The Nine doesn’t look or feel like a gastropub. Even with a full-on bar greeting you at the entrance, it still seems to me like a fancy-schmancy restaurant and nothing like a pub. If it weren’t for the extra friendly staff, I would feel underdressed in my summer uniform – shorts, t-shirt and Birkies. The Sofitel’s Egyptian Obelisk theme, a carryover from the venerable Wafi complex with which it rubs shoulders, clashes uncomfortably with the all-British menu and the (also British) Chef de Cuisine, Michael O’Shea. But it all somehow falls into place by the time you’re ready to order your second round of refreshments…
The Nine symbolizes the nine lives of a cat… 
The Bar 
The most British part of The Nine 
Chef de Cuisine, Michael O’Shea
I was here to try their fish and chips, recommended by my buddy Alex @justfooddxb. Note that the perfectly battered haddock they use is either fried in beef dripping or normal oil. I’ve tried both and preferred the one fried in normal oil. In fact, the latter is definitely one of the best fish and chips I have had in Dubai. It’s crispy and crunchy on the outside (and not too oily) and moist, firm, flaky and well-seasoned on the inside. The bangers and mash my daughter had was very good and the (nine) burger Soheil had was pretty decent too. We all enjoyed the Eton Mess for dessert. I shall leave it as a surprise for you…
The Nine Burger 
Inside…The Nine Burger 
Excellent Bangers & Mash 
Fish & Chips (fried in beef drippings) 
Fish & Chips (fried in vegetable oil)
I really enjoyed the food and service at The Nine – both were really special. If the venue itself looked and felt anything like Carter’s (also British-Egyptian themed) I would move house to be nearer to it. Will I go back? For that amazing fish and chips and superb service – 100%.
#1 Food Blogger on Zomato Dubai – 2018, 2019 and 2020
Xerxes (pronounced Zûrk’seez) 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 him on his culinary journey on Instagram: @ravenousxerxes or reach out to him via email on xerxes@dellara.com.