Fancy dining out in a tropical forest? Well, establishments don’t come more Amazonian than Mama Zonia – bar, lounge and restaurant. Located on the 2nd floor of Dubai Marina’s Pier 7, its interior is an overkill of tropical themes – a Tommy Bahamas shirt on LSD, and one which makes the likes of Trader Vic’s look simply plain Jane. Add to this the wrap around view of the Dubai Marina and you have nothing less than a-a-a-awesome!
Interior: note the giant bird cage 
The bar inspired by Havana’s legendary ‘La Floridta’ 
The ceviche and sushi bar 
I have a Tommy Bahama’s island shirt with a VERY similar pattern to that wallpaper 
Look at that view…at night it’s mesmerizing. 
The menu is an amalgamation of Latin American and Asian cuisines with a bias towards Mexican (as opposed to Peruvian) and Japanese. Vegetarians, pescatarians and vegans rejoice – there’s something delicious for everyone included. There are two bars, one which serves ceviche and sushi and the other, so heavily Havana influenced that papa Hemmingway would be proud, serving exotic cocktails and drinks.
Seabass ceviche 
Grilled salmon on mango salsa 
Beautifully done steak 
Cheesecake
The food (and service) is excellent. Whether you’ve come to enjoy a business lunch with a colleague or you’ve brought that someone special for date night, Mama Zonia will not disappoint, especially at night where the atmosphere is vibrant and lively…on the weekends and of course, for their famous bunch. Although I have a special affinity to Cargo, it’s Mama Zonia which I find I’m wanting to go back to as it is, hands down, the pick of the outlets at Pier 7 if not one of the best in greater Dubai Marina.
#1 Blogger on Zomato Dubai in 2018 and 2019 and beyond…
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.