Aubaine is an English interpretation of a Parisian café cum Provençal bistro. This City Walk outlet is one of two branches, the other is in Dubai Mall. A third is soon to open at La Mer in Jumeirah-1 (talk about bad timing). Located on the ground floor of Level Kids, Aubaine City Walk looks like a high-ceilinged French café draped in mirror and glass. Women seem to love it. I didn’t.
The Aubaine menu is extensive and has something for everyone, including grumbling, middle-aged men on low-carb, low-sugar, low bloody everything diets. I noticed a big breakfast section too – hmm. So, while I looked at fish and chicken options, my daughter, niece and cousin ordered big, fat, juicy hamburgers which they chomped on oblivious to the poor sod who can’t have red meat sitting there. And just to rub it all in, they ordered a delicious mushroom risotto to start. My wife and I ordered the salmon and seabass.
Listen, the food at this place is really good. Although I am not a fan of the interior (at all) or of the fact that there are so many kids around (kids make me nervous), my pan seared seabass, which came served on a bed of carrot puree, was sensational. In fact, everyone enjoyed their meal.
Service is very good at Aubaine. Our party of five was greeted with a big smile and taken to a table. We were immediately fussy with our choice of table, wanting three smaller tables to be put together rather than taking the roundtable the restaurant recommended. They accommodated us without question. Our waitress knew her stuff and made several recommendations – good job. And the serving staff were polite and quick. All in all, a surprisingly pleasant experience.
Waste NOT. Want NOT.
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