There’s something fishy going on in DIFC – yep the famous seafood restaurant, which started in London, circa 1856 has spread its fins to Dubai and we’re diving right in.
AMBIENCE
An older, civilized crowd with a good mix of business and pleasure. The jovial waiting staff offers up a brilliant amount of banter.
FOOD
It’s not often I get to use the word ‘plump’ – after all I do work in fashion. But this is the only way to describe the pillow-y portions of scallops that were served as an appetizer. As were the Irish crab claws, the meat was doused in a beautifully scented garlic and grape sauce. I actually wanted to lick the plate, but thought that was a bit of a low rent maneuver for such a nice and freshly starched establishment.
As it’s predominantly a fish eatery and I am a purist when it comes to most things from the sea, I opted for the Lemon Sole. Simply grilled with nut-brown butter, capers, almonds and lemons. It didn’t disappoint, delicious and perfectly falling away from the bone like flakes of Armani silk. Triple cooked chips and gratin potatoes were a hit with the male companion, while I thought the wild mushrooms and spinach was a side dish winner. The oversized Cambridge burnt cream dessert aka Crème Brûlée, totally finished us off, in a good way. We left satisfied and very happy.
DÉCOR
Not nearly as rock n roll as the London version but nevertheless the interior is pleasant and unobtrusive, and you could say ‘very Dubai’ with the mix of textures of wood and oversized chandeliers.
GO FOR
It works for romantic dates or a girly luncheon, and with the epic cocktail menu it’s a good place to decompress on a Thursday PM.
THE DETAILS
Marco Pierre White – Wheeler’s of St James’s
Gate Village 02 DIFC
Reservations: +971 (0)4 3860899
