Starters Restaurant reviews
Tried tasted Each month, we review two of the city's top tables.
Festive Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Address Dubai Marina
Where:
What's it like: For those with family and friends visiting over the holidays, here’s an outlet perfect for entertaining. With deep red and dark wood interiors, paired with smart white tablecloths, the restaurant offers a great festive ambiance. The dimly-lit upscale steakhouse reminds me of a swanky jazz club somewhere in the States – especially when the live music
starts after dinner in the adjoining cocktail bar – a perfect spot for pre- or after-dinner drinks. Seated in a cosy, intimate half-circle booth, my dining partner and I were greeted with a generous menu selection and the option of two signature cocktails to begin with. We enjoyed a selection of delicious barbecued jumbo shrimp sautéed in New Orleans-style reduced white wine, butter, garlic and spices, plus seared ahi-tuna complemented with spirited sauce and hints of mustard and beer to
start. We then jumped in to satisfy our meaty cravings with mains of 11oz corn-fed filet and a 16oz USDA Prime ribeye, both cooked to medium-rare perfection. Although we were too full to indulge in desserts, the menu sounded divine and completely mourish (saying no to the cheesecake was a tough call!). Over the festive period, including Christmas day, the restaurant has a variety of promotions on, including set menus showcasing oysters, lobster, USDA prime beef
Where: Delphine, Photographs Supplied and by reviewer
The H Hotel, Dubai
What's it like: With a crystal-adorned bar and glamorous furnishings, the Californian-inspired restaurant and bar is perfect for every occasion, be it postwork drinks where you can take advantage of the impressively-reasonable happy hour, the Friday brunch or a fun-filled evening with friends and family while enjoying the super-talented live pianist and bands – a must-try for the festive season. The downside to Delphine: there are too many appetising dishes vying for your attention, which all come in generously-sized portions, making it near-impossible to decide. If you’re planning on ordering as much as I did (don’t), resist the deliciously warm bread
tenderloin with foie gras, roast turkey with all of the trimmings, and more from just Dhs350 a head! It’s without a doubt an outlet for getting into the spirit!
If you want to go: Around Dhs400 per person for threecourses, excluding beverages. Call 04-4549538. Sophie McCarrick
basket. Instead, wait for the spectacular corn bread with honey butter. As someone who often opts for carbs over leaves, I’m shocked to admit that the kale salad, which was full of zesty flavours from the citrus dressing with added crunch from the crispy pita, was my favourite dish of the evening! The truffle fries and mains of roast chicken were equally as impressive – and large – with no shortage of flavour, making them far too easy to wolf down. Offering great value for money, along with fabulous entertainment every night of the week and a wonderfully hospitable team, Delphine has quickly become one of my favourite Dubai haunts and after just one visit, I have no doubt it’ll be one of yours too!
If you want to go: Dhs250+ per person, including beverages. Call 04-5018623.
Surena Chande
December 2015 BBC Good Food Middle East 15
Pg15 Restaurant review_Dec15.indd 15
11/26/15 4:53 PM