Osh – La Mer, Jumeirah 1

Osh is a licensed Uzbek restaurant in La Mer North. It comes to Dubai via Knightsbridge in London where its first and flagship branch is located. Like its La Mer neighbour, Stars ‘N’ Bars, it is set over two floors, the top floor of which houses its bar and terrace with a magnificent view. There’s an outdoor seating area downstairs as well. Rather than go the modern-ethnic route like Baku Café in City Walk, Osh’s interior is what they call modern-elegant. It looks as much like a trendy, upmarket nightclub as it does a restaurant. I (much) prefer the Azeri proposition. In addition to alcohol, Osh also serves shisha (indoors).   

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Although the Osh menu is made up predominantly of Uzbek and Central Asia favourites it also offers a number of fashionable international dishes such as ceviche, sashimi and tempura. Vegetarians and pescetarians are well covered too.

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I love Central Asian food and stuck to their Uzbek section ordering the Lamb Samsa, Bahor Salad and a delicious yoghurt dish similar to a Qatiqli Salad to start. For our mains I ordered Djizz, fried lamb shank served on fried potatoes, while my foodie companion from out of town ordered their superb Lamb Kofta; this was only after he was told that their Traditional Uzbek Osh (Plov) was not yet ready. The food was sensational. My compliments to Ecuadorian Chef Alejandro and his talented team.

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Service at Osh is five star! We were greeted by an elegant, articulate hostess who guided us up and gave us a choice of table, inside or (madness) outside. Still wet from the beach we actually chose to sit outside rather than risk catching a cold in their chilled interior. Bad decision. It’s simply too hot in the day and too humid in the evening to sit out in comfort anymore. The young man waiting our table (see picture) was fantastic, helping us with our order and attending to our table like we were returning regulars.

I have been to most of the Uzbek restaurants in Dubai and this is without doubt the best. 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. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.