Many deals have been sealed, partnerships formed, and opportunities discovered during business lunches. A déjeuner d'affaires has never been and will never be a simple affair.
Even a so-called ‘casual’ business lunch can have a significant business impact, so don’t leave anything to chance. Follow these tips to plan the perfect business lunch in Dubai.
The best time for a business lunch is 12 noon until 3 p.m., and it’s best held on a weekday or workday, ideally Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Avoid weekends and holidays. Mondays (start of the week) and Fridays (end of the week) are typically busy, in-office days.
Tip: When inviting someone to a business lunch meeting, offer three dates as options, with a note to say they can provide an alternative date if they prefer. Providing ready options cuts decision times, while explicitly stating your guest can choose a different date ensures flexibility.
Consider an accessible address. In Dubai, these would be districts and neighbourhoods along Sheikh Zayed Road, such as Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which offers direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road.
Cuisine is another consideration. Something classic, such as French cuisine, is best. French dishes are elegant on the plate and the palate, but they’re fuss-free, mess-free, and easy to enjoy with a fork and knife.
Given these factors, a business lunch in a DIFC French restaurant is a superb idea. We believe La Petite Maison is a particularly good option because of our:
We have only two plans to choose from: the two-course Le Petit Menu (starter + main) and the three-course Le Grand Menu (starter + main + dessert). Each one has a set per-person price and can be enhanced with add-ons, e.g., a side-dish and alcohol-free sparkling wine (available by the glass or bottle). It’s brilliant in its simplicity, setting clear expectations about menu options and pricing.
Our LPM business lunch menu has been curated for suitability for corporate lunch meetings. A salad of baby spinach and artichoke with feta cheese, a sweet corn salad with pomegranate and herbs, a seabream carpaccio, marinated peppers, or escargots can be the perfect start, while scallops, fregola pasta, confit chicken leg, or grilled sirloin makes for a satisfying main dish.
Send your business lunch invitation at least one or two weeks in advance, longer if you know your guest is extremely busy. Your invitation must clearly communicate the:
Ask your guest about any dietary restrictions or preferences to avoid awkward conversations or missteps during lunch. Knowing what your guest can’t or won’t eat will make deciding what to order easier. Our LPM Dubai business lunch menu is straightforward, and your guest will most likely choose their own starter and main dish. Even so, it’s best practice to be prepared with a plan, just in case your guest asks you to decide.
Tip:One day before the date, call or email your guest to confirm your appointment. Furthermore, check out the LPM Restaurant Dubai menu in advance, so you can plan your party’s starters and mains (also dessert and side dishes, if adding) before the actual lunch.
Call the restaurant to make reservations. Ask about seating (you want somewhere cool, comfortable, and quiet) and what special accommodations can be made if your guest has allergies or specific preferences.
It’s good practice to have a single point of contact (POC) in your communications with the restaurant. This way, you won’t need to repeat information you’ve said in the past, and the restaurant will always have context when you ask questions or make additional requests.
Finally, confirm your restaurant reservations a few days and one day before your lunch appointment. If the option is available, make payment arrangements in advance for a seamless bill-out experience.
The next time you need to arrange a business lunch in Dubai for a pitch, presentation, or contract, plan every detail. For a seamless experience, set the lunch for mid-week, reserve a table at LPM Dubai in DIFC, invite your guest at least one week in advance, ask your guest about their dietary preferences and restrictions, and make sure the restaurant is aware of any special requests and confirms your reservations.
Enquire about our business lunch at LPM Dubai.
