The First Flight experience brings together Amelia’s signature dishes in a generous, sharing-style tasting, giving you a comprehensive snapshot of the restaurant’s Japanese–Peruvian flavours. Set in Address Sky View, the restaurant was packed with merry diners, something I didn’t expect for an early Tuesday night, which immediately spoke volumes about the venue’s popularity.
Stepping Aboard
The place draws you in from the get-go, a glowing tunnel-esque archway framed by bougainvillaea that curves toward the door. It instils a true sense of occasion before you’ve even stepped across the threshold.
The interiors are a masterclass in retro-futuristic, steampunk design, inspired by the spirit of aviator Amelia Earhart. Every detail, from the enormous, custom-made ceiling arches that resemble submarine ribs to the gleaming brass and intricate mechanical cogs, set the stage for an immersive, high-altitude culinary “flight” we were about to experience.
The Take Off
The First Flight menu, priced at AED 225 per person, is designed as the ideal introductory course to Amelia’s fusion brilliance. The Nikkei cuisine, a sophisticated marriage of Japanese techniques and Peruvian vibrancy, accented with Mediterranean hints, is truly inventive and a treat for the palate.
We started with the classics, perfectly salted Edamame and a beautifully composed Ceviche Lubina. The ceviche was a burst of freshness, with wild sea bass and mango perfectly cured in a tangy coconut tiger milk, delivering this wonderful, bright, sweet-and-sour kick. Next came the Cono de Tacos Saki (salmon tacos with wasabi ponzu truffle) as little parcels of rich, spicy crunch.
The starters continued to delight and impress us with unexpected highlights. The Gyoza de Pollo were wonderfully tender pockets filled with chicken and parmesan, served with a velvety aji amarillo cream. I also quite enjoyed the Cangrejo Loco Maki, a fresh crab roll that used roasted quinoa to add a unique, nutty texture to the mix.
Hands down, my absolute favourite of the sharing plates was the Flammkuchen a la Trufa. It was easily the star dish of the night. This ultra-thin, almost cracker-like crust was topped with melting fontina and mozzarella and drenched in an incredibly aromatic truffle cream. It was crisp, earthy and utterly addictive. I am already planning my second visit just to try it again. The Wagyu Empanadas, bursting with beef, capsicum and shiitake, were equally flavourful.
The Main Event
For the main course, I chose the Machu Picchu (Wagyu Tenderloin). The presentation of this dish was pure theatre. Instead of being served plainly, my 220-gram cut of exquisite Wagyu was brought out and presented on a glistening Himalayan salt block that sat atop a bed of flames. This clever staging kept the meat perfectly warm while subtly seasoning it. A visually and aromatically appealing centrepiece that genuinely elevated our whole dining experience.
The Perfect Landing
To land our “First Flight,” I settled on the decadent Pineapple Crème Brûlée. This dessert was the ideal sweet curtain call. It took the classic French custard and injected it with a tropical flair. The caramelised sugar crust had the perfect snap, revealing a wonderfully smooth, pineapple-infused custard beneath. Served with a refreshing quenelle of exotic ice cream, it was light and creamy, a truly lovely way to conclude the meal.
The Verdict
Dinner at Amelia is a multi-sensory journey that perfectly encapsulates its namesake’s drive for adventure. The ‘First Flight’ is a phenomenally structured way to sample Amelia’s signature cuisine without committing to the full a la carte menu. It’s a definite recommendation for anyone seeking high-calibre food in Dubai’s most unique dining destinations.
