Al Safadi is a chain of Lebanese restaurants famous for good food, good service at good (= affordable) prices. There are now four branches in Dubai including this newest flagship branch at the Pointe on Palm Jumeirah. And what a venue this newest addition is – wow! The restaurant is spread over two floors, both of which have expansive terraces overlooking the translucent blue waters between this last frond and Atlantis – spectacular view.
Its handsome interiors (upstairs and down) will feel immediately familiar to those who have visited their other branches although I feel they have really outdone themselves with this branch – it feels notably more upmarket. I was happy to find they’ve installed their classic ovens and grills and have also brought along two shawarma spits. But what caught my eye as soon as I walked in was the ice-bed display for fresh seafood. Yes!
Al Safadi has typically been famous for its kebabs. I’ve never had seafood at any of the other branches. So, with the promise of only the freshest catch of the day, I ordered mezza and seafood for our party of three. We sat out on the upstairs terrace which is something of a smoking lounge (not that I smoke), including shisha.
As expected from Al Safadi, our mezza was very good but what totally and completely blew us away was the seafood platter – OMG! Concocted by our friendly waiter, it comprised of plump lightly battered fried shrimps, which came with a lemony garlic sauce so tasty I ate everything with it. The fried squid hoops were equally good. In the middle of our table, he placed a dish with an assortment of deep-fried fish (also lightly battered) – pink Sultan Ibrahim, Malifa and Lady Finger – super! I cannot remember the last time I enjoyed a meal so much; everything was fresh, perfectly cooked and delicious. Well done Al Safadi.
Service at Al Safadi was exceptionally friendly, accommodating and seamless in delivery; I felt this was mainly due to them bringing in some of their more experienced staff from other branches. I have never been a big fan of Al Safadi but after this experience, I am sold – hook, line and sinker. Especially when you consider that the bill for all this was under AED500, and it would have been far less if Al Safadi didn’t charge so much for their beverages (my only gripe). Already an accomplished reference for great Lebanese food, Al Safadi can now add excellent seafood to its list of accolades. In my humble opinion, this restaurant is well worth a detour.
Hey! Now read this –
Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from,
each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his
companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts
no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism.
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