Cassette is a trendy bistro in The Courtyard complex in Al Quoz, itself among the sassiest places in town. It joins other popular eateries and cafes such as Tom&Serg, Roseleaf Café, Boston Lane and Café Rider in making Al Quoz a hotspot for hidden gems (and I’ve only listed a couple). Cassette’s interior ticks all … Continue reading Cassette – Al Quoz
I’ve been a big fan of Yalla Momos since I first visited their teeny-weeny original branch in Karama many, many years ago. Funnily enough, much as I liked the place, I’ve not been back since that first time. But, as the saying goes, I’ve always wanted to. Fast forward to the present day and I … Continue reading Yalla Momos – Barsha
Tuk Tuk is a Dubai Food Festival award winning Thai restaurant with two branches, one in the Uptown Mirdiff Mall food court and this one, in the main courtyard of Sustainable City. I’ve been to both, preferring the one closer to my home in Arabian Ranches. Although not Thai owned like nearby rivals Little Bangkok … Continue reading Tuk Tuk – Arabian Ranches
Maria Bonita is home grown franchise of Mexican restaurants. The original on Umm Al Sheif Road in Umm Suqeim has become a Dubai institution synonymous for Mexican food – established, as the marketing blurb goes, and run by Mexicans since 2002. My family and I were understandably excited, if not a little surprised, when they … Continue reading Maria Bonita – Arabian Ranches
Toraj, which is an old Persian word meaning bitter orange, is Dubai’s newest Iranian restaurant. Sandwiched between the Bosnian Grill and Spar Supermarket on Hessa Street, its interior is split between a full-length glass-walled kitchen and a dining area with the gaudiest gold framed furniture imaginable. There’s an additional full-floor dining area upstairs with an … Continue reading Toranj – Barsha
Khao Siam 45 is an authentic Thai restaurant which has recently relocated from Business Bay to Al Barsha. Owner is Thai, chef is Thai, even restaurant manager is Thai – this is as Thai as they come. Yet somehow they have managed to balance the raw heat, pungency and aromatics associated with authentic Thai cuisine … Continue reading Khao Siam 45 – Barsha
Billy Boy Burgers is a London-inspired Dubai-homegrown delivery only burger kitchen in Al Quoz. There are dozens of such “delivery only” start-ups popping up these days and, while there’s no doubting that they offer variety, I feel they are eroding if not distorting the “dining experience”. Point made; I ordered a Soho Burger from their … Continue reading Billy Boy Burgers – Al Quoz
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki is a casual dining Japanese street food inspired franchise by acclaimed local chef, Reif Othman. I must add affordable to that description – affordable compared to other restaurants his name is tied to like Zuma, Play and Billionaire Mansion. The truth is prices are surprisingly reasonable for the quality and celebrity. This … Continue reading Reif Japanese Kushiyaki – Al Safa
Swiss Butter is a fully licensed, modern bistro-diner franchise from Beirut, very much in the mould of Café de Paris but without the quaintness. Located in the lobby of the Novotel Al Barsha on Sheikh Zayed Road, there are two entrances – restaurant on the right and bar on the left. In compliance with C19 … Continue reading Swiss Butter – Barsha
Nine Squares is the best Chinese hot pot in Dubai. It was the best from the day it opened its first branch in International City and with this highly impressive new branch on Jumeirah Road, it has taken the concept to a whole new level. This time they’ve converted a full two-story villa, plus soon … Continue reading Nine Squares – Umm Suqeim
