Restaurant Review: FZN

Here’s something we never thought we’d say: We can now tell the difference between one- and three-Michelin-star service. I recently had the pleasure of dining at FZN, and let me tell you—they are not FKN around. FZN is the latest addition to Atlantis The Palm’s mission to establish itself as the ultimate global fine-dining destination, and honestly, I think they’ve nailed it.

FZN by Björn Frantzén is a sibling to the three-Michelin-starred Frantzén in Stockholm and Zén in Singapore. The experience is a nine-course tasting menu (plus canapés and petit fours), featuring Scandinavian-meets-Japanese cuisine. Expect plenty of seafood, caviar, and citrus-forward dishes, along with delicate nordid herbs, like pine, that add an aromatic touch.

The wine pairing? Absolutely phenomenal. It included heavy hitters like Kistler, Château Suduiraut, Kracher, and Tapanappa. A couple of standout moments for me were a 2022 Riesling from Weingut Egon Müller, which was surprisingly mature for such a young wine, and a dry Madeira from Barbeito that I’ll now be pairing with every cured meat I encounter.

From the moment we walked in, every detail was flawless. The team greeted us warmly—and yes, they knew Lindsay, but they also knew her date by name! What!? The experience unfolds in three stages: canapés in the lounge, the main event in the dining room, and a cozy finish with petit fours back in the lounge (or on the terrace if you prefer). Before heading into the dining room, they present you with a display of the premium ingredients featured on the menu. It’s a great touch that not only highlights the quality but also gives you a chance to learn about anything unfamiliar before it’s transformed into a layered and complex dish. 

The service was slick yet warm, with really good banter. Multiple team members, including chefs, attended to us throughout the evening. With the open-plan kitchen and the deliberate and curated movement of every person on the team, there was always something to entertain you.

If you’re a fan of top-tier dining experiences, FZN is worth every dirham.