From the heart of Europe to Dubai.
It is 8am on a Saturday morning, and the neighbourhood is just starting to stir. The open kitchen at Maison Mathis is already in full swing preparing for the busy morning; staff toing and froing, the sound of coffee being ground and the smell of freshly baked bread from the on-site bakery wafts around the room.
Outside on the terrace, the view is green as far as the eye can see thanks to the neighbouring golf course. Situated in Arabian Ranches, Maison Mathis prides itself on its European dishes. With a slogan of Fresh, Simple & Honest, the interior and concept are inspired by the long history of Belgium and French bakery culture.
Very much a social space, families are welcome by design; this airy, high-ceiled restaurant has a large entrance (plenty of room to park a pram) and a variety of seating options: early risers sit with newspapers and sip espresso at the bar; breakfasters munch on eggs benedict, truffle omelettes and pancakes next to light-flooded windows, while larger crowds choose from long tables or sit outside on the terrace under the pergola. For special occasions, you can also request their semi-private room. Seating up to ten people, it’s a popular space for birthdays and baby showers.
Dubai has a glut of great eateries and Maison Mathis is a brilliant choice for a wind-down Sunday night meal or a fun foodie get-together with friends. Trendy, yet casual enough to wear shorts, they offer a full range menu for all-day dining. Dishes are a mix of original and reinterpreted European recipes with a focus on unfussy, quality dishes. The food really is excellent and there is something for everyone. Choose from their wide selection of stone-baked pizzas, Belgium mussels, prime Angus burgers, lobster linguini, oysters (freshly shucked from Dibba Bay), or sharing platters. The salads are quite special too as they grow many of the green ingredients on-site.
As you walk in, you’ ll immediately notice what looks like greenhouse “fridges” on either side of the entrance. Known as vertical farming, Maison Mathis aims to be ethical and sustainable. A wide selection of herbs and lettuce leaves are grown here which are then used in their recipes. They also say no to plastic bottles and have their own filtered water machine, offering guests free refills of sparkling or still.
Bread is undoubtedly at the heart of the place. Follow the scent to their on-site bakery and watch the 5,500 plus loaves being made every month. Every diner receives a complimentary sourdough with their meal and three cookies with every tea or coffee. Have a nose around the counter where you’ ll see a cascading selection of baguettes, pumpkin seed sourdough or multigrain loaves plus a tempting array of other baked goodies such as cakes, muffins, croissants, and fresh pastries (the lemon meringue tart is delicious).
Understanding that kids won’t sit still for long, there’s a wooden outdoor play area and sprawling grounds to explore. Other facilities for little ones include highchairs and baby change, colouring and crayons, plastic plates and cutlery, plus, their extensive kids’ menu will cater for even the fussiest of eaters. Offering staples such as pasta, burgers, pizzas, bangers and mash, they even have “grown-up” options to try such as steak and parmesan fries or chicken cordon bleu.
The ambience is relaxed. Portions and flavours are generous, and staff are friendly and helpful. Certain dishes can be custom-made and there are gluten-free and vegan options. They offer monthly specials, a Happy Hour Monday – Thursday and a weekly Sunday roast. But book ahead as tables go fast.
We’ ll see you there!
For more information, visit Maison Mathis, maison-mathis.com
