Bu Tafish is a seafood restaurant with a heavy Arabian influence. It’s located in one of Dubai’s most prime locations, just beside the grand mosque on Jumeirah Road, next door to The One. The interior is a total contrast to other Arabian seafood restaurants and looks more like an American diner. That said, it’s unmistakably a seafood restaurant with oceanic/nautical references everywhere. There’s a big ice bed at the entrance of the restaurant where an assortment of seafood is on display for you to choose from. The whole thing is really well done, far better than I expected.
Bu Tafish has an extensive menu covering an assortment of Levantine hot and cold mezza. Interestingly, not many of them include seafood. What Bu Tafish excels at (and what you should consider ordering) is butterflied grilled fish which have been marinated in their special blend of spices. I tried a small Hamour and found it superb. On the seafood side, their grilled calamari is outstanding, as are their Tikka Prawns. Lobster is also available, but I haven’t tried it – yet.
The (mainly Arabic) staff are dressed in sailor’s uniform. I found them friendly and attentive. Kitchen to table delivery can be a little slow, even off-peak. But the food is worth the wait. Prices are a little steep for an unlicensed local/Levantine restaurant. Flooka, across the road at the Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, offers much the same (maybe better) and is licensed to boot. That said, Bu Tafish is a respectable option and well worth a visit.
Waste NOT. Want NOT.
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