Emirates Palace Dining Experience & Afternoon Tea

Summary

Afternoon Tea & Buffet Lunch at Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi

This is your chance to sip gold-topped cappuccino at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, enjoy afternoon tea or an international buffet lunch with local flavors, and soak up the grandeur of one of the world’s most iconic hotels — all with time to linger over every bite and moment you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, I’d never tasted coffee with gold on top before,” I said, a bit too loudly, as we sat in the Episodes lounge on the 4th floor of Emirates Palace. The waiter smiled — maybe he’s heard that a hundred times? The place had this soft hum, like everyone was speaking just under their breath. My cup was warm and heavy, and when I took that first sip of the famous Palace Cappuccino, I could actually taste something metallic and sweet at once. Not sure if it was the gold flakes or just my imagination running wild in such a fancy spot.

I kept glancing up at the ceilings (they’re ridiculously high), and out to where sunlight spilled through those huge windows. Our server, Noor, pointed out some of her favorite pastries — she recommended the pistachio éclair, which honestly looked too pretty to eat. We tried it anyway. There’s this moment when you realize you’re eating dessert in a place people fly halfway across the world to see. It’s both surreal and kind of grounding, because you still have crumbs on your fingers and coffee foam on your lip.

After tea, we wandered down to Vendôme for lunch — or maybe it was more like drifting; everything about Emirates Palace makes you slow down. The buffet stretched forever: local Emirati dishes next to French cheeses and Japanese sushi (I stuck with lamb stew and fresh bread). There were families celebrating something big at one table, a couple quietly sharing dessert at another. It didn’t feel stuffy though — more like everyone was just happy to be there together. I still think about that pistachio éclair sometimes when I’m back home making instant coffee.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Emirates Palace Dining Experience

• Visit Episodes Indoor Cafe Lounge for Cappuccino or Afternoon Tea
• Dine at Vendôme Restaurant with local and international dishes

Top questions

Is pickup included for the Emirates Palace dining experience?

No, guests need to make their own way to Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi for this tour.

What should I wear for afternoon tea at Emirates Palace?

Smart casual dress is required; avoid shorts, flip flops, or revealing clothing.

Can children join the dining experience?

Yes, but adult pricing applies for all travelers and there are no child discounts.

Which restaurants are included in this experience?

You can choose between Episodes Lounge for afternoon tea or Vendôme Restaurant for lunch or dinner buffet.

Are special dietary needs accommodated?

The buffet includes various options but specific dietary requests should be checked directly with the restaurant staff upon arrival.

What’s included