enjoy the best panorama in town whether they hang out at the bar sipping superb cocktails and sharing a tempting selection of bites from the bar menu, or they sit down for lunch or dinner in the restaurant area.

Tony Williams, Senior Vice President, Resorts & Projects at Emirates Hotels & Resorts, commented about the opening:

"The Observatory offers a very new and exciting experience. Living up to its name, it provides a fantastic vantage point with 360 degree views of Dubai which will be a key attraction for our guests. However, it is not only the view, we know our guests will be also amazed by the great food, the unobtrusive service, the ambience of a sophisticated lounge and the all important value for money, all of which collectively ensure a memorable experience leaving our guests wanting more."

The Observatory menus have been created and designed by Executive Sous Chef Jordi Servalls Bonilla. He has combined the culinary influences of sophisticated Europe with generous portions and hearty, much loved wholesome gastro-pub flavours. Made with the finest and freshest ingredients, these dishes are set to make an impression.

Over lunch, local business executives and Dubai visitors can enjoy menus which contain fresh pastas, or choose from homemade favourites such as crusty pies or seared fish dishes. Dinner guests are treated to gastronomic highlights that include Seared Scottish Scallops, a Trio of Duck, or classics such as Oxtail with an unusual twist.

A delicious array of superior bar bites and sharing platters are also options, including enticing taste sensations such as Mini Foie Gras Burgers, Baked Camembert, and Seafood Tempura. On Fridays The Observatory offers a sumptuous, buffet style, international brunch.

Commenting on the menu Servalls said: "I wanted to create a menu which was informal and wholesome, but where creativity was also important. The menu presents dishes which are infused with a multitude of diverse flavours and we offer a wide spectrum of choice - essentially we are able to provide a menu to suit the palates of every guest."

"Hundreds of hours of research went into locating the highest calibre ingredients, for example we had identified 14 different foie-gras providers before settling on our supplier. Equally we had spent a year finding suppliers for our range of organic vegetables," Servalls added.

A similar degree of thought and attention to detail has also been spent in the design of the dining and lounge areas. Contemporary Manhattan-chic, with leather seating and startling backdrop lighting is set against a palette of black and amber marble. An expanse of non-reflective glass surrounds the restaurant ensuring that the spectacular views, particularly at night, are never distorted by what is happening inside.