Iftar review: Le Gourmet, Galeries Lafayette

Food in malls isn't solely of the grab-and-go variety anymore. This much has been established in recent years, with a crop of fine dining outlets choosing to set up business in shopping venues across the country. Where once they used to be equated with fast food, shopping malls are increasingly playing host and home to more refined spaces (and consequently, more refined offerings). Perhaps the thing I was most curious about, where Le Gourmet was concerned, was what a buffet-style iftar in a mall would be like. That too, a gourmet-style iftar.
Tucked away (literally) on the second level of departmental store Galeries Lafayette in Dubai Mall, Le Gourmet is an open-floor seating plan restaurant, serviced  by 11 international kitchens. If it's not already obvious, you can be sure you won't be starved for choice here! "The idea is to give our shoppers everything right here," shares F&B operations manager Zeljka Djukanovic. With offerings across cuisines - from Indian and Moroccan to Italian and more - it's a definite one-stop shop.
  The menu changes almost daily, with only classics like the massive Lamb Ouzi and the classic Butter Chicken Curry staying constant. There weren't too many veg options on the day we went over - but somehow, we still found plenty we wanted to eat. And isn't that their USP? You won't be disappointed - there's something for everyone at this gourmet gastronomic feast.
TASTE (4/5)
We had no complaints about most dishes sampled. The Arabic bread variety, innovative hummus selection, drinks and desserts were all delish. The sea bream smelt a tad too fishy for my partner. While the other mains weren't 'mind-blowing' in any way, they were all on point.
AMBIENCE (3/5)
I wouldn't have thought you could do much, decor-wise, given the general plan of the restaurant, but the place still pulls off a fairly Arabian-themed vibe, with a blue and gold pattern playing across several surfaces. Very relaxed and great for a post-shopping stop. 
SERVICE (3/5)
I really liked how everyone from the servers to the chef made it a point to converse with diners, as the latter examined the buffet spread. It helped to have someone on hand to explain the dishes, especially when some did not have corresponding labels.
PRESENTATION (4/5)
You can see that care has been taken to make the dishes as appealing to the eyes as they are to the palate. The cold appetisers and desserts were especially well-presented; the former, all in little bowls and glasses, lined up in rows. Almost too pretty to eat!
VALUE FOR MONEY (4/5)
There's a great spread here (what else would you expect with 11 kitchens?): you really won't be able to get to them all - even if you've managed to work up a massive appetite thanks to a "massive workout" prior, like my dining partner did. Well worth the feast.

• Food and Dining